Unlike traditional cashback rewards, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card gives you more control over how you earn rewards. Based on your everyday spending habits, you can choose where you want to earn the highest cash back. This replaces fixed or locked bonus categories. Available categories include dining, travel, drug stores, online shopping, gas and EV charging stations, and home improvement and furnishings.
With this card, the ability to change your highest-earning category once every month helps keep your rewards aligned. All the features of this card strongly suggest that spending habits often change throughout the year. You may spend more on travel during summer, more on fuel during busy work periods, or more on online shopping during the holiday season. This Bank of America credit card review covers the rewards, fees, eligibility requirements, and whether the card is worth applying for in 2026.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Get 6% cash back in your chosen category during the first year on up to $2,500.
- Choose from categories including EV charging & fuel, online shopping, travel, dining, drug stores, home improvements, and more.
- Earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Receive a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days.
- Keep more of the rewards you earn with a no-annual-fee policy.
- Depending on the membership tier, Preferred Rewards members can increase their rewards earnings by 25% to 75%.
- 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on eligible balance transfers and purchases.
❌ Cons:
- A 3% foreign transaction fee applies to purchases made outside the United States.
- Approval can be more difficult for applicants with fair or limited credit history.
- Higher rewards are limited to the first $2,500 in combined choice category and grocery store purchases each quarter.
Rates & Fees
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days |
| Choice Category Rewards | 6% cash back during the first year, then 3% |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Intro APR | 0% for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers |
| Balance Transfer Fee | 3% for the first 60 days, then 5% |
| Regular APR | 17.49% – 27.49% Variable |
| Quarterly Spending Cap | First $2,500 in combined choice category and grocery store purchases |
| All Other Purchases | Unlimited 1% cash back |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% of each transaction |
| Grocery & Wholesale Club Rewards | 2% cash back |
| Late Payment Fee | Up to $40 |
Who Should Apply?
The Bank of America Customized Rewards card is a great choice for people who want flexibility without paying an annual fee. Instead of earning bonus rewards in categories selected by the issuer, you decide where you want the highest rewards based on your current spending habits.
For example, if you frequently travel, you can choose that category to earn higher rewards. Similarly, you can choose the online shopping category if you shop more online. That’s how the card is a favorable choice for people whose spending patterns change throughout the year.
People who want to earn higher cashback with a long introductory APR period and customizable rewards, this is a strong option. Approval indeed depends on income, credit profile, and debt, but applicants with a FICO score of 670 or higher tend to have a higher likelihood of approval.
How To Apply
- Visit BankofAmerica.com and open the Customized Cash Rewards card page.
- Check eligibility requirements, current rewards, and other required information.
- Click on the " Apply " and enter your personal information, employment, and income details, address, and Social Security Number.
- Review your application and click on " Apply”. You may receive an instant decision or be asked to provide additional verification.
- If approved, the card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Bank of America Credit Cards for Bad Credit: Secured And Student Card Options
Not everyone qualifies for the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card. For people with limited credit history or those looking for a Bank of America credit card for bad credit, it offers secured and student card options that can help build credit while providing useful card benefits.
| Feature | Customized Cash Rewards Secured | Customized Cash Rewards for Students |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Back Rewards | Up to 6% in the selected category during the first year | Up to 6% in the selected category during the first year |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Security Deposit | Required | Not Required |
| Grocery & Wholesale Club Rewards | 2% | 2% |
| Category Selection | Yes | Yes |
| Credit History Requirement | Limited or Poor Credit | Limited Credit History |
Final Verdict: The Customized Cash Rewards Secured card is generally the better option for people with limited or damaged credit who want to build their credit history while earning rewards. Meanwhile, the Customized Cash Rewards for Students card is ideal for students looking to establish credit and earn cash back on everyday purchases.
Conclusion
In this article, we found that the Bank of America Cashback card is one of the most customizable cashback cards available today. The zero annual fee policy, 6% cash back during the first year, and the ability to choose your highest rewards category make it a strong choice. At the same time, Bank of America also offers secured and student versions for people building their credit profile. Before applying, analyze your spending habits and see which Bank of America card is a perfect choice in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Online Shopping the Best Category to Choose?
Yes, it’s the best category because it covers a wide range of everyday purchases. However, the ideal category for you depends on your daily spending habits. Maybe the Bank of America travel rewards card category, or any other, works best for you.
Can I Change My Cash Back Category Anytime?
Of course, you can change your preferred rewards category once every calendar month through online banking or the Bank of America mobile app. If you do not make a change, your current category remains active.
What Happens After I Reach the $2,500 Quarterly Spending Limit?
Once you exceed the quarterly limit, purchases in the choice category and grocery category earn 1% cash back until the next quarter begins.
