Credit Cards » Credit Card Reviews » Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card: 2024 Review
Advertiser Disclosure This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval. This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card: 2024 Review

Bank of America Cash Rewards is a cashback rewards card that allows card holders to pick their own bonus category for the higher cashback rate
Author: Lorraine Smithills
Lorraine Smithills

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
Interest Rates Last Update: March 1, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Lorraine Smithills
Lorraine Smithills

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
Interest Rates Last Update: March 1, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards

Rewards Plan

1-3% 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The 3% and 2% cash back available on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter (then 1%)

Sign up Bonus

$200 $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening

Our Rating

3.6
3.6/5

0% Intro

15 billing cycles on purchases

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $0) applies to all balance transfers
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards

Rewards Plan

1-3% 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The 3% and 2% cash back available on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter (then 1%)

Sign up Bonus

$200 $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening

Our Rating

3.6
3.6/5

PROS

CONS

APR

18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $0) applies to all balance transfers

Annual Fee

$0

0% Intro

15 billing cycles on purchases

Credit Requirements

Good – Excellent Credit

If you are looking to have a bit more control over what categories in which you are going to be earning rewards, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card could be for you. 

You will be able to get 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The 3% and 2% cash back available on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter (then 1%) Another great advantage of this card is that you do not have to pay an annual fee.

However, its limitations, such as a quarterly spending cap and modest welcome offer, may make it less attractive compared to other cash back cards, particularly for frequent international travelers.

Overall, it may be a good option for people who want to be able to customize their credit earnings since you get to choose your own 3% cashback earning category. The card's appeal lies in its customizable rewards structure, especially for Bank of America customers, and the potential for increased cash back for Preferred Rewards members. ",

Can I get pre-approved for Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards?

Yes, you can get pre-approved for a Bank of America Cash Rewards Card through the website, which allows you to avoid getting a hard credit check straight away.

What is the initial credit limit?

The initial credit limit when you get a Bank of America Cash Rewards Card will normally be at least $500. The exact limit depends on your financial situation.

What are the top reasons NOT to get it?

If you spend a considerable amount on relevant purchases each month then the Bank of America Cash Rewards Card might not be the best fit for you as you might earn higher cashback rates on certain purchases with another card.

What purchases don't earn cash back?

All purchases are covered when you are using the Bank of America Cash Rewards Card to make purchases. This allows you to have a great level of coverage.

In this Review..

Pros & Cons

Let's explore the advantages and disadvantages of the BofA Customized Cash Reward card to determine if it aligns with your wallet's preferences and needs.

Pros
Cons
Sign-Up Bonus
Cap on Rewards
0% Intro APR
Balance Transfer Fee
Preferred Rewards Bonus
Foreign Transaction Fee
Flexible Rewards Categories
Few Additional Benefits
No Annual Fee

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards offers a $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening

If you are looking to save money on interest, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards offers a 0% introductory rate for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account. on balance transfers (18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $0) applies to all balance transfers
after the intro period).

If you also qualify for the Bank of America Customized Preferred Rewards Program your rewards can go 25% to 75% further. To be a part of this program you need to have $20,000 to over $100,000 in a Bank of America account.

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card allows users to choose their bonus cash back category, providing flexibility to align rewards with individual spending habits.

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards does not have an annual fee. You can start putting cash back in your pocket immediately.

The category has a spending limit  per quarter. If you are a big spender and that amount is not hard to hit, then your rewards are limited.

There is a balance transfer fee of 3% or $10  if you want to take advantage of the introductory 0% APR rate. The fee is incurred when you transfer debts from one or more credit cards to your Bank of America Customized Cash Reward.

Bank of America Customized Cash Reward has a 3% fee for each transaction in another country. If you are traveling outside of the US, you may want to leave this card at home.

The card lacks standout perks beyond the rewards program, limiting its appeal for users seeking additional cardholder benefits.

Top Offers From Our Partners

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
185,000 points 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
90,000 miles 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Simulate Your Rewards: How Much You Earn?

Working out the breakdown of rewards when using different types of cards and covering varying expenses can be a useful exercise. Here's a look at the rewards offered by Customized Cash Rewards card:

However, keep in mind that the numbers should be adjusted to your regular spending categories, which may differ – so the exact calculation is dependent on your personal habits.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards

Spend Per Category
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets
$250
$3,000 – Restaurants
$30
$1,500 – Airline
$15
$1,500 – Hotels
$15
$4,000 – Gas
$120 (3% preffered category)
Estimated Annual Value
$530

Cash back can be redeemed for a statement credit, a check, a direct deposit into a Bank of America® checking or savings account, an eligible 529 account, or a contribution to a Merrill account. You can also sign up for automatic redemption.

Get The Most Of Your Customized Cash Rewards

With the Customized cash rewards card, cardholders earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The 3% and 2% cash back available on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter (then 1%).

Here are some pointers to help you make the most of your Cash Rewards card:

  • Hit the quarterly cap: to get the most out of the premium cashback reward rates, make sure to hit the quarterly cap on purchases each month.
  • Be Aware of Exclusions: Certain major grocery stores are not eligible for the premium cashback rates.
  • Maximize the Signup Offer: Make sure to take advantage of the signup offer before it expires.

For example, applying for a balance transfer within the app was straightforward, and the promotional rates provided a tangible benefit for managing our credit balances:

BoFa card make balance transfer
Leverage BofA 0% Intro APR by balance transfer (Screenshot from Bank Of America app)

How To Apply For BofA Customized Cash Rewards ?

Visit the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card homepage and click “Apply Now.”

This takes you to the next page, where you can fill in your “Personal Information” such as your Names, date of birth, etc. 

how to apply for Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards 2
(Screenshot from Bank Of America website)

The next step is your financial details – you’ll need to share some details about your income and more relevant info such as employment status and annual income.

Then click on “Continue” to complete the process.

How It Compared To Other Bank Of America Cards?

While the Customized Cash Rewards offers flexibility and competitive rewards rates, it's essential to consider how it compares to other Bank of America cards.

Compared to the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, which focuses on travel-related rewards, the Customized Cash Rewards card is more versatile, catering to high rewrads ratio on specific categories. 

However, the Travel Rewards card might be more suitable for frequent travelers or those who spend on many categories. This is also relevant if we compare it with the BofA Unlimited Cash Rewards, which offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

In contrast to the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card, which provides premium benefits and a higher annual fee, the Customized Cash Rewards card is a no-annual-fee option with a focus on customizable cash back. The Premium Rewards card may be more appealing for those seeking extensive travel perks.

Is the Customized Cash Rewards Card Right for You?

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards is great for card holders that like to control what spending category they want to get the most cash back from and spend a big portion of the budget on a specific category.

For example, if you are on the road frequently, choosing gas as your spending category will get you the most cash back on this card.  

Current Bank of America Customized customers will find the most rewards with this card if they qualify for Bank of America Preferred Rewards Program.

Compare The Alternatives

There are other credit cards that do offer comparable cash back rewards – we’ve summarized the most popular cards which can use as an alternative to the Bank Of America Cash Reward card:

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

chase_sapphire_preffered

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Annual Fee
$0
$95 ($0 intro for the first year)
$95
Rewards
1.5% 1.5% cash back on all purchases
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
2X – 5X 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining and online grocery purchases and 2x on other travel purchases. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
$250 $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
60,000 points 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
2.70%
$0
Purchase APR
19.99% – 29.99% variable
19.24% – 29.99% Variable
21.24%–28.24% variable APR

FAQ

There is no cap in place when it comes to earning rewards through the Customized Cash Rewards Card when making different types of purchases.

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card does not carry any out and out income requirements and normally you will not have to provide proof of income.

If you spend a lot on everyday purchases then the Bank of America Cash Rewards Card can be a good fit for you as all types of purchases earn rewards.

Compare BofA Customized Cash Rewards

Both cards have no annual fee, but when it comes top redemption value – the Customized Cash Rewards gives you more. Here's our analysis.

Bank of America Travel Rewards vs Customized Cash Rewards Card

The BofA Customized Cash Rewards is more flexible, but the Chase Unlimited card will drive more rewards and benefits. Here's why.

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards vs Chase Freedom Unlimited

The BofA Customized Cash Rewards and the Chase Freedom Flex have many features in common, but there is a clear winner when comparing them.

BofA Customized Cash Rewards vs Chase Freedom Flex

Citi Custom Cash Card and the BofA Customized Cash Rewards have similar reward structures but some significant differences. How they compare?

Citi Custom Cash Card vs. BofA Customized Cash Rewards

Lorraine Smithills

Lorraine Smithills

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
Search
Best Cards Per Category
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Credit Card Reviews Methodology

In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.