Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card Review
Introduction to the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a top choice for consumers who want to maximize their cashback in categories that matter most to them. Unlike traditional cashback cards with fixed or rotating categories, this card allows you to choose your own 3% cashback category—making it a great option for those with specific spending habits.
With no annual fee, a solid $200 sign-up bonus, and extra perks for Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members, this card stands out as one of the most flexible cashback credit cards on the market.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the key details, including rewards rates, benefits, fees, and how to maximize your earnings with this card.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card
ANNUAL FEE: $0
REWARDS RATES: 1%-3% Cash Back
INTRO OFFER: $200
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE: 690-850
(Good – Excellent)
Pros
- No annual fee
- New cardholder bonus offer
- Rotating bonus categories
- Relationship rewards for customers
- Intro APR period
Cons
- Requires good/excellent credit
- Complicated rewards
- Spending caps on bonus rewards
- Best rewards limited to certain customers
Key Features of the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card
1. Choose Your Own 3% Cashback Category
One of the most unique features of this card is the ability to select your own 3% cashback category, allowing you to tailor rewards to your personal spending habits. The available categories include:
- Gas stations
- Online shopping
- Dining
- Travel
- Drugstores
- Home improvement & furnishings
This flexibility makes the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card one of the most adaptable cashback cards available, as you can switch your category once per calendar month to maximize rewards based on your spending needs.
2. 2% Cashback at Grocery Stores & Wholesale Clubs
In addition to your selected 3% category, you’ll also earn 2% cashback on purchases at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (like Costco and Sam’s Club).
3. 1% Unlimited Cashback on All Other Purchases
Any purchases outside of the 3% and 2% bonus categories earn a flat 1% cashback.
4. Rewards Capped at $2,500 per Quarter in Bonus Categories
The 3% and 2% cashback rates apply to the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter. After reaching that limit, those purchases will earn 1% cashback.
5. $200 Sign-Up Bonus
New cardholders can earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days. This is a strong welcome offer, especially for a no-annual-fee cashback card.
6. 0% Intro APR for 15 Billing Cycles
Enjoy 0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles on both purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days. After that, a variable APR of 18.24% – 28.24% applies.
7. No Annual Fee
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card has no annual fee, making it an affordable way to earn rewards.
8. Bonus for Bank of America Preferred Rewards® Members
If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® customer, you can earn an additional 25% to 75% more cashback, depending on your tier. This can boost your 3% cashback to as high as 5.25%!
| Preferred Rewards Tier | Balance Requirement | Cashback Boost | Max 3% Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | $20,000+ | 25% | 3.75% |
| Platinum | $50,000+ | 50% | 4.5% |
| Platinum Honors | $100,000+ | 75% | 5.25% |
How to Maximize Rewards with the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card
1. Choose the Right 3% Category
- If you spend a lot on gas, keep gas stations as your category.
- If you shop online frequently, select online shopping for Amazon, eBay, and more.
- Switch categories monthly to match upcoming expenses (e.g., selecting travel before a big trip).
2. Use the Card at Grocery Stores & Wholesale Clubs
- Earn 2% cashback when shopping at Walmart, Kroger, Costco, Sam’s Club, and other supermarkets.
3. Plan Purchases to Stay Under the $2,500 Quarterly Cap
- Spread large purchases over different quarters to avoid hitting the bonus category limit too quickly.
4. Pair with Another Cashback Card
- Use a flat-rate cashback card (like the Citi Double Cash®) for non-bonus spending to earn higher rewards on all purchases.
5. Leverage Preferred Rewards for More Cashback
- If you have a Bank of America account, consider increasing your balance to unlock higher cashback percentages.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card vs. Other Cashback Cards
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards vs. Citi Custom Cash®
| Feature | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards | Citi Custom Cash® |
|---|---|---|
| 3% Cashback | User-selected category | Automatic top category |
| Bonus Cap | $2,500 per quarter | $500 per billing cycle |
| 1% Cashback | All non-bonus purchases | All non-bonus purchases |
| Sign-Up Bonus | $200 | $200 |
| Best For | Users who want control over their bonus category | Those with one consistent top spending category |
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards vs. Chase Freedom Flex®
| Feature | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards | Chase Freedom Flex® |
|---|---|---|
| 3% Cashback | Choose your category | Rotating 5% categories |
| Bonus Cap | $2,500 per quarter | $1,500 per quarter |
| 1% Cashback | All non-bonus purchases | All non-bonus purchases |
| 0% Intro APR | 15 months | 15 months |
| Best For | Those who want control over cashback categories | Users who can maximize rotating 5% categories |
Who Should Get the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card?
✔ People who want to choose their own 3% cashback category
✔ Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members who can earn up to 5.25% cashback
✔ Those who spend regularly in one of the six 3% categories
✔ Consumers who don’t want to track rotating categories
✔ People who want a no-annual-fee cashback card with a solid welcome bonus
Bottom Line: Is the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card Worth It?
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card is an excellent choice for flexible cashback rewards. With no annual fee, a $200 sign-up bonus, and customizable 3% cashback categories, it’s one of the best credit cards for personalized rewards.
If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, this card becomes even more valuable, offering up to 5.25% cashback—which is one of the highest rates available for a no-annual-fee card.
For anyone who values control over their rewards, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card is a top-tier cashback card that adapts to your lifestyle.
