If you’re thinking about getting a credit card, Bank of America is one of the biggest and most trusted names in the U.S. banking world. Their credit cards cover a wide range of needs—whether you want to build your credit, earn cash back, or get rewards for everyday spending.
One of the big perks with Bank of America is their Preferred Rewards program. If you already have checking or savings accounts with them, you could earn even more cash back or points with your credit card. That means the more you bank with them, the better your rewards can get.
Their mobile app and customer service also get good reviews, making it easy to manage your card and payments. It’s a reliable choice if you want a card that fits smoothly into your financial life.
What Bank of America Cards Are Available?
Bank of America offers several credit cards, each made for different goals.
If you’re just starting out, the BankAmericard® credit card is a simple choice. It has no annual fee and comes with a long 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers. That means you can carry a balance interest-free for a while if you need to.
If you want rewards, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card lets you earn 3% cash back on one category you choose, like gas or online shopping. You also get 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% on everything else. The best part? You can change your 3% category each month.
For travelers, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent, no annual fee, and no foreign transaction fees. It’s a straightforward card for earning travel points without fuss.
If you want to build or rebuild credit, the Bank of America® Secured Credit Card requires a cash deposit but helps establish credit history.
What You Need to Qualify
To get most Bank of America cards, you’ll typically need a credit score of around 670 or higher. That’s considered a good score. Some cards, especially secured cards or student cards, accept lower scores.
You’ll also need to prove your income and show you can manage debt responsibly. If you’re already a Bank of America customer, that history might help your application.
If you don’t have much credit history, some cards may still approve you based on your income and banking relationship, but interest rates might be higher.
How to Apply for a Bank of America Card
You can apply online through the official Bank of America credit card application page. The process usually takes just a few minutes.
You’ll provide your personal details, income, Social Security Number, and housing status. If approved, your card will arrive in the mail within about a week. Then you activate it and can start using it.
What Fees and Interest Should You Expect?
Many Bank of America cards come with no annual fee, but some premium cards do charge one. Always check the card details before applying.
Interest rates (APR) typically range between 16% and 29%, depending on your creditworthiness and the card. If you pay your balance in full every month, you won’t pay interest.
Be aware of late fees and fees for returned payments. Some cards charge foreign transaction fees (about 3%), while others, like the Travel Rewards card, don’t. Always check the fee schedule for the card you want.
Rewards and Benefits
Rewards are a big draw with Bank of America. Their cards often work well with the Preferred Rewards program, which boosts your cash back or points by up to 75% based on your total banking relationship.
For example, the Customized Cash Rewards card gives you 3% back on your chosen category, but Preferred Rewards members can earn up to 5.25% back in that category.
You can redeem rewards as statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards, or travel bookings.
Besides rewards, Bank of America cards often include fraud protection, travel accident insurance, and purchase protection. Their mobile app lets you monitor spending, set alerts, and pay bills easily.
Is Bank of America Right for You?
If you want a reliable card with solid rewards and good customer support, Bank of America is a great place to start. It especially makes sense if you already bank with them since you can maximize rewards through Preferred Rewards.
However, if you need luxury travel perks like airport lounge access or hotel upgrades, you might want to explore other cards. But for everyday spending, managing debt, or building credit, Bank of America offers strong, straightforward options.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a credit card is a personal decision, and you want one that fits your spending habits and financial goals. Bank of America offers a range of cards—from no-fee starter cards to cash-back and travel rewards—that can help you get there.
Be sure you understand the fees and interest rates before applying, and commit to paying your bills on time to avoid costly charges. When you use your card responsibly, it can be a helpful tool for building credit and earning rewards.
Take your time, compare your options on the Bank of America website, and pick the card that matches your lifestyle. That’s how you get the most out of your credit card experience.
If you want to explore more, visit Bank of America’s official credit card page for details on current offers and eligibility: https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-cards/.