When it comes to managing money with flexibility, security, and rewards, Bank of America Credit Card products continue to be one of the top choices for individuals and businesses. With options tailored to everyday spending, travel, balance transfers, and credit-building, these cards deliver real value for users at all financial levels.
In this post, we’ll discover everything to know about Bank of America credit cards. Such as the bank’s origins, card offerings, eligibility criteria, terms, and exclusive benefits. Whether you’re applying for your first card or upgrading to a more rewarding option, this post will help you make the right decision with confidence.
Introduction to Bank of America
Before diving into credit card options, it’s helpful to understand the bank that issues them. With any credit product, trust and reliability matter, and Bank of America credit solutions are backed by a financial institution with over a century of experience. As one of the “Big Four” banks in the U.S., Bank of America serves millions of consumers, investors, and businesses worldwide. In addition to credit cards, it provides a full range of services to help you spend, save, invest, and grow your financial future.
History of Bank of America
Bank of America’s story began in 1904 when Amadeo Giannini founded the Bank of Italy in San Francisco. Giannini stood out by focusing on working-class and immigrant communities, who were often overlooked by traditional banks. Then, he demonstrated his commitment to public service by financing the rebuilding of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake.
In 1930, the bank was renamed Bank of America to reflect its broader ambitions. Through a century of mergers, innovation, and nationwide expansion, it has grown into one of the most powerful and trusted financial institutions in the world. Today, the bank is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, operates in over 35 countries, and serves more than 67 million customers globally.
General Services of Bank of America
Bank of America offers a comprehensive suite of services for individuals seeking reliable day-to-day banking, access to credit, and convenient digital tools:
Personal Banking: Includes checking and savings accounts with online and mobile banking access, Zelle transfers, and debit cards with real-time fraud alerts and contactless payment technology.
Credit and Lending: Offers flexible options such as:
- Home loans for purchases and refinancing
- Auto loans with competitive APRs
- Personal loans for consolidating debt or managing large expenses
Credit Cards: A wide range of cards is available, such as cash back, travel rewards, balance transfer, student, secured, and business, designed to match different spending habits and financial goals.
Investment Services (via Merrill)
- Self-directed investing or professional portfolio management
- Retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k) rollovers
- Personalized advisory services for wealth building
Small Business & Commercial Banking
- Business checking and savings accounts
- Merchant services, payroll systems, and business credit cards
- Access to credit lines, business loans, and treasury services
Wealth & Retirement Planning
- Estate planning and trust services
- Long-term strategies for asset growth
- Dedicated advisors for high-net-worth clients
This all-in-one financial ecosystem allows customers to manage everything from budgeting and borrowing to investing and retirement under the trusted Bank of America.
Bank of America Credit Cards
Bank of America’s credit cards are among its most popular financial products and for good reason. These cards not only provide spending power and security but also offer cash back, travel rewards, and balance transfer options depending on your financial goals.
What are Bank of America Credit Cards?
Bank of America credit cards are financial tools that allow consumers to borrow funds up to a limit for purchases, payments, or transfers. Then, repaying the amount either fully or in installments. Many come with reward structures, promotional APRs, or credit-building features.
Cash Back Credit Cards
Perfect for everyday spenders, these cards reward you with a percentage of your purchases back in cash. Ideal for those who want simple, flexible savings on categories like groceries, dining, and online shopping.
1. Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
- 6% cash back in your chosen category for the first year (then 3%); 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases
- $200 online cash bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- No annual fee
- Preferred Rewards members can earn 25%-75% more cash back
2. Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card
- 2% cash back on all purchases for the first year (then 1.5%)
- $200 online cash bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- No annual fee
- Preferred Rewards members can earn 25%-75% more cash back
3. Susan G. Komen Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Same rewards structure as the Customized Cash Rewards card
- Supports breast cancer research with a portion of proceeds
- No annual fee
4. BankAmericard Credit Card (Low Interest Credit Card)
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0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers
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No annual fee
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No penalty APR for late payments
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Free FICO® Score access
Student Credit Cards
Designed for college students starting their credit journey, student cards offer rewards with no annual fee and helpful tools to build credit responsibly.
1. Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
- Same rewards as the standard Customized Cash Rewards card
- Designed for students to build credit responsibly
- No annual fee
2. Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
- Same rewards as the standard Unlimited Cash Rewards card
- Helps students establish a credit history
- No annual fee
3. Credit Card for Students
- 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- Ideal for students looking to build credit and save on interest
4. Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
- 1.5 points per $1 on all purchases; additionally, 3 points per $1 on travel booked through the Bank of America Travel Center
- 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Travel Rewards Credit Cards
For frequent travelers, these cards offer points on purchases, no foreign transaction fees, and travel perks like TSA PreCheck credits and luxury hotel access.
1. Travel Rewards Credit Card
- 1.5 points per $1 on all purchases; additionally, 3 points per $1 on travel booked through the Bank of America Travel Center
- 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
2. Premium Rewards Credit Card
- 2 points per $1 on travel and dining; additionally, 1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases
- 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 90 days
- $95 annual fee
- Up to $100 in airline incidental statement credits annually
3. Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card
- 2 points per $1 on travel and dining; additionally, 1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases
- 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 90 days
- $550 annual fee
- Up to $300 in airline incidental and lifestyle statement credits annually
Airline and Cruise Line Credit Cards
These co-branded cards cater to loyal flyers and cruisers, providing exclusive perks: tickets, discounts, and accelerated rewards within specific travel brands.
1. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card
- 3 miles per $1 on Alaska Airlines purchases
- 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases
- $100 statement credit, 50,000 bonus miles, and Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ after qualifying purchases
- $95 annual fee
2. Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard
- 3 points per $1 on Spirit purchases; additionally, 2 points per $1 on dining and grocery store purchases, and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- $100 companion flight voucher each anniversary after qualifying purchases
- $79 annual fee
3. Allways Rewards Visa Credit Card
- 3 points per $1 on Allegiant purchases; additionally, 2 points per $1 on dining, and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- 15,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- $59 annual fee
4. Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard
- 3 miles per $1 on Air France, KLM, and SkyTeam purchases
- 1.5 miles per $1 on all other purchases
- 70,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases
- $89 annual fee
5. Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Credit Card
- 2 points per $1 on Royal Caribbean purchases
- 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- 10,000 bonus points after first purchase
- No annual fee
6. Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard
- 3 points per $1 on Norwegian Cruise Line purchases; additionally, 2 points per $1 on eligible dining and grocery store purchases, and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- 10,000 bonus points after first purchase
- No annual fee
7. Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature Credit Card
- 2 points per $1 on Celebrity Cruises purchases, and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- 10,000 bonus points after first purchase
- No annual fee
Secured Credit Cards
Ideal for building or repairing credit, secured cards require a deposit and help you establish a credit history while still earning rewards.
1. BankAmericard Secured Credit Card
- Requires a security deposit ($200–$5,000)
- Helps build or rebuild credit
- No annual fee
2. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
- 3% cash back in a category of your choice; additionally, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases
- Requires a security deposit
- No annual fee
3. Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Requires a security deposit
- No annual fee
Business Credit Cards
With long 0% intro APRs, these cards are best for managing large purchases or consolidating debt, which is great for businesses focused on financial flexibility over rewards.
1. Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard Credit Card
- 3% cash back in a category of your choice; additionally, 2% on dining purchases, and 1% on all other purchases
- $300 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days
- No annual fee
2. Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard Credit Card
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- $300 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days
- No annual fee
Advantages of Bank of America Credit Cards?
Bank of America credit cards offer smart features designed for all types of users—from everyday spenders to frequent travelers.
Variety of Options: Whether you want to earn cash back, collect travel points, transfer balances, or build credit, there’s a Bank of America credit card that fits your goal.
Flexible Rewards: Earn up to 3% cash back in your chosen category or collect points for flights and hotels. Moreover, some cards even let you customize your bonus categories.
Intro APR Offers: Many cards feature 0% APR for up to 18 months on purchases or balance transfers, which is perfect for big expenses or consolidating debt.
No Annual Fees: Several cards, such as student, secured, and some rewards options, come with no yearly fee, helping you save more.
Preferred Rewards: Bank or invest with Bank of America? You could boost your card rewards by 25% to 75% just by enrolling in their Preferred Rewards program. Besides, Bank of America offers flexible Auto Loans with competitive rates and fast online approvals. It’s a convenient solution for financing both new and used vehicles.
Eligibility for Bank of America Credit Cards
Before applying for a Bank of America credit card, it’s important to understand the basic requirements. While eligibility can vary slightly depending on the type of card, most applicants must meet a few common criteria.
Eligibility for Individuals
To qualify for a personal credit card from Bank of America, applicants typically need to:
- Be at least 18 years old (or 21 if you don’t have independent income): This is a standard legal requirement in the U.S. to ensure responsible borrowing.
- Reside in the U.S. with a valid, physical address: P.O. boxes usually aren’t accepted for credit card applications.
- Have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): This is used to verify your identity and check your credit history.
- Provide proof of income: This helps the bank assess your ability to repay any balances. Also, pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements may be required.
- Maintain a suitable credit score: For most rewards cards, a good to excellent credit score (typically 670 or higher) increases your chance of approval and access to better terms. Besides credit cards, Bank of America’s Checking Options are designed to support your daily banking needs with digital tools and widespread accessibility.
Other Considerations
Bank of America also provides options for people with unique situations or different financial backgrounds:
- Students: If you’re in college and new to credit, you can apply for a student credit card. These cards don’t require a long credit history and are designed to help young adults start building credit responsibly.
- People Rebuilding Credit: If you have little or poor credit history, a secured credit card may be your best option. These require a refundable security deposit, which acts as your credit limit and reduces the lender’s risk, making approval more accessible.
- Business Owners: If you’re applying for a Business credit card, you’ll need to show proof of business income and register your business (as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation). These cards help separate personal and business expenses while earning rewards.
Bank of America Credit Cards: Documents and Procedures
Applying for a credit card can be a quick and seamless experience if you have your documents ready. Bank of America allows multiple application channels: online, in-branch, or by phone. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare and expect when applying.
Required Documents
To verify your identity, income, and eligibility, Bank of America may ask for the following:
- Valid photo identification: Such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID.
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): Required for credit history and identity verification.
- Proof of residence: A recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement showing your current U.S. address.
- Proof of income: Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, tax returns, or bank statements may be needed to confirm your ability to repay.
Application Procedures
Online Application: Visit the credit cards category on the Bank of America website to select your card and begin the application. The platform is mobile-friendly and guides you through each step.
Form Completion: Fill in your personal details, income information, housing status, employment info, and any co-applicant (if applicable). Be accurate to avoid delays.
Submit & Review: After submitting, Bank of America will run a credit check and assess your eligibility. Some applicants receive instant approval, while others may need to wait a few business days for further review.
Approval & Card Delivery: If approved, your physical card will be mailed to your provided address, usually within 7–10 business days. You’ll also receive activation instructions and can enroll in mobile banking right away.
Bank of America Credit Cards: Terms and Rates
Understanding the terms of a credit card is crucial to using it responsibly and maximizing its value. Bank of America’s terms are competitive, with promotional periods, low fees on select cards, and strong transparency. So, let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to consider financially.
Common Terms
- Annual Fees: Most Bank of America credit cards come with no annual fee, especially cash back and student cards. However, premium travel cards like the Premium Rewards may have an annual fee of $95 to reflect the added perks.
- Introductory APR: Many cards offer a 0% introductory APR on purchases, balance transfers, or both, typically for 15 to 18 billing cycles. This is especially helpful if you’re planning a large purchase or consolidating debt.
- Balance Transfer Fees: If you’re transferring a balance from another credit card, expect a fee of 3% of the amount transferred, with a minimum charge of $10.
- Late Payment Fees: Missing a payment could result in a late fee of up to $40, so it’s wise to set up payment reminders or automatic payments through the mobile app.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Travel cards often come with no foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international use. Other cards may charge up to 3% per transaction when used abroad.
Interest Rates
- Purchase APR: After any introductory period ends, your purchase APR will adjust to a variable rate. Typically between 15.24% and 27.24%, depending on your credit score and market conditions.
- Cash Advance APR: If you use your card to withdraw cash, expect a higher interest rate, usually around 27.99%, along with an upfront cash advance fee.
- Penalty APR: If you miss payments repeatedly or violate your terms, Bank of America may apply a penalty APR, which can climb as high as 29.99%. This rate can apply indefinitely if your account remains in poor standing.
Bank of America Credit Cards: Bonus and Benefits
Bank of America credit cards aren’t just about spending, they’re about earning and protecting as well. From sign-up bonuses to extra security, you get more than just a piece of plastic. This section covers all the extras that can make a big difference in your experience.
Welcome Bonuses
Many cards come with introductory sign-up offers, such as up to $200 cash back or 60,000 travel points after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first 90 days. These bonuses give your rewards a strong head start right after approval. If you are a business, entrepreneur, or company, Bank of America provides robust Business Banking solutions, covering checking, credit, and cash management services to keep operations running smoothly.
Preferred Rewards Program
If you’re a Bank of America or Merrill customer and maintain a qualifying balance, you can enroll in the Preferred Rewards program. This gives you a rewards boost of 25% to 75% on eligible credit card purchases, depending on your tier, effectively increasing the value of every dollar you spend.
Travel Perks
For frequent travelers, premium cards offer airport lounge access, travel insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and no foreign transaction fees—ideal for both convenience and peace of mind while abroad.
Digital Security Tools
Every card is equipped with fraud detection, real-time purchase alerts, and the option to generate virtual card numbers for safer online shopping. You can also lock or unlock your card instantly through the Bank of America mobile app.
Contactless & Mobile Integration
All Bank of America credit cards support contactless payments and are compatible with digital wallets such as Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and Samsung Pay, giving you fast, tap-and-go convenience wherever you shop.
FAQs about Bank of America Credit Cards
What credit score do I need to qualify?
- Most rewards cards require a good to excellent score (670+), but secured cards accept lower scores.
Can I apply if I’m a student?
- Bank of America offers student versions of its popular cards with no annual fees and no prior credit history required.
Do these cards have travel insurance?
- Travel and Premium Rewards cards include trip cancellation, delay, and lost baggage coverage.
Can I upgrade my card later?
- Yes, based on your usage and credit profile, you may be eligible to upgrade or switch to another card.
What happens if I miss a payment?
- You may incur a late fee and a penalty APR. Your credit score can also be negatively impacted.
Choosing a credit card is an important step in your financial journey. With a strong reputation, variety of features, and meaningful rewards, Bank of America credit cards offer trusted tools for spending, saving, and growing your financial health.
