AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays vs Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students earns more in 11 of the 14 categories we track. Neither has an annual fee.
The basics
| Detail | AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Card type | Personal | Personal |
| Rewards | Cash Back | Cash Back |
| Each point is worth | 1.00¢ | 1.00¢ |
| Everywhere else | 1x | 1x |
| Welcome bonus | $100 after $500 in 90 days | $200 after $1,000 in 90 days |
What each earns
| Category | AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Stations | 3.0% 3x | 3.0% 3x, up to $2,500 |
| EV Charging | 1.0% 1x | 3.0% (higher) 3x, up to $2,500 |
| Amazon & Online Shopping | 1.0% 1x | 3.0% (higher) 3x, up to $2,500 |
| Dining & Restaurants | 1.0% 1x | 3.0% (higher) 3x, up to $2,500 |
| Travel | 1.0% 1x | 3.0% (higher) 3x, up to $2,500 |
| Airfare | 1.0% 1x | 3.0% (higher) 3x, up to $2,500 |
| Car Rentals | 1.0% 1x | 3.0% (higher) 3x, up to $2,500 |
| Card Travel Portals | 1.0% 1x | 3.0% (higher) 3x, up to $2,500 |
| Hotels & Lodging | 1.0% 1x | 3.0% (higher) 3x, up to $2,500 |
| Drugstores & Pharmacies | 3.0% 3x | 3.0% 3x, up to $2,500 |
| Home Improvement | 1.0% 1x | 3.0% (higher) 3x, up to $2,500 |
| Groceries | 1.0% 1x | 2.0% (higher) 2x, up to $2,500 |
| Wholesale Clubs | 1.0% 1x | 2.0% (higher) 2x, up to $2,500 |
| Everything else | 1.0% 1x | 1.0% 1x |
Returns are the points per dollar times what a point is worth, using your smart setting. Caps and rotating categories change what you actually earn. How we value rewards
The better question is which one adds more to the cards you already have.
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