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The Bank of America Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is a secured credit card option, ideal for those looking to start building or improving their credit while enjoying the benefits of a rewards card.

With the security of a deposit, this card allows you to earn cash back on everyday purchases such as gas, groceries, and even online shopping.

In this post, we will detail the key aspects of the Bank of America Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Is This Card the Best Option for You?

The Bank of America Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card might be the best option for you if:

You are starting to build or improve your credit: If your credit is limited or if you’re in the process of rebuilding it, this card can be a great option. It is secured with a deposit but still offers benefits like cash back and reports to the major credit bureaus.

You want cash back rewards: This card offers a cash back program, making it an appealing choice if you want to earn money back on your daily purchases. You can choose the category where you’d like to earn more cash back, such as groceries, gas, or online shopping.

You have good saving ability and can make the security deposit: Although it’s a secured card, you’ll need to make an initial deposit to get credit. If you’re willing to make this investment, the card offers an excellent opportunity to improve your credit.

You are already a Bank of America customer: If you already have a checking or savings account with Bank of America, you can enjoy additional benefits with the Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card, such as earning welcome bonuses and taking advantage of the bank’s account management tools.

Negative Aspects to Consider

While the Bank of America Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is a great choice for many, there are a few negative aspects to consider before making your decision:

Security deposit required: Since it is a secured card, you’ll need to make a security deposit that will be used as collateral for your credit. While this deposit is refundable, it is an amount you need to be willing to invest initially.

Relatively high interest rate: The Bank of America Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card has a relatively high interest rate (APR), especially if you don’t pay the full balance each month. Therefore, it is essential to pay your bill on time to avoid accumulating interest on your balance.

Initial credit limit: The initial credit limit will be determined by the amount of your security deposit, which means your purchasing power will be limited until you make another deposit or the bank offers a credit limit increase based on your payment behavior.

How to Apply for the Card

Visit the Official Bank of America Website:

Begin by navigating to the official Bank of America website. Look for the section dedicated to the Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card to access detailed information about its features, benefits, and eligibility criteria.

Complete the Online Application Form:

Fill out the online application form with your accurate personal and financial details. Make sure all the information is up-to-date and correct, as any inaccuracies may delay the review process.

Submit the Required Documentation:

Depending on your financial profile, you may be asked to provide additional documentation—such as proof of income, a government-issued identification, or residency verification. Having these documents prepared in advance can help expedite the application review.

Review the Terms and Conditions:

Carefully read through the terms and conditions associated with the Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card. It is essential to understand key details such as interest rates, fees, the structure of the rewards program, and other card-related terms.

Submit Your Application:

After verifying that all necessary fields are complete and all required documentation is ready, submit your application. You will receive an email confirmation along with further details about the next steps and an estimated timeframe for the review process.

Track Your Application

After applying, you can check the status of your application directly on the Bank of America website or through your online account.

If your application is approved, the Bank of America Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card will be sent to your address.

If not, you will receive a notification explaining the reason for the rejection.

Remember, if your credit is insufficient, your application may be denied, but the security deposit will still be refunded.

Associated Costs with the Credit Card

Although the Bank of America Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card offers benefits like cash back and no annual fee, it also comes with some costs that you should keep in mind:

  • Interest Rate (APR): The Bank of America Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card has a variable interest rate, which can be quite high. This means that if you don’t pay the full balance of your bill, you could end up paying much more due to interest.
  • Late Payment Fees: If you fail to pay your bill by the due date, a late fee will be charged, which can increase the overall cost of your credit.
  • Cash Advance Fees: If you use your card to make ATM withdrawals, a cash advance fee will be charged, along with higher interest on the amount withdrawn.
  • Check Payment Fees: If you pay your bill with a check, Bank of America may charge an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Credit Card

What rewards are offered by the Bank of America Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card?

The Bank of America Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card offers cash back in the following categories:

  • 2% cash back at supermarkets (up to $2,500 in purchases per quarter).
  • 3% cash back on gas.
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Additionally, customers can earn extra cash back by being a Bank of America customer, using their bank account or investment account at the bank.

How can I increase my credit limit?

Your initial credit limit is based on the amount of your security deposit.

Bank of America may increase your limit as you build your credit, but the limit increase depends on your card usage and payment behavior.

Additionally, you can add more money to your security deposit to increase your credit limit.

Does the card offer fraud protection?

Yes, the Bank of America Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card offers fraud protection with Zero Liability.

This means you will not be held responsible for unauthorized transactions as long as you notify the bank immediately.


The Bank of America Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is an excellent choice for those starting or rebuilding their credit, offering the added advantage of cash back on your daily purchases.

While the security deposit and high-interest rate may be disadvantages for some, the benefits, such as rewards and the opportunity to improve your credit, make it an attractive option.

Now that you know the key details about the Bank of America Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card, you can evaluate whether it meets your financial needs.

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