Bank of America issues both Visa and Mastercard, depending on the card
Bank of America does not issue only one network. Most of their credit cards run on the Visa network, but they also offer cards on Mastercard. Which network your card uses depends on which specific Bank of America card you hold. The network name appears on the front of your physical card, below your card number, and you can also see it in your online account or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.
The network—Visa or Mastercard—is separate from the card type. Bank of America issues cards in different categories: cash back rewards, travel rewards, student cards, and basic cards for building credit. Within each category, you may find both Visa and Mastercard options. The network affects where you can use the card and how disputes are handled, but it does not change your rewards rate, interest rate, or the terms Bank of America sets.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America issues cards on both the Visa and Mastercard networks; the network name is printed on the front of your card.
- Most Bank of America credit cards are Visa, but Mastercard options exist in their product lineup.
- The network determines which merchants accept your card and how chargebacks are processed, but does not affect your rewards or interest rate.
- You can confirm your card's network by checking your physical card, logging into your online account, or calling customer service.
How to find out which network your Bank of America card uses
Look at the front of your physical card. The Visa or Mastercard logo appears in the lower right corner, along with the network name. If you do not have the card in front of you, log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app, go to the card details section, and the network will be listed there. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask a representative to confirm the network.
If you are considering opening a new Bank of America card, the product page on their website will state whether it is a Visa or Mastercard before you apply. The network is part of the card description, listed alongside the annual fee, rewards structure, and other terms.
Why the network matters for your spending
The network determines which merchants will accept your card. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at the vast majority of retailers, both online and in person, so the difference rarely affects everyday purchases. However, some smaller merchants, international vendors, or specialty retailers may accept one network but not the other. If you travel internationally, both networks have global acceptance, though Mastercard has slightly more presence in some regions outside North America.
The network also affects how disputes are handled if you contest a charge. Both Visa and Mastercard have chargeback processes—the formal way to dispute a transaction—but the specific rules, timelines, and documentation required differ between the two. Bank of America handles the dispute on your behalf, but the underlying network rules shape how the case proceeds.
Rewards and benefits do not depend on the network
Whether your Bank of America card is Visa or Mastercard does not change your cash back rate, sign-up bonus, or annual fee. A Bank of America Visa card and a Bank of America Mastercard in the same product category will have identical rewards and terms. The network is purely a technical detail that affects acceptance and dispute handling, not the financial terms of your account.
Both Visa and Mastercard offer their own purchase protection and extended warranty programs, but Bank of America's benefits—such as fraud protection, zero liability for unauthorized charges, and travel insurance—are set by Bank of America, not by the network. You receive the same protections regardless of whether you hold a Visa or Mastercard.
Switching between Visa and Mastercard at Bank of America
If you want to change from a Visa to a Mastercard (or vice versa), you cannot simply switch the network on your existing card. Instead, you would need to open a new Bank of America card on the other network. Your old card would remain open unless you close it, which means you would have two active accounts. Closing an old card can affect your credit score slightly, so consider whether you truly need both before making the switch.
If you are opening a new card primarily to get a different network, review whether Bank of America offers the same rewards and benefits on both networks first. In most cases, the product is available on both, so the network choice is a matter of merchant acceptance or personal preference rather than a difference in rewards.
International use and network differences
Both Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted outside the United States, and both charge foreign transaction fees on Bank of America cards (unless you hold a specific card that waives them). The fee is set by Bank of America, not the network, so it will be the same whether you use Visa or Mastercard. However, in some countries, one network may have more ATMs or merchant locations than the other. If you travel frequently to a specific region, you might research which network has better coverage there before opening a new card.
When you use your card abroad, the exchange rate is set by the network (Visa or Mastercard), not by Bank of America. The rates are typically similar between the two, but they can vary slightly on any given day. Bank of America will add their foreign transaction fee on top of the network's exchange rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a specific network when I open a Bank of America card?
Bank of America does not let you choose the network when you open a card. The network is determined by which specific card product you select. If you want a Mastercard instead of a Visa, you need to open a different card product that runs on Mastercard. Check the product page before you apply to confirm which network it uses.
Will my rewards transfer if I switch from a Visa to a Mastercard?
No. Your rewards are tied to your account, not to the card itself. If you open a new Mastercard, your old Visa account remains separate. You would need to decide whether to keep both cards open or close the old one. Closing a card does not erase your rewards, but it may affect your credit score.
Do Visa and Mastercard have different fraud protection?
Both networks offer fraud protection, but Bank of America's zero-liability policy applies to both Visa and Mastercard. You are protected against unauthorized charges on either network. The protection comes from Bank of America, not from the network itself, so the level of protection is the same.
Is one network better for online shopping?
Both Visa and Mastercard are accepted at the vast majority of online retailers. Acceptance is nearly identical between the two. The network choice will not affect your ability to shop online or the security of your transaction. Both offer purchase protection for online purchases.
What if a merchant only accepts Mastercard but I have a Visa?
This is rare in the United States, but if it happens, you would need to use a different payment method or a different card. Having both a Visa and a Mastercard from Bank of America (or another issuer) ensures you can pay almost anywhere. If you travel internationally, research the region's preferred network before your trip.