Bank Of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card Review [2024]: Earn Cash Back Your Way

CREDIT CARDS - CASHBACK CREDIT CARDS
Being able to choose your top cashback rewards category — and change it as your spending habits shift — can really maximize your earning potential.
Updated Feb. 9, 2024
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The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a cash back credit card. With this card, you can enjoy a $0 annual fee, great rewards that match your spending, and a sweet welcome offer.

Additionally, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards enables you to earn cash back your way by selecting the highest-earning category. But is this the right cash back credit card for you?

Learn how this credit card works to find your answer in this Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card review.

Choose Your Cashback Category

4.4

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Annual Fee

$0

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details

In this Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card review

Key takeaways

  • With the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, you can earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and 1% on all other purchases.
  • This card allows you to select your own 3% cashback category in the category of your choice — gas and EV charging stations, online shopping, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishing (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter). This flexibility enables you to earn rewards based on your specific spending habits.
  • The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card has a $0 annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for earning cashback rewards.
  • New cardholders can take advantage of introductory annual percentage rates (APRs) on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
  • Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, check, or deposit to an eligible Bank of America or Merrill account.

Who should get the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card?

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a good choice for cardholders who want a $0 annual fee, while still earning competitive rewards on their everyday purchases. This card is probably best suited for those whose spending may fluctuate throughout the year.

Since you’re able to select your own 3% cashback category — picking the category of your choice — gas and EV charging stations, online shopping, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishing (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter) — it’s easy to earn rewards based on how you actually spend. And since you can change this category as often as once per billing cycle, you can earn maximum cashback rewards even as your spending habits shift.

Additionally, this card is a good choice for anyone interested in 0% interest on purchases, balance transfers, or both. That’s because the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card offers an introductory 0% APR on all purchases made in the first 15 billing cycles of account ownership, then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR.

You also get a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, and then the interest rate reaches 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR. This gives you a little over a year to pay down your balance without incurring interest charges.

With that said, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card might not be a great idea for those who travel outside the country often, as it does charge 3% on foreign transactions. Depending on where you go and how much you spend, this could equate to tens or hundreds of dollars in fees.

Card basics

Card type Cash Back/Balance Transfer
Credit card issuer Bank of America
Credit card network Visa
Annual fee $0
Welcome offer Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Reward rate 3% cash back in the category of your choice and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and 1% on all other purchases
Recommended credit score Excellent
Intro APR offer

0% intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR)

0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR)

Foreign transaction fee 3%

Why we like the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards: benefits and perks

Here’s a look at some of the top benefits offered by the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card:

  • Achievable welcome offer: Currently, this credit card enables you to earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn cash back your way: You’ll automatically earn 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter). The highest-earning category, however, is decided by you. Cardholders earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice — gas and EV charging stations, online shopping, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishing (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter).
  • Change your biggest rewards as needed: Do all of your holiday shopping online in November, but drive cross-country to see family in December? Simply choose online shopping for your 3% category in November and then select gas for the following billing cycle. This way, you can optimize for your spending even as it fluctuates.
  • Every dollar counts: Even once you reach the spending cap on the 3% and 2% rewards categories, you can still keep earning. Outside of those categories — or even in those categories, beyond the $2,500 quarterly limit — you’ll still earn 1% on everything you spend.
  • Boost earnings even higher: Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members can boost their cashback earnings by 25-75%, meaning you could earn as much as 5.25% in your top spending category each billing cycle. You can read more about how you can do this below.
  • Introductory APR: New cardholders can take advantage of an introductory 0% APR on purchases for the first 15 billing cycles (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR), as well as a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR).
  • Extended warranty coverage: Extend the manufacturer's warranty on eligible purchases by up to 12 months. You can receive up to $10,000 per extended warranty claim and up to $50,000 total per year.
  • FICO® Score: Opt in for free monthly access to your updated FICO Score.

What we don't like about the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards: drawbacks

While the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card has several perks, you should also be aware of some drawbacks, including:

  • Spending cap: You’re limited to earning bonus rewards on the first $2,500 spent each quarter combined between the 3% and 2% categories. If you reach this amount for a quarter, every eligible purchase will only earn 1% cash back. Another card may be a better option if you're a big spender in certain categories.
  • Limited redemption options: Your reward redemption options are fairly limited with this card. You can choose to redeem your cash back as a statement credit, check, or deposit to an eligible Bank of America account or Merrill investment account. 
  • Foreign transaction fee: This card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, so it’s not the best credit card option for making purchases abroad. However, it works on the Visa network, so you could likely use it anywhere Visa cards are accepted if needed.

Earning & redeeming Bank of America Cash Rewards

Potential earnings in years one and two

Here's a look at how your cash back can add up with the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card.

Remember, this is an estimation. The actual value will be determined by how much you spend and in which categories you spend.

Year one earnings: $699

Year two earnings: $499

These values are based on the FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model, which takes a look at points earned via spending and the sign-up bonus.

You could earn additional cash back well beyond this depending on the 3% category you choose each quarter.

Note that the values above don't account for the higher card rates of cash back you can earn as a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member. If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, it's likely you'll get much more value from this card.  

Best ways to earn

The great thing about this card is the flexibility to change your earning potential according to how and when you spend. I don’t know about you, but my own spending fluctuates quite a bit throughout the year. I may remodel my kitchen in March, do a ton of back-to-school shopping online in August, and enjoy travel from October through December.

One of the best beginner travel credit cards is great when I’m planning a trip, but it doesn’t help as much when I’m replacing my kitchen appliances. One of the best gas credit cards is always helpful, but it doesn’t reward me the most for my Amazon spending. 

This is why the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card is so unique. It allows cardholders to “earn cash back your way,” choosing a new 3% category up to once per billing cycle. This means you can get the best cash back rewards for holiday shopping, spring remodels, and summer vacation — all with the same card. Plus, you earn 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter) all year, and 1% on all other purchases.

Categories Rewards rate
Category of your choice — gas and EV charging stations, online shopping, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishing (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter) 3%
Grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter) 2%
All other purchases 1%

If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program member, you can boost your rewards by an additional 25-75%. In order to enroll in this no-fee program, you will need to open a personal checking account with Bank of America. Between this account and other eligible Bank of America (or Merrill Lynch) accounts, you will also need to carry a three-month combined average balance of $20,000.

Your Preferred Rewards tier is based on your combined balance between these eligible accounts. The higher your tier, the more your Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card cashback earnings will be. Below is the rewards chart as of June 20, 2022. Note that Platinum Honors members earn the best credit card rewards bonus. 

Maximizing your redemptions

This card isn’t just flexible when it comes to earning. You will also enjoy multiple cashback redemption options, and your cash rewards will never expire as long as your account remains open.

Your cashback redemption options include:

  • Redeem for cash rewards in any amount, at any time. These can be in the form of a statement credit, deposits into a Bank of America checking or savings account, or credited to an eligible Merrill account.
  • Redeem as a contribution into a qualifying Merrill 529 account (minimum redemption of $25).
  • Set up automatic redemptions (in increments of $25 or more) into an eligible Bank of America or Merrill account.

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card FAQ

Here are a few frequently asked questions about this card, in case you’re still wanting to learn a bit more.

What credit score do you need for the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card?

To get approved for the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card, you will likely need a good credit score or an excellent credit score. A good FICO score falls within the 670-739 range, and a good VantageScore falls within the 661-780.

If you believe your application has been denied in error, call the Bank of America reconsideration line and speak to a representative who may be able to resolve the issue.

Which grocery stores and gas stations are eligible for Bank of America Cash Rewards cash back?

According to Bank of America, each merchant is responsible for their own merchant category code, or MCC. This code determines which rewards category your purchase falls under once it’s charged to your card.

With that said, Bank of America does list BP, SUNOCO, Chevron, Shell, and Exxon Mobile gas stations as examples that will work for the gas category. You may also get credit for warehouse stores with gas stations that offer a pay-at-the-pump option.

As far as grocery stores, Bank of America lists “supermarkets, freezer/meat lockers, candy, nut or confection stores, dairy product stores, and bakeries” in their list of accepted merchants. However, be aware it’s still up to the merchant to choose their own MCC, so this is not a guarantee.

Also, superstores and drug/convenience stores are excluded from this bonus category, even if they sell groceries at their location.

Do Bank of America cash rewards expire?

No, the cash rewards you earn with Bank of America never expire as long as your account remains open.

Does Bank of America give high credit limits?

When it comes to the size of your credit limit, no two cardholder experiences will be the same because credit lines are determined in part by the applicant’s creditworthiness. 

However, Bank of America does make it easy to request a credit limit increase over time or if you plan to travel by including an easy-to-use link in its online banking portal. The feature might not be available on its mobile banking app and doesn’t guarantee your limit will be increased, though, as it will still depend on if you’re eligible.

Other cards to consider

While the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a good option among the Bank of America credit cards — especially for Bank of America customers — it might not be the best choice for your wallet. Luckily, there are a number of great credit cards from which you can choose that check similar boxes.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is another $0-annual-fee credit card. New cardmembers can earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. With this card, you’re also able to make the most out of a variety of spending categories each year, thanks to its 5% total cash back on qualifying Lyft rides; 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories you activate (on up to $1,500 spent) and travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery service); and 1% cash back on all other purchases. 

Read our full Chase Freedom Flex℠ review.

Another $0-annual-fee credit card you may want to consider is the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. With this card's welcome bonus, you can earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening, and there is no limit to the rewards you can earn. As with the Bank of America card, this card allows you to choose your rewards rate — but not just in one category. You will get 5% cash back on two categories you choose (up to $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter) and on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center; 2% cash back on one everyday category, like gas stations/EV charging stations, grocery stores, or restaurants; and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.

Read our full U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card review.

Bank Of America Customized Cash Rewards: bottom line

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card has a flexible and rewarding cashback program. With the ability to choose your own 3% cashback category and change it as your spending habits shift, you can maximize your earnings based on your actual spending.

You can also benefit from boosting your cashback earnings as a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member. Depending on your membership tier, you can earn 25% to 75% more value.

However, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards has somewhat limited redemption options. To explore more options, check out our list of the best cash back credit cards and find more cards to choose from among the best rewards credit cards.

Choose Your Cashback Category

4.4

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Why We Like It

Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening

See how these cards compare:

Chase Freedom Flex℠
Chase Freedom Flex℠
  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
  • Up to 5% cash back on spending
  • Perks from Lyft, DoorDash, and more
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
  • Earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
  • Up to 5% cash back on eligible purchases

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