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Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card review Top-notch flat-rate rewards

One of your best options when you’re eligible for Preferred Rewards. Written by Credit Card Reviews Writer Bankrate expert Garrett Yarbrough strives to make navigating credit cards and credit building smooth sailing for his readers. After regularly featuring his credit card, Oct. 3, 2022 Edited by Credit Cards Editor Nouri Zarrugh is a writer and editor for CreditCards.com and Bankrate, focusing on product news, guides and reviews. His areas of expertise include credit card strategy, rewards Reviewed by Editor Oct. 3, 2022

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Snapshot

3.8 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. star icon star icon star icon star icon star icon star icon star icon star icon star icon star icon Bottom line The Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards card is free to keep in your wallet, so there’s not much risk in applying. However, unless you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member with a large balance across your checking, savings and eligible investment accounts, the card’s value will likely be eclipsed by other flat-rate cash back options. But, if you keep an average of at least $50,000 in your Bank of America or eligible Merrill accounts, the Unlimited Cash Rewards card should be at the top of your list. on Bank of America's secure site

18 Billing Cycles Intro APR Best for Bank of America customers

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

Rewards rate Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Annual fee Intro offer $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening Regular APR Recommended Credit Score A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card overview

If you're a Bank of America customer with significant checking, savings or investment account balances, the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards card will prove quite valuable thanks to the Preferred Rewards program, which can boost your flat rate as high as 2.62 percent. This increased rate would make the Unlimited Cash Rewards card not just one of the best flat-rate cash back cards, but possibly the highest-earning flat-rate card on the market today. Continue reading to learn more about the Unlimited Cash Rewards card's best features, where it stands among competing cards and whether it's a good fit for your wallet.

What are the advantages and disadvantages

Pros

1.5 percent cash back on all purchases with no spending limit This card does not charge an annual fee, so you won’t have to use earnings to offset this cost Preferred Rewards members earn 25 to 75 percent more cash back on all purchases 0 percent intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers (made within the first 60 days) for 18 billing cycles, plus a low ongoing 16.99 percent to 26.99 percent variable APR

Cons

This card doesn’t offer many unique benefits to distinguish itself from other 1.5 percent flat-rate cash back cards

A deeper look into the current card offer

Quick highlights

Rewards rate: Unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases Welcome offer: $200 online bonus cash rewards after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days Annual fee: $0 Purchase intro APR: 0 percent for 18 billing cycles Balance transfer intro APR: 0 percent for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. A 3 percent fee (min. $10) applies. Regular APR: 16.99 percent to 26.99 percent Variable

Current welcome offer

By spending $1,000 on purchases within your first 90 days with the card, you'll earn a $200 online cash rewards welcome bonus. That's a decent, standard for a no annual fee cash back card, but you can get a slightly better value with a lower spending requirement. Some cards like the offer the same $200 bonus for only spending $500 within the first three months. Still, $1,000 is an easy threshold to meet in three months, so the spending requirement isn't a big deal in this case.

Rewards rate

The Bank of America Unlimited Cash is a , which is the perfect if you prefer a no-hassle rewards program or your spending falls outside of typical bonus categories and their spending limits.

How you earn

Earning rewards with the Unlimited Cash card couldn't be easier. You'll collect 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases, no matter how much you spend or where you shop. The only expenses that generally won't earn rewards are account costs like balance transfers, cash advances, fees, interest charges and fraudulent charges (naturally). - like lottery tickets - generally don't earn rewards either. Check with Bank of America for the specific reward restrictions related to your card.

How to redeem

Bank of America provides a solid list of redemption options for your cash rewards: A direct deposit to your Bank of America checking or savings account A credit to an eligible Merrill account, including 529 accounts A to your card Although you won't be able to redeem for other cash back options like gift cards, merchandise or travel - as you can with - don't worry because these aren't typically the most practical options for cash back anyway. In order to redeem for a qualifying Merrill 529 account credit, you'll need to have at least $25 in cash rewards. Automatic redemptions are also available starting at $25, but only for eligible Bank of America account direct deposits and contributions to non-529 Merrill accounts.

How much are the rewards worth

As with most cash back cards, each percentage point of your cash back rate will earn you 1 cent per dollar of your purchase. That means you'll earn 1.5 cents per dollar spent with the Unlimited Cash card. Bank of America Preferred Rewards members will get extra value per dollar spent, either 1.87 cents, 2.25 cents or 2.62 cents depending on your checking, savings and investment account balances, instead of the base 1.5 cents.

Other cardholder perks

Bank of America cards typically don't carry a heavy roster of benefits outside of features, but the Preferred Rewards and BankAmeriDeals programs can sprinkle a bit more cash back onto your spending.

Bank of America Preferred Rewards

Perhaps the most valuable benefit with Bank of America credit cards is the boosted rewards rate you'll earn if you're eligible to become a . By keeping a certain minimum three-month average balance across your Bank of America accounts, you may automatically qualify for one of three status levels that award you a bevy of banking benefits, including a 25 percent to 75 percent rewards rate bonus: Preferred Rewards Gold (at least a $20,000 balance): 25 percent boost for 1.87 percent cash back on all purchases Preferred Rewards Platinum (at least a $50,000 balance): 50 percent boost for 2.25 percent cash back on all purchases Preferred Rewards Platinum Honors (at least a $100,000 balance): 75 percent boost for 2.62 percent cash back on all purchases

Visa Signature perks

The Unlimited Cash is branded as a Visa Signature card and comes with a few staple perks. Bank of America states you'll receive extended warranty coverage, 24/7 pay-per-use Roadside Dispatch, travel and emergency assistance services along with ID Navigator credit monitoring via NortonLifeLock. The total list of includes special privileges and discounts with select merchants, so be sure to contact Bank of America to confirm your card's benefits.

BankAmeriDeals and Museums on Us

These two benefits come with all Bank of America credit cards and are exclusive to Bank of America. is the issuer's limited-time offer program, similar to Amex Offers or Chase Offers, which lets you activate promotional offers in your account to get an extra 5 to 15 percent cash back at participating merchants (like select restaurants). You'll also be able to earn "coins" that unlock higher reward offers for regularly using the program. Museums On Us is a bit more niche, but it's also available for Bank of America debit cards and perfect for museum lovers. Simply presenting your Bank of America card and a valid photo ID during the first weekend of every month has provided cardholders free admission to over for more than 20 years.

Rates and fees

The Unlimited Cash card doesn't charge an annual fee, so you don't have to worry about earning enough rewards to maintain your account each year. And if you're considering , the card is a worthwhile option, since its 0 percent intro APR for balance transfers (made within the first 60 days) and purchase is longer than the 12 month you'll find on many competing cards. The 16.99 percent to 26.99 percent variable APR afterward is also lower than some competitors' - the low-end is even below the . Just be aware of the 3 percent (or $10, whichever is greater) balance transfer fee. There's also a 3 percent foreign transaction fee in case you decide to use your card while you travel, which would more than eat through any cash back you'd earn.

How the Unlimited Cash Rewards card compares to other cash back cards

The Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card is a strong choice among flat-rate cash back card with no annual fee, especially due to its potential for boosted rewards through the Preferred Rewards program. However, individuals that are loyal to another bank or do not qualify for the higher tiers of this program may find more value from other cards in this category.

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

star icon star icon star icon star icon star icon star icon star icon star icon star icon star icon Bankrate Score Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. on Bank of America's secure site Annual fee Intro offer $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening Rewards rate Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Recommended credit A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

on Chase's secure site Annual fee Intro offer Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back! Rewards rate Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service 1.5% on all other purchases Recommended credit A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

on Bank of America's secure site Annual fee Intro offer $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening Rewards rate Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases). Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases). Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases. Recommended credit A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards vs Chase Freedom Unlimited

Other credit cards that carry higher cash back rates with , like the , may also be more valuable reward-wise, depending on how much you spend and if your spending is more tailored to specific categories. The Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards is ideal for people who cast a wide net on spending and can benefit most from earning on all purchases. The Chase Freedom Unlimited is one of the most lucrative rewards cards available, especially if you spend highly on travel and are a fan of Chase's Ultimate Rewards portal. Both cards are fairly cost-effective, since neither has an annual fee and the barrier of entry is the same for both cards, as you'll need at least good to excellent credit for feasible approval (a score between 670 and 850 on the FICO scale). When it comes to getting a break on interest, the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards wins out marginally, as the intro APR offers on both balance transfers and purchases are three months longer than Chase Freedom Unlimited's. The ongoing APR is also slightly lower for the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards, though it would still be fairly costly to carry a balance on either card once the APR offers end. It's also interesting to note that even though you'll be rewarded higher for travel purchases through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal with the Chase Freedom Unlimited, the card still charges a foreign transaction fee, making it a less ideal payment option once you reach your overseas destination. Overall the key differentiator between the two will come down to your spending habits: if you spend broadly across categories and you're able to qualify for Preferred Rewards, the Bank of America Unlimited Rewards card wins out. If you want to earn a higher rewards rate in key spending categories like travel and dining, you may opt for the Chase Freedom Unlimited.

Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards vs Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards

Similarly, the Unlimited Cash Rewards card's sibling, the , may earn more cash back based on your spending habits and gives you than the competition. It lets you choose from one of six 3 percent cash back categories that can be swapped each month, plus 2 percent back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. The only drawback is that the 3 percent and 2 percent categories share a $2,500 quarterly spending limit, after which you'll earn 1 percent back. Even so, maxing out these categories (with the remaining spend earning 1 percent) would net you $359 per year. You'd need to spend about $8,034 more per year to earn that much cash back with the Unlimited Cash card. If you value a bit more flexibility and autonomy when it comes to where you earn the most on your spending, we'd recommend going with the Customized Cash Rewards card, as you'll be able to pick your highest-earning spending category from the eligible options. You'd also benefit even more if you qualify for Preferred Rewards, as this perk extends to both the Customized Cash Rewards and the Unlimited Cash Rewards cards. Both cards have the same ongoing APR and the same intro APR offers, so you won't see much difference between cards when it comes to carrying a balance. Again, if you want to earn a bit more across all of your purchases, with no spending caps to worry about, the Unlimited Cash Rewards may be the better choice for you.

Best cards to pair with this card

In order to , your best move would be to pair it with a credit card that earns higher cash back on your most popular bonus categories. If you bank with Bank of America or are a Preferred Rewards member, the Customized Cash Rewards card is a prime partner. Its choice category flexibility allows you to squeeze the most cash back from your biggest expenses, while the Unlimited Cash card can earn more cash back on purchases outside your categories or beyond the quarterly spending cap.

Bankrate s Take - Is the Unlimited Cash Rewards card worth it

The Bank of America Unlimited Cash card lands a notch above what's considered a standard flat-rate cash back card, but the only unique advantages Bank of America offers to set itself apart from the crowd are its Preferred Rewards, BankAmeriDeals and Museums On Us programs. The Unlimited Cash might be the best unlimited flat-rate cash back card available if you have at least $50,000 sitting in the bank to earn 2.25 percent cash back with Platinum Preferred Rewards status (up to 2.62 percent with $100,000 and Platinum Honors status). However, many cardholders looking for a no annual fee card may not have that much money in their accounts, so a cash back card with a 2 percent flat rate or higher bonus category rates is probably a more worthwhile option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need to apply for the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards card

Bank of America recommends having a good to excellent credit score on the FICO scale for feasible approval for the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards card. Numerically, you would need a score between 670 and 850 on the FICO scale.

What does unlimited cash back mean

When a card offers unlimited cash back rewards, it means that you’ll earn a certain rate of cash back on all purchases and there are no spending caps on your earnings.

How long does it take to redeem cash rewards

After redeeming your rewards, you can expect to receive your cash back for purchases in that billing cycle once the billing statement is generated — typically within 30 days of that purchase.

Cardholders can redeem cash rewards whenever, and at any amount, unless redeeming for an eligible Merrill 529 account one-time contribution or a check, which requires at least $25 of cash rewards first. Automatic direct deposit redemptions to a Bank of America or Merrill account also have a $25 cash back minimum.

How do I get my welcome bonus from Bank of America

Instead of receiving a statement credit or direct deposit, the $200 intro offer (must spend $1,000 on purchases within your first 90 days) will be posted to your online rewards balance within eight to 12 weeks after you qualify. As a result, you can redeem your cash rewards for whichever method of cash back you prefer: direct deposits into a Bank of America savings or checking account, a credit to an eligible Merrill account or a statement credit to pay down your balance.

Do Bank of America cash rewards expire

As long as your account remains open, active and in good standing, your cash rewards will not expire.

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Written by Garrett Yarbrough Credit Card Reviews Writer Bankrate expert Garrett Yarbrough strives to make navigating credit cards and credit building smooth sailing for his readers. After regularly featuring his credit card, credit monitoring and identity theft analysis on NextAdvisor.com, he joined the CreditCards.com and Bankrate.com teams as a staff writer to develop product reviews and comprehensive credit card guides focused on cash back, credit scores and card offers. Edited by Credit Cards Editor Reviewed by Editor

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