The application process takes 5 to 10 minutes online, and you'll know if you're approved within seconds
Bank of America accepts credit card applications through their website, mobile app, or in person at a branch. You start by choosing which card fits your spending habits—cashback, travel rewards, or no-annual-fee options exist—then answer questions about your income, employment, and existing debts. The bank pulls your credit report during the application, and most decisions come back immediately. If approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days.
The entire process is free. Bank of America does not charge to apply, and you only pay an annual fee if the card you choose has one (many don't). You need a Social Security number, a valid ID, and a current mailing address to complete the application.
Key Takeaways
- You can apply online at bankofamerica.com, through the mobile app, or at a branch, and most decisions come back within minutes.
- Bank of America will check your credit report, so your credit score affects whether you're approved and what interest rate you receive.
- You need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and proof of income or employment to complete the application.
- If approved, your card arrives in 7 to 10 business days; you can use it online immediately in some cases once activated.
- Rejected applications do not prevent you from reapplying later, and you can ask Bank of America why you were denied.
What information you'll need before you start
Gather these documents before opening the application: your Social Security number, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), your current address, and your employment information (employer name, job title, and how long you've worked there). If you're self-employed or retired, have your most recent tax return or income statement ready.
Bank of America also asks for your annual income and existing debts—credit cards, car loans, mortgages, student loans. Be honest about these numbers; the bank verifies them through your credit report. If your income has changed recently, use your current income, not what you made last year.
Have your phone number handy. Bank of America may text or call you during the application if they need to verify information or ask follow-up questions.
Applying online or through the mobile app
Go to bankofamerica.com and select "Credit Cards" from the main menu. Browse the available cards and click on the one you want. Read the terms, annual percentage rate (APR), and annual fee before proceeding. Click "Apply Now."
The application asks for your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Then it moves to employment and income questions. Answer each section completely; leaving fields blank delays the decision. The form takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Once you submit, Bank of America pulls your credit report and makes a decision. Most applicants see a result on screen immediately. If approved, you'll receive a confirmation number and instructions for activating your card when it arrives. If denied, you'll see a brief reason—usually "credit score too low" or "too many recent inquiries"—and information about how to contact the bank for details.
The mobile app follows the same process. Open the Bank of America app, tap "Credit Cards," select your card, and tap "Apply." The application works identically to the website version.
Applying in person at a branch
Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID and Social Security number. Tell the representative you want to open a credit card account. They'll hand you an application form or walk you through it on their computer. The process takes 15 to 20 minutes in person because the representative can answer questions as you go.
In-person applications sometimes move faster for approval because the bank can verify your identity immediately. If you're denied, the representative can sometimes explain why and discuss whether a different card might work better for your situation.
What happens after you're approved
Bank of America mails your card to the address you provided on the application. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive an email confirmation with your card number and expiration date, though you cannot use the card until it arrives and you activate it.
Activation is simple: call the number on the back of the card when it arrives, or activate it through the mobile app. Some cards allow you to use them online or through Apple Pay or Google Pay before the physical card reaches you—the bank will tell you if this option is available.
Your credit limit appears on your approval letter and in your online account. This is the maximum you can charge to the card. Interest rates and fees also appear in your account details and on your first statement.
Why your application might be denied
Bank of America denies applications most often because of a low credit score, too many recent credit inquiries, or high existing debt relative to income. A credit score below 600 makes approval unlikely for most cards, though some Bank of America cards accept lower scores. Recent missed payments, collections accounts, or bankruptcy also trigger denials.
If you're denied, you can reapply after 30 days. In the meantime, check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com (the only free, official source) to see what's affecting your score. Dispute any errors you find. If your score is low because of recent missed payments, waiting 6 to 12 months before reapplying gives those negative marks less weight.
You can also call Bank of America at the number on your denial letter and ask a representative to explain the specific reason. Sometimes they'll suggest a different card with lower credit requirements, or they'll tell you what would need to change for approval.
Understanding credit pulls and your credit score
Bank of America performs a hard inquiry on your credit report when you apply. This temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points (usually 5 to 10 points) and stays on your report for 12 months. Multiple applications within a short time add up, so space out credit card applications if you're applying to several banks.
The hard inquiry is different from a soft inquiry, which doesn't affect your score. When you check your own credit or when a company pre-screens you for offers, that's a soft inquiry. Only applications for new credit trigger hard inquiries.
If you're denied and reapply within 30 days, the second application usually pulls your credit again, creating another hard inquiry. This is why waiting at least 30 days between applications is wise—it gives your score time to recover slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved?
Most decisions come back within seconds or minutes if you apply online. If the bank needs more information, they'll contact you by phone or email, and the decision may take a few hours. Once approved, your card ships in 7 to 10 business days.
Can I use my card before it arrives?
Some Bank of America cards allow you to use your card number online or through mobile payment apps (Apple Pay, Google Pay) immediately after approval, before the physical card arrives. The bank will tell you if this option is available for your card.
What if I have no credit history?
Bank of America has cards for people building credit, though approval is not may provide. You may need to start with a secured card (which requires a cash deposit) or apply with a co-signer. Call the bank or visit a branch to discuss options for your situation.
Do I need to be a Bank of America customer to apply?
No. You can apply for a Bank of America credit card without having a checking or savings account with them. However, having an existing relationship with the bank may slightly improve your chances of approval.
What's the difference between the cards Bank of America offers?
Bank of America offers cashback cards (you earn a percentage back on purchases), travel rewards cards (points toward flights and hotels), and basic cards with no annual fee. Choose based on how you spend money. If you don't travel, a cashback card usually makes more sense than a travel card.