Yes, Bank of America offers multiple credit cards for different spending patterns and credit profiles
Bank of America issues credit cards across several categories: rewards cards that earn cash back or points on purchases, travel cards that focus on airline and hotel benefits, cards designed for people building or rebuilding credit, and business cards for commercial accounts. The specific cards available to you depend on your credit history, income, and what you use the card for.
You can see the full current lineup on Bank of America's website, but the main consumer cards include the BankAmericard (no annual fee, no rewards), the Bank of Americard Cash Rewards (1–2% cash back depending on category), the Premium Rewards card (points on all purchases, $95 annual fee), and the Travel Rewards card (points on travel and dining, $0 annual fee for the first year). Bank of America also offers cards co-branded with airlines and hotels.
The card you can get depends partly on whether you already bank with Bank of America and what your credit score is. Some cards require a good or excellent credit score; others are designed for people with fair credit or limited history. If you do not have an account with the bank, you can still open a credit card account directly.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America credit cards range from no-fee cards with no rewards to premium cards with annual fees and higher earning rates.
- Rewards cards earn either cash back or points, with rates that vary by purchase category (groceries, gas, dining, travel, or all purchases).
- Your credit score determines which cards you can open; Bank of America publishes the credit range each card typically requires.
- Bank of America customers can manage their card through the mobile app or online banking portal, and non-customers can open a card account without opening a checking account.
How Bank of America credit cards earn rewards
Most Bank of America rewards cards earn either cash back or points on purchases. Cash back cards return a percentage of what you spend directly to your account—usually 1% on all purchases, or higher rates (1.5% to 2%) in specific categories like groceries, gas, or dining. Points cards earn a fixed rate per dollar spent (often 1.5 to 2 points per dollar) that you redeem for travel, merchandise, or statement credits.
The difference matters: cash back is simpler to use and has no expiration, while points can be worth more if you redeem them for travel through the bank's travel portal, but they expire if your account is closed. Some cards also offer sign-up bonuses—a one-time reward for spending a certain amount in the first few months—though the exact bonus changes regularly.
Cards with annual fees typically earn at higher rates or offer additional perks like travel credits, airport lounge access, or purchase protection. Whether the rewards offset the fee depends on how much you spend and in which categories.
Credit score requirements and how to check if you may have access to
Bank of America publishes the credit score range for each card on its website. Cards like the BankAmericard are designed for people with fair credit (typically 600–669), while premium rewards cards usually require good to excellent credit (typically 670 and above). Some cards have no published minimum, but approval is not may provide regardless of score.
You can check your own credit score through your bank, credit card issuer, or free services like AnnualCreditReport.com (the official site for your free annual credit reports from the three major bureaus). Your score is one factor in approval; the bank also looks at your income, existing debt, and payment history.
If you are denied, you can ask Bank of America why and wait a few months while you work on your credit before explore again. Multiple applications in a short time can lower your score further, so space them out.
How to open a Bank of America credit card
You can open a credit card online through Bank of America's website, in a branch, or by phone. The process takes about 10 minutes online. You will need your Social Security number, income information, and a valid ID. You do not need to be an existing Bank of America customer, though having a checking or savings account with them may improve your chances of approval.
After you submit your process, you will usually get a decision within minutes or a few business days. If approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can request expedited shipping in some cases. Once it arrives, you set up it through the app or website before using it.
If you are denied, the bank sends a letter explaining the reason. You have the right to request a copy of the credit report they used, which may contain errors you can dispute.
Managing your Bank of America credit card account
Bank of America cardholders can manage their account through the mobile app, the website, or by calling customer service. You can view your balance, make payments, set up automatic payments, dispute charges, and monitor rewards or points. The app also shows your credit score (updated monthly) and spending by category.
Payments are due by the statement due date each month. If you pay the full balance, you avoid interest charges. If you carry a balance, interest accrues at the card's annual percentage rate (APR), which varies by card and your creditworthiness. You can set up automatic payments to avoid missing a due date, which protects your credit score.
If you have questions about your account, rewards, or a charge you do not recognize, Bank of America has customer service available by phone, chat, or in branch. Dispute processes for unauthorized charges typically take 30 to 60 days to investigate.
Bank of America business credit cards
Bank of America also issues credit cards for business accounts. These cards work similarly to consumer cards but are tied to a business tax ID rather than a personal Social Security number. They offer rewards on business spending categories like office supplies, internet, and travel, and some include employee cards so your staff can make purchases on the business account.
Business cards typically require a business checking account with Bank of America, though some can be opened without one. The credit decision may depend on both your personal credit and your business credit profile. Interest rates and fees vary by card, and some business cards have higher annual fees than consumer cards but offer more robust rewards or benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Bank of America credit cards and debit cards?
A debit card draws money directly from your checking account when you use it. A credit card borrows money from Bank of America, which you pay back later. Credit cards build your credit history and offer fraud protection and rewards; debit cards do not. You need a checking account to get a debit card, but you can open a credit card without one.
Can I get a Bank of America credit card if I have no credit history?
Yes, but you may need to start with a card designed for people building credit, like the BankAmericard, which has no annual fee and no rewards but is easier to get approved for. After using it responsibly for 6 to 12 months, you can move to a rewards card. Some people also become an authorized user on someone else's card to build history faster.
What happens if I miss a payment on my Bank of America credit card?
A missed payment is reported to the credit bureaus after 30 days and damages your credit score. Bank of America charges a late fee (typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment, more for repeat offenses) and may increase your interest rate. If you miss a payment, contact the bank when ready to bring your account current and ask about hardship options.
Can I transfer a balance from another credit card to a Bank of America card?
Some Bank of America cards offer balance transfer options, usually with a promotional interest rate (0% for a set period) and a transfer fee (typically 3% to 5% of the amount transferred). This can lower your interest costs if you have high-interest debt elsewhere, but read the terms carefully—the promotional rate expires and the regular APR applies after.
How do I redeem rewards or points on my Bank of America credit card?
Cash back cards deposit rewards directly to your account or let you redeem them as a statement credit. Points cards let you redeem through the Bank of America travel portal for flights and hotels, or convert to cash at a lower rate. You can also use points for merchandise or gift cards. Redemption options are shown in your account dashboard.