Best Bank of America credit cards of June 2024
As one of the largest financial institutions in the U.S., it’s no surprise that there are a variety of options when picking the best Bank of America credit cards to add to your wallet. The issuer offers a variety of cards that can cater to almost all consumers and small businesses — whether you’re looking to earn cash back on everyday purchases or rack up travel rewards.
Many of these cards are especially lucrative when paired with a Preferred Rewards account to boost your earning rates, so see our picks for the best Bank of America credit cards below.
- Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card: Best for flat-rate earning structure
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: Best for travel rewards
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for flexible earning structure
- Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card: Best for travel rewards beginners
- Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card: Best for earning Alaska miles
| 1.5% | Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. |
The Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card brings in simplicity to the line-up of the best Bank of America cards. With an easy-to-remember 1.5% rewards rate, you could potentially earn 25 to 75% more cash back on every purchase if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member. That means you could earn up to 2.62% cash back on every purchase. Read our full review of the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card.
Pros
- Unlimited 1.5% earnings on every single purchase
- No annual fee
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Cons
- Other cards can offer bonus points on common everyday purchases
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87%-2.62% cash back on every purchase with Preferred Rewards.
- No annual fee.
- No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
| 2X | Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases. |
| 1.5X | Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. |
The Bank of America Premium Rewards card allows cardmembers to earn 2 points per dollar on travel and dining expenses, but Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members will earn at a higher rate of up to 3.5 points per dollar spent. Read our full review of the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card.
Pros
- This card is more valuable for Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members, who can get between a 25% and 75% bonus on points earned
- Comes with up to $100 in airline incidental statement credits annually and up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® statement credit and travel protections
- Can transfer points earned into a 529 college fund
Cons
- Other cards offer higher points for key bonus categories
- Must open a Bank of America account to get the best value for points
- Low $95 annual fee.
- Receive 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.
- Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 - 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
- Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
- Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
| 3% | Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases). |
| 2% | Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases). |
| 1% | Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases. |
If you find that other cash-back cards don’t exactly match your lifestyle and spending habits, you’ll like the flexibility of the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card. You have the power to pick your bonus category each month, which can appeal to those who don’t have traditional spending habits. Read our full review of the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card.
Pros
- Flexible earning structure (3% cash back in the category of your choice and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs); up to $2,500 in combined purchases per quarter (then 1%)
- No annual fee or expiration on rewards
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Cons
- Maximum $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then 1%
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- 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.
- Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
| 1.5X | Earn 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 as long as your account remains open. |
When you’re stepping into the world of travel rewards, it’s likely you’re looking for simple earning and redemption options — and that’s exactly what the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is best at. Read our full review of the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card.
Pros
- 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Bank of America does not offer airline or hotel transfer partners like other banks such as American Express, Chase or Capital One
- No travel and purchase protections.
- Earn 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 as long as your account remains open.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
| 3 miles | Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. |
| 2 miles | Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. |
| 1 mile | Earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. |
Alaska Airlines only offers one consumer credit card for its loyal travelers. With a low $95 annual fee, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card is a no-brainer for those who frequently fly with the Seattle-based carrier. Read our full review of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card.
Pros
- Free checked bag for you and up to six guests on your reservation
- Alaska discounts, like 20% back on in-flight purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- Limited Time Online Offer—60,000 Bonus Miles!
- Get 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
- Get Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($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. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
- Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
- Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
- Free checked bag and enjoy priority boarding for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation, when you pay for your flight with your card — Also available for authorized users when they book a reservation too!
- With oneworld® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
- Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $95 annual fee.
- This online only offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Comparing the best credit cards
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Bank of America's secure site | flat-rate earning structure | $200 Open Intro bonus $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 | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Bank of America's secure site | travel rewards | 60,000 points Open Intro bonus Receive 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. | 1.5 - 2X points | $95 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Bank of America's secure site | flexible earning structure | $200 Open Intro bonus $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. | 1 - 3% cash-back | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Bank of America's secure site | travel rewards beginners | 25,000 points Open Intro bonus 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases. | 1.5X points | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Bank of America's secure site | earning Alaska miles | 60,000 bonus miles Open Intro bonus 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. | 1 - 3X points | $95 |
More details on the best credit cards
The Unlimited Cash Rewards card features a solid welcome bonus, simple 1.5% cash back on all purchases and no annual fee and other typical Bank of America benefits like extended warranty. It is a great way to be introduced to credit cards, earn unlimited cash back and not have to worry about bonus categories.
If you are looking for a solid cash-back credit card that features simple reward earnings, the Unlimited Cash Rewards is a great option. It earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it great for everyday purchases.
If you are a Preferred Rewards member, the Unlimited Cash Rewards can provide even more value. Bank of America features a bonus rate for its members and Platinum members have the highest bonus rate at 75%. That means the Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card would earn unlimited 2.625% cash back on all purchases.
If it doesn’t have to be a Bank of America credit card but you love the no annual fee and flat rate cash back aspect of the card, consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. In addition to its 1.5% cash back, the card also features multiple bonus categories that are as high as 5% cash back. And if you have a Chase Ultimate Rewards credit card, you can transfer your cash back to points for maximum value.
This low annual fee Bank of America card packs a punch with many travel related perks such as an up-to-$100 annual airline incidental statement credit and an up-to-$100 credit that can be applied toward the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck enrollment fee every four years.
The Premium Rewards card is a great card for travelers. In addition to its airline incidental statement credit and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, the card also comes with travel insurance protections, including trip delay/cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay/loss insurance, emergency evacuation and transportation insurance, and rental car insurance — perks that normally come with more premium cards.
To get the best value out of your card, you can boost your return by as much as 75% through Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards® program. To participate, you’ll need an eligible Bank of America checking account and an average daily balance of at least $20,000 in qualifying deposit or investment accounts. The largest bonus is available to customers with a balance of $100,000 or more — at that level, you’ll earn 3.5 points per dollar on dining and travel, and an impressive 2.62 points per dollar on non-bonus spending.
If you love the Premium Rewards card’s simple earning structure but don’t want to pay an annual fee, consider the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card instead. It features less benefits and perks but still offers a sizable welcome bonus and earns an impressive 1.5 points on all purchases.
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is one of the only credit cards that allows you to essentially customize your rewards structure to fit your changing spending habits throughout the year — with the chance to change categories every month.
People who continue to shift their spending habits would benefit from the card’s flexible reward structure.
The Customized Cash Rewards card offers solid cash-back and a flexible rewards structure so that you can get the most out of your spending every month.
If you want to stick with Bank of America but are looking for a card with a few more benefits and a higher welcome bonus, consider the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card. It offers more bonus categories, up to $100 in annual airline incidental statement credits and an up to $100 Global Entry/TSA statement credit. The card also comes with a $95 annual fee.
Although this certainly isn’t the most lucrative or flexible rewards card, the Bank of America travel rewards still offers a flat-rate reward across all spending. These rewards can then be used as a statement credit to erase eligible travel purchases.
It is a perfect card for low-budget beginner travelers who want a card with no annual fee and a simple way to earn and redeem points.
The Travel card is a great introduction to the travel credit card world. It allows new travelers to earn points on all their purchases and use these points to erase travel purchases.
If you are looking for a card with a similar flat earning rate, consider the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card. It does come with a $95 annual fee and earns an elevated 2 points per dollar on travel and dining purchases and 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases. The card also features a higher sign-up bonus, up to $100 in annual statement credits for airline incidental fees and an up to $100 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry statement credit. But the best perk of the Premium Rewards card is the ability to redeem points as statement credits or sent directly to your bank account while the Travel Rewards only allows redemption on travel and dining statement credit.
Having Alaska miles opens up some exciting redemption options. In addition to a great sign-up bonus, the card also comes with an annual companion fare, which will give your companion traveling on the same itinerary a free coach ticket on Alaska-operated flights from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) awarded each account anniversary after spending $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year, among other perks like discounts on inflight purchases and lounge passes.
This is the perfect card for loyal Alaska flyers. Not many credit card companies transfer miles to Alaska Airlines so if you are a regular Alaska traveler, this can be a great addition to your wallet.
Arguably the card’s most valuable perk is the annual companion fare, allowing you to take a travel companion on the same flight for $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23).
If you are looking for a card that earns more flexible rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of our top mid-tier picks. It features multiple bonus categories like dining and select streaming services. Chase Ultimate Reward points can also be transferred to any of Chase’s airline and hotel partners.
What is Bank of America?
Bank of America is one of the largest and most influential banks in the world. It is a powerhouse in banking and financial services, boasting an extensive network of branches and ATMs. Bank of America offers a large selection of financial services including traditional bank accounts, investment accounts, credit cards and more.
Types of Bank of America credit cards
There are many different kinds of Bank of America cards, so be sure to carefully consider which one(s) would be the best for you.
Many Bank of America cards are cash-back cards, which earn a percentage of cash back from a purchase. A Bank of America cash-back credit card is the Unlimited Cash Rewards card which earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Select Bank of America cards earn travel rewards instead of cash-back, but since Bank of America does not earn transferable points, it is still a similar concept to cash back. Generally, travel rewards can be redeemed as statement credits or sent to a qualifying Bank of America account. A point is typically worth 1 cent (or 1% cash-back). But it is important to check what your card’s point value is as the Travel Rewards card, when redeemed as cash rewards, has a value of only 0.6 cents per point.
Airlines often feature a co-branded card with a large banking institution like the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa card. Generally, the card earns a select amount of the brand’s loyalty points per purchase and the points can be redeemed for future flights. In addition, airline cards typically offer brand-specific perks and benefits.
Bank of America does not offer significantly lower variable interests than other financial institutions. It does, however, offer the BankAmericard® credit card, which is a lower interest rate credit card. The card features a 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles for both purchases and balance transfers made in the first 60 days of account opening, so that it is easier to pay down your debt or finance a large purchase. A variable APR of 16.24% to 26.24% will apply after the intro APR period. Additionally, a 3% fee applies to all balance transfers for the first 60 days of account opening, then 4% thereafter.
The information for the BankAmericard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Bank of America offers a fair selection of small business credit cards that mirror their personal card counterparts. For example, the Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards card and the Unlimited Cash Rewards card both earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Business cards do come with additional business benefits like free employee cards, cash management tools and more.
Bank of America credit card benefits
Many Bank of America credit cards come with a variety of benefits, though the extent of those perks depends on which card you have.
Bank of America features solid earning rates for both points and cash-back. If you are a Preferred Rewards member, you will earn a 25%-75% bonus on your earning rate, depending on your membership tier.
Many Bank of America cards feature a welcome bonus which can vary from points to cash rewards. Each card will have a different welcome bonus and minimum spend to achieve the bonus.
Select Bank of America cards come with an auto rental collision damage waiver and emergency assistance service. This benefit allows cardholders to know that if an emergency arises while they’re traveling, Bank of America’s assistance services will be there to help. To use the services, simply call the 24-hour line at 1-800-992-6029. If you are outside of the United States, call 1-804-673-1675.
Bank of America offers an auto rental collision damage waiver. This allows cardholders to reduce the expense of repairing or replacing a rented car should it be stolen or involved in an accident. It does not cover damage to anyone else who is involved in the accident’s car or their injury. You are eligible for primary coverage if the vehicle was rented for commercial/business use and secondary coverage if it was rented for personal use. If you rent a personal use vehicle outside the United States, Bank of America will offer primary coverage. Primary coverage allows you to be reimbursed for up to the actual cash value of the vehicle. Secondary coverage is supplemental to your automobile insurance which means you are still responsible for your personal’s insurance deductible and charges.
For more information about either of these benefits, you can check out Bank of America’s comprehensive description of these coverages here.
Select Bank of America card feature travel statement credits. For example, the Premium Rewards card comes with an up to $100 of airline incidental credit every year and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit every four years. This means if your purchases fall under either of these categories, Bank of America will reimburse you up to the maximum amount in the allotted time period on your credit card statement.
How we rate
Maximizing Bank of America credit cards
Have multiple Bank of America credit cards
While Bank of America does not offer the flashiest cards, it does feature some solid credit cards. In order to take full advantage of Bank of America, you will want to consider multiple credit cards so that you are getting the most return on your spending. For example, combining the Customized Cash and Unlimited Cash cards will allow you to earn 3% cash on your category of choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. This is a higher return rate than if you only had one of either card.
Be a Preferred Rewards member
It’s no secret that Bank of America favors cardholders with whom it has banking relationships. This is less than ideal for anyone who keeps their money with other banks, but you can take advantage of a number of perks and benefits if you are a Bank of America customer who qualifies for the Preferred Rewards program. In order to qualify for the program, you will have to have an eligible Bank of America personal checking account and a three-month combined balance of $20,000 or more in a Bank of America account and/or Merrill investment account.
Members of the program receive a bonus on their earning rates that vary between 25% and 75%, depending on their membership tier.
Attain Platinum Honors status
While being a Preferred Rewards member is a great way to maximize your Bank of America card, Platinum Honors members receive the highest earning bonus of 75%. In order to qualify for Platinum Honors, you will have to have a three-month average combined balance of at least $100,000 or more in a Bank of America account and/or Merrill investment account. Diamond members are a tier but feature the same earning bonus while requiring a much higher minimum balance.
How to choose the best Bank of America credit card
- Go with a Bank of America card that features a solid sign-up bonus with a reward you can use for future travel plans or to pay down a balance if you opt to earn cash back. Choose an option that has an achievable spend threshold and that you’ll earn the currency most valuable to you.1Sign-up bonus
- The Bank of America credit cards on our list feature a variety of annual fee thresholds, including many with no annual fee, to fit your unique budget as well as your desire for premium perks.2Annual fee
- Many of the Bank of America credit cards we've listed feature enhanced earnings in various popular bonus categories to fit your spending habits and make the most of every dollar.3Bonus categories
Ask our experts
What's your favorite Bank of America card — and why?
Pros + cons of Bank of America credit cards
Pros
- Using Bank of America credit cards responsibly can help you build your credit score
- Bank of America credit cards can earn cash back or various currencies on every dollar you spend
- Some Bank of America credit cards offer valuable travel and purchase protections
- Bank of America credit cards can hold more value if you are in the Preferred Rewards program
Cons
- Credit cards can encourage overspending
- Carrying a balance and using your Bank of America credit card irresponsibly can damage your credit score
- Bank of America does not offer airline or hotel transfer partners like other banks such as American Express, Chase or Capital One
- It may be challenging to get full value from Bank of America credit cards if you don't have a Preferred Rewards membership
Frequently asked questions
To apply for any of the Bank of America credit cards on this list, select the “Apply Now” button below each Bank of America card.
The best way to activate your Bank of America card is online with your banking ID and passcode. You can begin your activation process for your Bank of America credit card here.
There is no best Bank of America credit card. Bank of America offers some solid options, but the best card is one that fits your spending habits and financial goals.
If you regularly pay off your balance and have your account in good standing, Bank of America will increase your credit card limit naturally. But if you want to request a credit line increase online, you can begin by signing into your account. You will have to select your credit card account and then select “Request a credit line increase,” which is below Card Details in the Account Summary.
Bank of America credit cards can be a solid option for any wallet. But if you are a Preferred Rewards member, you will be able to maximize the value of your Bank of America credit card.