Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
vs. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Both the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card offer enticing cash back rewards and no annual fees, appealing if you’re seeking straightforward value from your credit card. The Quicksilver edges ahead with its higher overall cash back score and the simplicity of its rewards program.

But the BofA Customized Cash's higher cash back in customizable categories should not be overlooked, especially for if you can maximize your chosen categories. Ultimately, the best card for you depends on your preference for simplicity versus customization in earning rewards.

You might prefer the BofA Customized Cash if you're confident you can maximize the 3% cash back in categories you frequently spend in, such as gas or online shopping, and you're comfortable with the combined spend limit on these rewards. The card's introductory offers and potential for extra rewards for preferred members can also be quite lucrative if you meet the credit requirements.

You might prefer the Quicksilver if you value a straightforward rewards program with a flat cash back rate on all purchases. This card is particularly appealing if you travel and book hotels or rental cars, as you'll earn an impressive 5% cash back through Capital One Travel. The lower spend required to earn the welcome bonus also makes it accessible if you don’t spend as much.

Evaluating features like APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and introductory offers will clarify which card is for you. For instance, if maximizing cash back in specific categories is your goal, the BofA Customized Cash might appeal to you, whereas the Quicksilver offers simplicity with a flat cash back rate on all purchases.

The BofA Customized Cash card edges out the Quicksilver in rewards potential, particularly if you spend heavily in one category. With the ability to choose a 3% cash back category, the BofA card caters to customized spending.

But the Quicksilver's flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases offers simplicity and consistent value, especially if your spending doesn't align with common bonus categories. While Quicksilver doesn't lead in specific categories, its 5% cash back on travel booked through Capital One Travel is notable for frequent travelers.

BofA Customized Cash Categories

For BofA Customized Cash, eligible spending categories for the 3% cash back include gas (now including electric vehicle charging stations), online shopping (now including cable, streaming, internet, and phone services), dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvements and furnishings. There's a combined spend limit on 2% and 3% categories each quarter, so strategic planning can maximize rewards.

The table showcases the bonus categories for both cards to help you compare at a glance.

Both the BofA Customized Cash and Quicksilver cards offer flexibility and ease. With the former, you can redeem your cash back directly as a deposit or statement credit, among other options, without worrying about expiration as long as your account is active.

Similarly, the Quicksilver allows for redemption through statement credits, checks, and gift cards. Additionally, Quicksilver offers the convenience of automatic redemption at set times or when certain thresholds are met, with the assurance that rewards remain valid for the life of the account.

MoneyGeek analyzes credit cards like Quicksilver and BofA Customized Cash for various use cases. This approach ensures that the score reflects the card's performance in the scenario where it provides the most value.

For cash back cards, the primary factors we consider are the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. These elements — along with annual fees, introductory purchase rates and issuer satisfaction — contribute to a card's overall score.