Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card offers clear cash-back rules and an easy application.
What Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card Gives You
You get 3% in one category you choose: gas/EV charging, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings.
You get 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. You get 1% on everything else.
If you are in Bank of America® Preferred Rewards, you get a 25%–75% bonus on your card earnings.
That boost applies to your cash-back amounts after purchase. Enrollment in Preferred Rewards requires eligible balances with Bank of America and Merrill.
Rewards Management and Redemption
You redeem cash back as a statement credit or a deposit to eligible Bank of America or Merrill accounts. Redemptions typically appear within a few business days.
You can set up automatic redemption if offered. Track your bonus category changes; you may switch once per calendar month.
If you expect a big purchase in a different category next month, schedule the change in advance.
Who Should Apply
You benefit if most of your monthly spend fits one high-impact category. You benefit if you buy groceries or shop at wholesale clubs regularly.
You benefit more if you already bank with Bank of America and can qualify for Preferred Rewards.
You should consider another card if you spend abroad often, because this card has a foreign transaction fee.
You should also compare intro APRs if you plan a large purchase or a balance transfer.
Key Rates and Fees
Late payment fee and returned payment fee may apply. Rates and fees change with the Prime Rate and bank updates.
You must confirm the latest “Pricing & Terms” during your application.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Purchase APR: variable 17.74%–29.24% based on creditworthiness.
- Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and on balance transfers made within the offer window; after that, your variable APR applies.
- Balance transfer fee: 4% of each transaction.
- Cash advance fee: typically 5% of each transaction; cash advance APR often higher than purchase APR.
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each purchase in a foreign currency or processed outside the U.S.
Basic Eligibility and Documents
You must be at least 18 (or 19–21 in some states) and provide a Social Security number or ITIN. You need a U.S. address.
You must provide total annual income and housing information. Good or better credit helps, but approval depends on your full profile.
The bank may ask for proof of income or identity if needed. Have your government ID ready if you apply in person.
How to Apply For Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card
Decide your first 3% category based on the next month’s spending. Check your current credit reports for accuracy.
Estimate your utilization after approval to keep your credit healthy. If you plan a balance transfer, list exact amounts and account numbers.
Read the full rewards program rules so you know the cap, the posting timelines, and category definitions.
- Go to Bank of America’s credit cards page and select “Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards”.
- Click “Apply Now”.
- Enter your personal information: name, address, SSN/ITIN, date of birth, and contact details.
- Enter your employment and income information. Include any additional income you want considered.
- Review the “Rates & Fees” and “Pricing & Terms” pages in full. Confirm the current APR ranges, intro periods, and fees.
- Consent to electronic disclosures and submit.
If you applied online, you can check your status using the bank’s application status page. Keep your application reference number handy.
You usually get an instant decision. If the bank needs more time, you may receive a decision by email or mail.
If approved, set up online banking, enroll in paperless statements if you prefer, and add the card to your mobile wallet.
After Approval: Setup Checklist
Activate your card as soon as it arrives. Create or sign in to your online banking profile.
Turn on account alerts for due dates, large transactions, and international use. Set up autopay to avoid late fees.
Pick your 3% category in rewards settings. Add the card to your digital wallet for contactless payments.
If you are declined
You will receive an adverse action notice by mail or electronically. Read it and address the listed reasons.
Common actions include paying down balances, correcting errors on credit reports, and reducing recent hard inquiries.
You can reapply after your profile improves. There is no fixed waiting period, but 3–6 months is a practical window for many applicants.
If you are approved with a lower limit
Use the card responsibly for several months. Keep utilization below 30% of your credit limit. Pay on time, every time.
After six months or more of positive history, you can request a credit limit increase. The bank may run a hard inquiry for a manual increase.
Maximize Value of Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card
Align your 3% category with your next 30 days of planned spending.
If you are close to the $2,500 quarterly cap, consider moving flexible purchases into the next quarter.
Use a no-foreign-transaction-fee card abroad and keep this card for U.S. purchases.
Pair this card with a flat-rate cash-back card for uncapped “everything else” spending.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not ignore the “Pricing & Terms”. Rates and fees change; you must confirm them at application time.
Do not assume all “online” merchants count toward online shopping; category definitions matter.
Do not exceed the quarterly cap without realizing that earnings drop to 1% in those categories.
Do not overlook balance transfer math; include the 4% fee and the end of the intro period in your plan.
Customer Service and Activation Numbers
General credit card customer service (24/7): 800-732-9194.
Activation line: 800-276-9939.
International (call collect charges may apply): 1-302-738-5719.
Bank address (corporate headquarters): Bank of America Corporate Center, 100 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28255.
Security Reminders
Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication on your online banking. Never share one-time passcodes.
Review your statements monthly. Report suspected fraud immediately. Update your email and phone number in your profile so alerts reach you.
Conclusion
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card offers flexible cash back with simple choices. You pick a 3% category.
You pay no annual fee. If you bank with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards, your earnings increase.
If the benefits match your spending, apply online or at a financial center and set up your rewards right away.
Disclaimer: Information in this article reflects publicly available product details commonly provided by Bank of America and U.S. consumer disclosures. Rates, fees, rewards categories, eligibility rules, and contact details can change at any time. Always review the card’s current “Pricing & Terms,” rewards program rules, and official disclosures during your application. Consider your budget, credit profile, and financial goals before you apply. This article is for general information only and is not financial advice.
