The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card lets you choose where you earn the most. You pick one 3% category — such as gas and EV charging, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores or home improvement — and you can change it once a month. For the first year, the choice category is boosted to 6%. Here is how to apply for the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card.
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuer / network | Bank of America / Visa |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Intro APR | 0% for 15 billing cycles on purchases and on balance transfers made in the first 60 days |
| Regular APR | 17.49%–27.49% (variable) |
| Welcome offer | Cash bonus after spending in the first 90 days (varies — recently $200 after $1,000) |
| Foreign transaction fee | 3% (check terms) |
| Recommended credit | Good to excellent |
How the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Earns Rewards
Cash back rates (combined quarterly cap applies):
- 3% in your choice category (6% in the first year)
- 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- 1% on all other purchases
- 3%/6% and 2% rates apply to the first $2,500 of combined choice, grocery and wholesale club purchases each quarter, then 1%
Key Benefits
- Change your choice category once per calendar month
- 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles
- Preferred Rewards members earn a 25%–75% bonus
- Free FICO score in online banking
Who Should Apply for the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards?
This card is excellent for people whose biggest spending category changes during the year — for example online shopping during holidays and gas during summer road trips. It is especially strong for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members.
Eligibility Requirements
Card issuers in the United States do not publish one fixed approval formula, but most applicants who are approved for the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards share a few things in common:
- Be at least 18 years old (21 in some cases unless you show independent income).
- Have a valid U.S. address and a Social Security Number or ITIN.
- A credit score in the good to excellent range, with no recent serious delinquencies.
- Enough income to support new credit — issuers review income against your monthly debts and housing cost.
- A reasonable number of recent applications and new accounts.
Bank of America Application Rules to Know
Bank of America is reported to follow a “2/3/4” velocity rule: roughly no more than 2 new BofA cards in 2 months, 3 in 12 months and 4 in 24 months. Some applicants also report trouble getting approved with many new accounts from any bank in the last 12 months. Existing BofA banking customers, especially Preferred Rewards members, often have an easier time.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
The full application usually takes about 10 minutes online. Follow these steps to apply safely and improve your chances:
- Check your credit first. Pull your free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and check your score in your banking app. Fix any errors before applying.
- Use the prequalification tool. Bank of America has a “customized offers” page where you can check for preselected offers without affecting your credit score. A soft check does not affect your credit score and shows whether you are likely to be approved.
- Gather your details. You will need your full name, date of birth, SSN or ITIN, home address, phone, email, annual income, employment status and monthly housing payment.
- Go to the official page yourself. Type the issuer address into your browser or use the official link at the end of this article. Never apply through links in unsolicited emails or texts.
- Fill in the application carefully. Enter income accurately — you can usually include income you can reasonably access, such as a spouse’s income if you are over 21.
- Read the terms and pricing table. Check the APR, fees and the exact bonus terms shown on your application screen.
- Submit and wait for a decision. Many applicants get an instant answer. Others see “pending” and receive a decision by email or mail within 7–10 business days.
What Happens After You Apply?
If you are approved, your card usually arrives in 7–10 business days. Activate it online or in the app, set up autopay for at least the minimum payment, and turn on transaction alerts. Track your progress toward the welcome offer spending requirement in the app.
If Your Application Is Pending or Denied
A pending decision often means the issuer needs to verify your identity or income. You may be asked to call or upload documents. If you are denied, you will receive an adverse action letter explaining the main reasons. You can call the reconsideration line to ask for a second review, or wait 3–6 months, improve the reason given, and try again. A Bank of America secured card is an option if you need to build credit first.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Choose and change your 3% category | $2,500 quarterly cap on bonus rates |
| 6% first-year boost | Foreign transaction fee |
| Preferred Rewards multiplier | Only 1% on other spending |
| Long intro APR | Velocity rules limit approvals |
Tips to Get the Most From the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
- Switch your category each month based on planned spending.
- Pick online shopping in November–December.
- Join Preferred Rewards if you qualify.
- Use a 2% card once you hit the quarterly cap.
Bank of America Preferred Rewards Boost
If you hold enough money in Bank of America and Merrill accounts, you can join Preferred Rewards and earn a 25% to 75% boost on credit card rewards. For example, a 75% boost turns a 1.5-point earning rate into 2.62 points per dollar. This program is one of the main reasons people choose BofA cards, so check your tier before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often can I change the 3% category?
Once per calendar month, online or in the app.
What is the 6% first-year offer?
Your choice category earns 6% for the first year, within the same quarterly cap.
Do Preferred Rewards boosts apply?
Yes, eligible members earn 25%–75% more.
What credit score do I need?
Usually good to excellent credit.
Final Thoughts
The Customized Cash Rewards card rewards planners who adjust their category. Check BofA customized offers, apply on the official site, and combine it with Preferred Rewards for even more value.
Helpful Official Links
- Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards official page
- Bank of America prequalification tool
- CFPB: Credit card basics
- Free credit reports – AnnualCreditReport.com
- More credit card guides on 123 SEO Tools
