Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » Bank of America Customized vs Unlimited Cash Rewards Card
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Bank of America Customized vs Unlimited Cash Rewards Card

Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.

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Interest Rates Last Update: June 3, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
  • Article update: February 5, 2024
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.

See full bio
Interest Rates Last Update: June 3, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
  • Article update:February 5, 2024

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

The Customized Cash Rewards Card empowers you to tailor your cashback rewards to match your lifestyle. On the other hand, the Unlimited Cash Rewards Card offers simplicity and convenience. Both cards have their own unique benefits, so it's important to choose the one that's right for you.

General Comparison: BofA Customized vs Unlimited Cash Rewards

The main difference between these cards is the rewards structure – while the Customized Cash Rewards offers more flexible structure with higher cashback on your preferred category, the Unlimited Cash Rewards is more simple – you get a flat rate cashback for each purchase.

If you know how to maximize your rewards and have 1-2 categories you usually buy from the Customized Cash Rewards may be better.  However, if you spend on a diverse range of categories, the Unlimited card may be more suitable.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card
Customized Cash Rewards
Unlimited Cash Rewards
Annual Fee
$0
$0
Rewards
3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The 3% and 2% cash back available on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter (then 1%)
unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Welcome bonus
$200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
0% Intro APR
15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account., then 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $0) applies to all balance transfers APR
18 billing cycles for purchases, 60 days on balance transfers then 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply. APR
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
3%
Purchase APR
18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $0) applies to all balance transfers
18.24% – 28.24% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Read Review
Read Review
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold
Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards
Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review
Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Point Rewards Battle: A Side-by-Side Analysis

There is no real difference in cashback rewards earnings, according to our analysis.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card
Spend Per Category
Customized Cash Rewards
Unlimited Cash Rewards
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets
$200 **
$225
$5,000 – Restaurants
$150 *
$75
$5,000 – Airline
$50
$75
$5,000 – Hotels
$50
$75
$4,000 – Gas
$40
$60
Estimated Annual Value
$490
$510

* 3% On Restaurants ** 2% On Supermarkets up to $5,000

Which Benefits You'll Get On Both Cards?

The cards are similar when it comes to extra benefits:

  • Balance Connect® for overdraft protection: Link your Bank of America checking account to your credit card to prevent declined purchases and overdrafts, with no transfer fees, though other fees may apply.

  • Account Alerts: Receive email or text alerts to stay informed about your balances and payment due dates, ensuring you never miss a payment.

  • FICO® Score: Opt-in to access your free monthly FICO® Score through your Mobile Banking app or Online Banking, helping you track your credit health.

  • 0% Intro APR: Both cards offer a 0% introductory APR, with the Unlimited card providing a slightly longer introductory period. Using and applying for this benefit is quper quick and easy via BofA mobile app:

BoFa card make balance transfer
Leverage BofA 0% Intro APR by balance transfer (Screenshot from Bank Of America app)

When You Might Prefer The Customized Cash Rewards?

You might prefer the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card over the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Card if:

  • You Have Specific Spending Habits: If you tend to spend significantly in specific categories like gas, online shopping, dining, or travel, the Customized Cash Rewards Card allows you to earn 3% cashback in a category of your choice, potentially providing higher rewards in those areas.
  • You Want to Maximize Category Rewards: The Customized Card allows you to select your 3% cashback category, making it ideal for individuals who want to tailor their rewards to match their lifestyle and spending patterns.
  • You Don't Mind Some Complexity: While the Customized Card offers more customization, it might involve a bit more effort in managing categories. If you enjoy selecting and optimizing your rewards, this card can be a good fit.
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold
Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards
Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review
Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

When You Might Prefer The Unlimited Cash Rewards?

You might prefer the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Card over the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card if:

  • Varied Spending Habits: For individuals whose spending doesn't heavily favor specific categories and who want a dependable cashback rate on all their expenses, the Unlimited Card offers a more balanced approach to earning rewards.
  • Consistent Cashback: The Unlimited Card offers a fixed 1.5% cashback on all purchases, making it an excellent option for those who want a consistent cashback rate across all spending categories without the need for customization.

Compare The Alternatives

It's always a good idea to be aware of other options before determining the most suitable choice for your needs.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

chase_sapphire_preffered
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Annual Fee
$0
$95 ($0 intro for the first year)
$95
Rewards
1.5% – 5% 5% percent cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.5% cash back on all purchases everyday.
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
2X – 5X 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, online grocery purchases and select streaming services. 2x on other travel purchases. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus
$200 $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
60,000 points 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
2.70%
$0
Purchase APR
19.99% – 29.99% variable
19.24% – 29.99% Variable
21.24%–28.24% variable APR
Read Review
Learn More
Read Review
Learn More
Read Review
Learn More

Compare BofA Unlimited Cash Rewards Card

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BofA Customized Cash Rewards vs Chase Freedom Flex

Citi Custom Cash Card and the BofA Customized Cash Rewards have similar reward structures but some significant differences. How they compare?

Citi Custom Cash Card vs. BofA Customized Cash Rewards

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Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

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The Smart Investor (this website) is an independent financial website. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website may receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). The Smart Investor does not include all companies or all offers available in the marketplace and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete.

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