Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
vs. BankAmericard® Credit Card

Updated: April 4, 2024

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If you're looking for a Bank of America credit card with no annual fee and a 0% APR introductory period, you may be considering the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card and the BankAmericard Credit Card. The Customized Cash Rewards card is better for earning cash back, with a $200 bonus offer and up to 3% cash back in a chosen category. In contrast, the BankAmericard is more suitable for those seeking a longer break from interest charges, offering 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers.

Credit Card logo for Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit Card logo for BankAmericard® Credit Card
BankAmericard® Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
3.6/ of 5
MoneyGeek Rating
3.6/ of 5

  • Regular APR
    19.24%–29.24% variable
    16.24% – 26.24% variable
    0% APR Offer
    0% intro for 15 billing cycles
    0% intro APR for first 18 billing cycles
    Balance Transfer Offer
    0% intro for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
    0% intro APR for first 18 billing cycles
    Annual Fee
    $0
    $0
    Rewards Summary
    Earn 1% – 3% cash back
    -
    Recommended Credit
    670–850 (Good to Excellent)
    670-850 (Good to Excellent)
    Not sure?

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. BankAmericard Credit Card: Which Is Better for You?

You might prefer the BankAmericard Credit Card if: you're planning a significant purchase or want to transfer balances and would benefit from a longer introductory APR period. With its 0% intro APR for the first 18 billing cycles on both purchases and balance transfers, this card can help you manage large expenses without accruing interest for a year and a half. Keep in mind, though, that after the intro period, a variable APR will apply, and there are balance transfer fees to consider. This card is particularly well-suited for those who are less interested in rewards and more focused on financing options.

You might prefer the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card if: earning cash back on your everyday spending aligns with your financial goals. This card offers 3% cash back in a category of your choice and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter), plus 1% on all other purchases. While the introductory 0% APR period for purchases and balance transfers is slightly shorter at 15 billing cycles, this card can still provide substantial savings on interest while rewarding your spending habits.

MoneyGeek's Take on the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card earns a MoneyGeek rating of 3.5 for balance transfers, indicating a solid option in this category. Cardholders enjoy 3% cash back in a category of their choice, such as gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores or home improvement/furnishings, and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. The 3% and 2% cash back is applicable on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then 1%. The card also offers a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and any balance transfers made within the first 60 days, followed by a variable APR of 18.24% to 28.24%. This card is particularly beneficial for those planning to maximize cash back rewards.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.1/ of 5

Regular APR
19.24%–29.24% variable
0% APR Offer
0% intro for 15 billing cycles
Balance Transfer Offer
0% intro for 15 billing cycles for any balance tra...
Rewards Summary
Earn 1% – 3% cash back
Recommended Credit
670–850 (Good to Excellent)

MoneyGeek's Take on the BankAmericard® Credit Card

The BankAmericard Credit Card is a straightforward financial tool designed for those looking to manage existing debt or avoid interest on new purchases. With a MoneyGeek Balance Transfer Score of 4.1 out of 5, this card stands out in its category for those seeking to consolidate and pay down balances. With no annual fee and a generous 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles, its an attractive option for individuals with a recommended credit score of 670 to 850 (good to excellent). While it doesn't offer rewards, its value lies in its potential to reduce interest costs and simplify payments.

BankAmericard® Credit Card
Credit Card logo for BankAmericard® Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.4/ of 5

Regular APR
16.24% – 26.24% variable
0% APR Offer
0% intro APR for first 18 billing cycles
Balance Transfer Offer
0% intro APR for first 18 billing cycles
Rewards Summary
N/A
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)

Details Comparison: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. BankAmericard Credit Card

We compare APRs, fees, required credit, rewards, introductory offers and other features. This side-by-side analysis enables you to weigh the financial benefits and costs of each card. For instance, if you frequently dine out, the Customized Cash Rewards card's option to earn 3% cash back on dining could be your best choice. Conversely, if you're planning a balance transfer and want a longer introductory APR period, the BankAmericard might be more appealing. Use this section to align the card's benefits with your spending habits and financial goals.

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    Regular APR

    The BankAmericard Credit Card offers a lower regular APR range of 16.24% to 26.24% variable, making it more favorable for those seeking lower interest rates. In contrast, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card has a higher APR range of 18.24% to 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.

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    Annual Fee

    Both cards have a $0 annual fee. This makes them equally attractive for users looking to avoid yearly charges.

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    Introductory 0% APRs

    The BankAmericard® Credit Card offers a longer 0% intro APR period for both purchases and balance transfers, lasting for the first 18 billing cycles, compared to the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card, which provides this rate for the first 15 billing cycles.

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    Rewards

    The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card is better for rewards, offering 3% cash back on a category of choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and 1% on all other purchases. In contrast, the BankAmericard® Credit Card does not offer any rewards. For those interested in maximizing cash back from their credit card, exploring more cash back options is advisable.

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    Welcome Offers

    The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card is better for welcome offers with its $200 online cash rewards for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days, whereas the BankAmericard® Credit Card offers no welcome bonus.

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    Recommended Credit Score

    Both cards require a credit score range of 670 to 850 (good to excellent). There is no difference in the recommended credit score for the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card and the BankAmericard Credit Card.

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    Penalties and Fees

    The BankAmericard® Credit Card is better for penalties and fees due to its lack of a penalty APR. Both cards charge up to $40 for late payments and have a 3% foreign transaction fee. However, only the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card has a penalty APR of up to 29.99% Variable APR, making the BankAmericard® more favorable in this aspect.

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    Issuer Satisfaction

    Both the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card and the BankAmericard® Credit Card are issued by Bank of America, which has an issuer satisfaction rating of 4.5. Neither card has an advantage in terms of issuer satisfaction.

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    Other Features & Perks

    Both the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card and the BankAmericard Credit Card offer a range of perks. Bank of America offers preferred rewards members 25% to 75% extra cash back on everyday purchases. BankAmerica offers a foreign transaction fee of $10 or 3% (5% for cash advances for overseas).

FAQ: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card vs. BankAmericard Credit Card

What are the main differences in rewards between the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card and the BankAmericard Credit Card?
How do the APRs compare between the two cards after the introductory period?
Are there any differences in balance transfer fees between the two cards?
Which card would be better for someone with a good credit score?
Do either of the cards offer foreign transaction fee waivers?

About Doug Milnes, CFA


Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.


*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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