Yes, Bank of America offers multiple credit cards for different spending patterns and credit profiles
Bank of America issues credit cards under its own brand, not through a partner. The bank maintains several card lines: the BankAmericard (its basic card), the Bank of America Cash Rewards card, the Bank of America Travel Rewards card, and premium cards like the Bank of America Premium Rewards card. Each card has different rewards structures, annual fees, and approval requirements.
You can open a Bank of America credit card online, by phone, or in a branch. The bank checks your credit report during the application process and typically makes a decision within minutes to a few days. If you already have a Bank of America checking or savings account, the process is usually faster because the bank already has your identity information on file.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America offers credit cards with no annual fee and cards with annual fees ranging from $95 to $450, depending on the card's rewards and benefits.
- Each card earns cash back or travel points on purchases, but the earning rate and bonus categories differ—some earn flat rates on all purchases, others earn more on specific categories like dining or travel.
- You can apply online, by phone, or in a Bank of America branch, and the bank will tell you whether you are approved, denied, or need to provide more information.
- Bank of America credit cards come with fraud protection, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage on may be able to access items, though the exact benefits vary by card.
How Bank of America credit cards earn rewards
Bank of America credit cards earn either cash back or travel points. The BankAmericard and Cash Rewards card return a percentage of what you spend as cash back deposited into your Bank of America account. The Travel Rewards card converts purchases into points that you redeem for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses through Bank of America's travel portal.
Some cards offer bonus categories—higher earning rates on specific types of spending. For example, the Cash Rewards card earns 3% cash back on one category you choose (gas, groceries, transit, or online shopping), 2% on another category you choose, and 1% on all other purchases. The Premium Rewards card earns points on all purchases with no bonus categories, but the earning rate is higher across the board.
Rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close the card, you keep the rewards you have already earned, but you stop earning new rewards on that card.
Annual fees and when they apply
Bank of America offers both no-annual-fee cards and cards with annual fees. The BankAmericard, Cash Rewards card, and Travel Rewards card have no annual fee. The Premium Rewards card charges $95 per year, and the Premium Rewards American Express card charges $450 per year.
The annual fee is charged to your account once per year, usually on the anniversary of when you opened the card. If you close the card before the annual fee posts, you will not be charged. If the fee posts and you then close the card, Bank of America does not refund it.
Credit score requirements and approval odds
Bank of America does not publish a minimum credit score for any of its cards, but the bank generally approves applicants with good to excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) for its no-annual-fee cards. Premium cards with annual fees usually require very good to excellent credit (typically 740 or higher). Applicants with fair credit or lower may be denied or offered a card with a lower credit limit.
Your approval also depends on your income, existing debt, and recent credit inquiries. Bank of America pulls your credit report when you apply, which creates a hard inquiry that temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. If you are denied, you can ask the bank why and reapply after addressing the issue—for example, by paying down existing balances or waiting for negative marks to age.
How to apply and what happens next
You can start an application on Bank of America's website, call the bank's credit card line, or visit a branch in person. Online applications usually take 5 to 10 minutes. The bank will ask for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income, and employment information.
Bank of America typically gives you a decision immediately or within a few business days. If you are approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If you are denied, the bank sends you a letter explaining the reason. If you are approved but the bank needs more information—such as proof of income—it will contact you by phone or mail.
Once your card arrives, you activate it by calling the number on the back or logging into your Bank of America online account. You can then use it for purchases right away. If you already have a Bank of America checking account, rewards are deposited directly into that account.
Fraud protection and dispute resolution
Bank of America credit cards come with zero-liability fraud protection, which means you are not responsible for unauthorized charges if someone uses your card number or physical card without permission. You report fraud by calling the number on the back of your card or logging into your online account.
The bank investigates the claim and typically removes the charge from your account within one to three business days while the investigation continues. The full investigation usually takes 30 to 60 days. If the bank determines the charge was fraudulent, it stays removed. If it determines you authorized the charge, it goes back on your account and you are notified in writing.
Bank of America cards also include purchase protection (covering items damaged or stolen within a certain period after purchase) and extended warranty coverage on may be able to access purchases. The exact coverage varies by card, so check your card's benefits guide for details.
Comparing Bank of America cards to each other
| Card | Annual Fee | Rewards Structure | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| BankAmericard | None | 1% cash back on all purchases | Simple, flat-rate earning with no categories to track |
| Cash Rewards | None | 3% on one category, 2% on another, 1% on all else | Spending concentrated in two categories (groceries, gas, etc.) |
| Travel Rewards | None | 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases | Frequent travelers who book through Bank of America's portal |
| Premium Rewards | $95 | 2.625 points per dollar on all purchases | High spenders who earn enough rewards to offset the annual fee |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Bank of America credit card if I have bad credit?
Bank of America rarely approves applicants with credit scores below 650 for any of its cards. If your credit is poor, you may need to improve it first by paying down existing balances, disputing errors on your credit report, or waiting for negative marks to age. Once your score rises, you can reapply.
How long does it take to receive my card after approval?
Bank of America ships approved cards within 7 to 10 business days. Standard shipping takes 3 to 5 business days after it ships, so you should receive your card within 10 to 15 business days of approval. You can activate it as soon as it arrives.
What happens if I miss a payment on my Bank of America credit card?
If you miss a payment, Bank of America reports it to the credit bureaus after 30 days, which damages your credit score. The bank may also charge a late fee (typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment, higher for subsequent ones) and increase your interest rate. Pay as soon as you realize you missed it to minimize the damage.
Can I transfer a balance from another credit card to a Bank of America card?
Yes, most Bank of America credit cards allow balance transfers. You provide the other card's account number during the application or after approval, and Bank of America transfers the balance to your new card. A balance transfer fee (typically 3% to 5% of the amount transferred) is added to your balance. Check your specific card's terms for the transfer fee and any promotional period with a lower interest rate.
Do Bank of America credit card rewards expire?
No, rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. If you close the card, you keep the rewards you have already earned but stop earning new rewards on that card. Rewards stay in your account indefinitely unless you redeem them.