7 Best Bank of America® Credit Cards

Earning Structure:

• 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
• 3 points per $1 spent on travel booked through the Bank of America Travel Center

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days, which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then 18.24%–28.24% variable
• Points never expire as long as the account is open
• Contactless payment capability
• Preferred Rewards members earn 25%–75% more points on every purchase

Key Benefits:

• Simple flat-rate rewards on all purchases
• Extra rewards on Bank of America Travel Center bookings
• Flexible redemption toward a variety of travel purchases
• Visa benefits such as purchase protection and travel assistance

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed as statement credits toward eligible travel or dining purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, baggage fees, and restaurants (including takeout).

Credit Requirements:

Typically requires good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670–850).

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card does not offer bonus categories outside of travel booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.

Why it Works for Beginners:

The straightforward earning structure and flexible redemption options make it easy for first-time travel rewards users to manage.

Earning Structure:

• 6% cash back for the first year in one chosen category: gas and EV charging, online shopping (cable, internet, phone, streaming), dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement.
• 3% cash back in your choice category after the first year
• 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• 6% and 2% rate applies to the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category and grocery/wholesale clubs.

Welcome Bonus:

Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• Foreign transaction fees: Applies to purchases made abroad
• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then 18.24%–28.24% variable
• Cash rewards never expire as long as the account is open
• Preferred Rewards members can earn 25%–75% more cash back on every purchase (bonus not applied to first-year 6% rate)
• Contactless payment capability

Key Benefits:

• Ability to change 3% category once per month
• Preferred Rewards members can earn up to 75% more cash back
• No expiration on rewards as long as the account remains open
• Wide acceptance worldwide

Redemption Options:

Cardholders can redeem cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit, or for purchases at eligible merchants.

Credit Requirements:

Typically requires good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670–850).

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The higher earning rates apply only to the first $2,500 in combined bonus category and grocery/wholesale club spending each quarter.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its simple structure and no annual fee make it easy for new credit card users to manage and earn rewards.

Earning Structure:

• 2 points per $1 on travel and dining purchases
• 1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 60,000 online bonus points (worth $600) after making at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 20.24%–28.24%; no intro APR offers
• Points never expire as long as the account is open
• Preferred Rewards members can earn 25%–75% more points on every purchase

Key Benefits:

• Travel and purchase protections
• Trip delay and cancellation coverage
• Access to Visa Signature® concierge services
• Flexible redemption options without blackout dates

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit to eligible Bank of America accounts, credit to eligible Merrill accounts, gift cards, or travel purchases via the Bank of America Travel Center.

Credit Requirements:

Typically requires good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670–850).

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The highest earning rate applies only to travel and dining purchases, which may limit rewards for some spending habits.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It has a straightforward earning structure and flexible redemption, making it easy to use without complex rules.

Earning Structure:

• 2% cash back on all purchases for the first year from account opening
• 1.5% cash back on all purchases after the first year

Welcome Bonus:

Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• Foreign transaction fees: 3% on purchases made abroad
• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then 18.24%–28.24% variable
• No limit on rewards and cash back never expires as long as the account remains open
• Preferred Rewards members earn 25%–75% more cash back on every purchase (bonus not applied to the 0.5% first-year boost)
• Contactless payment capability

Key Benefits:

• Unlimited flat-rate cash back on all purchases
• Simple rewards structure for easy tracking
• Access to Bank of America® online and mobile banking tools
• Possible higher rewards rate for Preferred Rewards members

Redemption Options:

Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit to eligible Bank of America accounts, or credited to eligible Merrill accounts.

Credit Requirements:

Typically requires good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670–850).

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

It does not offer higher rewards rates in specific categories, which may limit earnings for some users.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its flat-rate structure and no annual fee make it easy for first-time credit card users to manage.

Earning Structure:

• 3 miles for every $1 spent on Alaska Airlines purchases
• 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services, and local transit
• 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Limited Time Online Offer: Buy one ticket, get another for just taxes and fees (starting at $23). Plus, earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days of opening your account.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 20.24%–28.24% variable
• 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned if you have an eligible Bank of America® account
• Free checked bag and priority boarding for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation
• Miles never expire on active accounts

Key Benefits:

• Annual Companion Fare from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23)
• Free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 6 companions on the same reservation
• Priority boarding on Alaska Airlines flights
• No foreign transaction fees

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for flights on Alaska Airlines and partner airlines, seat upgrades, and vacation packages.

Credit Requirements:

Typically requires good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670–850).

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Best value is achieved when flying with Alaska Airlines; benefits are limited for those who rarely use the airline.

Why it Works for Beginners:

The earning structure is simple, and the travel perks are easy to use without complex rules.

Earning Structure:

• 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
• 3 points per $1 spent on travel booked through the Bank of America® Travel Center

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 25,000 bonus points after spending at least $1,000 in the first 90 days of opening your account. These points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit for travel purchases.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then 18.24%–28.24% variable
• Points never expire as long as the account remains open
• Contactless payment capability
• Helps build credit history when used responsibly

Key Benefits:

• Flexible redemption for travel purchases
• No annual fee
• Helps build a positive credit history
• Purchase protection on eligible items

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed as statement credits toward eligible travel or dining purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, baggage fees, and restaurants (including takeout).

Credit Requirements:

Typically requires good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670–850), though students with limited history may also qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Lower credit limits may apply compared to non-student cards.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers straightforward rewards, no annual fee, and tools to help students manage credit responsibly.

Earning Structure:

• This card does not earn rewards, points, or cash back.

Welcome Bonus:

There is no traditional welcome bonus; the main incentive is the introductory 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• Foreign transaction fees: Applies to purchases made abroad
• APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then 15.24%–25.24% variable
• Balance transfer fee: 3% for the first 60 days, then 4% thereafter
• No penalty APR for late payments

Key Benefits:

• Long 0% intro APR period for purchases and balance transfers
• No annual fee
• Access to Bank of America’s online and mobile banking tools
• $0 liability for unauthorized transactions

Redemption Options:

No redemption options are available since the card does not earn rewards.

Credit Requirements:

Typically requires good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670–850).

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

It offers no rewards, so it may not suit those seeking ongoing earning potential.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its simple structure and low-cost financing features make it easy for new credit card users to manage balances responsibly.