American Express Platinum vs Bank of America Customized Cash
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
American Express Platinum wins 3-2. Heavy travelers wanting Centurion Lounge access + status credits. Bank of America Customized Cash is still the right call if choose your 3% category each month — no rotation needed..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Platinum | Bank of America Customized Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $695 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 5% (travel) | · 3% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months | = $200 cash rewards after $1,000 spend in 90 days |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 720 | 670 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.3/5 |
Benefits compared
American Express Platinum
- 5x points on flights booked direct or via amextravel
- Centurion Lounge + Priority Pass + Delta SkyClub access
- $200 annual airline fee credit + $200 Uber Cash
- $200 hotel credit + $189 CLEAR credit
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold + Hilton Honors Gold status
- No foreign transaction fees
Bank of America Customized Cash
- 3% on category of your choice (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, home improvement)
- 2% at grocery stores + wholesale clubs (up to $2,500/quarter combined)
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
FAQ
›American Express Platinum vs Bank of America Customized Cash: which is better?
American Express Platinum wins on more dimensions (3 vs 2). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use American Express Platinum for its best categories, Bank of America Customized Cash for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
American Express Platinum: 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months. Bank of America Customized Cash: $200 cash rewards after $1,000 spend in 90 days.