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. Most people start online because the decision is instant — you'll see "approved," "pending," or "denied" before you finish. If you're approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. The whole thing requires your Social Security number, income, employment status, and a valid ID.
The bank pulls your credit report during the application, which means your credit score will drop slightly for a few months. If you're denied, you can ask why — the bank must tell you which factors worked against you. You can also reapply after 30 days, though your score will take another small hit.
Key Takeaways
- You can apply online at bankofamerica.com, through the mobile app, or at a branch, and you'll get an instant decision in most cases.
- Bank of America pulls your credit report, so your score will drop a few points temporarily, and you should not apply multiple times in a short window.
- Approval usually means your card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can request expedited shipping at some branches.
- If you're denied, the bank will explain which factors caused the rejection, and you can reapply after 30 days if you want to try again.
What you need before you start
Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. You'll also need to state your annual income and employment status — the bank does not verify income on the spot, but lying on the application is fraud. If you're self-employed, have a rough number ready; the bank accepts estimates.
A valid government ID (driver's license or passport) is required if you apply in person. Online and app applications do not ask for ID upfront, but the bank may request it later if your application goes to manual review.
Your credit report will be pulled no matter which card you choose. If your credit score is below 600, approval is unlikely but not impossible — some Bank of America cards are designed for people rebuilding credit. If you've been denied before, check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com (the only free, official source) to see what's working against you.
Applying online or through the mobile app
Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Credit Cards" in the main menu, or open the Bank of America mobile app and navigate to the credit card section. You'll see a list of cards — each one shows the rewards structure, annual fee (if any), and the credit score range the bank typically approves. Click the card you want and select "Apply Now."
The application asks for your name, address, phone number, email, Social Security number, date of birth, and employment information. It also asks whether you have an existing Bank of America checking or savings account — existing customers sometimes see faster decisions. Fill in your annual income honestly; the bank uses this to set your credit limit, not to reject you outright.
After you submit, you'll see a decision within seconds in most cases. If approved, you'll get a confirmation number and can set up online access to your new card account immediately. If the decision is "pending," the bank is reviewing your application manually, usually because your credit report has conflicting information or a recent negative mark. Pending decisions typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours, and the bank will call or email you.
Applying in person at a branch
Walk into any Bank of America branch with your government ID and ask to open a credit card account. A banker will walk you through the application on their computer or tablet — it's the same form as online, but they can answer questions in real time and sometimes push applications through faster if you're an existing customer.
In-branch applications do not always give you an instant decision. If the banker says your application needs review, ask how long it will take and whether they'll call or email you. Some branches can print a temporary card number on the spot if you're approved, so you can use it immediately online or by phone while your physical card is being mailed.
What happens after approval
Your card will be mailed to the address on your application within 7 to 10 business days. You can activate it as soon as it arrives by calling the number on the back of the card or through your online account. Some cards come with a temporary card number you can use online before the physical card arrives.
Your credit limit will be set based on your income, credit score, and credit history. If you think the limit is too low, you can request an increase after 6 months of on-time payments. Do not max out the card immediately — using more than 30% of your limit will hurt your credit score, even if you pay it off in full.
Your first statement will arrive 25 to 30 days after your first purchase. You'll have a grace period (usually 21 days from the statement date) to pay without interest charges. After that, interest accrues daily on any unpaid balance.
If you're denied or get a pending decision
A denial means the bank decided the risk was too high based on your credit report, income, or both. You have the right to know why — the bank will send you a letter explaining the specific factors. Common reasons include a low credit score, recent late payments, high existing debt, or too many recent credit inquiries.
You can reapply after 30 days, but your score will take another small hit from the second credit pull. Before you reapply, fix what you can: pay down existing balances, dispute any errors on your credit report, or wait for negative marks to age. A pending decision usually means manual review is underway — the bank will contact you within 1 to 2 business days with a final answer.
If you're consistently denied, consider a secured credit card instead. Bank of America offers one that requires a cash deposit (usually $500 to $2,500) as collateral. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you can convert it to an unsecured card and get your deposit back.
Avoiding common mistakes
Do not apply for multiple Bank of America cards at once — each application pulls your credit report and tanks your score. Space applications at least 6 months apart. Do not lie about your income or employment status; the bank does not verify immediately, but fraud can result in account closure and legal action.
Do not assume a pre-approved offer in the mail means you're may provide approval. Pre-approved offers are based on a soft credit pull (which does not affect your score), but the hard pull during actual application can reveal new information. You can still be denied after receiving a pre-approved offer.
Do not ignore the terms and conditions. Read the annual percentage rate (APR), annual fee, and rewards structure before you apply. Some cards charge $95 or more per year; if you do not plan to use the rewards, the fee is not worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved?
Most applications are approved or denied within seconds online. If your application goes to manual review, you'll hear back within 24 to 48 hours by phone or email. In-branch applications sometimes take longer if the banker has to escalate your file.
Can I use my card before it arrives in the mail?
Some Bank of America cards come with a temporary card number you can use online or by phone immediately after approval. Check your approval email or log into your account to see if a temporary number was issued. Otherwise, you'll have to wait for the physical card to arrive.
What's the difference between the cards Bank of America offers?
Bank of America offers cash-back cards, travel rewards cards, and cards for people rebuilding credit. Cash-back cards return a percentage of what you spend; travel cards earn points for flights and hotels. Cards for rebuilding credit have lower credit limits and higher interest rates but are easier to get approved for. Compare the rewards, annual fee, and APR before you apply.
Will applying for a credit card hurt my credit score?
Yes, the hard credit pull will drop your score by 5 to 10 points temporarily. The impact fades over a few months. Multiple applications in a short time cause bigger damage, so space them out. On the flip side, once you're approved and use the card responsibly, it will help your score over time.
What if I'm denied and want to know why?
Bank of America will send you a letter with the specific reasons for denial. Common factors include low credit score, recent late payments, high debt-to-income ratio, or too many recent credit inquiries. You can dispute errors on your credit report at annualcreditreport.com or reapply after 30 days if you've improved your situation.