Elan Max Cash Preferred Visa
By Alex Compton · Last verified
The U.S. Bank Cash+ formula in white-label form, sold through hundreds of community banks and credit unions.
Welcome Bonus
None
No public welcome offer on Elan's official card page; partner banks and credit unions set their own offers
Spend Requirement
None
Annual Fee
$0
3% FTF
Credit Score
670+
(Good)
Historical Offers Chart
Every public offer change we've tracked. Hover for details, timing your application is worth hundreds of dollars.
| Observed | Offer | Requirement | What changed | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-12 | $0 | No recorded spend | Offer ended: $150 → $0 · Spend: $500 → $0 · Window: 3 months → 0 monthsNo public welcome offer on Elan's official card page; partner banks and credit unions set their own offers | Elan Max Cash Preferred cardmember page → |
| 2026-06 | $150 | $500 in 3 mo | Terms reconfirmed | Archive record · no attached snapshot |
| 2022-06 | $150 | $500 in 3 mo | Earliest recordStandard offer since rollout | Archive record · no attached snapshot |
Primary-source verification log
Append-only evidence ledger- changed
5%/2%/1% chosen-category earning confirmed; no public welcome offer on Elan's page (partner institutions set offers)
Fields: currentOffer, earningRates, cons
Elan Max Cash Preferred cardmember page →
Source checked 2026-10-12 · spot an outdated offer? Report a correction above.
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Earning Rates
- 5xTwo categories you chooseOn the first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter, then 1%; choices include TV, internet and streaming, fast food, cell phone providers, department stores, home utilities, furniture, electronics, recreation and entertainment
- 2xOne everyday category you chooseGrocery stores and delivery, restaurants and fast food, or gas, EV charging and ground transportation
- 1xAll other purchases
Credits
No statement credits, this card wins on earn rates, not coupons.
Benefits
- ✦Your local credit union's branding, Elan's underwriting: the same card lives at hundreds of institutions
- ✦Choose-your-own 5% categories mirror the U.S. Bank Cash+ lineup
- ✦Reportedly easier approvals than the Cash+ itself
Why it earns its spot
- +5% on chosen categories is elite earning for a free card
- +Available through community banks that have nothing else competitive
- +Softer underwriting than the big-bank equivalent
Where it costs you
- −$2,000 quarterly cap on the 5% categories
- −Any welcome bonus is set by the partner bank or credit union, not Elan
- −Category elections must be renewed quarterly or you earn 1%
The Compound Verdict
Elan is the issuer behind the curtain at over a thousand community banks, and Max Cash Preferred is its best work, a faithful clone of the U.S. Bank Cash+. Same 5% categories and friendlier approvals; check the offering bank's own page for any welcome bonus. If your credit union offers it, this is almost certainly the best card in their brochure.
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