Vault’s Viewpoint
- Bank of America offers numerous credit cards for every consumer type, including cash back and travel rewards cards
- Preferred Rewards Program members can earn up to 75% bonus rewards on all of their credit card spending
- The best card depends on your financial habits and goals
Most Popular Bank of America Credit Cards
Bank of America offers a diverse credit card line-up catering to various lifestyles and financial needs. From travel rewards to cash back and premium perks, Bank of America’s most popular credit cards provide valuable benefits for cardholders.
- Popular for premium travel perks: Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card
- Popular for no-annual-fee travel rewards: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
- Popular for airline miles: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card
- Popular for cash back rewards: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Popular for business: Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card
- Popular for students: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
- Popular for low interest: BankAmericard® Credit Card
- Popular for building credit: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card
Popular for Premium Travel Perks: Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card
How we rate our cards Advertiser disclosure
Annual Fee
$550
Regular APR
20.24% – 27.24% variable
Intro Bonus
75,000 bonus points After you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Excellent
Why we love this card: Cardholders receive $300 in airline incidental credits, $150 for “lifestyle conveniences” (e.g., streaming, food delivery, rideshare, and fitness subscriptions) and $100 every four years towards Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fees. The card also includes Priority Pass Select membership and complimentary status discounts with popular rental car agencies. The earn rate is straightforward, with 2X points on travel and 1.5X on everything else.
Who should have this in their wallet: Frequent travelers who can maximize the card’s lounge and airline fee credits should consider this card.
Pros
- Includes $450 in annual travel and lifestyle statement credits
- Provides valuable travel, luggage and rental car protections
- 20% discount on domestic or international airfare when paying with points
Cons
- Lacks generous bonuses on travel purchases
- High spending requirement for the welcome bonus
- $550 annual fee
Alternatives: If you prefer a travel card with a lower annual fee, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card is a solid alternative. The card has a $95 annual fee and the same reward structure as the premium version. It also provides a $100 annual travel statement credit and up to $100 towards TSA Precheck or Global Entry every four years.
Popular for No-Annual-Fee Travel Rewards: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
How we rate our cards Advertiser disclosure
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
18.24% – 28.24% variable
Intro Bonus
25,000 bonus points If you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Good – Excellent
Why we love this card: While the card earns “points” that are merely cash back equivalent, the 1.5X rewards on all purchases is above average. Cardholders can feel comfortable using the card abroad since it waives foreign transaction fees. The generous welcome bonus and intro APR offer also make this card a solid choice.
Who should have this in their wallet? Travelers who want to earn easy-to-redeem rewards while paying no fees for purchases originating abroad should consider this option. If you qualify for Bank of America Preferred Rewards, the card’s 1.5X rewards increase to 1.87-2.62 points per dollar spent.
Pros
- Simplified rewards structure with 1.5X points on all spending
- Competitive intro APR offers
- No annual or foreign transaction fees
Cons
- No category bonuses
- Points are worth 1 cent each towards travel and dining purchases
Alternatives: Bank of America also offers co-branded travel cards aimed towards cruising enthusiasts, including the Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® Credit Card, Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard® and Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® Credit Card.
Popular for Airline miles: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card
How We Rate Our Cards Advertiser Disclosure
Annual Fee
$95
Regular APR
20.24% – 28.24% variable
Intro Bonus
60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening. Plus, get an additional 2,500 bonus miles when you add a cardholder as an authorized user in the first 90 days of account opening.
60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Good – Excellent
Why we love this card: While Alaska is a domestic airline, it has 30 airline partners, allowing you to redeem miles for domestic and international travel. With favorable redemption rates and the ability to earn an annual Companion Fare, it’s a standout choice for an airline credit card.
Who should have this in their wallet: Travelers who can take advantage of the lucrative rewards program, Alaska loyalists and big spenders alike will find something to love in this card.
Pros
- Generous welcome bonus and Companion Fare perk
- Low redemption rates for international award flights
- Extensive discounts and perks when flying Alaska Airlines
Cons
- Annual Companion Fare requires spending $6,000 per year
- Limited bonuses on categories outside of Alaska Airlines
- $95 annual fee
Alternatives: Bank of America offers several other airline credit cards that are popular among consumers. They include the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard®, Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard® and Allways Rewards Visa® Credit Card.
Popular for Cash Back Rewards: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
How we rate our cards Advertiser disclosure
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% – 29.24% variable
Intro Bonus
$200 $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Good-Excellent
Why we love this card: The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card is popular for maximizing everyday spending, thanks to its generous and customizable rewards structure. Cardholders can earn 3% cash back on a choice category and 2% at grocery stores and whole clubs on the first $2,500 spent each quarter. It’s a great way to earn above-average cash back on popular spending categories, including gas and EV charging stations, online shopping, cable, internet, phone plans, streaming, dining, travel, drug stores, pharmacies, home improvement and furnishings.
Who should have this in their wallet: Consumers who want to maximize rewards on some of their biggest expenses may enjoy this card. Cardholders can even change their choice category once each calendar month to accommodate changing spending habits.
Pros
- Ability to earn up to 3% cash back on a category of your choice
- Intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
Cons
- Highest earning categories have a spending cap, limiting earning potential
- High standard purchase APR
- 3% foreign transaction fee
Alternatives: The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great alternative for people who don’t want to deal with choosing and tracking limited category bonuses.
Popular for Business: Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card
How we rate our cards Advertiser disclosure
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
18.49% – 28.49% variable
Intro Bonus
30,000 bonus points After you made at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Excellent
Why we love this card: This card is the only Bank of America business card with no foreign transaction fees. It offers a simple 1.5X point rewards structure on all purchases and a solid welcome bonus for new cardholders.
Who should have this in their wallet: Small businesses seeking a no-annual-fee card and business owners who travel internationally or spend with merchants originating abroad may find a match here. If your business expenses fall into a broad range of categories, the 1.5X rewards structure will be a great fit.
Pros
- Simplified earn and redemption rate
- Intro APR on purchases
- No annual fees or foreign transaction fees
Cons
- The welcome bonus has a steep spending requirement
- Lacks bonus rewards on popular business spending categories
- Points are worth only one cent each towards travel and dining purchases
Alternatives: Bank of America has several other card options for different business needs. The Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards credit card is good for maximizing rewards on select spending categories.
Popular for Students: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
How we rate our cards Advertiser disclosure
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
18.24% to 28.24% variable
Intro Bonus
$200 online cash Online $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Not Stated
Why we love this card: This card offers a $200 welcome bonus after spending $1,000 within 90 days of account opening. Cardholders can choose a 3% bonus category and earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs—all popular spending categories for students.
Who should have this in their wallet: This card is a great credit-building tool for students. It has no annual fee and a non-student version to upgrade to in the future, making it an excellent choice for long-term use.
Pros
- Generous welcome bonus for a student rewards card
- Offers 1-3% cash back on spending categories relevant to students
- Competitive intro APR offers on purchases and balance transfers
Cons
- Not ideal for students whose spending falls outside of the 2-3% bonus categories
- 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases originating abroad
- High standard purchase and balance transfer APR
Alternatives: For a simpler rewards structure, students should consider the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students, which earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is great for students studying abroad who want 1.5X points on purchases and waived foreign transaction fees.
Popular for Low Interest: BankAmericard® Credit Card
How we rate our cards Advertiser disclosure
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
16.24% – 26.24% variable
Intro Bonus
0% APR for first 18 statement closing dates
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Good-Excellent
Why we love this card: The BankAmericard® Credit Card offers one of the most generous intro APR periods at 18 months. Its regular purchase APR is also slightly lower than most other cards and you won’t have to worry about a penalty APR.
Who should have this in their wallet: Consumers who want a low-interest card with a lengthy intro APR period and no annual fee should give this card a look. The card doesn’t earn rewards or a welcome bonus, so it’s not ideal for consumers seeking long-term benefits.
Pros
- Lengthy 18-month intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers
- No penalty APR
- No annual fee
Cons
- No welcome bonus or purchase rewards
- 3% balance transfer fee for 60 days and 4% after that
Popular for Building Credit: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card
How We Rate Our Cards Advertiser Disclosure
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
29.24% variable
Intro Bonus
None
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Very Good – Excellent
Why we love this card: As one of the few rewards-earning secured cards, cardholders earn 1.5 points per dollar on all spending and no annual fee. With a minimum security deposit of just $200, this option is attainable and valuable compared to other secured cards.
Who should have this in their wallet? People establishing or rebuilding their credit history who want to earn rewards on purchases could find what they need with this card. The waived foreign transaction fees on purchases abroad also make it a great choice for people who frequently travel abroad.
Pros
- Earns 1.5X points on all purchases
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
- Periodic account review can result in a security deposit refund and an upgrade to a non-secured card
Cons
- No welcome bonus
- Credit line depends on the security deposit, which may limit purchase power
Personal Bank of America Credit Cards
Bank of America has over a dozen personal cards for every customer type. Cruise lovers, airline loyalists and people who seek the simplicity of cash back rewards can all find a match among Bank of America personal cards. Whether you’re looking to establish or rebuild your credit, Bank of America has options to cater to your needs. Here’s an overview of the most popular personal Bank of America cards:
| Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card | Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card | Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students | BankAmericard® Credit Card | Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card | |
| Where can you use it? | Travel and dining | Alaska Airlines spending | Everyday spending | Travel abroad | Everyday spending | All purchase and balance transfers | All purchases |
| All purchases | 1.5X points | 1X miles | 1% | 1.5X | 1% | N/A | 1.5X |
| Largest category bonus | 2X points on travel and dining | 3X miles on Alaska spending | 3% on choice categories including gas, EV charging; online shopping, cable, internet, phone plans, streaming; dining, travel, drug stores, pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings (up to $2,500 combined quarterly) | N/A | 3% on choice categories including gas, EV charging; online shopping, cable, internet, phone plans, streaming; dining, travel, drug stores, pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings (up to $2,500 combined quarterly) | N/A | N/A |
| Other bonus categories | N/A | 2X miles on EV charging, cable, streaming and local transit | 2% on grocery and wholesale clubs | N/A | 2% on grocery and wholesale clubs | N/A | N/A |
| Annual fee | $550 | $95 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Bank of America Business Credit Cards
Bank of America has six business cards catering to different business needs. Whether you’re just establishing your business or seeking premium travel rewards or cash back rewards, there’s a card to suit your needs. Here’s an overview of some of the business credit cards Bank of America offers:
| Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card | Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® Credit Card | Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® Credit Card | Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card | Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® Secured credit card | |
| Where can you use it? | All purchases, especially those originating abroad | Ev charging, gas stations, dining, office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services | All purchases | Alaska Airlines, gas, EV charging stations, shipping and transit | All purchases |
| All spending | 1.5X points | 1% | 1.5% cash back | 1X miles | 1.5% cash back |
| Travel | N/A | 3% (choice bonus category) | N/A | 2X miles on Alaska spending | N/A |
| Dining | N/A | 2% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| EV charging | N/A | 3% | N/A | 2X miles | N/A |
| Other rewards | N/A | 3% on choice of bonus categories | N/A | 2X miles on gas, shipping and local transit and rideshare purchases | N/A |
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 | $0 | $70 | $0 |
How Do I Earn Rewards with Bank of America?
Bank of America offers several avenues for customers to earn rewards through their banking products. One popular way is through their credit cards, which include cash back cards, travel rewards and co-branded credit cards issued with airlines and cruise partners. New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus on most cards, consisting of substantial points or cash back rewards after completing a spending requirement.
Most Bank of America cards offer rewards for purchases, ranging from flat-rate rewards to lucrative category bonuses. Bank of America provides a user-friendly membership portal where customers can track their rewards and redeem them for travel or statement credits, among other options.
Cardholders who are Bank of America Preferred Rewards customers can earn up to 75% bonus rewards on credit card purchases, depending on their membership tier. To qualify for Preferred Rewards, customers must have at least $20,000 in combined assets across their Bank of America and Merill accounts.
What Is the Best Bank of America Credit Card For Me?
When choosing the right Bank of America credit card, you should consider several factors to ensure they align with your financial goals and spending habits. These include the card’s reward structure, fees, ongoing benefits and introductory offers.
Financial Needs
Your financial needs are the first thing to consider when choosing a Bank of America credit card. Whether you need a card for personal or business needs, you’re seeking credit-building opportunities, you want the best travel benefits or to save money on interest, all these factors will determine whether you need a personal, business or secured card.
Introductory Offers
Many credit cards have introductory offers, like bonus points or a 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers. Some cards offer both. These offers can provide significant value upfront, but only if you can take full advantage of them. Familiarize yourself with their terms and limitations to take full advantage of them.
Reward Structure
Some Bank of America cards earn points and miles, while others earn cash back. Understanding which of these currencies best serves you is crucial to choosing the right card.
Benefits vs. Annual fees
Beyond rewards, Bank of America credit cards may offer additional perks like travel credits, airport lounge access and others. Better card perks often correlate with higher annual fees, which can vary significantly. Some cards may offer statement credits and other money-saving perks to offset high annual fees. It’s important to consider how much value you expect to derive from the card’s benefits to determine whether the annual fee is worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Easiest Bank of America Credit Card To Get?
The easiest Bank of America credit card to get is a secured card since it requires collateral the bank can collect if you default on your balance. Bank of America currently offers four secured credit cards.
What Is the 2-3-4 Rule For Bank of America?
Bank of America’s 2-3-4 rule indicates that you can’t be approved for more than two cards within two months, three cards within 12 months or four cards within 24 months. If you’ve obtained more than the allowable cards from Bank of America, you likely won’t be approved for a new one.
Which Bank of America Credit Card Is the Hardest To Get?
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card is probably the hardest to get. It’s the most premium card in the line-up and requires excellent credit for approval.
