The application takes 15 minutes and you'll know if you're approved within seconds
Bank of America accepts credit card applications online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The online route is fastest: you fill out your personal and financial information, and the bank's system gives you an instant decision in most cases. If you apply by phone, a representative walks you through the same questions and can answer details about specific card features. In-branch applications take longer but let you ask questions face-to-face and sometimes get bonus offers that aren't available online.
You'll need your Social Security number, current income, and information about any existing Bank of America accounts. The bank will pull your credit report as part of the decision, which means a hard inquiry appears on your credit file. This inquiry can lower your credit score by a few points temporarily, but it disappears from your report after two years.
Key Takeaways
- Online applications at bankofamerica.com take 15 minutes and give you an instant decision most of the time.
- You need your Social Security number, current income, and employment information to complete the application.
- Bank of America pulls your credit report, which creates a hard inquiry that may lower your score slightly for a few months.
- If you're denied, you can reapply after addressing the reason — usually a low credit score or recent negative marks on your report.
- New cardholders can activate their card immediately online or by phone once approved, and use it for purchases right away.
What information you need before you start
Gather these documents before opening the application: your Social Security number, your current annual income (from employment, self-employment, retirement, or other sources), your employment status and employer name, and your current address. If you've moved in the last two years, have your previous address ready as well.
If you already have a Bank of America checking or savings account, the application will be shorter because the bank already has some of your information on file. You can link the new credit card to an existing account, which makes it easier to manage payments and monitor activity.
Have your driver's license or state ID nearby — you won't need to upload it during the online application, but the bank may ask for it later if they need to verify your identity before approving the card.
Applying online at bankofamerica.com
Go to the Bank of America credit cards page and select the card you want. Click the button to start your application. The form asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number. Next, you'll enter your employment information: job title, employer name, and annual income. Be honest about your income — the bank verifies this information, and overstating it can result in denial or account closure later.
The application also asks whether you have an existing Bank of America account and whether you want to link the new card to it. If you do, the bank can deposit your credit line into your checking account immediately after approval, though you don't have to use it that way. You can also choose to receive statements by email or paper mail.
After you submit, the system processes your information and displays a decision on screen within seconds or minutes. If you're approved, you'll see your credit limit and can activate the card right away. If the bank needs more information, it will tell you how to provide it — usually by uploading a document or calling a phone number. If you're denied, the screen explains the reason and tells you how to contact the bank if you want to discuss it.
Applying by phone or at a branch
Call Bank of America's credit card line at 1-800-435-7000 to apply over the phone. A representative will ask the same questions as the online form and can answer questions about card features, rewards rates, and annual fees. The call takes 20 to 30 minutes. You'll get a decision during the call or within a few business days, and the bank will mail your card or let you pick it up at a branch.
To apply in person, visit any Bank of America branch with your ID and Social Security number. A banker can walk you through the application and sometimes offer branch-only promotions or higher credit limits. In-branch applications usually take 30 to 45 minutes, and you may wait for an available banker during busy times.
What happens after you're approved
Once approved, you can activate your card immediately through the Bank of America app or website, or by calling the number on the back of the card when it arrives. You don't have to wait for the physical card to use it — Bank of America offers a digital card number you can use for online purchases right away, even before the plastic card shows up in your mailbox.
Your first statement arrives 30 to 45 days after your first purchase. The bank sets your payment due date based on when you opened the account. You can change your due date through the app or website if it doesn't work with your budget. Your credit limit appears in your account immediately, and you can request an increase after six months of on-time payments.
The bank reports your account activity to the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) every month. This means your credit score will reflect your new card's credit limit and your payment history going forward.
If you're denied or want to reapply
Bank of America denies applications most often because of a low credit score, recent late payments, high existing debt, or too many recent credit inquiries. If you're denied, the bank sends you a letter explaining the reason within 30 days. You can call the number in the letter to discuss the decision with a representative.
You can reapply after addressing the reason for denial. If your score was too low, wait three to six months while you pay down existing balances and make all payments on time. If you had recent late payments, wait until they're older — payments from six months ago carry less weight than payments from last month. If you have too much existing debt, pay down your balances before reapplying.
Don't reapply immediately after a denial. Each application creates a hard inquiry, and multiple inquiries in a short time can lower your score further and signal to lenders that you're desperate for credit. Space applications at least three months apart.
Understanding credit limits and annual fees
Bank of America assigns your credit limit based on your credit score, income, and existing debt. Limits typically range from $500 to $25,000 for new cardholders, though some cards have no preset limit. Your limit appears in your account as soon as you're approved, and you can request an increase after six months of on-time payments.
Some Bank of America credit cards charge an annual fee ($95 or $450, depending on the card), while others have no annual fee. The bank discloses the fee before you submit your application, so you know the cost before you commit. If you're approved for a card with an annual fee, the bank charges it to your account 30 days after your account opens. You can cancel the card within 30 days to avoid the fee, though you'll lose any sign-up bonus you received.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for a Bank of America credit card?
Online applications usually get an instant decision. Phone and in-branch applications may take a few business days. Once approved, your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use a digital card number immediately for online purchases.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Bank of America doesn't publish a minimum credit score, but most cardholders have scores of 670 or higher. Some cards are easier to get approved for than others — the bank's basic cash-back card has lower requirements than premium travel cards. If your score is below 650, you may be denied or offered a lower credit limit.
Can I apply if I don't have a Bank of America account?
Yes. You don't need an existing account to apply for a credit card. However, having a checking or savings account with the bank can speed up the application and sometimes may have access to you for higher credit limits or bonus offers.
What if I'm self-employed or have irregular income?
Report your average annual income from the past two years. The bank may ask for tax returns or profit-and-loss statements to verify self-employment income. Have these documents ready before you apply, and be prepared to upload them if the bank requests them during the application process.
Can I use my credit card before the physical card arrives?
Yes. Bank of America provides a digital card number immediately after approval, which you can use for online and mobile purchases. You can also add the card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay to use it at stores and restaurants before the physical card arrives.