Customized Cash Rewards for Students: Choose Your 3% Cashback Category

Earn 6% cashback in the category you choose during the first year and 3% cashback thereafter, plus 2% cashback at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cashback on all other purchases, with no annual fee and a simple way to build credit.

Olena
By Olena | Jun 13, 2026 at 8:36 PM EST

The Bottom Line

4.5
BIG4CREDIT RANKING Our 5-star rating is based on Big4credit’s independent, data-driven scoring system. Each card is evaluated across multiple weighted categories – including rewards, fees, welcome offers, 0% intro APR, ongoing APR, perks, benefits, and protections. Ratings are determined solely by our research and analysis and are never influenced by card issuers or advertisers. Read about our ranking system in the Credit Card Ranking & Methodology section.
This card is one of the strongest student cashback cards for maximizing rewards while building credit. It offers 6% cashback in your chosen category during the first year, followed by 3% thereafter, plus 2% cashback at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, all with no annual fee. It is especially appealing for students who spend consistently in categories such as online shopping, dining, gas, travel, drug stores, or home improvement and furnishings.
Customized Cash Rewards for Students
Apply now

On Bank of America's Secure Website

Customized Cash Rewards for Students
Annual fee:   $0

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 15 billing cycles

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 billing cycles

Regular APR

17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR

Credit Score

New To Credit

Rewards Earn 6% cashback in the category of your choice during the first year, followed by 3% thereafter, 2% cashback at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter), and 1% cashback on all other purchases.

1% - 3% Cashback

Welcome Offer Earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in the first three months. Plus, earn 6% cashback in the category of your choice for the first year.

$200 + 6% Cashback In The Category of Your Choice for the First Year

Welcome Offer

  • Earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in the first three months.
  • First-Year Earning Boost: Earn 6% cashback in the category of your choice for the first year.

Rewards

  • 3% Cashback in One Category of Your Choice:
    • Gas & EV Charging Stations
    • Online Shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming
    • Dining
    • Travel
    • Drug Stores & Pharmacies
    • Home Improvement & Furnishings
    • Note: You can change the choice category once every calendar month.
  • 2% Cashback:
    • Grocery Stores
    • Wholesale Clubs
  • Limit on 3% and 2% Cashback: You will earn 3% and 2% cashback on up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter.
  • 1% Cashback on all other purchases.

Tip: This card works best when you select a bonus category that matches your spending habits and use the card strategically.

Redemption Options

  • Flexible Redemption: Redeem cashback as a statement credit, direct deposit to eligible Bank of America® or Merrill® accounts, or use it at Amazon.com and PayPal checkout.

Fees and APR

  • Annual Fee: $0.
  • 0% Intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers: Enjoy 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening. To qualify for the balance transfer offer, transfers must be completed within the first 60 days.
  • Regular APR: After the introductory period, a variable APR of 17.49% - 27.49% applies to purchases and balance transfers.
  • Intro Balance Transfer Fees: 3% of each transfer amount for balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening.
  • Regular Balance Transfer Fees: 5% of each transfer amount for balance transfers made after the introductory period ends.
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of each purchase transaction in U.S. dollars.

Bank Relationship Benefits

  • BofA Rewards™ Eligibility: An eligible Bank of America® personal checking account is required to enroll in BofA Rewards™.
  • Boosted Rewards for BofA Rewards™ Members: If you’re enrolled in BofA Rewards™, you can earn 10% to 75% more points.
    • Member: 10% rewards bonus
      • 3.3% cashback on the choice category
      • 2.2% cashback on grocery and Wholesale Clubs
      • 1.1% cashback on all other purchases
    • Preferred Plus: 25% rewards bonus
      • 3.75% cashback on the choice category
      • 2.5% cashback on grocery and Wholesale Clubs
      • 1.25% cashback on all other purchases
    • Preferred Honors: 50% rewards bonus
      • 4.5% cashback on the choice category
      • 3.0% cashback on grocery and Wholesale Clubs
      • 1.5% cashback on all other purchases
    • Premier: 75% rewards bonus
      • 5.25% cashback on the choice category
      • 3.5% cashback on grocery and Wholesale Clubs
      • 1.75% cashback on all other purchases
    • Note: BofA Rewards™ bonuses do not apply to the first-year cash back bonus.

» MORE: BofA Rewards™ program

Convenience Features

  • Digital wallet compatible: Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, Samsung Pay.

Buy Now, Pay Later Options

  • Custom Pay Plan: Break up eligible credit card purchases into equal monthly payments. No interest, just a fixed monthly fee.

Terms and Conditions

  • Click Apply Now to see the terms and conditions.

Tip: When this card is paired with a flat-rate cashback card for non-bonus purchases, it can become a powerful part of a long-term rewards setup.

» MORE: See Big4credit’s best credit cards for students

Potential Downsides

The downside is that the highest rewards are subject to quarterly spending caps, and maximizing value requires actively selecting and managing bonus categories.

After the first year, the rewards remain strong but are less exceptional, and students seeking maximum simplicity may prefer a flat-rate cashback card.

Share this page

Go to Top