How to Stack Cash Back: Rakuten Bonuses for Bank of America Credit Cards
For strategic reward seekers, the standard welcome bonus on a recent credit card is often just the starting point. By using shopping portals like Rakuten, applicants can “stack” rewards—earning a cash bonus from the portal on top of the bank’s own sign-up incentive. Currently, Rakuten is offering significant bonus rewards for those who apply for select Bank of America credit cards through its platform.
Understanding the “Stacking” Strategy
Reward stacking occurs when you use multiple independent offers for a single transaction or application. In this case, Rakuten partners with Bank of America to incentivize new account openings. When a member clicks through the Rakuten portal to apply and is subsequently approved for a qualifying card, Rakuten provides a bonus in the form of cash back or points, which exists independently of the welcome offer provided by Bank of America.
Current Rakuten Offers for Bank of America Cards
As of April 2026, Rakuten has updated its reward tiers for two primary Bank of America products. These portal bonuses are separate from the standard bank bonuses.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards
The Travel Rewards card is designed for those who want a straightforward way to earn on travel and daily spending. According to recent updates from Frequent Miler, the Rakuten bonus for this card has been adjusted to $150 (or 15K points).
- Earning Rate: 1.5X on all purchases; 3X for travel booked through the Bank of America travel center.
- Key Features: This Visa Signature card carries no annual fee and no foreign currency conversion fees.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards
The Customized Cash Rewards card offers a more tailored approach to earning. Rakuten has recently increased the incentive for this card to $150 (or 15K points), up from the previous $75 offer reported by Frequent Miler.
This portal bonus stacks with the card’s standard welcome offer. For example, as noted by Upgraded Points, the standard offer may include a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.
Comparison of Rakuten Bonuses
| Credit Card | Rakuten Bonus (as of 4/8/26) | Key Card Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Rewards | $150 / 15K Points | No foreign transaction fees |
| Customized Cash Rewards | $150 / 15K Points | Customizable cash back categories |
How to Claim Your Bonus
To ensure the reward is tracked and credited, members must follow a specific process through the Rakuten portal:
- Join Rakuten: Create an account to begin tracking purchases and applications.
- Navigate to the Offer: Find the Bank of America credit card offer within the Rakuten store list.
- Click Through: Use the Rakuten link to be redirected to the official Bank of America application page.
- Complete Application: Apply for the card and wait for approval.
- Receive Payment: Once the qualifying purchase or approval is verified, Cash Back is added to the Rakuten account. Payments are typically issued via PayPal or check.
Key Takeaways for Applicants
- Verify the Link: You must click through from the Rakuten site to be eligible; applying directly through the bank will not trigger the Rakuten bonus.
- Check Current Rates: Portal bonuses fluctuate. As of April 8, 2026, both the Travel Rewards and Customized Cash Rewards cards offer $150/15K points.
- Standard Bonuses Still Apply: These rewards are additive, meaning you receive both the bank’s welcome bonus and Rakuten’s incentive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still obtain the Bank of America welcome bonus if I use Rakuten?
Yes. The Rakuten bonus is an additional incentive provided by the shopping portal and does not replace the standard welcome offer provided by the credit card issuer.
How long does it take to get paid by Rakuten?
Rakuten typically notifies users via email when Cash Back is added to their account. Payments are generally sent via PayPal or check as soon as 15 days after the first qualifying purchase, with subsequent payments made quarterly.
Are there any fees associated with these cards?
The Bank of America Travel Rewards card, for instance, has no annual fee. Users should always review the specific terms and conditions of the chosen card during the application process.
Final Analysis
Stacking rewards is a high-efficiency move for anyone looking to maximize the value of a new financial product. By leveraging the Rakuten portal, consumers can effectively increase the “first-year value” of their credit card. As promotional rates shift, staying updated on portal changes is essential for optimizing total returns.