June 5, 2023
*Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.
This article was last updated June 5, 2023 . Terms and conditions may have changed. For the most accurate information, please consult the issuer website.
Apply Now
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is our top pick for the overall best Bank of America credit card. It charges a $0 annual fee, offers a generous sign-up bonus and comes with a flexible cash back program that lets you choose your 3% earning category from six different options.
Bank of America issues a wide range of credit cards, including cash back credit cards, cards for college students, cards for business owners and more. We’ll help you select the best Bank of America credit card based on your needs.
Bank of America also offers a Preferred Rewards program, which consumers can qualify for based on qualifying combined balances in bank of America deposit accounts and Merrill investment accounts. If you qualify for membership and have an eligible credit card, that adds a 25%, 50% or 75% bonus to your card’s rewards rate.
This card offers a uniquely flexible cash back program: earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
There’s also a sign-up bonus, offering the chance 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.
With a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, you’ll have a window of time to pay off big purchases without accruing interest. After the intro APR ends, a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR applies.
If you need to transfer a balance from another card, there’s a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR, a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR on balance transfers applies. The balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount of each transaction.
This card’s annual fee is $0, but do beware of its 3% foreign transaction fee.
Pros:
Cons:
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is our top choice for consumers who want to open a Bank of America credit card. It comes with a generous sign-up bonus, solid 0% intro APRs on purchases and balance transfers, and lets you switch your 3% cash back earnings between the following categories:
This card offers a uniquely flexible cash back program: earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
There’s also a sign-up bonus, offering the chance 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.
With a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, you’ll have a window of time to pay off big purchases without accruing interest. After the intro APR ends, a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR applies.
If you need to transfer a balance from another card, there’s a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR, a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR on balance transfers applies. The balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount of each transaction.
This card’s annual fee is $0, but do beware of its 3% foreign transaction fee.
Pros:
Cons:
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is our top choice for consumers who want to open a Bank of America credit card. It comes with a generous sign-up bonus, solid 0% intro APRs on purchases and balance transfers, and lets you switch your 3% cash back earnings between the following categories:
The BankAmericard® credit card offers a lengthy 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases, after which a 15.99% - 25.99% Variable APR applies.
Cardholders also get a 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR period ends, a 15.99% - 25.99% Variable APR on balance transfers applies. The balance transfer fee is reasonable at 3% of the amount of each transaction.
The card’s annual fee is $0. Note, however, that there is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Pros:
Cons:
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 from a non-Bank of America credit card, the BankAmericard® credit card is an excellent choice. New cardholders get a year-and-a-half of no interest, providing plenty of breathing room to pay down your debt.
The BankAmericard® credit card offers a lengthy 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases, after which a 15.99% - 25.99% Variable APR applies.
Cardholders also get a 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR period ends, a 15.99% - 25.99% Variable APR on balance transfers applies. The balance transfer fee is reasonable at 3% of the amount of each transaction.
The card’s annual fee is $0. Note, however, that there is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Pros:
Cons:
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 from a non-Bank of America credit card, the BankAmericard® credit card is an excellent choice. New cardholders get a year-and-a-half of no interest, providing plenty of breathing room to pay down your debt.
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card offers up to $100 in statement credits per year for qualifying incidental airline purchases — some examples include seat upgrades, baggage fees, in-flight services and airline lounge fees. The credits will be applied automatically to your card statement. Plus, the card also offers a credit of up to $100 every four years to reimburse Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
You can earn 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. In addition, 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchasesis the card’s ongoing rewards rate.
At $95, this card’s annual fee is in line with other mid-tier travel cards. Plus, you don’t have to worry about a foreign transaction fee when traveling abroad because there is none.
Pros:
Cons:
If you frequently travel by air, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card might just be the credit card you want in your wallet. It’s true that it charges a $95 annual fee — but, if you take full advantage of the annual credit for incidental airline purchases, that’s more than enough value to recoup what you pay to carry the card.
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card offers up to $100 in statement credits per year for qualifying incidental airline purchases — some examples include seat upgrades, baggage fees, in-flight services and airline lounge fees. The credits will be applied automatically to your card statement. Plus, the card also offers a credit of up to $100 every four years to reimburse Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
You can earn 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. In addition, 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchasesis the card’s ongoing rewards rate.
At $95, this card’s annual fee is in line with other mid-tier travel cards. Plus, you don’t have to worry about a foreign transaction fee when traveling abroad because there is none.
Pros:
Cons:
If you frequently travel by air, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card might just be the credit card you want in your wallet. It’s true that it charges a $95 annual fee — but, if you take full advantage of the annual credit for incidental airline purchases, that’s more than enough value to recoup what you pay to carry the card.
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers 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. Plus, earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
And for those consumers planning a big purchase and looking for time to pay off the balance without incurring interest, this card offers a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases; after, a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR applies.
Pros:
Cons:
If you like to travel and don’t want to bother with rewards categories, you’ll appreciate the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card as a straightforward flat-rate card that earns the same amount of points on every purchase. You can redeem your points for statement credits against travel purchases previously made with the card, with each point being worth 1 cent. For example, 2,500 points would be worth $25 redeemed that way.
Or you can redeem points for cash back, in which case they’re worth a little over half a cent each — 2,500 points translates to $15 worth of cash back. This is a subpar value, so we recommend redeeming points for travel credits to maximize what you’re getting from your rewards.
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers 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. Plus, earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
And for those consumers planning a big purchase and looking for time to pay off the balance without incurring interest, this card offers a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases; after, a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR applies.
Pros:
Cons:
If you like to travel and don’t want to bother with rewards categories, you’ll appreciate the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card as a straightforward flat-rate card that earns the same amount of points on every purchase. You can redeem your points for statement credits against travel purchases previously made with the card, with each point being worth 1 cent. For example, 2,500 points would be worth $25 redeemed that way.
Or you can redeem points for cash back, in which case they’re worth a little over half a cent each — 2,500 points translates to $15 worth of cash back. This is a subpar value, so we recommend redeeming points for travel credits to maximize what you’re getting from your rewards.
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card lets cardholders earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Plus, earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
In addition, you’ll enjoy a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases; after, a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR applies.
There’s also a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (after, a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR on balance transfers applies). You’ll pay a reasonable balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transaction.
The annual fee is $0, but there is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Pros:
Cons:
For consumers who don’t like dealing with rotating categories, or earning higher rates on some purchases and subpar rates on others, a flat-rate card like the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card is a perfect choice. This card’s cash back rate is competitive, and it comes with a generous sign-up bonus and solid 0% intro APR periods as well.
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card lets cardholders earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Plus, earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
In addition, you’ll enjoy a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases; after, a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR applies.
There’s also a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (after, a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR on balance transfers applies). You’ll pay a reasonable balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transaction.
The annual fee is $0, but there is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Pros:
Cons:
For consumers who don’t like dealing with rotating categories, or earning higher rates on some purchases and subpar rates on others, a flat-rate card like the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card is a perfect choice. This card’s cash back rate is competitive, and it comes with a generous sign-up bonus and solid 0% intro APR periods as well.
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students is aimed at college students, offering the same cash back program as the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card. With this card, you’ll earn 3% cashback in the category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases
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, on purchases, enjoy a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases (This could be a good card to open if you know you’re going to make a big-ticket purchase, like a new laptop.) After the intro APR, a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR variable APR applies.
If you have debt on another credit card from a different issuer and are looking to do a balance transfer, there’s a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days After the intro period ends, a variable APR of 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR on balance transfers will apply. The balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount of each transaction..
The card’s annual fee is $0. There’s a foreign transaction fee of 3%.
Pros:
Cons:
Building credit history while in college can set you up for success later in life. For example, a good credit score makes it more likely you’ll be offered low rates on financial products like auto loans and mortgages.
With the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students, you have an opportunity to build credit and earn cash back at the same time. Just don’t overspend in an attempt to earn that cash back — instead, your focus should be on keeping your balance low and paying your card off in full every month.
You can choose from the following categories for your 3% cash back category each month:
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students is aimed at college students, offering the same cash back program as the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card. With this card, you’ll earn 3% cashback in the category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases
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, on purchases, enjoy a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases (This could be a good card to open if you know you’re going to make a big-ticket purchase, like a new laptop.) After the intro APR, a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR variable APR applies.
If you have debt on another credit card from a different issuer and are looking to do a balance transfer, there’s a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days After the intro period ends, a variable APR of 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR on balance transfers will apply. The balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount of each transaction..
The card’s annual fee is $0. There’s a foreign transaction fee of 3%.
Pros:
Cons:
Building credit history while in college can set you up for success later in life. For example, a good credit score makes it more likely you’ll be offered low rates on financial products like auto loans and mortgages.
With the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students, you have an opportunity to build credit and earn cash back at the same time. Just don’t overspend in an attempt to earn that cash back — instead, your focus should be on keeping your balance low and paying your card off in full every month.
You can choose from the following categories for your 3% cash back category each month:
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card requires a security deposit ranging from $300 to $4,900 and offers the opportunity to build credit history while earning also cash back.
Cardholders earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases), 1% cash back on all other purchases. Plus, the card’s annual fee is $0.
The APR is high at 27.49%, so make sure to pay off your balance in full every month to avoid interest charges.
Finally, if you’re traveling abroad, be aware the card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Pros:
Cons:
If you have less-than-stellar credit and need a secured card to help your rebuild your credit score, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card can help you do that. Plus, it comes with an excellent cash back program, while some secured cards don’t offer rewards at all.
Last but not least, Bank of America periodically reviews your account and your overall credit history to see if you qualify to get your security deposit refunded — though there’s no timeline for when such reviews might happen. However, you can always get your deposit back once you close the card, minus any fees or balance owed.
The categories you can choose from to earn 3% on each month include:
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card requires a security deposit ranging from $300 to $4,900 and offers the opportunity to build credit history while earning also cash back.
Cardholders earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases), 1% cash back on all other purchases. Plus, the card’s annual fee is $0.
The APR is high at 27.49%, so make sure to pay off your balance in full every month to avoid interest charges.
Finally, if you’re traveling abroad, be aware the card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Pros:
Cons:
If you have less-than-stellar credit and need a secured card to help your rebuild your credit score, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card can help you do that. Plus, it comes with an excellent cash back program, while some secured cards don’t offer rewards at all.
Last but not least, Bank of America periodically reviews your account and your overall credit history to see if you qualify to get your security deposit refunded — though there’s no timeline for when such reviews might happen. However, you can always get your deposit back once you close the card, minus any fees or balance owed.
The categories you can choose from to earn 3% on each month include:
With the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card, you’ll earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, cable, streaming services and local transit including ride share purchases. Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, earn 50,000 bonus miles plus a $100 statement credit with this limited time online offer. To qualify, make $2,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account If you have an expensive trip coming up, this could help offset the cost.
You can earn Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year.
Finally, the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card‘s annual fee is $95 — however, when traveling abroad, you can still have peace of mind with this card, thanks to a foreign transaction fee of none.
Pros:
Cons:
Alaska Airlines might not be as big a name in the travel world as, say, Delta, but it can still get you to numerous destinations throughout the United States, as well as in Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. If you love traveling with Alaska Airlines, the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card offers significant value, especially through its annual companion fare. However, because of the $95 annual fee, this card isn’t for the occasional traveler.
With the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card, you’ll earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, cable, streaming services and local transit including ride share purchases. Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, earn 50,000 bonus miles plus a $100 statement credit with this limited time online offer. To qualify, make $2,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account If you have an expensive trip coming up, this could help offset the cost.
You can earn Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year.
Finally, the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card‘s annual fee is $95 — however, when traveling abroad, you can still have peace of mind with this card, thanks to a foreign transaction fee of none.
Pros:
Cons:
Alaska Airlines might not be as big a name in the travel world as, say, Delta, but it can still get you to numerous destinations throughout the United States, as well as in Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. If you love traveling with Alaska Airlines, the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card offers significant value, especially through its annual companion fare. However, because of the $95 annual fee, this card isn’t for the occasional traveler.
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter), 2% cash back on dining purchases (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter) and 1% cash back on all other purchases That’s a uniquely flexible cash back program.
Plus, earn a Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening. If your business is planning a big purchase, this bonus could help offset the cost.
There’s also an intro APR on purchases of 0% Introductory APR on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles, after which a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR applies. The card charges an annual fee of $0. However, if traveling abroad, beware the foreign transaction fee, which is 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each transaction.
Pros:
Cons:
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card could be a perfect credit card for small business owners who want to earn cash back but whose spending categories fluctuate from time to time. Going through a period where you have to drive a lot for business trips? Select the gas station category to earn 3% on. No longer driving as much? Perhaps earning 3% back at office supply stores instead would be a better fit.
Here’s the full list of categories you can select from for 3% cash back:
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter), 2% cash back on dining purchases (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter) and 1% cash back on all other purchases That’s a uniquely flexible cash back program.
Plus, earn a Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening. If your business is planning a big purchase, this bonus could help offset the cost.
There’s also an intro APR on purchases of 0% Introductory APR on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles, after which a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR applies. The card charges an annual fee of $0. However, if traveling abroad, beware the foreign transaction fee, which is 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each transaction.
Pros:
Cons:
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card could be a perfect credit card for small business owners who want to earn cash back but whose spending categories fluctuate from time to time. Going through a period where you have to drive a lot for business trips? Select the gas station category to earn 3% on. No longer driving as much? Perhaps earning 3% back at office supply stores instead would be a better fit.
Here’s the full list of categories you can select from for 3% cash back:
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Welcome Offer | Rewards Rate | Recommended Credit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
Winner
|
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening | 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases | Excellent/Good |
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
|
BankAmericard® credit card
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
Intro APR on purchases & balance transfers
|
N/A | Non-rewards card | Excellent/Good |
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
|
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
Travel
|
60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. | 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases | Excellent/Good |
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
|
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
Travel with no annual fee
|
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening | 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 | Excellent/Good |
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
|
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
Flat-rate cash back
|
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening | 1.5% cash back on all purchases | Excellent/Good |
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
|
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
College students
|
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening | 3% cashback in the category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases | Excellent/Good |
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
|
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
Review Coming Soon
|
Building credit
|
N/A | Earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice each month | Excellent/Good | Review Coming Soon |
|
Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
Airline miles & benefits
|
50,000 bonus miles plus a $100 statement credit with this limited time online offer. To qualify, make $2,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account | Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, cable, streaming services and local transit including ride share purchases. Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. | Excellent/Good |
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
|
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
|
Small business owners
|
Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening. | Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter), 2% cash back on dining purchases (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter) and 1% cash back on all other purchases | Excellent |
That depends on which Bank of America credit card you have. For example, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card earns cash back. Meanwhile, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card earns points and the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card earns miles.
If you have limited credit history or no credit history, or if your credit score is poor or fair, you might want to apply for a secured credit card. 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.
Bank of America offers multiple secured cards, including the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card on this list. This card offers the opportunity to build credit while earning cash back. However, be aware that even though secured cards are often easier to get approved for, you can still be denied for a secured card.
That depends on the specific Bank of America credit card you’re applying for. The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card, for instance, requires excellent/good credit. But if you’re applying for the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card, the requirements might not be as stringent, since secured cards are often available to people with bad credit or no credit history.
The type of card you have will determine how you can redeem your rewards. For example, with a Bank of America cashback card, your rewards can be redeemed as a statement credit, a deposit into a Bank of America or eligible Merrill checking or savings account (including 529 accounts), for gift cards or toward purchases made through the Bank of America Travel Center.
If you have a Bank of America travel card that earns points, those rewards can be redeemed as travel credits against certain travel-related purchases or for cash rewards (starting at 2,500 points), or for gift cards, timeshares, motels and more. Just refer to each card’s terms and conditions webpage that spells out exactly how the rewards program works.
And, of course, if you choose a Bank of America airlines card, miles earned can be redeemed for airfare and related travel purchases.
We evaluated the credit cards offered by Bank of America and considered several factors. For example, many of the cards on this list earn rewards — cash back, points or miles. Similarly, sign-up bonuses were also considered in the selection process.
In addition, many of the cards here also offer 0% intro APR periods on purchases and/or balance transfers. If you need to make a big purchase or transfer debt you’re carrying on another card, an intro APR period is useful.
Other factors weighed included helpful benefits, like travel credits and companion fares.
Finally, most of the cards on this list charge no annual fee, and those that do charge an annual fee offer enough value to make the card worth the fee.
The above offers and/or promotions may have since changed, expired, or is no longer available. Check the Issuers’ website for more details.
