Bank of America Travel Rewards vs Bank of America Customized Cash
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Bank of America Travel Rewards | Bank of America Customized Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | = No annual fee | = No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 1.5% (general) | 3% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | 1.5% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 25,000 online bonus points after $1,000 in first 90 days (~$250 travel) | = $200 cash rewards after $1,000 spend in 90 days |
| Fee waiver threshold | = N/A (no fee) | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 700 | 670 |
| Editorial rating | = 4.3/5 | = 4.3/5 |
Benefits compared
Bank of America Travel Rewards
- 1.5x points on every purchase
- Up to 75% bonus for Preferred Rewards clients (1.5x → 2.625x)
- Points redeem against any travel purchase, no blackout dates
- No foreign transaction fees
- No annual fee
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
›Bank of America Travel Rewards vs Bank of America Customized Cash: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Bank of America Travel Rewards wins on 2 criteria, Bank of America Customized Cash on 2.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Bank of America Travel Rewards 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?
Bank of America Travel Rewards: 25,000 online bonus points after $1,000 in first 90 days (~$250 travel). Bank of America Customized Cash: $200 cash rewards after $1,000 spend in 90 days.