11 Best Bank of America Credit Cards

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated October 3, 2025

Choosing the right Bank of America credit card can make everyday spending more rewarding and financial goals easier to reach. This guide highlights 11 of the best Bank of America credit cards, helping individuals compare features and decide which one matches their lifestyle.

  • Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

    The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card is designed for people who want flexible rewards and travel perks. It provides a simple way to earn points on everyday purchases and extra value on travel and dining.

    This card also appeals to Bank of America customers who qualify for the Preferred Rewards program. Members in that program can boost their rewards rate significantly.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x points on travel and dining purchases
    • 1.5x points on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus of 60,000 online points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95
    • APR: 20.24%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Travel statement credits, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit, travel protections
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Strong rewards on travel and dining
    • Flat-rate rewards on all other purchases
    • Travel credits help offset costs
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Access to Visa travel and purchase protections

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or statement credits.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit, often a FICO Score of 670 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card charges an annual fee, and its best value comes when paired with the Preferred Rewards program.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple earning rates and flexible redemption options, making it easy for new cardholders to use effectively.

  • Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

    This card gives users flexible cash back options with the ability to choose a top earning category. It is designed for people who want control over how they earn rewards.

    Cardholders can enjoy everyday spending rewards without tracking complicated point systems. It works well for those who want straightforward cash back that can fit different lifestyles.

    Earning Structure:

    • 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice, up to $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter
    • 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, up to the quarterly maximum
    • 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
    • After the first year, 3% cash back on your choice category, up to the quarterly maximum
    • After the first year, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, up to the quarterly maximum

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders may qualify for a cash rewards bonus of $200 after spending $1,000 in the first three months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: Variable, typically around 18.24%–28.24%
    • Other benefits: Access to Bank of America Preferred Rewards program
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Cash back credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Other details: Cash back does not expire

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Flexible 3% category choice
    • Higher rewards with Preferred Rewards status
    • Simple cash back structure
    • Online account management tools

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit, or used toward travel and gift cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants usually need good to excellent credit, often a FICO Score of 670 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The 3% and 2% categories have quarterly spending caps, and foreign transaction fees make it less ideal for international use.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Its no-annual-fee structure and simple rewards system make it easy for first-time cardholders to manage.

  • Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card

    This card offers a simple way to earn cash back on every purchase. It is designed for people who want flat-rate rewards without keeping track of categories. Students and everyday spenders may find it appealing because of its consistent earning rate. The card also includes features that support building long-term credit use.

    Earning Structure:

    • Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
    • 2% cash back on purchases during the first year for student version

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first three months of joining.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 18.24%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Intro APR offers on purchases and balance transfers
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Cash back
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Additional perks: Access to Bank of America Preferred Rewards for higher cash-back boosts

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Flat-rate cash back on every purchase
    • Intro APR for purchases or balance transfers
    • Rewards never expire
    • Option to boost rewards with Preferred Rewards membership

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit, or applied toward eligible Bank of America accounts.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify, typically with a FICO score of 670–739.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Foreign transaction fees make it less ideal for international use.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    The flat cash-back rate and no annual fee make it easy for new cardholders to manage without tracking categories.

  • Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card

    The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card is designed for frequent travelers who value premium perks. It focuses on offering higher reward rates and travel-related benefits compared to standard cards.

    This card works best for those enrolled in the Preferred Rewards program, where bonus points can increase significantly. It also provides travel protections and services that appeal to customers who want more than just basic rewards.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x points on travel and dining purchases
    • 1.5x points on all other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 75,000 online bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $550
    • APR: 20.24%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Travel credits, airport lounge access, concierge service
    • Network: Visa Infinite
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • High reward rates on travel and dining
    • Travel statement credits available
    • Access to Priority Pass lounges
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Concierge service for travel and entertainment

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or statement credits.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need excellent credit, with a FICO score of at least 740 to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may not be worth it for those who do not travel often.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It helps beginners earn premium travel rewards quickly by spending on travel and dining.

  • BankAmericard® Credit Card

    The BankAmericard® credit card focuses on helping cardholders manage debt rather than earning rewards. It is designed for people who want to save on interest while paying down balances. This card does not include flashy perks but provides practical value for balance transfers.

    Earning Structure:

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

    Welcome Bonus:

    There is no welcome bonus offered with this card.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for a set period, then variable 15.24%–25.24%
    • Other benefits: Free access to FICO® Score, digital wallet compatibility
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Balance transfer/low-interest card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Other details: No penalty APR

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Long 0% intro APR period on transfers and purchases
    • No penalty APR for missed payments
    • Free FICO® Score access
    • Useful for consolidating debt

    Redemption Options:

    This card does not provide rewards, so there are no redemption options.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants usually need good to excellent credit, often a FICO score above 670.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card lacks rewards, travel perks, and cash back benefits.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It works for beginners who want to build responsible credit habits while avoiding annual fees.

  • Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students

    The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is designed for young cardholders who want to build credit while earning rewards. It provides straightforward benefits without overwhelming features.

    Students can use the card for everyday purchases and earn points on travel and general spending. It also works well for those who plan to study or travel abroad.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x points on travel booked through the Bank of America Travel Center
    • 1.5x points on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders may receive 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 18.24%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Access to Bank of America’s online and mobile banking tools
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Student credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • No foreign transaction fees for international use
    • Flat-rate rewards on all purchases
    • Higher rewards on travel booked through Bank of America
    • Simple structure that is easy to manage

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, or gift cards through the Bank of America rewards portal.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score of 670–739.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card does not include luxury travel perks or high-value protections that advanced cards may offer.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It helps students build credit while earning flexible rewards with no extra costs.

  • Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students

    This student credit card gives young cardholders flexibility in how they earn rewards. It is designed to help students build credit while offering useful cash back opportunities. The card provides a simple way to earn rewards on everyday spending. It also includes tools and features that can support responsible money management.

    Earning Structure:

    • 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice, up to $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter
    • 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, up to the quarterly maximum
    • 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
    • After the first year, 3% cash back on your choice category, up to the quarterly maximum
    • After the first year, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, up to the quarterly maximum

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first three months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 18.24%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Access to Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards for higher earning potential
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Student credit card, cash back
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Other details: Cash back rewards never expire

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Flexible 3% category choice
    • Bonus cash rewards for new users
    • Rewards do not expire
    • Useful for building credit history

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit, or used toward purchases and gift cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Stronger approval chances come with good to excellent credit, often a FICO score of 670–739.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Foreign transaction fees and limited bonus categories may reduce its value for frequent travelers.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It helps students earn rewards while learning to manage credit responsibly without paying an annual fee.

  • Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students

    The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students is designed for those who want simple rewards while building credit history. It provides steady cash back on everyday spending without requiring complicated reward categories.

    Students can use this card to earn rewards on purchases while learning responsible credit use. It also offers access to tools that help track spending and manage payments.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2% cash back on all purchases for the first year
    • 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases after the first year

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first three months of account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 18.24%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Online banking access, account alerts, fraud protection
    • Network: Mastercard or Visa (varies by issue)
    • Type: Student credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Additional features: Helps build credit history with responsible use

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Flat-rate cash back on all purchases
    • Introductory 0% APR offer
    • Access to credit-building tools
    • Fraud protection included

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit, or applied toward eligible purchases.

    Credit Requirements:

    This card is aimed at students with limited or no credit history, so approval may be possible without an established score.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Foreign transaction fees and lower cash back rates compared to tiered cards may limit value for some users.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It works well for beginners because it offers simple rewards, no annual fee, and supports credit building over time.

  • Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

    This secured credit card is designed for people who want to build or rebuild credit while earning rewards. It reports payment activity to the three major credit bureaus, which can help establish a stronger credit history.

    Unlike many secured cards, it offers a rewards program that allows cardholders to earn cash back on everyday purchases. This makes it a practical option for those seeking both credit growth and value.

    Earning Structure:

    • 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice, up to $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter
    • 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (within the same $2,500 quarterly limit)
    • 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
    • After the first year, 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category, up to the quarterly maximum
    • After the first year, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, up to the quarterly maximum

    Welcome Bonus:

    This card does not currently offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Reports to all three major credit bureaus
    • Network: Mastercard or Visa (varies)
    • Type: Secured credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Security deposit: Refundable with responsible use

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Cash back rewards on everyday spending
    • Helps build or rebuild credit history
    • Option to choose a 3% bonus category
    • Ability to graduate to an unsecured card with responsible use

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit to a Bank of America account, or as credit toward eligible purchases.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants with limited or poor credit, with a FICO score below 580, may qualify, since this is a secured card.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The credit limit depends on the security deposit, which may restrict higher spending power.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It allows new cardholders to earn rewards while building credit responsibly.

  • Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card

    This secured credit card is designed to help individuals build or restore their credit while also earning travel rewards. It requires a security deposit, which then becomes the card’s credit line. Cardholders earn points on every purchase, making it more rewarding than many basic secured cards.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3 points per dollar on purchases made through the Travel Center
    • 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    This card does not currently offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Free access to FICO® Score, account alerts
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Secured credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • Deposit requirement: Refundable security deposit to open account

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Earn rewards on all purchases
    • Helps establish or rebuild credit
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Points never expire with an active account

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel purchases, statement credits, or gift cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants with limited or damaged credit, often a FICO score below 579, may qualify since it is a secured card.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The credit limit depends on the security deposit, which may be restrictive for some users.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It allows beginners to earn travel rewards while safely building credit with a refundable deposit.

  • Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

    This secured card is designed for people who want to build or rebuild credit while earning rewards. It requires a refundable security deposit, which sets the credit limit.

    Cardholders can use it like a regular credit card, and activity is reported to the three major credit bureaus. Responsible use may help you qualify for an upgrade to an unsecured card over time.

    Earning Structure:

    • Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    This card does not currently offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Access to Bank of America online banking and mobile app
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Secured credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Security deposit: Minimum $200, refundable if account is closed in good standing

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Earns unlimited cash back on every purchase
    • Reports to major credit bureaus to help build credit
    • Possible upgrade to an unsecured card with responsible use

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit, or applied toward eligible Bank of America accounts.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants with bad or poor credit, with a FICO score below 579, may qualify since it is a secured card.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The credit limit depends on the security deposit, which may be restrictive for some users.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides a simple way to build credit history while still earning rewards on everyday purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a good candidate for a Bank of America credit card?

Bank of America cards are ideal for individuals seeking flexible rewards, especially those who already bank with them due to the Preferred Rewards program that enhances earnings. They are also suitable for those looking for a wide variety of options, from cash back to travel perks. Frequent Bank of America customers can get the most value through combined banking and credit benefits.

How does one qualify for a Bank of America credit card pre-approval?

Applicants usually need a good to excellent credit score to qualify. Pre-approval often comes through online tools or targeted offers from the bank. While pre-approval increases the chance of approval, it does not guarantee final acceptance.

What are the exclusive offers for existing Bank of America credit card holders?

Cardholders with Preferred Rewards status can earn up to 75% more rewards on their purchases. They may also receive better rates and extra perks tied to their banking relationship. These benefits apply across eligible Bank of America credit cards.

What is the maximum credit limit available on a Bank of America credit card?

Credit limits are based on your credit history, income, and financial profile. Strong credit and steady income can qualify you for high credit lines, often reaching tens of thousands of dollars.

For secured cards, the limit is tied to your refundable deposit, which generally starts in the low hundreds and usually caps around $5,000. Maintaining excellent credit and responsible use can help you reach the highest possible limit over time.

How frequently does Bank of America raise credit limits?

There is no set schedule or guarantee for credit line increases, but Bank of America may offer one after seeing a history of responsible use. Cardholders can request a higher limit after a year of opening their account, with at least six months between requests, to improve their chances of approval.