Our pick for best Bank of America credit card, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, offers outstanding value for a no-annual-fee card. In addition to a robust sign-up bonus, this adaptable rewards card dazzles with a generous introductory offer for everyday purchases, plus extra earnings for Preferred Rewards® members.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Rewards Rate | Welcome Offer | Recommended Credit Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
on Bank Of America's secure site |
Winner
|
1% - 6% cash back
| $200 cash rewards
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
| Good / Excellent |
on Bank Of America's secure site |
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
on Bank Of America's secure site |
Flat-rate cash back rewards
|
1.5% - 2% cash back
| $200 cash rewards
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
| Good / Excellent |
on Bank Of America's secure site |
BankAmericard® credit card*
|
Intro APR
|
N/A | N/A | Good / Excellent | |
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card*
|
Travel benefits
|
1.5X - 2X points
| 75,000 points
75,000 online bonus points — a $750 value — after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
| Excellent | |
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card*
|
Beginners
|
1.5% - 2% cash back
Earn 2% cash back on purchases for the first year from account opening. Thereafter, you'll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
| N/A | Limited / Poor | |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students*
|
College students
|
1.5X points
1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
| 25,000 points
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
| Good / Excellent | |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
on Bank Of America's secure site |
Travel with no annual fee
|
1.5X - 3X points
| 25,000 points
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
| Good / Excellent |
on Bank Of America's secure site |
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card*
|
Building credit
|
1% - 3% cash back
| N/A | Limited / Poor | |
Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card*
|
Airline miles
|
1 - 3 miles
| 50,000 bonus miles
50,000 bonus miles plus a $100 statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
| Excellent | |
Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card*
|
4.3
Small business owners
|
1.5% cash back
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases everywhere, every time
| $300 statement credit
Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
| Excellent |
We take a comprehensive, data-driven approach to identify the best Bank of America credit cards. We use an objective rating and ranking system that evaluates over 200 credit cards from more than 50 issuers. All recommendations are made by LendingTree’s editorial team, completely independent of affiliate partnerships or compensation. Every card is selected based on its merit and ability to help people achieve their financial goals.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Sign-up bonus: $200 cash rewards
Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a versatile cash rewards credit card that lets you choose your top earning categories on a monthly basis. With a flexible rewards program, including multiple redemption options, and high rewards rate on some categories, this is a great $0-annual-fee card for people whose expenses may vary throughout the year.
It comes with a strong introductory offer, which allows you to earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Plus, it offers a solid intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers, and lets you switch your 3% cash back earnings (6% in the first year) between the following categories:
Additionally, cardholders get an automatic 2% cash back on grocery and wholesale club purchases (up to a combined $2,500 in bonus spending per quarter).
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Sign-up bonus: $200 cash rewards
Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card offers an elevated flat rewards rate, which is great for people who don’t want to keep track of bonus categories. This $0-annual-fee card also lets you earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Plus, there’s a long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days followed by a 14.49% - 24.49% Variable APR on balance transfers.
If you need to make a big purchase and want to enjoy a long interest-free period, or if you’re looking to transfer high-interest credit card debt without paying an excessive fee, the BankAmericard® credit card is an excellent choice.
In addition to a lower APR than you’ll typically get with a rewards card, it offers an above-average intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers. Just keep in mind that there’s no rewards program, so you might want to consider some other options if you’re not looking to finance anything or carry a balance.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Sign-up bonus: 75,000 points
Earn 75,000 online bonus points — a $750 value — after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
For a lower annual fee than some competing cards charge, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card offers well-heeled cardholders the chance to earn more value than usual from their everyday spending. In addition to a generous sign-up bonus and ample perks and statement credits, cardholders get unrestricted access to an enhanced rewards rate on every purchase, plus a slightly larger bonus on dining and travel purchases.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Secure a high credit limit with no annual fee
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is a good choice for people who are getting a credit card for the first time. With its $0 annual fee, you can get a solid start to your credit journey if you use the card responsibly. Plus, you’ll earn a high rate of cash back on every purchase that you make.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Sign-up bonus: 25,000 points
Earn 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
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students offers generous perks for a college card. It’s ideal for globe-trotting scholars who are too busy to mess with more complicated rewards programs. The card’s flat rewards rate allows students to effortlessly collect points over time, and rewards are easy to redeem. Plus, the student travel card is easy to take anywhere since it doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee, and Visa is widely accepted.
For those who can afford to meet the high spending requirements, the travel card’s sign-up bonus is also huge compared to what other student cards offer, and the intro APR period is rare for a credit-building card.
However, some students may not be able to take full advantage of this card. If you redeem rewards for travel, it offers good value. But if you redeem for cash back, you generally won’t earn as much. You also need to ensure you can meet the spending requirements to earn the sign-up bonus.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Sign-up bonus: 25,000 points
Earn 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
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is an easy-to-use travel rewards credit card with an exceptional sign-up bonus, solid flat-rate rewards program and $0 annual fee.
You’ll earn the same enriched rewards rate on every purchase, and an even higher rate if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member. Travelers who need help financing a trip will also appreciate the intro APR period.
With no foreign transaction fee and a widely accepted card network, the Visa-branded travel rewards card is also a good companion for trips abroad. Plus, redeeming rewards is simple: Bank of America makes it easy by flagging travel purchases that qualify for a statement credit.
→ See LendingTree’s picks for best no-annual-fee travel credit cards
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Customize your cash back to match your spending.
If you have less-than-stellar credit and need a secured card to help rebuild your credit score, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card can help you do that. It comes with an excellent cash back program for a secured card and doesn’t charge an annual fee. Bank of America will also periodically review your account and credit history to see if you qualify for a refund of the security deposit.
The ability to pick your own rewards categories may also make it easier to earn a bonus with your spending. The categories you can choose to earn a 3% bonus from include:
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Sign-up bonus: 80,000 points
If you’re a frequent Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines flyer, the AtmosTM Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card (formerly known as the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card) could help you save a lot of money on air travel.
In addition to a healthy sign-up bonus and sharply discounted Companion Fare in the first year, you’ll get another $99 (plus taxes and fees) Companion Fare for an Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines trip each year that you spend at least $6,000. Plus, you’ll save even more money with a free checked bag for you and up to six guests on the same reservation, along with other travel-related discounts, including 20% off in-flight purchases.
However, because of its $95 annual fee, this card isn’t for the occasional traveler.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Sign-up bonus: $300 statement credit
With a flat hassle-free rewards rate and simple redemption, the Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card caters to busy cardholders who prefer to focus their attention on their business rather than their credit card.
There are no restrictions on the amount of cash that cardholders can collect. So heavy business spenders can potentially earn a lot with this flat-rate rewards card. Plus, business owners with substantial cash savings have the opportunity to earn a particularly high rewards rate for a no-annual-fee business card: Bank of America customers who qualify for the bank’s Preferred Rewards® program can supersize their rewards earnings by 25 to 75%.
You’ll want to answer the following questions when you’re deciding which type of Bank of America credit card might be best for you.
Consider where you spend the most money each month and see if there’s a cash back or rewards card that matches your routine spending.
In addition, review big-ticket purchases that add up. For example, if you only travel once or twice a year, but frequently spend a lot on those trips, a general no-annual-fee travel card could be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you travel multiple times a year, you may get more value from a premium travel or airline card that offers special perks in exchange for a high annual fee.
Bank of America’s student cards offer unusually competitive benefits. Take advantage by seeking out a card that fits your needs and interests.
For example, it offers multiple student credit cards that include intro APR periods, rewards, and sign-up bonuses.
Cards with annual fees require more commitment. But the investment is often worth it in exchange for high-value perks, like statement credits and more comfortable air travel. In fact, some premium cards offer benefits that are worth more than the fee, especially in the first year.
Sign-up bonuses are also more lucrative, and ancillary benefits like credit card insurance and luxury travel perks tend to be much stronger and more diverse on annual fee cards.
You can if you have enough savings. As noted below, the Preferred Rewards® program requires cardholders to have tens of thousands of dollars tucked away in a Bank of America deposit or Merrill Lynch investment account.
But for those who qualify, it can be an extra powerful tool when paired with the right card. For example, Bank of America’s flat rate rewards cards don’t usually restrict how much a cardholder can earn. So when a cardholder collects an additional 25 to 75% in rewards on top of a card’s standard rate, their rewards earnings can really add up.
Bank of America offers a rewards program for existing Bank of America and Merrill clients known as Preferred Rewards®. Once enrolled, you can get special benefits with Bank of America, depending on your qualifying balance in a Bank of America or Merrill investing account:
| Tier level | Required balance to qualify (Three-month combined average daily balance) | Credit card point bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $20,000 to $49,999 | 25% |
| Platinum | $50,000 to less than $99,999 | 50% |
| Platinum Honors | $100,000 to less than $999,999 | 75% |
| Diamond | $1,000,000 or more | 75% |
→ Read LendingTree’s full guide to the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® Program
Bank of America cards offer more than enough benefits to satisfy a wide variety of customers, including competitive rewards, affordable fees and below-average interest rates. However, savers with big enough investment or deposit accounts to qualify for the Preferred Rewards® program will get the most value from a Bank of America card.
Noteworthy rewards: Bank of America customers have plenty of cash back and travel cards to choose from, including flexible rewards cards and flat-rate credit cards.
Attention-getting intro offers: In addition to the potential to earn a generous sign-up bonus, there are also multiple Bank of America cards with an elevated rewards rate in the first year.
Lengthy 0% intro APR periods: Many of Bank of America’s no-annual-fee cards offer interest-free periods that last at least 15 to 18 months.
Preferred Rewards® program: Existing customers with sizable savings can get more bang for their buck with a Bank of America credit card
Below-average APRs: Some Bank of America cards offer below-average APRs, which means that even if you have to carry a balance after an intro period ends, it won’t be as hard on your wallet.
Limited travel rewards: Unlike some competitors, Bank of America doesn’t have any airline or hotel transfer partners. That’s a big con for frequent flyers and travel aficionados who like to shuffle points between rewards programs.
Stingy benefits for no-annual-fee cards: Cardholders looking for purchase protection or cell phone insurance on a no-annual-fee card won’t find it here. Bank of America’s fee-free credit cards offer relatively few benefits.
Front-heavy rewards programs: for many Bank of America cards, earnings per dollar spent drop considerably after the first year.
Penalty rates for college students: Unlike some student credit cards, Bank of America’s student cards may charge a high penalty APR to late payers.
Bank of America cards aren’t right for everyone. Credit card benefits and rewards often vary widely between issuers, as do important terms like credit card APRs and fees. So it’s worth comparing cards to find the right fit for you.
Like Bank of America, Chase credit cards offer a wide range of rewards styles, including cash back on rotating bonus categories, flat-rate rewards cards and travel rewards.
If you’re not a Preferred Rewards® member, you’ll find fairly similar rewards rates from Bank of America’s cash back cards and Chase’s cash card lineup. However, Chase Sapphire cards generally offer more overall value to travel enthusiasts. Rewards aficionados who like to swap points between various loyalty programs are especially likely to prefer the Sapphire cards over Bank of America’s premium credit cards.
But if you’re a Preferred Rewards® member, you may be able to get a better value from a Bank of America travel card than a Chase travel card.
→ See our list of best Chase credit cards
American Express offers a more limited range of cards. However, American Express rewards card offers tend to be on the higher end. Cardholders who don’t mind paying an annual fee can find especially good value in American Express’ card lineup. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is one of the best grocery cards on the market, with a very high rewards rate on grocery expenditures (see rates & fees).
Additionally, American Express’s priciest credit cards, like the American Express Platinum Card®, cater to cardholders who have a taste for traveling in luxury. If you’re looking for more upscale credit card benefits, you’ll likely find it with an American Express card.
→ See our list of best American Express credit cards
Citi is another major competitor to Bank of America. Citi also offers comparable cash back and premium credit cards, as well as significantly more generous balance transfer cards.
Citi’s cash back cards can be more generous than Bank of America’s if you don’t have the Preferred Rewards® rates. The Citi Double Cash® Card, for example, offers a 2% cash back rate (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay your bill) that lasts well beyond the first year. Bank of America’s temporary 2% rewards on the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card, by contrast, is only available for the first year you hold the card.
Where Citi credit cards really stand out, though, is in the balance transfers. For example, several of Citi’s credit cards made our list of best balance transfer credit cards, and there’s often a Citi card in the top spot.
→ See our list of the best Citi credit cards
Bank of America serves a wider range of cardholders than many bank card issuers. However, the cardholders who are in the best position to benefit from a Bank of America card are well-to-do cardholders with a lot of savings that can qualify for Preferred Rewards®, big spenders who like simpler and more flexible rewards and cardholders who plan on carrying a balance in the first year.
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card is a Visa Infinite card, which is the highest Visa tier Bank of America offers. It has a minimum credit limit of $10,000.
Not for personal cards. Instead, you can add your Bank of America credit card to your digital wallet of choice.
If you have limited credit history or no credit history, applying for a secured credit card might be your best option. With a secured card, you submit a security deposit to the issuer, and this protects them in case you default on what you owe. For that reason, secured cards are typically easier to get than unsecured cards.
That depends on the specific Bank of America credit card you’re applying for. Although it’s easier to get a credit card if you have good to excellent credit, Bank of America also has some options that might be easier to get. For example, secured cards and student cards are often more accessible to people with bad credit or no credit history.
The only metal credit card Bank of America offers is the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card, which has a $550 annual fee.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
The information related to the BankAmericard® credit card, Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card, Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students, Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card, AtmosTM Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card, Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card and Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.