Bank of America is the second biggest banking institution currently in the United States and is trusted by millions of Americans. It has retail locations all around the country, as well as about 17,000 ATMs and 66 million customers and clients. It is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and also has a client base across 35 different countries.
Card | Rewards | Bonus | Annual Fee | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
| 1-3%
3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The 3% and 2% cash back available on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter (then 1%)
| $200
$200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
| $0 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card | 1.5X
1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time and no expiration on points
| 25,000 points
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
| $0 | |
BankAmericard® credit card | N/A |
N/A
N/A
| $0 | |
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card | 1X – 2X
2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and 1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases
|
50,000 points
50,000 online bonus points (a $500 value) after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening | $95 | |
Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card | 1.5%
unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
|
$200
$200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
| $95 |
It is also one of many issues of credit cards in the USA today, covering a wide range of different needs. These cards will often carry great rewards and perks that appeal to different types of consumers. The goal of this guide is to look at the current options on the market today from Bank of America and to see who they are best suited to.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
- Overview
- Card Features
- Pros & Cons
- FAQ
If you are looking to have a bit more control over what categories in which you are going to be earning rewards, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards could be for you. You are able to choose the category in which you get spending rewards.
You will be able to earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The 3% and 2% cash back available on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter (then 1%).
The signup offer allows you to get $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening. Another great advantage of this card is that you do not have to pay an annual fee.
- APR: 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $0) applies to all balance transfers
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% or $10
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Rewards Plan: 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The 3% and 2% cash back available on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter (then 1%)
- Sign Up bonus: $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account.
- Sign-Up Bonus
- 0% APR Intro
- No Annual Fee
- Bash Back Rewards
- Cap on Rewards
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Foreign Transaction Fee
- Is there a limit to cash back rewards? There is a quarterly limit on the 3% and 2% cashback each quarter, equalling a combined total of $2,500 worth of purchases.
- Can I get car rental insurance with Bank of America Cash Rewards Card? Yes, it offers rental insurance for cars if you pay for the full cost with this credit card and you decline the rental company’s insurance.
- Does Bank of America ask for proof of income? No out and out income requirements and normally you will not have to provide proof of income.
- Can I get pre-approved? Yes, you can get pre-approved.
- Should You Move to Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card? If you spend a lot on everyday purchases it can definitely be a good option.
- Why did Bank of America Cash Rewards Card deny me? Perhaps you did not meet all of the requirements. You can ask the customer service team what you need to do to get accepted or you can look at other card options.
- How to maximize rewards on Bank? Make the most of the signup offer and max out the caps on quarterly purchases at the premium rates.
- What are top reasons NOT to get the Bank of America Cash Rewards Card? If you spend a considerable amount on relevant purchases each month.
- What is the initial credit limit of? It will usually be at least $500
- What purchases don't earn cash back? All purchases are covered
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
- Overview
- Features
- Pros & Cons
- FAQ
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a good option for frequent travelers, especially if you're an existing customer of Bank of America. It offers a $0 annual fee while customers can use when they travel to earn points and gain rewards. To gain access to this card, you will need a solid credit score of between 680 to 850.
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards offers a agin up bonus of 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases, and you can use for purchases and other travel expenses. You're also not limited when you want to make travel arrangements as the card grants you flexibility.
- APR: 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $0) applies to all balance transfers
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% or $10 (the greater)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Rewards Plan: 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time and no expiration on points
- 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 – which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: 15 billing cycles for purchases
- Point Sign-Up Bonus
- Point Rewards
- No Annual Fee
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Preferred Rewards, No Expiration
- Minimum Redemption
- There are Better Rewards Cards
- Good - Excellent Credit Needed
- Limited Travel Protections
- Is there a limit to rewards/cash back on the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card? There is no cap.
- Can I get car rental insurance with Bank of America Travel Rewards Card? how? Yes it offers rental insurance for cars if you pay for the full cost with this credit card and you decline the rental company’s insurance.
- Does Bank of America ask for proof of income? No out and out income requirement and you do not always have to provide proof of income.
- Does the card offer pre approval? Yes, pre-approval is an option
- What is the initial credit limit ? The smallest credit limit for this card iwll usually be $500.
- How do I redeem cash back ? You are able to redeem these points as statement credit to pay for the likes of travel and dining purchases or you can redeem as cash or in the form of gift cards.
- Should You Move to Bank of America Travel Rewards Card? If you travel frequently and will use the rewards on travel-related purchases.
- The bank denied my request, What's now?? Perhaps you did not meet all of the requirements. You can ask the customer service team what you need to do to get accepted or you can look at other card options.
- How to maximize rewards? Redeem the points for travel-related or dining purchases, maximize the signup offer, and use in conjunction with another card.
- When you shouldn't get the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card? If you do not travel a lot.
BankAmericard® credit card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
- Overview
- Card Features
- Pros & Cons
If you are looking for something simple, this is the base type of credit card that you will find with Bank of America. It will mainly be suited to those people who want to avoid interest where at all possible. The intro APR of 0% will be in place for 21 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days after getting this card (16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR. after that).
There are no rewards with this card. Currently, there is a 3% foreign exchange fee, as well as a balance transfer fee of the greater of 3% or $10, whichever is greater.
- APR: 16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR.
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% or $10, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Rewards Plan: N/A
- Sign Up bonus: N/A
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: 21 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days
- 0% intro APR
- No Annual Fee
- No Penalty APR
- No sign-up bonus & rewards
- Foreign transaction fee
- Balance transfer fee
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
- Overview
- Card Features
- Pros & Cons
While the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card charges an annual fee of $95, it offers better rewards compared to the other cards, and can be a good fir if you tend to spend at least $3,000 on your card every month.
The card offers 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and 1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases. You'll also earn a sign up bonus of 50,000 online bonus points (a $500 value) after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- APR: 18.24% - 28.24% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Annual fee: $95
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% or $10 (the greater)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Rewards Plan: unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Sign Up bonus: $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: 18 billing cycles for purchases, 60 days on balance transfers
- 0% intro APR
- No Foreign transaction fee
- Rewards & Sign up Bonus
- There are better rewards cards
- Balance transfer fee
- Annual fee
Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
- Overview
- Card Features
- Pros & Cons
While the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card charges an annual fee of $95, it offers better rewards compared to the other cards, and can be a good fir if you tend to spend at least $3,000 on your card every month.
The card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. You'll also earn a sign up bonus of $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
The cash rewards can be redeemed as a statement credit, deposit into a Bank of America checking or savings account, or as a credit towards eligible Merrill Lynch or Merrill Edge investment accounts.
- APR: 18.24% - 28.24% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Annual fee: $95
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% or $10 (the greater)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Rewards Plan: unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Sign Up bonus: $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: 18 billing cycles for purchases, 60 days on balance transfers
- 0% intro APR
- No Foreign transaction fee
- Rewards & Sign up Bonus
- There are better rewards cards
- Balance transfer fee
- Annual fee
How to Compare Bank of America Credit Cards
Bank Reputation & Customer Satisfaction
Bank of America ranks in 3rd place, got 812 out of 1000 available points on J.D. Power 2020 credit card satisfaction survey. J.D Power offers the most comprehensive and independent study of customer satisfaction of card issuers . The study aims to help consumers and issuers to understand user opinions and ratings of the largest bands. It covers terms, benefits, services, communication, rewards and more.
Bank of America Credit Cards Types & Differences
As mentioned, there is a collection of different credit cards from Bank of America that you can consider. These will suit different types of needs and require a bit of comparison. Here is a breakdown of the main credit cards that this bank currently offers:
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
If you are looking to have a bit more control over what categories in which you are going to be earning rewards, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card could be for you. You are able to choose the category in which you get spending rewards, earning 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The 3% and 2% cash back available on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter (then 1%).
The signup offer allows you to get $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening. Another great advantage of this card is that you do not have to pay an annual fee.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
If you are someone who likes consistent rewards then this credit card might be a good fit for your needs. There are some great rewards on offer, as well as no annual fee. As part of the welcome offer, you get 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
The travel rewards model offers 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time and no expiration on points. Finally, you will get an 0% intro APR rate for 15 billing cycles for purchases (18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $0) applies to all balance transfers after that).
BankAmericard® credit card
If you are looking for something simple, this is the base type of credit card that you will find with Bank of America. It will mainly be suited to those people who want to avoid interest (and annual fee) where at all possible, whether due to a large purchase planned or paying off debt. The intro APR of 0% will be in place for 21 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days (16.24% – 26.24% Variable APR. after that).
However, here are no rewards or signup bonuses with this card. Currently, there is a 3% foreign exchange fee, as well as a balance transfer fee of the greater of 3% or $10, whichever is greater.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
While the card has an annual fee of $95 , this is one of the most popular credit card that Bank of America currently offers. It carries with it a decent signup bonus and has a lot of perks, particularly focusing on air travel. The basic rewards plan includes 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and 1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases.
New cardholders are eligible for a sign up bonus of 50,000 online bonus points (a $500 value) after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Lastly, you can get up to $200 in Airline Incidental and TSA Pre®/Global Entry Statement Credits combined. In addition, you'll have access to world-class travel benefits such as travel and purchase protections, a luxury hotel collection, and concierge service.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card
The Alaska Airlines Visa provides some great perks for frequent flyers, as long as you feel comfortable to commit Alaska Airlines, or you're alreadu a loyal customer. The card offers unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases and unlimited 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases, including no blackout dates on Alaska Airlines flights when booking with miles or a companion fare.
New cardholders can get 40,000 bonus miles if you make purchases of $3,000 or more within the first 90 days of opening your account and you're eligible for many perks such as free checked bag for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation and anniversary bonus. However, there is an annual fee of $95.
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card is a good option for those who are looking to get cashback on everyday purchases, without paying an annual fee. The card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, and a decent sign up bonus of $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
The card can be a good option for those who are looking to payoff debt, since it offers 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, 60 days on balance transfers (18.24% – 28.24% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers after that). However, there is a balance transfer of 3% or $10 (the greater).
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured is a great choice for those who are looking to build and still get a bunch of rewards. cardholders should make a security deposit of $300-$4,900 to open the account, and Bank Of America will review your account on a regular basis to check whether you may be eligible to have your security deposit returned.
The card offers the same rewards model as the original Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards – 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The 3% and 2% cash back available on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter (then 1%). The sign up bonus is also similar – $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
What Credit Score Will I Need To Get approved?
When it comes to credit cards, you will need to meet certain qualifying requirements beforehand in order to be issued a card. For people who do not have much of a credit score or they have a poor or limited score, it can be a struggle to get anything more than the most basic of cards.
Those consumers who have built up an average credit score will have a bit more of a choice, while those who have very good credit scores will be able to get their hands on almost any type of credit score. When it comes to the top Bank of America cards, you will generally need to have at least a good credit score in order to get in on these great cards.
In this chart using Experian data, you can see the average FICO score has increased significantly over the last decade.
Some of the Bank of America cards will carry caps on how much cash back you can earn at the high rate during a certain period of time. For example, you might be able to earn 3% cash back on a certain category until you spend a certain amount in a quarter, with the rate then dropping to 1% for the remainder of the period. The process by which cash back offers at Bank of America works is not too different from the other major credit card issuers.
Bank of America Redemption Options
When you use certain Bank of America credit cards, you will earn points rewards from your purchases. For example, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card will give you 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and 1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases. For this card, the signup offer also gives you 50,000 online bonus points (a $500 value) after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
You can view the number of points you have by logging into your Bank of America account. These points will be redeemable for different types of rewards. The basic option will be to redeem the points for cash, with the exchange value usually being $0.01-$0.06 per point.
However, you will normally get better value if you are using the points to get other types of rewards. This includes redeeming them for different forms of travel expenses and gift cards. Whatever the case may be, this points program is a great reward for your loyalty to Bank of America.
You will have three different redemption options when it comes to Bank of America credit cards. There is the statement credit whereby you will be the credit applied to whatever your current balance may be.
Another option is the direct deposit to your Bank of America savings or checking account, or else at a Merrill account that is eligible. The final option will be getting a personal check. This can take about two weeks through the email to get to your home. In order to be able to redeem the rewards, you will have to have at least $25 in redeemable value.
Bank of America Rewards Program: How It Works?
The main rewards program in place is the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program. The aim of this scheme is for customers to have all of their banking needs looked after by Bank of America. In exchange for this loyalty, there are various rewards you will be able to get access to.
To qualify for a Preferred Rewards account, you need to have an eligible personal checking account at Bank of America, as well as a three-month average combined balance of at least $20,000 across qualifying Bank of America deposit accounts, as well as Merrill investment accounts. There will be different tier levels to this program depending on your total assets. You will be able to hold onto your tier level for 12 months.
There are many different rewards on offer, with the benefits improving with each higher tier you reach. Here are the main benefits:
- Savings interest rate boost
- Credit card rewards bonus
- Auto loan interest rate discount
- Mortgage origination fee reduction
- Discount on home equity interest
- No-fee banking
- Free transactions at non-Bank of America ATMs
- Fee discount on Merrill Guided Investing
Therefore, there are plenty of great benefits attached to this program. If you think that you might meet the criteria, make sure that you get involved today as there are many useful rewards waiting for you.
How to Maximize Bank of America Rewards?
If you currently have a Bank of America credit card or you are looking at getting one and you want to know what the best approach will be for maximizing your rewards here are some tips to keep in mind. The approach you take will vary depending on which credit card from Bank of America you are looking at.
- Understand Rewards Model
First and foremost, you should be fully aware of all of the rewards that are on offer, as well as any caps that you need to keep in mind. Your spending will often get different levels of cash back depending on what category your purchases are a part of. Therefore, you should focus on spending your money on where it counts the most.
For example, if you purchase food in a gas station, this will go under the gas purchase category, rather than a grocery purchase. Therefore, if you can make sure that you maximize your rewards by buying the right items in the most beneficial categories for you.
- Max Out Rewards Caps
You will also want to max out all of the bonus spending caps that are in place, once you do not overspend. Some credit cards will have a $2,500 quarterly cap on the rewards you get at a higher rate of 3%. By maxing out this cap, you will be able to get $300 of rewards every year and make the most of the enhanced cash back offers.
- Join Preferred Rewards
Another very important point is making sure that you have signed up for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards. This is not something that you are going to be enrolled in automatically.
Once you have a three-month average balance across the eligible Bank of America and Merrill account, you will qualify. There are three different tiers to this program that will depend on your total average balance. The higher the tier level you are, the greater rate at which you will earn rewards.
Overall, there is not going to be any quick and simple way for you to earn fast money through the Bank of America rewards programs. You will be rewarded for your loyalty over a longer period of time and committing to Bank of America for your various banking needs.
What Are the Other Benefits of Having a Bank of America Card?
As well as all of the different rewards programs that are associated with using Bank of America credit cards, there are some other side benefits that are always good to consider.
- Free Admission
There are certain places whereby you will get free admission when you showcase your Bank of America credit card and photo ID. This covers many participating museums across the United States.
- Welcome Offer
There are also plenty of great signup offers when you get a certain Bank of America credit card. While the occasional type of card does not have a welcome offer, most of them will give the likes of extra rewards points when you spend a certain amount in the first 90 days of your account.
- Car Rental Cover
All of the credit cards available from Bank of America will allow you to get an auto rental collision damage waiver. This means that you will get reimbursed for any damage that comes via theft or a collision. It will be in excess of your own insurance coverage and will be supplemental.
There is also a roadside emergency assistance program on offer. However, check the terms and conditions before to make sure you're fully covered.
- Travel Benefits
If you are someone who does plenty of travel, there are some travel-related benefits with Bank of America credit cards. You can get reimbursement up to $500 per ticket you have bought if a trip is delayed.
You can also get $5,000 worth of trip cancellation coverage per person. Other travel benefits include baggage delay coverage, common carrier travel accident cover, and emergency evacuation in transport coverage.
- Purchasing Protection
Certain eligible customers who have Bank of America credit cards will be able to check for free their FICO credit. Finally, the great advantage of using credit cards is the extra security that you get. Through the Bank of America purchase security feature, you will be reimbursed for a replacement for any eligible item that was damaged or stolen within 90 days of buying it.
The total coverage is $10,000 for a claim. You can also often get your warranty for eligible items doubled, as well as a return protection benefit if the retailer won’t accept your return within 90 days of buying it.
How many Bank of America Credit Cards Can I Have at One Time?
Currently, there is not going to be any limit on the number of Bank of America credit cards that you can have. However, you will have to showcase that you will be able to sufficiently handle each of these cards. This includes making sure that you always meet the payments on time, as well as having a strong credit history.
However, having a lot of credit cards is not necessarily going to be a good thing. Each of the applications you send for a credit card will lead to a hard credit history inquiry, which can decrease your credit score. Therefore, you need to weigh up the pros and cons before making a final decision.
How Do I Cancel a Bank of America Credit Card?
If for some reason you are looking to cancel a Bank of America credit card, there are a few different ways in which you can do so. You might have gotten a different type of card and no longer need a particular one, had a card stolen, or you simply prefer not to have a credit card at all.
The main way in which you are able to cancel the card will be by ringing Bank of America over the phone. Before you make this telephone call, be prepared with any relevant information about the card and your Bank of America account that might be needed. The customer support person will often ask your reasons for canceling the card. Therefore, having your reason in mind will also be useful.
You can also close your Bank of America credit card when you go to a branch in-person, as well as being able to send a written request via mail. In some cases, your credit score might be hurt when you cancel a credit card, so make sure that you are aware of any potential drawbacks of doing so before pulling the trigger.