Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Both the Bank of America Customized Cash and the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card offer compelling cash back rewards without an annual fee, paired with introductory APR offers. However, the Wells Fargo Active Cash edges ahead with its straightforward unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases. While BofA Customized Cash offers higher cash back in customizable categories, the simplicity and consistency of the Wells Fargo card's rewards make it a strong contender for many. Still, for those who can maximize the Bank of America card's higher reward rates in chosen categories, it remains a valuable option.

You might prefer the BofA Customized Cash if you want to maximize rewards in specific categories that align with your spending habits. With the ability to earn higher cash back in categories of your choice and additional bonuses for preferred rewards members, this card can yield significant returns for those who manage their spending categories actively.

You might prefer the Wells Fargo Active Cash if you want rewards without the need to track spending categories. The 2% cash rewards on all purchases, coupled with a lower spending requirement for the welcome bonus and additional benefits like cell phone protection, make this card a straightforward choice for everyday use.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards, introductory offers and other features will illuminate which card will suit you. For instance, if you prefer simplicity, Wells Fargo Active Cash's flat-rate rewards might appeal to you, whereas the BofA Customized Cash could be more beneficial if you maximize its bonus categories.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash offers unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases. This flat rate means you don't have to keep track of categories or spending caps. On the other hand, BofA Customized Cash allows for strategic earning with 3% cash back in a category of your choice, which could surpass the Wells Fargo card's rewards if you spend heavily in that category. The downside is the $2,500 combined spend limit on 2% and 3% categories each quarter.

For those who prefer tailored rewards, BofA Customized Cash offers the flexibility to choose from several categories for the 3% cash back option. These categories include gas — now including electric vehicle charging (EVC) stations, online shopping — now including cable, streaming, internet, and phone services, dining, travel, drug stores or home improvements and furnishings. The 2% cash back on grocery store and wholesale club purchases adds another layer of benefit, albeit with the aforementioned quarterly cap.

Following this section, you'll find a table that outlines the bonus categories for each card, allowing you to compare the rewards programs at a glance.

With the BofA Customized Cash, you can redeem your cash back directly into a Bank of America account or as a statement credit, among other choices, without worrying about expiration as long as your account is active. Similarly, the Wells Fargo Active Cash allows for redemption through various means, including direct deposit and statement credits, with the added convenience of no expiration while the account remains open.

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like BofA Customized Cash and Wells Fargo Active Cash based on their performance in various use cases. For this comparison, we focus on the cash back category, where each card's highest scores are highlighted.

The most influential factors in our cash back score include the effective reward rate, which accounts for the bulk of the score, and the return on investment for offers. Other considerations include annual fees, issuer satisfaction and recommended credit. For a deeper understanding of our process, you're welcome to read about our ranking methodology.