The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card offers a unique opportunity to build or rebuild credit while earning unlimited cash back on all purchases. With a minimum security deposit of $200 and a maximum of $5,000, cardholders can establish their credit limit. There's no limit to the cash back rewards earned, which accrue at a rate of 1.5% on all purchases. Plus, users gain access to their FICO® Score monthly, helping them monitor their credit health.
Key Features
- Credit Building. The card assists users in establishing, strengthening, or rebuilding their credit history by reporting to major credit bureaus. Timely payments and responsible credit usage can positively impact credit scores over time.
- Unlimited Cash Back. Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, providing a simple and straightforward rewards system without rotating categories or spending caps.
- Security Deposit. A minimum security deposit of $200 (up to $5,000 maximum) is required to open the account, helping users manage their spending within a predetermined limit while establishing credit.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Simple Cash Back Structure. Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no rotating categories or activation required, providing consistent rewards on everyday spending.
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No Cash Back Expiration. Cash rewards remain valid as long as the account remains open, allowing users to accumulate rewards at their own pace without the pressure of expiration dates.
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FICO® Score Access. Cardholders can access their FICO® Score for free each month, providing valuable insights into their credit health and progress over time.
Cons
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High APR. The card features a relatively high variable APR of 29.24%, which can result in significant interest charges if the balance is not paid in full each month.
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Limited Rewards Redemption Options. While cash back rewards can be redeemed for statement credits, direct deposits, or purchases on Amazon or through PayPal, there may be fewer redemption options compared to other rewards cards.
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Penalty Fees. Late payments may result in penalty fees of up to $40, adding to the overall cost of maintaining the card if not managed responsibly.
How to Apply for a Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured® Credit Card
Online
Go to website
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Explore Credit Card Options. Browse through the available credit card options to find the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card. Click on the card to access more details.
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Review Card Details. Take your time to review the features, benefits, and terms of the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card to ensure it meets your needs.
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Initiate Application. Look for the "Apply Now" button to start the application process. Click on it to proceed.
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Fill Out Application Form. Complete the online application form with accurate personal, financial, and contact information as required. Ensure all fields are filled correctly.
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Submit Application. After filling out the form, review the information provided to avoid any errors. Once satisfied, submit your application.
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Wait for Approval. After submission, the bank will review your application. You may receive an instant decision or have to wait a few days for a response.
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Receive Card. If approved, your Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card will be mailed to the address provided during the application process.
Mobile App
Go to AppStore
Go to Google Play
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Log In or Register. Open the Bank of America mobile app and log in to your existing online banking account. If you're a new user, you may need to register for mobile banking by providing your account details and creating login credentials.
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Navigate to Credit Cards. Once logged in, navigate to the section of the app dedicated to credit cards or banking products. This may be accessible from the main menu or homepage.
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Find Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Card. Look for the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card among the available options. Tap on the card to view more details.
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Start Application. Locate the option to apply for the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card within the app. It may be labeled as "Apply Now" or something similar. Tap on it to initiate the application process.
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Complete Application Form. Fill out the application form provided in the app with accurate information, including personal, financial, and contact details. Double-check for accuracy before proceeding.
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Submit Application. After completing the form, review the information provided to ensure accuracy. Once verified, submit your application through the mobile app.
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Wait for Response. The bank will review your application. Depending on their process, you may receive an instant decision or have to wait for a few days to receive a response.
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Receive Confirmation. If approved, you'll receive confirmation within the app or via email. Your Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card will be mailed to the address provided during the application process.
Branch Application
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Research and Preparation. Begin by researching the various credit cards offered by Bank of America to determine which best suits your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as rewards, interest rates, annual fees, and benefits.
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Gather Necessary Documents. Collect all required documents, such as a valid photo ID (e.g., driver's license or passport), Social Security number, proof of income (e.g., pay stubs or tax returns), and any other relevant financial information.
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Visit a Bank of America Branch. Locate the nearest Bank of America branch by using the Bank of America website or mobile app. Plan your visit during the branch’s operating hours.
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Meet with a Bank of America Representative. Once at the branch, request to speak with a representative about applying for a credit card. The representative will guide you through the process, answer any questions, and provide you with the necessary forms.
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Complete the Application Form. Fill out the application form provided by the representative. Ensure all information is accurate, including personal details, employment information, and financial data.
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Submit Your Application. After completing the form, submit it to the representative along with your supporting documents. The representative will review your application for completeness and accuracy.
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Wait for Approval. The representative will submit your application for processing. Approval times can vary; in some cases, you may receive an instant decision, while others may require further review. You will be notified of the decision by mail or email.
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Receive Your Card. If approved, your new Bank of America credit card will be mailed to you. Upon receiving your card, follow the instructions to activate it and begin using it to earn rewards and manage your finances effectively.
Infographic
Eligibility Requirements
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Age. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, or 21 years old if a permanent resident of Puerto Rico.
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Residential Address. Residential address must be in one of the following locations. any of the 50 United States, Washington D.C., APO/FPO/DPO, Guam, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, or U.S. Virgin Islands.
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Credit Report Authorization. Applicants authorize Bank of America, N.A. to obtain their credit report(s), employment history, and other relevant information to approve or decline the application and manage the account.
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Credit History. The card may not be available to individuals who currently have or have had the card in the preceding 24-month period.
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Financial Stability. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to manage credit responsibly based on factors such as income, credit history, and ability to pay the credit line established.
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Authorized User Additions. To add an authorized user to the account, the primary cardholder must obtain expressed permission from the individual and acknowledge sharing certain information about them with Bank of America.
Reasons You May Be Denied a Credit Card
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Insufficient Credit History. If you have a limited credit history or no credit history at all, the issuer may be unable to assess your creditworthiness, which could result in a denial of your credit card application.
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Low Credit Score. A low credit score, often indicative of past financial difficulties or missed payments, may lead to a denial of your credit card application. Credit scores below a certain threshold may be considered risky by the issuer.
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High Debt-to-Income Ratio. If you have a high debt-to-income ratio, meaning you have significant outstanding debt relative to your income, the issuer may view you as a higher credit risk and deny your application.
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Recent Bankruptcy. If you have filed for bankruptcy recently, you may be denied a credit card as it indicates financial instability and an increased risk for the issuer.
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Delinquent Accounts. If you have a history of late payments, defaults, or delinquent accounts on your credit report, it may signal to the issuer that you are not financially responsible and may lead to a denial of your application.
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Multiple Recent Credit Applications. Applying for multiple credit cards or loans within a short period, especially if accompanied by rejections, may raise concerns for the issuer about your financial stability and lead to a denial.
How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt
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Access Your Account. Sign in to your Bank of America online banking account or mobile app to access your credit card information.
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Review Your Balance. Take a moment to examine your outstanding balance, including any accumulated interest or fees.
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Choose a Payment Method. Determine how you wish to proceed with your payment. Bank of America provides several convenient options, such as online banking, mobile banking, in-person at a financial center or ATM, by phone, or through the mail.
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Online Payment. If you opt for online payment, log in to your account, proceed to the bill pay section, and follow the prompts to initiate a payment. You can select to pay the minimum amount due, the full balance, or a customized amount.
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Mobile Payment. Alternatively, you can utilize the Bank of America mobile banking app to complete a payment. Choose your Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card account and follow the prompts to finalize the payment process.
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In-Person Payment. For those preferring in-person transactions, visit a Bank of America financial center or ATM. You can make a payment using cash, a check, or your debit card at the ATM, or seek assistance from a representative at the financial center.
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Phone Payment. To make a payment over the phone, dial the Bank of America customer service number and follow the automated instructions to navigate to the payment section. From there, you can complete the payment using your checking account or debit card.
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Mail Payment. Lastly, if mailing your payment suits your preference, utilize the payment address provided on your billing statement. Ensure to include your Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card account number on the check or money order and allow adequate time for delivery.
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Confirm Payment. Following your payment submission, verify that it has been successfully processed. You can check your account balance online or via the mobile app to confirm the payment's application to your Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card debt.
Editorial Opinion
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card offers a straightforward way to build or rebuild credit by reporting to major credit bureaus and providing access to a free monthly FICO® Score. Cardholders earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no expiration on rewards, making it an attractive option for those seeking consistent benefits without the hassle of rotating categories. However, the card comes with a high APR of 29.24%, which could lead to substantial interest charges if balances are not paid off monthly. Additionally, while the rewards redemption options are somewhat limited, the requirement for a security deposit helps users manage their spending within set limits. Penalty fees for late payments add another layer of responsibility for cardholders to consider.
Additional Resources
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