Bank of America’s Cash Rewards Card Wins Top Honors in 2026 U.S. News Credit Card Awards

WASHINGTON, March 10, 2026 – U.S. News & World Report has announced its 2026 Credit Card Awards, recognizing top cards across 10 categories. The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card earned the Editors’ Choice Award for Best Credit Card for Essential Spending in Uncertain Times, lauded for its no annual fee and flexible cash back options.

Navigating Financial Uncertainty

The awards arrive at a time of economic concern for many Americans. According to Adriana Ocañas, consumer credit analyst at U.S. News, “The cost of everyday expenses has been steadily increasing while job markets across industries and American unemployment rates continue to experience turbulence.” The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards card addresses this by allowing cardholders to select cash back categories tailored to their needs, such as groceries, gas, dining, or pharmacy purchases.

Consumer Financial Literacy: A Paradox

A March 2026 U.S. News survey revealed a surprising disconnect: 51% of U.S. Consumers consider themselves “highly knowledgeable” about personal finances, yet 53% are unaware that their FICO score is the primary factor lenders use to assess creditworthiness. Ocañas notes, “This latest survey data reveals a concerning paradox: Consumers’ self-reported confidence in their financial knowledge remains high while foundational financial literacy has declined.”

2026 U.S. News Credit Card Awards Winners

The winning cards were selected based on a data-driven methodology considering rewards rates, sign-up bonuses, fees (annual, foreign transaction, and balance transfer), and APRs. U.S. News calculates overall scores by compiling monthly scores for top cards, with the 2026 winners achieving the highest average scores in their respective categories.

See the full list of winners here.

U.S. News & World Report: A Trusted Resource

U.S. News & World Report provides unbiased rankings, reporting, and consumer advice across various topics, including personal finance, investing, and loans. Resources and advice are available at Money.USNews.com.

For more information on the U.S. News Credit Card Awards, follow on social media using #CreditCardAwards.