Best Bank of America Credit Cards of March 2026

  1. Kenley Young Author Avatar
  2. Caitlin Mims Author Avatar
  3. Paul Soucy Author Avatar
Written by
,
Reviewed by
,
Edited by
Last updated on February 20, 2026
Fact Checked
Kenley Young Author Avatar+2
Written by
Last updated on February 20, 2026
Caitlin Mims Author Avatar
Reviewed by
Paul Soucy Author Avatar
Edited by
Fact Checked

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.

  • Our pick for: Simple travel rewards

    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards rate
    1.5x-3x
    Points
    Intro offer
    25,000
    points
    Recommended credit score
    Purchase intro APR
    0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cycles
    Balance transfer intro APR
    0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
    Regular APR
    17.49%-27.49% Variable APR
    Rewards breakdown
    3x
    Points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
    1.5x
    Points per $1 spent on everyday purchases.
    Card details
    • 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.
    • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
    • Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
    • 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% 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 17.49% - 27.49% 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 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
    • This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
    NerdWallet's take

    The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card earns an unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on most 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.

    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 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.

    Read full review
  • Our pick for: Bonus category cash back

    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards rate
    1%-6%
    Cashback
    Intro offer
    $200
    Recommended credit score
    Purchase intro APR
    0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cycles
    Balance transfer intro APR
    0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
    Regular APR
    17.49%-27.49% Variable APR
    Rewards breakdown
    6%
    Cash back for the first year in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
    3%
    Cash back in the category of your choice after the first year (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
    2%
    Cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
    1%
    Cash back on all other purchases.
    Card details
    • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
    • Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
    • Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
    • No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
    • Select your card design option when you apply – the Customized Cash Rewards design, or the limited-time FIFA World Cup 2026™ design.
    • 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 17.49% - 27.49% 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 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
    • This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
    NerdWallet's take

    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.

    Pros
    • 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.

    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 Bank of America Preferred Rewards® client. Other cash-back cards offer as much as 5% on quarterly bonus categories.

    Read full review
  • Our pick for: Simple cash back

    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards rate
    1.5%-2%
    Cashback
    Intro offer
    $200
    Recommended credit score
    Purchase intro APR
    0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cycles
    Balance transfer intro APR
    0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
    Regular APR
    17.49%-27.49% Variable APR
    Rewards breakdown
    2%
    Cash back on purchases for the first year from account opening.
    1.5%
    Cash back on all purchases after the first year from account opening.
    Card details
    • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
    • Earn 2% cash back on purchases for the first year from account opening, with no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn.
    • Thereafter, you’ll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no expiration on rewards as long as your account remains open.
    • No annual fee.
    • Select your card design option when you apply – the Unlimited Cash Rewards design, or the limited-time FIFA World Cup 2026™ design.
    • 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 17.49% - 27.49% 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 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
    • This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
    NerdWallet's take

    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.

    Pros
    • 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.

    Cons
    • In recent years, a 1.5% rewards rate has become table stakes. You can find any number of cards with higher rewards rates.

    Read full review
  • Our pick for: College students

    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards rate
    1.5%-2%
    Cashback
    Intro offer
    $200
    Recommended credit score
    Purchase intro APR
    0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cycles
    Balance transfer intro APR
    0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
    Regular APR
    17.49%-27.49% Variable APR
    Rewards breakdown
    2%
    Cash back on purchases for the first year from account opening.
    1.5%
    Cash back on all purchases after the first year from account opening.
    Card details
    • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
    • Earn 2% cash back on purchases for the first year from account opening, with no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn.
    • Thereafter, you’ll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no expiration on rewards as long as your account remains open.
    • No annual fee.
    • Select your card design option when you apply – the Unlimited Cash Rewards design, or the limited-time FIFA World Cup 2026™ design.
    • 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 17.49% - 27.49% 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 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
    • 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.
    • This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
    NerdWallet's take

    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.

    Pros
    • 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.

    Cons
    • 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.

    Read full review
  • Our pick for: 0% APR and balance transfers

    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards rate
    N/A
    Intro offer
    N/A
    Recommended credit score
    Purchase intro APR
    0% intro APR on Purchases for 21 billing cycles
    Balance transfer intro APR
    0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 21 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
    Regular APR
    14.99%-25.99% Variable APR
    Card details
    • New! 0% Intro APR for 21 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 14.99% - 25.99% will apply. A 5% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
    • No annual fee.
    • No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
    • This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
    NerdWallet's take

    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 21 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 14.99%-25.99% will apply.

    Cons
    • 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: 5% of the amount of each transaction.

    Read full review
  • Our pick for: Small business travel rewards

    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards rate
    1.5x
    Points
    Intro offer
    30,000
    points
    Recommended credit score
    Purchase intro APR
    0% intro APR for 7 billing cycles on purchases
    Regular APR
    16.74%-26.74% Variable APR
    Rewards breakdown
    1.5x
    Points for every $1 spent on all purchases everywhere, every time-no matter how much you spend.
    Card 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 7 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 16.74% to 26.74% 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.
    NerdWallet's take

    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.)

    Pros
    • 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.

    Cons
    • Other business travel cards come with annual fees, but they also offer larger sign-up bonuses or higher ongoing rewards.

    Read full review
  • Our pick for: Small business cash back

    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards rate
    1%-3%
    Cashback
    Intro offer
    $300
    Recommended credit score
    Purchase intro APR
    0% intro APR for 7 billing cycles on purchases
    Regular APR
    16.74%-26.74% Variable APR
    Rewards breakdown
    3%
    Cash back in the category of your choice: gas stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services.
    2%
    Cash back on dining purchases.
    1%
    Cash back on all other purchases.
    Card 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 7 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 16.74% to 26.74% 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.
    NerdWallet's take

    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.

    Pros
    • 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.

    Cons
    • 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.

    Read full review

More about our picks

BACK TO TOP

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®

BACK TO TOP

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

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

BACK TO TOP

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?

BACK TO TOP

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? 

BACK TO TOP

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.

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

BACK TO TOP

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?

BACK TO TOP

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?

BACK TO TOP

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 Honors

$1 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?

BACK TO TOP

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 relate

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

BACK TO TOP

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.

Frequently asked questions

BACK TO TOP
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.

• • •

NerdWallet's Jaime Hanson contributed to this article.

How we choose the best credit cards

Our team of credit card experts has developed a rigorous methodology to determine how much value a card delivers and how it stacks up against its competitors.

400+

Cards reviewed

NerdWallet’s experts have reviewed more than 400 cards, from the most popular options at the biggest banks to store cards to niche cards from startups and small issuers.

8

Categories scored

Credit cards are so diverse that properly rating them with a single formula is impossible. We’ve built eight rubrics, plus variations, so we can score each card on what matters.

50+

Data points analyzed

Our ratings consider not just a card’s rates, fees, rewards and perks, but also how easy or hard it is to get that card, manage it and enjoy its advertised benefits.

Star rating categories

What you want out of, say, a cash back credit card is fundamentally different from what you’re looking for in a balance transfer card or a card for building credit. That’s why we have different scoring models that put weight on different features.

Cash back cards

Our formula looks at how much cash back you could expect to earn from typical household spending. We consider rewards rates and categories, bonus offers and the cash value of other benefits, as well as any annual fee. The rating is also influenced by the complexity of the rewards structure.

General travel cards

We consider how many points you could expect to earn from typical household spending, along with per-point values and redemption options. We add in the cash value of bonus offers and other benefits, subtract annual fees and other costs, and take into account the complexity of the rewards structure.

Balance transfer cards

Our balance transfer rubric calculates how much money a card could save you with a low or 0% interest rate. Primary factors include the length and structure of the introductory APR period and the balance transfer fee. We also consider long-term value, such as whether the card offers rewards.

Branded airline cards

We calculate how many miles you could expect to earn from typical household spending and what those miles are worth based on our valuations. We add in the cash value of bonus offers and perks such as free checked bags and lounge access, and we subtract annual fees and other costs.

Branded hotel cards

We calculate how many points you could expect to earn from typical household spending and what those points are worth based on our valuations. We add in the cash value of bonus offers and perks such as free nights and automatic elite status, and we subtract annual fees and other costs

Credit builder cards

Our rubric focuses on accessibility (such as whether a credit check is required), out-of-pocket costs (such as annual fees or minimum security deposits), credit-building features (such as bureau reporting and access to a free credit score) and upgrade options when you’re ready to move on.

College student cards

Our formula calculates the rewards you could expect to earn on spending typical for a college student and takes into account the cash value of bonus offers and other benefits. Accessibility to students without established credit is a key consideration, as is the effort required to manage the card.

Small business cards

Our star ratings criteria for small business credit cards are similar to those for consumer cards, although they account for potentially higher spending levels and higher credit limits, as well as rewards structures and bonus categories tailored specifically to entrepreneurs and business operators.

Cash back cards

Our formula looks at how much cash back you could expect to earn from typical household spending. We consider rewards rates and categories, bonus offers and the cash value of other benefits, as well as any annual fee. The rating is also influenced by the complexity of the rewards structure.

Cash back cards

General travel cards

We consider how many points you could expect to earn from typical household spending, along with per-point values and redemption options. We add in the cash value of bonus offers and other benefits, subtract annual fees and other costs, and take into account the complexity of the rewards structure.

General travel cards

Balance transfer cards

Our balance transfer rubric calculates how much money a card could save you with a low or 0% interest rate. Primary factors include the length and structure of the introductory APR period and the balance transfer fee. We also consider long-term value, such as whether the card offers rewards.

Balance transfer cards

Branded airline cards

We calculate how many miles you could expect to earn from typical household spending and what those miles are worth based on our valuations. We add in the cash value of bonus offers and perks such as free checked bags and lounge access, and we subtract annual fees and other costs.

Branded airline cards

Branded hotel cards

We calculate how many points you could expect to earn from typical household spending and what those points are worth based on our valuations. We add in the cash value of bonus offers and perks such as free nights and automatic elite status, and we subtract annual fees and other costs

Branded hotel cards

Credit builder cards

Our rubric focuses on accessibility (such as whether a credit check is required), out-of-pocket costs (such as annual fees or minimum security deposits), credit-building features (such as bureau reporting and access to a free credit score) and upgrade options when you’re ready to move on.

Credit builder cards

College student cards

Our formula calculates the rewards you could expect to earn on spending typical for a college student and takes into account the cash value of bonus offers and other benefits. Accessibility to students without established credit is a key consideration, as is the effort required to manage the card.

College student cards

Small business cards

Our star ratings criteria for small business credit cards are similar to those for consumer cards, although they account for potentially higher spending levels and higher credit limits, as well as rewards structures and bonus categories tailored specifically to entrepreneurs and business operators.

Small business cards

NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best credit cards in various categories based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluations include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. Because different consumers can have markedly different needs, preferences and spending habits, we recognize that there is rarely a single credit card that is "best" for everyone. That's why this page includes a variety of options to suit an array of circumstances. Also, a single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories.

Our star ratings provide a quick way to compare credit cards. We assess the features of a card, score those features according to how they compare with other options on the market, and assign the card a rating of 1 to 5 stars based on those features. In general, a card that rates 4.5 stars will be a better value for more people than a card that rates 4.0 stars. However, the 4.0 card might be better than the 4.5 card for an individual consumer depending on that person’s circumstances. Further, ratings are only comparable within categories. If you're looking for rewards, for example, a 3.5-star cash back card will be of greater value than a 5.0-star balance transfer card or a 4.5-star credit-builder card. Star ratings are an important consideration in which cards appear on our "best" pages, but they are not the sole determining factor. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

NerdWallet Pixel