Most credit cards decide where you earn rewards—but Bank of America does it differently. With the Customized Cash Rewards card, you choose where to earn more: gas, online shopping, or pharmacy purchases. By switching categories each month, you can align rewards with your spending and maximize your cash back.
With the flexibility to choose your cash back category, this card puts you in control of your rewards.
In this guide, we'll show you how to apply online quickly and start earning smarter, making every purchase more rewarding.
Checklist: What You’ll Need on Hand
Before you start your application, make sure you’ve got everything ready.
Having the correct info on hand speeds up the process and helps avoid errors. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Full legal name
- U.S. residential address (no P.O. boxes)
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Estimated annual income
- Employment status and source of income
- Phone number and email address
- Bank of America online login (if you’re an existing customer)
- Preferred 3% cash back category (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement)
Step-by-Step: How to Apply Online Without Getting Stuck
Applying online is fast if you know where to click and what to expect. Follow these clear steps to complete your application without delays or confusion.
- Visit Website – Go to the Bank of America website and find the credit card section.
- Select Card – Choose the Customized Cash Rewards Card and hit “Apply Now.”
- Enter Personal Info – Fill in your name, address, phone number, and email.
- Add Financial Details – Provide income, employment, and housing information.
- Pick 3% Category – Choose one spending category for 3% cash back.
- Review Terms – Read the card’s rates, fees, and agreement terms.
- Submit Application – Finalize and send your application for approval.
Rates and Fees You Should Care About
Knowing the actual rates and fees helps you avoid surprises. Here are the key details you need to focus on before applying:
- Intro APR – 0% for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within 60 days.
- Regular APR – Variable from 19.24% to 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfer Fee – 3% of the amount transferred (minimum $10).
- Annual Fee – None.
- Late Payment Fee – Up to $40.
- Penalty APR – This may apply if you miss a payment.
- Cash Advance APR – 21.24% to 30.24% variable.
- Foreign Transaction Fee – 3% of each transaction made in a foreign currency.
After You Apply: What Happens Next
Once you submit your application, a few things happen behind the scenes. Here’s what to expect right after hitting “submit”:
- Instant Decision Possible – You might get approved or denied on the spot.
- Further Review – Some applications are flagged for manual review, which can take a few days.
- Email Confirmation – Bank of America will send a message confirming they received your application.
- Card Delivery – If approved, your card typically arrives within 7–10 business days.
- Activation Required – You must activate the card online or by phone before using it.
- Set Up Online Access – Create or log in to your BofA account to manage your card and track rewards.
Cash Back Categories: What You Control
One of the best features of Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card is that you decide how you earn the most cash back.
You pick your 3% category based on your current spending — and you can switch it monthly. Here’s how the categories break down:
- 3% Cash Back Category – Choose one: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement.
- 2% at Grocery Stores & Wholesale Clubs – Automatically applies, up to $2,500 per quarter (combined with the 3% category).
- 1% on All Other Purchases – Applies to everything else you buy.
- Monthly Category Changes – You can switch your 3% category once per calendar month.
- Redemption Options – Use cash back for statement credit, direct deposit, or rewards.
Boosting Rewards with Preferred Rewards
If you already bank with Bank of America or Merrill, you could unlock more value through the Preferred Rewards program.
This loyalty tier system boosts your cash back to keep qualifying balances. Here’s how it works:
- Eligibility – Have an average daily balance of $20,000 or more across Bank of America or Merrill accounts.
- Tiers – Choose from Gold, Platinum, Platinum Honors, Diamond, or Diamond Honors based on your balance.
- Cash Back Boost – Get a 25%–75% bonus on every purchase’s cash back.
- Automatic Application – The bonus applies automatically once enrolled — no extra steps are needed.
- Extra Perks – Includes better rates on savings, reduced fees, and priority customer service.
Mobile Tools That Make It Easy to Track and Redeem
With Bank of America's mobile tools, managing your rewards and card activity is simple.
You can track spending, switch categories, and redeem cash back from your phone. Here’s what you can do:
- Track Cash Back in Real-Time – Monitor how much you’ve earned and where.
- Change Your 3% Category – Update your preferred category once per month directly in the app.
- Redeem Rewards – Apply cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit, or other reward options.
- Get Alerts – Set push notifications for payment due dates, transactions, and spending updates.
- Use Virtual Card Number – Shop securely online without exposing your physical card number.
- Access Customer Support – Use in-app chat or tap to call for fast help.
Common Mistakes That Cost You Cash
Even with a no-annual-fee card, small mistakes can reduce the value you get. Watch out for these common missteps that could cost you real cash:
- Ignoring the 3% category – Not selecting or updating your preferred category each month means missing out on higher rewards.
- Overspending past the $2,500 cap – 3% and 2% rates only apply up to a quarterly limit; after that, it drops to 1%.
- Missing payments – Late payments can trigger penalty APR and late fees.
- Skipping the Preferred Rewards boost – If you bank with BofA, not enrolling in the program means leaving extra cash on the table.
- Forgetting to redeem rewards – Unused rewards don’t earn interest and can expire if your account closes.
- Not reading the fine print – Overlooking terms around balance transfers or fees may lead to unexpected charges.
Need Help? Here’s Where to Contact Support
If you run into issues or have questions about your application or card, Bank of America has multiple ways to assist you. Here’s how to get support:
- Phone Support – Call 1-800-932-2775 (available 24/7 for general inquiries).
- Online Help Center – Visit the Bank of America website and the credit card support section.
- Secure Messaging – Log in to your BofA account and send a message directly.
- Mailing Address – Bank of America, PO Box 15019, Wilmington, DE 19886-5019.
- Mobile App – Use the Bank of America app for chat support, alerts, and account tools.
Before You Click Apply: Final Thoughts
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card allows you to control how you earn cash back. It has no annual fee and solid intro APR perks.
It’s a smart pick if you want flexible rewards tailored to your spending habits.
If it fits your needs, apply online today and start earning on your terms.
FAQ - Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
1. How do I apply for the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card?
To apply, visit the official Bank of America website, select the Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card, and click “Apply Now.” Fill out the application form with your personal, financial, and contact details, then submit it for review.
2. What is the 3% cash back category, and how do I choose it?
The 3% cash back category allows you to earn 3% cash back on the category where you spend the most, such as gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement. You can change your 3% category once a month to match your spending needs.
3. What is the intro APR for the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card?
The card offers 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening. After the intro period ends, the variable APR ranges from 19.24% to 29.24% based on your creditworthiness.
4. Are there any annual fees for the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card?
No, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for earning rewards.
5. How do I redeem cash back with the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card?
You can redeem your cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit, or use it for rewards through the Bank of America app or website. Points can also be used for gift cards or travel rewards.
6. What is the Preferred Rewards program, and how can I use it?
If you have an average daily balance of $20,000 or more across Bank of America or Merrill accounts, you can enroll in the Preferred Rewards program. This program offers cash back boosts of 25% to 75% on every purchase’s rewards, plus additional banking perks.
7. How can I track my rewards and spending?
You can easily track your cash back and manage your account using the Bank of America mobile app. The app allows you to monitor rewards in real-time, switch your 3% category, and set up spending alerts.
8. What happens if I miss a payment?
Missing a payment can result in a penalty APR and a late payment fee of up to $40. To avoid this, set up autopay or payment reminders to stay on top of due dates.
9. Can I add additional cardholders to my account?
Yes, you can add additional authorized users to your account at no extra cost, allowing others to benefit from your rewards and spending.
10. How do I contact Bank of America customer support?
You can reach Bank of America customer support by calling 1-800-932-2775 24/7, visiting the online help center, or using the Bank of America app for chat support and quick assistance.
Disclaimer
Rates, fees, and terms mentioned are subject to change and may vary based on your credit profile.
Approval is not guaranteed and depends on Bank of America’s final credit evaluation.
