Best Bank of America Credit Cards of December 2024
Updated: Dec 2, 2024
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Some Bank of America® credit cards reward loyal customers who keep all their financial accounts in one place. But even if you bank elsewhere, the issuer offers cards with solid benefits.
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400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
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.
Some Bank of America® credit cards reward loyal customers who keep all their financial accounts in one place. But even if you bank elsewhere, the issuer offers cards with solid benefits.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
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.
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Some Bank of America® credit cards reward loyal customers who keep all their financial accounts in one place. But even if you bank elsewhere, the issuer offers cards with solid benefits.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
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.
Some Bank of America® credit cards reward loyal customers who keep all their financial accounts in one place. But even if you bank elsewhere, the issuer offers cards with solid benefits.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
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.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
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 December 2024
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for Bonus category cash back
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card: Best for Simple cash back
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card: Best for Simple travel rewards
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: Best for Premium travel rewards
BankAmericard® credit card: Best for 0% APR and balance transfers
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card: Best for Small business travel rewards
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card: Best for Small business cash back
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students: Best for College students
Show SummaryHide Summary
Best Bank of America Credit Cards From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit cardApply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for Simple travel rewards | $0 | 1.5x | 25,000 points | Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
 Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit cardApply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for Simple cash back | $0 | 1.5% | $200 | Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
 Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit cardApply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for Bonus category cash back | $0 | 1%-3% | $200 | Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
 Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit cardApply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for Small business travel rewards | $0 | 1.5x | 30,000 points | Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
 Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit cardApply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for Small business cash back | $0 | 1%-3% | $300 | Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
 Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for StudentsApply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for College students | $0 | 1.5% | $200 | Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
 BankAmericard® credit cardApply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for 0% APR and balance transfers | $0 | N/A | N/A | Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
 Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit cardApply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for Premium travel rewards | $95 | 1.5x-2x | 60,000 points | Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
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.
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.
Simple travel rewards
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 Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program bonus or you travel infrequently and want to avoid an annual fee, this card is an excellent choice.
Our Take
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.
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 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
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 Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program bonus or you travel infrequently and want to avoid an annual fee, this card is an excellent choice.
Simple cash back
The $0-annual-fee Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card earns a simple, straightforward rate on all purchases, and you can boost that rate even further if you're eligible for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program.
Product Details
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87%-2.62% cash back on every purchase with Preferred Rewards.
- No annual fee.
- No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 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 18.49% - 28.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- 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 if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our Take
The card earns an unlimited 1.5% back on all purchases, an uncomplicated rate that's in line with the industry standard. On top of that, it offers incentives, including a sign-up bonus and an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
In recent years, a 1.5% rewards rate has become table stakes. You can find any number of cards with higher rewards rates.
The $0-annual-fee Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card earns a simple, straightforward rate on all purchases, and you can boost that rate even further if you're eligible for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program.
Bonus category cash back
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 Bank of America Preferred Rewards® clients.
Product Details
- $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.
- Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 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 18.49% - 28.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- 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 if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our Take
Get bonus cash back at grocery stores, wholesale clubs and a category of your choice (gas/EV charging, dining, travel, drugstores, online shopping (including cable, phone, internet and streaming), 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 Bank of America Preferred Rewards® client. There's also a pretty good 0% intro APR period.
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 Bank of America Preferred Rewards® client. Other cash-back cards offer as much as 5% on quarterly bonus categories.
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 Bank of America Preferred Rewards® clients.
Small business travel rewards
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. (For more options, see our list of the best Bank of America® business cards.)
Product Details
- Earn 30,000 online bonus points after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit towards travel or dining purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent, or join Preferred Rewards for Business for no fee, and earn up to an unlimited 2.62 points for every $1 spent on all purchases if you have a Bank of America® business checking account and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier.
- No limit to the amount of points you can earn and points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- No annual fee and no international transaction fees.
- Choose how to redeem points for a statement credit to offset travel and dining purchases, travel with no blackout dates at the Bank of America® Travel Center, for cash back or gift cards.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 17.74% to 27.74% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our Take
Start off with a nice bonus for a no-fee card: Earn 30,000 online bonus points after you make at least $3,000 in net purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit towards travel or dining 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 APR period if you've got a big purchase you need to spread out.
Other business travel cards come with annual fees, but they also offer larger sign-up bonuses or higher ongoing rewards.
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. (For more options, see our list of the best Bank of America® business cards.)
Small business cash back
Like its consumer counterpart, the Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card allows you to choose the category that earns the highest cash back rate. You also get bonus cash back on dining.
Product Details
- Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas stations & EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services, 2% cash back on dining purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You'll earn 3% cash back on purchases in the category of your choice and 2% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.
- You can earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase, if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier. That means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back in your selected choice category and up to 3.5% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in those combined purchases each calendar year, and up to an unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee
- Choose how to redeem your cash rewards-as a deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you. Cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- To change your choice category for future purchases, you must go to the Mobile Banking app or Business Advantage 360, our small business online banking. You can change it once each calendar month, or make no change and it stays the same.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 17.74% to 27.74% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our Take
You earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice and 2% cash back on dining, on up to $50,000 a year in combined purchases in the 3% and 2% categories. Other purchases earn 1%. Options for the 3% category: gas stations and EV charging stations (default); office supply stores; travel; TV, telecom and wireless; computer services; and business consulting services. There's a bonus offer and an intro APR period, and the annual fee is $0.
The 3% categories aren't a great fit for a lot of businesses. And if one of them is a good fit, the $50,000 spending cap on bonus rewards might be too low. Some competing cards have a significantly higher bonus offer.
Like its consumer counterpart, the Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card allows you to choose the category that earns the highest cash back rate. You also get bonus cash back on dining.
College students
Bank of America® has a full suite of cards for college students. Among them, the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students stands out for simplicity: It earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases, comes with a good bonus offer and intro APR period, and has an annual fee of $0. See the issuer's full lineup of student cards here.
Product Details
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- No annual fee.
- No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 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 18.49% - 28.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. 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 if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our Take
Simplicity is a valuable feature for those who are still learning their way around credit cards. A flat-rate card like this one doesn't require you to remember bonus categories or keep track of spending limits. You earn a flat 1.5% on purchases, and new cardholders get this offer: $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
Bank of America®'s student cards generally require applicants to already have an established credit history. That can be a significant hurdle for young people just starting out.
Bank of America® has a full suite of cards for college students. Among them, the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students stands out for simplicity: It earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases, comes with a good bonus offer and intro APR period, and has an annual fee of $0. See the issuer's full lineup of student cards here.
0% APR and balance transfers
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.
Product Details
- 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 15.49% - 25.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- 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 if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our Take
The card offers 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 15.49%-25.49% will apply.
This card doesn't offer rewards, and there's little incentive to use it after you've paid off your balance. It also charges a balance transfer fee: 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%.
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.
Premium travel rewards
Product Details
- Low $95 annual fee.
- Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 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 for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 - 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
- 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 PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
- Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our Take
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 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Points can't be transferred to partner airline or hotel programs for potentially greater value, as is the case with several competing cards.
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.
ALSO SEE: Best credit cards of 2024 || Visa || Mastercard || American Express || Discover || Bank of America® || Capital One || Chase || Citi || US Bank || Wells Fargo
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 wholesale clubs, 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: Simple travel rewards
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: Premium travel rewards
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: 0% APR and balance transfers
The BankAmericard® credit card isn't flashy, nor does it aim to be. You get one of the better introductory APR periods available, providing plenty of time to whittle down debt or finance a large purchase. And that's about it. Read our review.
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students
Our pick for: College students
Simplicity is a good thing in a credit card designed for people just learning the ropes. The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no categories or spending limits to track. It comes with a good bonus offer and intro APR period, and has an annual fee of $0. 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
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 15.49%-25.49% 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 18.49%-28.49% 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 18.49%-28.49% 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 18.49%-28.49% 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.
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NerdWallet's Jaime Hanson contributed to this article.
Last updated on December 2, 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
How many Bank of America® credit cards can I get?
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.
Do Bank of America® credit card rewards expire?
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.
How do I activate a Bank of America® credit card?
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.
How do I cancel a Bank of America® credit card?
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.
How do I check my Bank of America® credit card status?
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.
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