BEST OF
Best Bank of America Credit Cards of May 2021
ALSO SEE: Best credit cards of 2021 || Visa || Mastercard || American Express || Discover || Bank of America® || Capital One || Chase || Citi || US Bank || Wells FargoSome Bank of America® credit cards reward loyal Bank of America® customers who keep all their accounts in one place. But even if you bank elsewhere, the issuer offers cards with solid benefits.
ALSO SEE: Best credit cards of 2021 || Visa || Mastercard || American Express || Discover || Bank of America® || Capital One || Chase || Citi || US Bank || Wells FargoSome Bank of America® credit cards reward loyal Bank of America® customers who keep all their accounts in one place. But even if you bank elsewhere, the issuer offers cards with solid benefits.
Best Bank of America Credit Cards From Our Partners
Our pick for
Cash back
on Bank of America's website, or call (877) 754-6706
on Bank of America's website, or call (877) 754-6706
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and on any balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening
Recommended Credit Score
With the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, you'll earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice (from a list of six) and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, for the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter (1% back after reaching that threshold). All other purchases earn 1% cash back. This is a solid, flexible cash-back card, and it's especially lucrative for Preferred Rewards clients.
With the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, you'll earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice (from a list of six) and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, for the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter (1% back after reaching that threshold). All other purchases earn 1% cash back. This is a solid, flexible cash-back card, and it's especially lucrative for Preferred Rewards clients.
Pros
Get bonus cash back at grocery stores, wholesale clubs and a category of your choice (gas, dining, travel, drugstores, online shopping, or furniture and home-improvement stores). You can change your chosen 3% category once a month. Earn $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Get a bonus of 25% to 75% of the rewards you earn if you're a Preferred Rewards client. There's also a pretty good 0% intro APR period.
Cons
The card's quarterly cap on rewards isn't ideal for larger spenders, and bonus rewards top out at 3% if you aren't a Preferred Rewards client. Other cash-back cards offer as much as 5% on quarterly bonus categories.
- No annual fee
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases
- 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers
- No expiration on rewards
- If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25% - 75% more cash back on every purchase
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or when visiting Bank of America Financial Centers. To take advantage of this offer, click "Apply Now" above.
Our pick for
Travel
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases
Recommended Credit Score
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card earns an unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases, which is a decent rate among travel credit cards with no annual fee. It offers redemption flexibility by letting you book your travel on your own and then redeem your points for a statement credit. You can also redeem points for restaurant purchases. If you can take advantage of the Preferred Rewards program bonus or you travel infrequently and want to avoid an annual fee, this card is an excellent choice.
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card earns an unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases, which is a decent rate among travel credit cards with no annual fee. It offers redemption flexibility by letting you book your travel on your own and then redeem your points for a statement credit. You can also redeem points for restaurant purchases. If you can take advantage of the Preferred Rewards program bonus or you travel infrequently and want to avoid an annual fee, this card is an excellent choice.
Pros
Get a bonus of 25% to 75% of the rewards earned on every purchase if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards client. The card comes with a 0% APR period on purchases, and there's also a sign-up bonus: 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases. The annual fee is $0, and there's also no foreign transaction fee.
Cons
The card has a low sign-up bonus compared with some of the top travel cards on the market. Big spenders and frequent travelers may be better off with a card that offers bonus rewards for travel purchases, like the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card. Its $95 annual fee can be offset by up to $200 in statement credits for travel expenses, and it comes with this more substantial bonus: Receive 50,000 online bonus points - a $500 value - after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout
- 0% Introductory APR for 12 billing cycles for purchases. After the intro APR ends, 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR will apply
- If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25% - 75% more points on every purchase
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or when visiting Bank of America Financial Centers. To take advantage of this offer, click "Apply Now" above.
Our pick for
Premium travel rewards
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
Annual Fee
$95
Regular APR
15.99% - 22.99% Variable APR
Intro APR
N/A
Recommended Credit Score
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card gives you bonus rewards on travel and dining, like many cards in its class, but the rate it pays on "all other spending" is 50% higher than comparable cards offer. It comes with a bevy of travel perks that make it well worth the annual fee.
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card gives you bonus rewards on travel and dining, like many cards in its class, but the rate it pays on "all other spending" is 50% higher than comparable cards offer. It comes with a bevy of travel perks that make it well worth the annual fee.
Pros
Earn 2 points per dollar spent on travel and dining and 1.5 points per dollar on everything else — a significant boost over the 1% base rate on typical cards. Points are worth the same whether you redeem them for travel or cash back. There are statement credits for airline incidentals and a TSA Precheck/Global Entry application fee and a rather good sign-up bonus: Receive 50,000 online bonus points - a $500 value - after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Cons
Points can't be transferred to partner airline or hotel programs for potentially greater value, as is the case with several competing cards.
- Receive 50,000 online bonus points - a $500 value - after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
- Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, earn 2 points for every $1 spent on grocery store purchases— now through 12/31/21.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase
- No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire
- Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center
- Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA Pre✓®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Low $95 annual fee
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or when visiting Bank of America Financial Centers. To take advantage of this offer, click "Apply Now" above.
Our pick for
Balance transfers
on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 322-7707
on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 322-7707
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
12.99% - 22.99% Variable APR
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and on any balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening
Recommended Credit Score
The BankAmericard® credit card is a good option if you need to consolidate and pay off high-interest credit card debt, thanks to its 0% intro APR period and $0 annual fee.
The BankAmericard® credit card is a good option if you need to consolidate and pay off high-interest credit card debt, thanks to its 0% intro APR period and $0 annual fee.
Pros
The card offers 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 12.99% - 22.99% Variable APR.
Cons
This card doesn't offer rewards, and there's little incentive to use it after you've paid off your balance. It charges a balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount transferred, or $10, whichever is greater.
- 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 12.99% - 22.99% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers
- No annual fee
- No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply
- Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or when visiting Bank of America Financial Centers. To take advantage of this offer, click "Apply Now" above.
Our pick for
Small business
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
12.24% - 22.24% Variable APR
Intro APR
0% intro APR on Purchases for 9 billing cycles
Recommended Credit Score
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card is a solid choice for business owners who want travel rewards with no annual fee. There's a generous sign-up bonus, and because there are no foreign transaction fees, the card is ideal to accompany you around the world.
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card is a solid choice for business owners who want travel rewards with no annual fee. There's a generous sign-up bonus, and because there are no foreign transaction fees, the card is ideal to accompany you around the world.
Pros
Start off with a nice bonus for a no-fee card: Earn 30,000 bonus points when you make at least $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit towards travel or dining-related purchases. Earn 3 points per dollar spent on rental car, hotel or airline purchases booked through the Bank of America® Travel Center. All other purchases earn unlimited 1.5 points for every dollar. There's also an introductory 0% APR period if you've got a big purchase you need to spread out.
Cons
Other business travel cards come with annual fees, but they also offer larger sign-up bonuses or higher ongoing rewards.
- Earn 30,000 bonus points when you make at least $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit towards travel or dining-related purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases everywhere, every time-no matter how much you spend. Points don't expire.
- Earn 3 points per every dollar spent on travel purchases (car, hotel, airline) booked through the Bank of America® Travel Center.
- No annual fee and no international transaction fees.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to offset travel and dining-related purchases, travel with no blackout dates at the Bank of America Travel Center, cash back or gift cards.
- Get 75% more points on every purchase, if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for our highest Preferred Rewards for Business tier. That means you could earn up to an unlimited 2.62 points per $1 spent on all purchases and 5.25 points per $1 spent at the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
Here are the top Bank of America® credit cards. Click the card name to read our review. Before applying, verify details on the issuer's website:
Our pick for: 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 and others. You also get bonus rewards at grocery stores and supermarkets, plus a great new-cardholder bonus offer. Read our review.
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.
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.
Our pick for: Balance transfers/intro 0% period
The BankAmericard® credit card isn't flashy, nor does it aim to be. You get a decent 0% introductory APR period to whittle down debt or finance a large purchase. And that's about it. Read our review.
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 stations, office supplies, travel, computer services and more. There's also bonus rewards on dining and no annual fee. Read our review.
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. Read our review.
Other cards issued by Bank of America®:
Last updated on May 3, 2021
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best 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 in multiple categories.
