Valparaiso Alumni Visa® Rewards Credit Card

Valparaiso Alumni Visa® Rewards Credit Card Review

The Valparaiso Alumni Visa® is a cobranded rewards card between Commerce Bank and the Valparaiso Alumni Association. However, any supporters of the school can apply for this card, from students and faculty to alumni and staff. Yet not all Crusaders will benefit from the highest-earning rewards categories. In fact, its branding as an alumni card can make this offer seem like a better fit for current students, rather than graduates.  

Who Can Benefit from the Valparaiso Alumni Rewards?

As with most mid-tier cash back rewards credit cards, the Valparaiso University cobranded card offers multiple levels of rewards. These are outlined as follows: 

• 3% for rideshare services, fast food, and coffee shop purchases 
• 2% at gas stations and traditional restaurants 
• 1% on all other purchases 

It’s worth noting that cafés can fall under the fast food or restaurant category, depending on the merchant code used. As for who can benefit, this spread of rewards seems most obviously geared toward students. 

Fast food, ridesharing, and early morning coffee runs often play their parts in the college experience. For those who find these categories less rewarding post-college, the gas and dining rewards add a bit more value. 

More Than Just Cash Back

 While you have unlimited earning potential, Valpo alumni rewards expire 3 years from their issue date. This means you’ll want to have a plan for how you’ll cash in so you can make them. You have plenty of options to choose from, with the most obvious being cash back.  

You’ll need 2,500 points saved up to redeem for a statement credit, which will give your rewards a value of 1 cent each. This level of points is equivalent to roughly $830 spent in the 3% earning category, and $25 redeemed. Not the most valuable points 

If you prefer another redemption route, you can also consider airline tickets. However, these are non-refundable and require a minimum of 10,000 points (over $3,330 in the 3% earning category). Other options include: 

• Fuel discounts 
• Gift cards 
• Merchandise 

As a cardholder, you can visit the Commerce Bank Rewards Center to explore these alternative redemption options. However, exact point values aren’t available to non-cardholders. It’s likely these options won’t be as valuable as cash back, but without the ability to check you’ll be left a bit in the dark.  

Additional Visa Rewards Card Perks

This credit card also puts forth a low introductory rate, though it can’t match the savings of the 0% intro APR cards. You’ll only have the 1.99% interest rate for the first 6 months on purchases and balance transfers. It’s a nice reduction considering the card’s average regular APRs, but it’s not the best option if you plan to carry a large balance in the long term.  

Other benefits this card introduces include the flexible toggle® pay and digital wallet compatibility. These make it easy to integrate the card into your wallet as well as your budget. 

Should You Apply for the Valparaiso Alumni Visa® Rewards Credit Card?

The Valparaiso University credit card can be a good option to have, as long as your spending habits fit the rewards categories. Not everyone will find the elevated cash back on rideshares and fast food worthwhile. For some, the dining and gas rewards may help round this out, while others can look to alternative cards, like these: 

• Discover it® Cash Back 
• Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card 
• Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card

Each of these credit cards offers several different valuable rewards categories, including ridesharing. Of course, they won’t help you spread school pride for your alma matter. Determining which is more important to you is key to deciding if you should apply for this card.