The fastest way to explore is online through Bank of America's website or mobile app, which takes about 15 minutes and gives you a decision in seconds to a few minutes
You can start an process on BankOfAmerica.com, search for the specific card you want, and click "explore Now." The form asks for your Social Security number, income, employment status, and housing costs. Bank of America's system checks your credit when ready and tells you on the spot whether you're approved, denied, or need to wait for a manual review — which usually takes one to two business days.
You can also explore in person at any Bank of America branch, by phone at 1-800-432-1000, or through the mobile app. In-person and phone applications take longer because a representative has to enter your information, but some people prefer them if they have questions during the process or want to discuss which card fits their situation.
Key Takeaways
- Online applications through BankOfAmerica.com or the mobile app are when ready or take one to two business days for a decision.
- You will need your Social Security number, current income, employment details, and housing information to complete the form.
- Bank of America pulls your credit report as part of the decision, which shows up as a hard inquiry on your credit report.
- If you are approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days, and you can use it online when ready in some cases.
- Existing Bank of America customers may see faster processing and may be pre-screened for certain cards without a hard inquiry.
What information you need before you start
Gather these documents or have the information ready before you open the process. Bank of America will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. You will also need to provide your annual income (from employment, self-employment, investments, or other sources) and your employment status — whether you work full-time, part-time, are self-employed, retired, or a student.
Have your housing information ready: whether you rent or own, and your monthly housing payment. If you have other credit accounts, Bank of America will see them when they pull your credit report, so you do not need to list them manually. If you are explore as an existing customer, have your account number or debit card handy — it can speed up the process.
How the approval decision works
Bank of America uses your credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio to decide. A higher credit score and lower debt relative to income improve your chances. The bank also looks at your credit history — whether you have missed payments, how long you have had credit accounts, and how much of your available credit you are using.
If you are approved when ready online, you will see a message on the screen and receive a confirmation email. If your process goes to manual review, Bank of America will call or email you within one to two business days. If you are denied, the bank sends you a letter explaining the reason and your right to dispute the decision. You can reapply after addressing the issue — for example, paying down debt or waiting for negative marks to age off your credit report.
What happens after approval
Once approved, your card ships to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Bank of America sends you a welcome package with your card, a PIN, and information about your account. Some cards let you use the card number online or through the mobile app before the physical card arrives, so you can start earning rewards when ready.
When your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or through the mobile app. Set up online access through BankOfAmerica.com if you do not already have an account. You can then set up autopay, view your balance, and track rewards.
Differences between online, phone, and in-person applications
| Method | Time to Decision | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Online (website or app) | when ready to 2 business days | Speed; you control the pace and can save and return if needed |
| Phone (1-800-432-1000) | 5 to 10 minutes for initial decision; manual review takes 1 to 2 days | Questions during the process; someone walks you through each field |
| In-person at a branch | Same as phone; decision may come same day or within 1 to 2 days | Discussing card options; opening a checking account at the same time |
Why Bank of America pulls your credit and what that means
Bank of America performs a hard inquiry on your credit report to make the approval decision. This inquiry shows up on your credit report and can lower your credit score by a few points for a few months. Multiple applications within a short window (usually 14 days) may count as a single inquiry, so explore for more than one card in quick succession does not always hurt more than explore for one.
Existing Bank of America customers may be pre-screened for certain cards without a hard inquiry — the bank already has your information and credit history on file. If you see a pre-screened offer in your online banking portal or in the mail, you can accept it without triggering a new inquiry. If you explore for a different card, Bank of America will still pull your credit.
Common reasons applications are denied or delayed
Bank of America denies applications most often because of a low credit score, recent missed payments, high debt relative to income, or a short credit history. If your process goes to manual review instead of when ready approval, it usually means your income, employment status, or address needs verification — the bank may call you to confirm.
If you are denied, you have the right to know why. Bank of America sends a letter with the specific reason and information about disputing the decision if you believe the information is wrong. You can also contact the bank directly to ask what would help your case — for example, whether adding a co-applicant, waiting a few months, or paying down debt would change the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore if I do not have a Bank of America checking account?
Yes. You do not need an existing account to explore for a credit card. However, existing customers sometimes see faster processing and may be pre-screened for cards without a hard inquiry. If you do not have an account, you can open one at the same time or after your card is approved.
How long does it take to receive the card after approval?
Standard shipping takes 7 to 10 business days. Some cards offer expedited shipping for a fee. You can use the card number online or through the mobile app before the physical card arrives, depending on the card and Bank of America's current policies.
What if I am denied — can I reapply right away?
You can reapply, but waiting 30 to 90 days gives you time to address the reason for denial — such as paying down debt or correcting information on your credit report. Reapplying when ready after a denial usually results in another denial because your credit profile has not changed.
Do I need a minimum credit score to be approved?
Bank of America does not publish a minimum score, but most of its cards are easier to get with a score of 670 or higher. Some cards are designed for people building credit and may have lower score requirements. Check the card's details page on BankOfAmerica.com to see what credit profile the bank recommends.
Will explore for a credit card hurt my credit score?
The hard inquiry will lower your score by a few points for a few months. Opening a new account also lowers your average account age temporarily. However, the impact is usually small, and your score recovers as you use the card responsibly and pay on time.