*Please note that while we may promote certain credit card products through affiliate links on our YouTube and social media channels, currently, no credit card affiliate links are present on this website. If you click on a link and make a purchase on our YouTube videos or social media channels, we may receive a commission, as clearly disclosed in the video description.
*This article is updated regularly. While we try to maintain and update content on a consistent basis, offers with credit card issuers change often. Perks, benefits, fees, and offers for credit cards may vary from the content included in this post. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.
Card Score: ✅✅✅ 3.25/5
*The credit card score is based on the sole opinion of Credit Mileage without input or influence from the card issuer.
In the world of cash-back credit cards, flexibility can be a game-changer. The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card stands out for allowing you to choose the category where you want to earn the most cash back, putting you in control of your rewards. But how does this card stack up against other top cash-back cards in the market? Is it worth considering for your wallet? Let’s break down the details in this comprehensive review.
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card offers one of the most customizable rewards programs available. Instead of locking you into a specific rewards structure, it allows you to tailor your cash-back earning potential to your personal spending habits.
Here’s what you can expect:
The standout feature of this card is its ability to choose a 3% cash-back category. This customization can be a great benefit for people whose spending habits vary throughout the year. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a home improvement enthusiast, or an avid online shopper, the flexibility of adjusting your cash-back category every month offers tremendous value.
The other cash-back tiers include 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on up to $2,500 in combined purchases per quarter in 3% and 2% categories) and 1% on all other purchases, making this card an excellent choice for regular, everyday use.
To fully take advantage of the BoA Customized Cash Rewards card, it’s important to plan your spending strategically. By adjusting your 3% category to match your largest expenses, you can ensure you’re earning the most cash back possible. For instance:
Additionally, if you are a member of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program, you can increase your cash-back earnings by 25% to 75%. To qualify for the program, you need an eligible Bank of America account with a minimum of $20,000 in combined balances.
To understand whether the BoA Customized Cash Rewards card is the right choice for you, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against competitors. Below is a comparison to some of the most popular cash-back credit cards currently available:
Read our review here of the Wells Fargo Active Cash card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card offers a simple 2% cash back on all purchases with no spending caps, making it less complex than the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card. However, the lack of flexibility in selecting a bonus category could be a downside if you spend heavily in specific areas like groceries, gas, or online shopping.
Read our review here of the Chase Freedom Flex
The Chase Freedom Flex also offers cash-back rewards in rotating categories, but these change every quarter and are predetermined by Chase, meaning less control for the cardholder. However, the Chase Freedom Flex includes travel perks, such as 5% cash back on travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, which the Bank of America card lacks.
Read our review here of the Citi Double Cash card
The Citi Double Cash Card offers a straightforward rewards program: 2% cash back on every purchase (1% when you buy, and 1% when you pay). Like Wells Fargo Active Cash, this simplicity makes it appealing for people who don’t want to worry about tracking bonus categories. However, it lacks any sign-up bonus, which could be a deal-breaker for those looking to maximize their initial rewards.
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a solid choice for users seeking flexibility in their cash-back rewards without paying an annual fee. Its ability to choose a 3% cash-back category allows cardholders to maximize rewards based on their current spending needs, offering value that few other cards can match. The card is particularly appealing to existing Bank of America customers, as the Preferred Rewards program significantly enhances its benefits.
That said, it’s not the perfect card for everyone. Frequent travelers may find the foreign transaction fees and lack of travel benefits limiting, while high spenders might be frustrated by the quarterly cap on bonus categories.
In summary, if you’re looking for a no-annual-fee card that gives you the power to control where you earn the most cash back, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card is worth considering. Its flexibility and potential for higher rewards through Bank of America’s loyalty program make it a standout in the crowded field of cash-back cards.
Affiliate and Relationship Disclosure: Credit Mileage may receive compensation from affiliate links included in this post at no extra cost to you. This helps support our mission of providing quality financial education and resources. Additionally, Credit Mileage has a direct business relationship with eCreditAdvisor, which may be mentioned or linked in our content. Our opinions and recommendations remain our own, and we only promote products or services that we believe offer value to our readers. We currently do not have any credit card affiliate links on our website.
Editorial note: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card company, airline, or hotel chain. None of these organizations have reviewed, approved, or endorsed the content in any way.
Legal and Financial Advice Disclosure: Credit Mileage is not a law firm, and this article is not intended to provide legal or financial advice. This information is meant purely for educational purposes. We strive to offer accurate and up-to-date information, but it is not a substitute for professional financial or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney or financial advisor before making any decisions regarding your financial situation.
Share this post:
The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card offers a straightforward approach to earning travel rewards with unlimited 1.5 points per dollar and no annual fee. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers, this card provides value through flexible redemption and zero foreign transaction fees.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is designed for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott properties. With a strong rewards program, automatic Silver Elite status, and solid perks like free anniversary nights, this card is a must-have for Marriott fans. But how does it compare to other travel cards?
Advertising Disclosure
At Credit Mileage, we believe smart credit management is one of the key cornerstones for sound personal finance. Using credit from an educated point of view so that you don’t accumulate debt while swiping to maximize and best utilize the points and rewards programs that different credit cards offer is at the heart of what Credit Mileage aims to educate consumers about.
That’s why we offer a wide array of educational and editorial content and credit card reviews so that you can choose the best card to achieve your goals, depending on which type of points/rewards programs you like.
When you apply for a credit card through our site and are approved, we may receive compensation from our partners, which can influence how and where certain products are featured.
Although we don’t include every credit card on the market, we thoroughly research and evaluate each card we feature. The content we produce is created without any input or oversight from credit card issuers, banks, or partners. For more details, please review our advertising policy and credit card evaluation framework.
