The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed to give you flexible cashback on the purchases that matter most.
You can choose your top spending category and earn higher rewards without paying an annual fee.
This guide explains how to apply for the card and the most innovative ways to maximize your earnings.
Overview of the Card
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card gives you flexibility and control over your cashback.
It’s built for everyday use, letting you choose the category where you earn the most.
Below are the key highlights that define how this card works and what makes it stand out.
- Issuer: Bank of America, a trusted U.S. bank offering consumer credit solutions.
- Annual Fee: None — you keep all your rewards without extra cost.
- Rewards Rate: 3% in your chosen category, 2% at grocery/wholesale clubs, 1% on others.
- Bonus Categories: Choose from gas, dining, travel, online shopping, drugstores, or home improvement.
- Quarterly Cap: Elevated rewards cap at $2,500 per quarter.
- Intro Offer: New users may earn higher cashback for the first 12 months.
- Reward Expiry: Cashback never expires as long as your account remains open.
- Preferred Rewards Bonus: Members can get 25%–75% more cashback.
How to Apply
Getting approved for the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card is straightforward if your finances are in order.
Below are the main steps you’ll follow to submit your application.
- Check eligibility – Make sure you meet the basic requirements, such as minimum age, income, and credit score.
- Gather documentation – Have personal info ready, such as Social Security number, gross income, and housing costs.
- Submit online – Visit the issuer’s website and fill out the application form.
- Alternative methods – You may also apply by phone or at a branch if available.
- Wait for a decision – The issuer reviews your credit, income, and account history and typically responds quickly.
Tips to Earn More
You can boost your rewards by using smart habits and timing your purchases.
Each move below helps you get more value from your Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card.
- Pick the right category – Choose where you spend most (gas, dining, travel, etc.) to get the 3% rate.
- Track your cap – Earn high rewards only on the first $2,500 spent per quarter.
- Switch monthly – Change your bonus category when your spending pattern shifts.
- Use it daily – Pay for regular expenses to reach the cap and earn faster.
- Join Preferred Rewards® – Boost cashback by 25%–75% if you’re a Bank of America customer.
- Redeem smartly – Set up direct deposit or auto-credit for easy reward use.
Fees, Limitations, and Fine Print
Before applying, it’s essential to understand the fees and terms associated with this cashback card.
These details help you manage your spending and avoid losing rewards due to overlooked limits.
- Annual Fee: None — all cashback earnings go directly to you.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% on purchases made outside the U.S.
- Intro APR: 0% for the first 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers (then variable APR applies).
- Standard APR: Varies by creditworthiness, typically 18%–28%.
- Reward Cap: Bonus cashback applies only to the first $2,500 in combined quarterly purchases.
- Category Changes: You can switch your chosen bonus category once per month.
- Redemption Options: Cashback can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check.
- Merchant Coding: Purchases qualify for bonuses only if merchants are correctly coded within your chosen category.
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $40 if a payment is missed.
- Penalty APR: May apply after repeated late or returned payments.
Who Should Use This Card / Alternatives
This section helps you decide if this cashback card fits your lifestyle and spending habits. It also lists solid alternatives if your needs differ.
- Heavy spender in one area – Ideal if most of your budget goes to gas, dining, travel, or online shopping.
- Existing bank client – Best for customers already enrolled in Preferred Rewards to get extra cashback.
- Organized user – Suits those who can track spending caps and category changes each quarter.
- Simple spender – If you prefer flat rewards, pick a 2% cashback card with no categories.
- Frequent traveler – Not ideal for overseas use due to 3% foreign transaction fee.
- Low spender – If your spending rarely hits the bonus cap, a flat-rate card may pay more.
Welcome Bonus & Intro Offers
Here are the key details on the welcome bonus and introductory offer you need to know before applying.
- $200 bonus — Earn a $200 online cash-rewards bonus after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.
- 6% cashback for first year — For new cardholders, earn 6% cash back in your chosen category for the first year, plus 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs.
- After first year rates — After that first year ends, the rate in your chosen category drops to 3%, with 2% at grocery/wholesale clubs.
- Quarterly cap applies — The elevated rates apply only to the first $2,500 of combined purchases per quarter in the bonus and grocery/wholesale categories.
Integration with Banking Relationship
Your banking relationship can significantly boost your rewards.
Keep qualifying balances to unlock extra rewards. Here’s how the connection boosts your benefits.
- Program eligibility: Have a checking account and meet the required combined balance to join the rewards tiers.
- Tier levels: The program has multiple tiers (e.g., Gold, Platinum, Platinum Honors, Diamond Honors) based on your average balance over the past 3 months.
- Bonus on credit card rewards: Once enrolled, you earn a rewards-bonus percentage (25%–75%) on eligible card purchases.
- Balance eligibility counts: Both deposit accounts and investment accounts (via the bank’s investment arm) typically count toward your qualifying balance.
- Automatic tier upgrade: If your average balances rise, you may move up a tier automatically and earn a higher bonus.
- Eligibility maintenance: Once you qualify, you usually keep your tier benefits for at least 12 months, even if your balance dips temporarily.
Using the Card Abroad & Travel Considerations
Using your credit card while traveling or shopping internationally comes with extra rules and costs.
Below are the main things to watch out for when using the card abroad.
- Foreign transaction fee: A 3% surcharge applies to transactions made in a foreign currency or outside the U.S.
- Merchant currency conversion: Some merchants abroad offer to convert the charge to U.S. dollars, which can further raise the cost.
- ATM withdrawals abroad: Using your card at an international ATM may incur additional fees and may count as a cash advance.
- Reward category classification: Purchases abroad may not fall into your chosen bonus category because merchants are coded differently.
- Better travel card alternatives: Consider a card with no foreign transaction fee if you spend heavily overseas.
Contact Information
If you need support or have questions, here are verified ways to reach the issuer’s customer service teams.
- Phone (general account support, including checking/savings): 800-432-1000 (U.S.)
- Phone (credit card customer service, lost or stolen card): 800-732-9194 (U.S.)
- Mailing address (credit card billing inquiries): PO Box 672050, Dallas, TX 75267-2050
- Lost or stolen ATM/debit card (international): 1-315-724-4022
The Bottomline
In summary, the America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card gives you solid flexibility, straightforward rewards, and easy online access.
You can apply anytime through the official website and start earning on your everyday purchases.
Apply today to take advantage of the welcome bonus and earn more on what you already buy.
Disclaimer
Information provided is for general reference and may change without notice.
Always verify current terms, fees, and offers directly with Bank of America before applying.
