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The best Bank of America credit cards offer a little bit of everything: rewards cards with travel perks, generous cash back rates, lengthy intro APR offers, or lenient credit requirements, giving your wallet a great boost.
Robin Hartill, CFP®, is The Ascent’s Head of Product Ratings and has worked for The Motley Fool since 2020. Her work has appeared in various national publications, including Yahoo! Finance, NerdWallet, Investopedia, CNN Underscored, MSNBC, USA Today, and CNET Money. She previously wrote The Penny Hoarder’s syndicated “Dear Penny” personal finance advice column.
Great for: Travel card with no annual fee
On Bank of America's Secure Website.
On Bank of America's Secure Website.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers.
Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Rewards Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
1.5 points per dollar
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
25,000 points
This is a good starter travel card thanks to its simplicity and no annual fee. It offers a strong welcome bonus worth $250, unlimited 1.5% points on all purchases, and no foreign transaction fee. Simply redeem points as a statement credit for travel or dining purchases. The generous 0% Intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles might come in handy if you want to pay-off an expensive trip over time without interest. It’s a particularly good fit for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members, who can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase (depending on your tier). Read Full Review
Great for: Cash rewards program
On Bank of America's Secure Website.
On Bank of America's Secure Website.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers.
Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Rewards 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% at at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases, 1% on all other purchases.
1% - 3% cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
$200 cash back
This card's wide range of extra cash back options speaks for itself, with a choice of six bonus categories you can change monthly for 3% earnings in the category of your choice. And you can earn 2% back automatically at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. No annual fee and a nice welcome bonus also make this one a winner. Plus, if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, this card will be even more valuable for you. Read Full Review
Great for: One-card wallet
On Bank of America's Secure Website.
On Bank of America's Secure Website.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers.
Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Rewards Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
1.5% cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
$200 cash back
This is a solid pick for one-card wallet seekers who want a straightforward, unlimited cash back card – plus a strong $200 bonus & 0% Intro APR offer. It’s a particularly good fit for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members, who can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase, depending on your tier. Read Full Review
Great for: Students and cash rewards
On Bank of America's Secure Website.
On Bank of America's Secure Website.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers.
Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Rewards 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases, and 1% on all other purchases.
1% - 3% cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
$200 cash back
This student credit card has it all. You'll have a hard time finding a student card with a cash back program this lucrative to go along with a sign-up bonus. Read Full Review
Great for: Students and travel rewards
On Bank of America's Secure Website.
On Bank of America's Secure Website.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers.
Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Rewards Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
1.5 points per dollar
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
25,000 points
With a generous sign-up bonus and a rewards program, it'll be harder to find a better card for students. Read Full Review
Great for: Unlimited cash back
On Bank of America's Secure Website.
On Bank of America's Secure Website.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers.
Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Rewards Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
1.5% cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
$200 cash back
Great for: Building credit
New/Rebuilding Under(579)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
25.99%
Rewards
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
N/A
This card offers a low minimum deposit and a high maximum to go along with free access to your FICO® score and the ability to graduate to an unsecured card -- the only thing missing is a modest rewards program.
Great for: 0% intro APR offer
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases
Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Regular APR
16.24% - 26.24% (Variable)
Rewards
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
N/A
Few cards in this category can compete with this offers long 0% intro APR offer.
If you qualify for the Preferred Rewards program, then you should get the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card. Bank of America credit cards already have competitive rewards rates, and an additional perk of 25% to 75% of credit card rewards bonus makes those rates even better.
You'll need a combined balance of at least $20,000 to qualify for the Preferred Rewards Gold tier, and higher balances can qualify you for the Platinum or Platinum Honors tier.
When comparing the best Bank of America credit cards, look for one that helps you reach your goals.
For example, if you have a credit score below 600, you'll probably want to opt for the BankAmericard® Secured Credit Card or the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students to build credit.
If you travel internationally, you'll want a card like the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card or the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card because they don't charge a foreign transaction fee. If you spend a lot, a card with an annual fee that offers a higher rewards rate -- such as the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card -- might be worth it.
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card will be lucrative for those who spend a lot on travel and dining, while the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card earns big on spending. Then there are cards like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students, which lets you choose your own custom bonus category.
No credit card has it all, but you can prioritize those features that benefit you most. To help you compare credit cards, here are some features to look for:
Start by looking at the credit score requirements for the credit cards you're considering. It's important to only apply to one or two cards at once (and only apply to ones you're pretty sure you'll be approved for), because applying to a credit card causes a small dip in your credit score.
If you need to build credit, a secured or student credit card can help. They're generally easier to get approved for, too.
Typically, you'll want to look for a credit card with minimal fees. These include:
First, decide whether you prefer travel rewards or cash rewards. Then look for a card that helps you maximize credit card rewards. That might be a card with the highest rewards rate on everyday purchases, or it might be a card with a bonus category where you do a lot of spending.
Folks who are looking to earn the most rewards possible should look for a card with a good sign-up bonus. Some of the Bank of America credit cards offer a welcome bonus, and they're generally straightforward to earn. Make sure that you can meet any minimum spending requirement the sign-up bonus has.
Current cardholders can call the 24/7 customer service number at 800-732-9194.
The J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study has ranked Bank of America in second place. The bank provides many resources to clients, including a Financial Health Resource Center, free financial education, digital alerts which provide clients real-time information about their financial health, and more.
Every Bank of America credit card has a different credit score requirement. A travel rewards credit card or a cash rewards card will typically require a good credit score, while a secured credit card or a student credit card may only require fair credit -- or no credit at all.
The best credit cards cater to your specific needs, and Bank of America has a credit card for everyone. Some of the best Bank of America credit cards include:
The bank stands out with its diverse co-branded cards. It offers cards with travel partners like Alaska Airlines and Norwegian Cruise Lines. It also offers cards with other brands, including MLB®, the World Wildlife Fund, and Susan G. Komen®.
Another strength is its flexible cash rewards credit cards. Also, folks with no credit or bad credit will enjoy the bank's secured cards or student cards.
One of the best Bank of America perks is its Preferred Rewards program. If you're in this program and you have a qualifying Bank of America credit card, you'll earn an extra 25% to 75% on all your credit card rewards. To get Preferred Rewards benefits, you must maintain a minimum combined balance across your banking and investment accounts with Bank of America and Merrill Lynch.
The Preferred Rewards program doesn't just boost your credit card rewards. It entitles you to extra benefits with all Bank of America services you use. For example, you could get a higher savings account interest rate, a lower auto loan interest rate, and a reduction in your mortgage origination fee.
The bottom line is that Bank of America likes to give special treatment to its most loyal clients. If you're part of that group, that's good news.
In addition to the Preferred Rewards program, Bank of America credit cards have quite a few useful features, including:
Card | Rating | Great For |
---|---|---|
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: Travel card with no annual fee |
|
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: Cash rewards program |
|
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: One-card wallet |
|
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: Premium travel rewards |
|
Rating image, 4.25 out of 5 stars.
4.25/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: Students and cash rewards |
|
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: Students and travel rewards |
|
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: Unlimited cash back |
Rating image, 3.75 out of 5 stars.
3.75/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: Building credit |
|
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: 0% intro APR offer |
The best Bank of America credit cards include the following:
Bank of America offers every major type of credit card. Their lineup includes cash back cards, travel cards, no annual fee cards, secured cards, and student cards as well as both Mastercard and Visa cards.
You can compare Bank of America credit cards by looking at key features like interest rate, annual fee, rewards, welcome bonus, and credit requirements. From there, decide which features you want to prioritize to choose a card that's right for you.
As a Bank of America Preferred Rewards program member, you'll get a 25%, 50%, or 75% bonus on your credit card rewards earnings with select Bank of America credit cards. You can qualify for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program by opening an eligible checking account with Bank of America and maintaining the required minimum balance -- $20,000 for Gold tier, $50,000 for Platinum tier, and $100,000 for Platinum Honors tier.
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent, a Motley Fool service, does not cover all offers on the market. The Ascent has a dedicated team of editors and analysts focused on personal finance, and they follow the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands.
The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Mastercard and Visa.