Accelerated Cash Rewards™ Credit Card Review: Maximizing Your Cash Back
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Accelerated Cash Rewards™ Credit Card Review: Maximizing Your Cash Back

Accelerated Cash Rewards card review: Flat-rate cash back, no fee, Bank of America perks analyzed.

July 1, 2025

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What Is the Accelerated Cash Rewards Credit Card?

The Accelerated Cash Rewards™ credit card is a cash back rewards credit card offered by Bank of America. This card is designed for consumers who want to earn cash back on their everyday purchases without the complexity of rotating bonus categories or tiered rewards structures. With a straightforward earning rate and no annual fee, it's positioned as a simple yet effective option for those seeking to maximize their credit card rewards.

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Accelerated Cash Rewards™ Credit Card Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Flat-rate cash back on all purchases
  • No annual fee
  • Potential for boosted rewards through Bank of America Preferred Rewards program
  • Introductory APR offer for new cardholders
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons:

  • No bonus categories for increased cash back
  • No welcome offer (as of the last update)
  • Requires good to excellent credit for approval
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Who Is the Accelerated Cash Rewards™ Credit Card For?

The Accelerated Cash Rewards™ credit card is ideal for:

  1. Simplicity seekers: Those who prefer a straightforward rewards structure without tracking bonus categories.
  2. Everyday spenders: Consumers who make a variety of purchases and want to earn cash back on all of them.
  3. Bank of America customers: Particularly those enrolled in the Preferred Rewards program, who can boost their earnings.
  4. No-fee enthusiasts: People who want to avoid annual credit card fees while still earning rewards.
  5. Travelers: The lack of foreign transaction fees makes it suitable for international use.
More:

Comparing Accelerated Cash Rewards with Other Credit Cards

When considering the Accelerated Cash Rewards, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the cash back credit card category:

Chase Freedom Unlimited®:

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Welcome offer: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
  • Key rewards: 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on all other purchases
  • Standout feature: Flexible redemption options including cash back, travel, and gift cards

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card:

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Welcome offer: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
  • Key rewards: 3% on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores
  • Standout feature: No foreign transaction fees

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (See Rates & Fees):

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Welcome offer: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
  • Key rewards: 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout
  • Standout feature: This card offers a generous intro of APR on purchases and balance transfers

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.

Key Takeaways:

  • Accelerated Cash Rewards is designed for consumers who want to earn cash back on their everyday purchases without the complexity of rotating bonus categories or tiered rewards structures
  • Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers diverse category bonuses
  • Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card rewards dining and entertainment spending
  • Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express provides strong rewards on everyday purchases

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Consider Using Kudos

While the Accelerated Cash Rewards card offers a solid cash back rate, savvy consumers looking to maximize their credit card rewards might want to consider using Kudos. Kudos is a free AI-powered browser extension that helps you get the most out of your credit cards when shopping online.

With Kudos, you can:

  • Receive personalized credit card recommendations for each purchase
  • Access rewards from over 15,000 stores
  • Multiply your rewards up to 5X during exclusive "Flash Boost" events
  • Discover new cards that align with your spending habits

If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. They're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.

Our Expert Takeaway

The Accelerated Cash Rewards credit card is a solid choice for those who value simplicity in their credit card rewards. Its flat-rate cash back structure eliminates the need to track bonus categories or adjust spending habits to maximize rewards. The lack of an annual fee and foreign transaction fees adds to its appeal, making it a versatile option for both domestic and international use.

However, the card's true potential shines for Bank of America customers, especially those enrolled in the Preferred Rewards program. The ability to boost cash back earnings through this program can significantly increase the card's value proposition.

For big spenders in specific categories like groceries, dining, or travel, other cards with bonus categories might provide more value. Additionally, the lack of a sign-up bonus may be a drawback for those looking for immediate rewards.

In conclusion, the Accelerated Cash Rewards™ card is an excellent choice for consumers seeking a no-fuss cash back card with no annual fee. It's particularly valuable for existing Bank of America customers who can leverage the Preferred Rewards program. However, to truly maximize your rewards across all your credit cards, consider pairing it with a tool like Kudos to ensure you're always using the best card for each purchase.

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Accelerated Cash Rewards™ Credit Card FAQ

Is there an annual fee for the Accelerated Cash Rewards™ credit card?

No, there is no annual fee for this card.

How does the cash back rewards program work?

The card offers a flat rate of cash back on all purchases, with no caps or expiration dates on rewards.

Can I boost my rewards with this card?

Yes, if you're enrolled in the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program, you can increase your cash back rate based on your tier.

Are there foreign transaction fees?

No, this card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international travel.

How can I redeem my cash rewards?

You can redeem your rewards for statement credits, deposits into eligible Bank of America accounts, or credit to eligible Merrill accounts.

Is there an introductory APR offer?

Yes, the card typically offers an introductory APR period for new purchases and balance transfers. Check the current offer for specific details.

What credit score do I need to qualify for this card?

Generally, you'll need a good to excellent credit score (typically 670 or higher) to be approved for this card.

Remember, while the Accelerated Cash Rewards™ card offers solid benefits, using a tool like Kudos can help you maximize rewards across all your credit cards, ensuring you're always getting the best return on your spending.

Unlock your extra benefits when you become a Kudos member

$100 Kudos Kickstart+: Unlock $100 in Kickstart+ Rewards by adding select approved cards to your Kudos Wallet.
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Approval odds: Get the most detailed analysis based on your credit report.
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Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase of $30.00 or more.

Turn your online shopping into even more rewards

Stack your rewards like a pro: Earn even more, on top of your credit card’s rewards, just by shopping with Kudos.
Maximize rewards without thinking twice: At checkout, Kudos autofills your best card, so you always earn the most rewards.
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Maximize your wallet beyond shopping. Kudos helps you track your spending, stay on top of your credit card perks, and provides you actionable insights based on your spend.

Join over 400,000 members simplifying their finances

Maximize card rewards: earn Kudos Boost rewards when you shop at your favorite stores.
Stay on top of your finances: monitor your transactions, spend, and credit score.
Discover new credit cards: get personally matched for a card that will earn you the most based on your spend history.
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Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase of $30.00 or more.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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