BEST CREDIT CARDSBEST CREDIT CARDSBEST BANK OF AMERICA CREDIT CARDS OF MARCH 2024
Introducing NerdWallet+ Earn an extra $100 worth of rewards on your next credit card, plus more rewards for making smart financial decisions.
BEST OF

Best Bank of America Credit Cards of March 2024

Updated: Mar 18, 2024
Kenley Young
Written by
Assigning Editor
Caitlin Mims
Reviewed by
Content Management Specialist
Paul Soucy
Edited by
Fact Checked
Lead Assigning Editor
Fact Checked
Kenley Young
Written by
Assigning Editor
Caitlin Mims
Reviewed by
Content Management Specialist
Paul Soucy
Edited by
Fact Checked
Lead Assigning Editor
Fact Checked
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
  • 250+ credit cards reviewed and rated by our team of experts

  • 80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

  • 100+ categories of best credit card selections (See our top picks)

  • Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.

NerdWallet's Best Bank of America Credit Cards of March 2024

Project Green Illustration
Project Green Illustration
Boost your rewards with an extra $100Create a NerdWallet account to take the first step to $100 in rewards when you get an eligible card with NerdWallet and pay your first bill on time.

To claim this reward (and more) upgrade to NerdWallet+ for $49 a year. You can earn up to $350 in rewards a year for your smart financial choices.

Best Bank of America Credit Cards From Our Partners

ELIGIBLE FOR $100 REWARD
Credit card
NerdWallet rating
Annual feeRewards rateIntro offer
Learn more
save money

Find the right credit card for you.

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Find the right credit card for you.

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Our pick for

Bonus category cash back

Our pick for

Simple cash back

Our pick for

Travel

Our pick for

Premium travel rewards

Our pick for

Balance transfers

Our pick for

Small business

BEST BANK OF AMERICA® CREDIT CARDS

Before applying, verify details on the issuer's website:

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Our pick for: Bonus category cash back

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card gives you a little more control over your credit card rewards by letting you choose which category earns the highest cash-back rate, from a list that includes gas stations, restaurants, travel, home improvement and more. You also get bonus rewards at grocery stores and supermarkets, plus a great new-cardholder bonus offer. Read our review.

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

Our pick for: Simple cash back

The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card is one of many 1.5% flat-rate cash-back cards on the market. It comes with a decent sign-up bonus, a generous intro APR period, and the potential to supercharge your earnings through the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program. Read our review.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Our pick for: Travel + no annual fee

One of the best no-annual-fee travel cards available, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card gives you a solid rewards rate on every purchase, with points that can be redeemed for any travel purchase, without the restrictions of branded airline and hotel cards. Bank of America® has an expansive definition of "travel," too, giving you additional flexibility in how you use your rewards. Read our review.

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

Our pick for: Travel perks

Like some other travel cards at its price point, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card gives you bonus rewards on travel and dining. But you also earn a higher rate on "other" spending than many competing cards offer. There's a great sign-up bonus and some other good perks. And if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® customer, your rewards get even better. Read our review.

BankAmericard® credit card

Our pick for: Balance transfers/intro 0% period

The BankAmericard® credit card isn't flashy, nor does it aim to be. You get one of the longest 0% introductory APR periods available anywhere, providing plenty of time to whittle down debt or finance a large purchase. And that's about it. Read our review.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

Our pick for: Small business cash back

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card gives entrepreneurs a little control over their credit card rewards by letting them choose which category earns the highest cash-back rate. Options include gas (EV charging stations qualify as well), office supplies, travel, computer services and more. There are also bonus rewards on dining and no annual fee. Learn more and apply.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card

Our pick for: Small business travel rewards

This is the business version of the issuer's excellent no-annual-fee travel card. The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card pays solid rewards on every purchase and gives you wide flexibility in redeeming your points for any travel purchase, without the restrictions of branded airline and hotel cards. Learn more and apply.

OTHER CARDS ISSUED BY BANK OF AMERICA®

TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS

  • Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card

STUDENT CREDIT CARDS

SECURED CREDIT CARDS

  • Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured credit card

  • Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card

  • BankAmericard® Secured credit card

PARTNER BRANDED CREDIT CARDS

  • Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® credit card

BUSINESS CREDIT CARDS

  • Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

  • Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® Secured credit card

• • •

OTHER RESOURCES

What credit score do you need to get a Bank of America® credit card? 

Standard credit cards from Bank of America® generally require good to excellent credit, often defined as a credit score of 690 or above. But credit scores are just one factor considered in credit card applications; others may include your income, credit utilization, other debts, the available credit you already have, and major recurring expenses such as your rent or mortgage.

For applicants who are building or rebuilding credit, Bank of America® offers a number of secured credit cards, which are easier to qualify for but require a cash security deposit. After establishing a history of on-time payments, secured cardholders may get their deposit back and upgrade to an unsecured version.

What are the benefits of Bank of America® credit cards?

Bank of America® credit cards come with a range of benefits, including fraud protection, purchase protection, and extended warranty benefits. All cardholders have free monthly access to their FICO credit score through TransUnion. Cash back rewards and travel points are easy to redeem, and many of the cards include attractive 0% introductory APR offers.

When using credit cards that earn travel points, such as the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card and the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card, cardholders enjoy additional travel-specific benefits like trip delay and cancellation insurance, coverage for delayed baggage, rental car coverage and a pay-per-use roadside dispatch program.

All Bank of America credit cardholders have access to the bank’s unique Museums on Us program, which offers monthly free admission to certain museums in cities across the country.

What are the interest rates on Bank of America® credit cards? 

Interest rates on Bank of America® credit cards vary widely. Many cards advertise a range of rates; the exact rate that will apply to your account depends on the card and your credit history. In general with credit cards, the better your credit, the more likely you'll qualify for a rate at the lower end of a range.

Several Bank of America® credit cards offer generous 0% introductory APR periods for new cardholders, which allow you to finance a big purchase or transfer and pay down debt without interest. Those include:

  • BankAmericard® credit card: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 16.24% - 26.24% will apply

  • Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply

  • Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply

  • Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply

What credit limit can I get with a Bank of America® credit card? 

Like most credit card issuers, Bank of America® doesn’t make any promises about credit limits prior to application. That’s because the credit limit you get depends on your credit scores, income, assets, existing debt and other factors. 

Status in the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program may also affect an applicant’s available credit limit, as this program requires maintaining a significant minimum balance in Bank of America® accounts (including Merrill-branded investment accounts).

For applicants with bad credit or a limited credit history, Bank of America® secured credit cards require a security deposit of at least $200. The amount you deposit will usually determine your initial credit limit. Deposit $300, get a $300 limit; deposit $750, get a $750 limit; and so on.

Do Bank of America® credit cards have good rewards?

For most cardholders, rewards rates on Bank of America® credit cards are in line with industry standards. Those who qualify for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, by having $20,000 or more in associated deposit and investment accounts, earn the most value.

Bank of America® travel rewards points can’t be transferred to airline and hotel partners. So while they're easy to redeem within the Bank of America® system, they're less flexible — and therefore may not be as valuable, point-for-point — as rewards from issuers that offer such transfers.

What is the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program?

The Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program offers bonus credit card rewards to cardholders who bank and invest significantly with Bank of America® or its investment subsidiary, Merrill.

To qualify for Bank of America Preferred Rewards®, you’ll need a Bank of America®‎ personal checking account, plus $20,000 or more in qualifying Bank of America® accounts, including eligible Merrill investment accounts. The rewards bonus depends on your Bank of America Preferred Rewards® tier, which is determined by your combined balance.

Here’s how those rewards tiers break down:

Program tier

Required balance

Relationship bonus

Gold

$20,000 to $49,999.

25%.

Platinum

$50,000 to $99,999.

50%.

Platinum Honors

$100,000 to $999,999.

75%.

Diamond

$1,000,000 to $9,999,999.

75%.

Diamond Honors

$10 million or more.

75%.

Here's how the bonuses work. Say you have the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, which offers cash back rewards of 1%, 2% and 3%, depending on the category:

  • If you have Gold status, you get a 25% boost in your rewards rates, so your card earns cash back of 1.25%, 2.5% and 3.75%, depending on category.

  • If you have Platinum status, the 50% boost in rewards rates means your card earns cash back of 1.5%, 3% and 4.5%.

  • With Platinum Honors status and above, you get a 75% boost, so your cash back rates are an eye-popping 1.75%, 3.5% and 5.25%.

How do I redeem my Bank of America® credit card rewards?

The simplest way to redeem your Bank of America® credit card rewards is through the bank’s online portal or in the Bank of America® mobile app. You can also redeem rewards over the phone by calling customer service at 800-434-8313.

Cash back cardholders with a minimum of $25 earned can redeem those rewards as a statement credit, through direct deposit to a Bank of America® account (including Merrill-branded investments accounts), or by check.

Unlike some credit card issuers, Bank of America® doesn't allow you to transfer travel points to airline or hotel partners. Instead, travel points are redeemed by statement credit at a value of 1 cent per point, and can be applied to any travel related purchases made within the past 12 months.

Can you combine points on Bank of America® credit cards? 

You can consolidate points on Bank of America® credit cards that earn travel points, but you can’t mix rewards between points and cash back cards. 

For example, if you have points earned on the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card and the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card, those points can be combined or applied as a statement credit on either card. However, travel points from the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card can’t be consolidated with cash rewards earned through, say, the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card.

• • •

NerdWallet's Jaime Hanson contributed to this article.

Last updated on March 18, 2024

Methodology

NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

Bank of America® does not set a specific limit on the number of its credit cards any individual can obtain. That said, your application for each card will be evaluated separately, and you’ll have to demonstrate the necessary credit history and other qualifications for each.

As long as your account remains open and in good standing, Bank of America® credit card rewards won't expire. This applies to both cash back rewards and travel points. However, if you want to apply travel points as a statement credit on travel and dining purchases, you must initiate that redemption within 12 months of the date of purchase.

You can activate your new Bank of America® credit card online or by phone at 800-276-9939.

To activate your card online, you’ll need to first be enrolled in Bank of America® online banking. If you choose to activate your card by phone, be prepared to provide account details such as your credit card number and expiration date along with personal information like your Social Security number.and ZIP code.

With either method, you’ll be able to use your new card for purchases immediately after activation.

You can cancel your Bank of America® credit card in person at any Bank of America® branch, or by calling Bank of America® customer service at 800-732-9194. Either way, you’ll need to provide your account number and Social Security number to cancel the account.

Before you cancel any credit card, though, keep in mind that doing so could hurt your credit score, especially if it’s an older account.

If you’ve submitted a Bank of America® credit card application and are waiting for approval, you can check on the status of your application online or by calling customer service at 866-422-8089.

To obtain your application status, you’ll need to provide basic personal information, including your date of birth, ZIP code, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

About the author

Portrait of author

Kenley Young

Kenley is an assigning editor at NerdWallet covering credit cards. He has worked for Yahoo and FoxSports.com as an editor and producer. Read more
NerdWallet Pixel