One of the Best Offers We’ve Ever Seen
Our Critics’ Choice Winner for flat-rate rewards offers a bonus worth $250 and doesn’t charge an annual fee.
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Credit card rewards can be complicated, but an easy tip our Critics’ always suggest is to have a flat-rate, no-annual-fee card in your wallet. There are lots of credit cards that offer elevated reward rates on specific categories (groceries, gas, airline purchases, etc). It is great to have a card like this that fits your spending habits, but if you spend outside of those categories you are likely only earning 1% back on your other purchases. This is where a flat-rate card comes into play. Using a flat-rate rewards card on all your other purchases will not only level up your total rewards, but you can also take advantage of what else these cards offer. Enjoy long intro APR periods, welcome bonuses worth up to $250, and many other perks.
Critics’ Choice Winner
Our Critics’ Choice winner is the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card which offers:
- Generous Intro APR: 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 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR will apply.
- Flat-Rate Rewards: Earn an unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all of your purchases (see below for how you can earn an even higher rate)
- Enticing Bonus: Earn 25,000 online bonus points (redeemable for a $250 statement credit towards travel or dining purchases) after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- $0 Annual Fee
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Apply Now
Bonus Opportunity Worth $250
One of the most enticing perks this card offers is 25,000 online bonus points you will earn after spending at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of opening your account. These points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases. This is an above-average bonus when compared to other flat-rate cards that do not charge an annual fee.
Generous Introductory APR
Unlike most travel cards the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers a generous intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers. It’s a long intro APR on a $0 annual fee card that also offers rewards. You’ll get a 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 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR will apply.
Unlimited 1.5 points Per $1
With the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card you will earn an unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all your purchases. This makes it a great option for everyday spending with no categories or activations to worry about. You can redeem your 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. With this travel card, you are not locked into a specific travel booking website, airline, or hotel chain, making it appealing for those seeking flexibility around how they redeem their rewards. There is no limit to the points you can earn and points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
Boost Your Rewards by 25% – 75%
Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program members can accelerate their rewards earnings by 25% to 75%. Your eligibility for this program is based on your Bank of America® and Merrill combined balances. 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. Your program tier is determined by your combined balances in your bank and investment accounts.
| Bank of America Preferred Rewards® Tier | Bonus Rate | Points Per Dollar Spent |
| None (no accounts, or combined balances below $20,000) | None | 1.5 |
| Gold (combined balances of $20,000 to $49,999) | 25% | 1.875 |
| Platinum (combined balances of $50,000 to $99,999) | 50% | 2.25 |
| Platinum Honors (combined balances of $100,000 or more) | 75% | 2.625 |
As you can see the rewards are lucrative with or without a Bank of America or Merrill account. Add in the opportunity to earn the online bonus points offered to new card members and you will be well on your way to a significant rewards redemption in very little time.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25% – 75% more points on every purchase.
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics™, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
This is a great travel card for those who don’t want to pay an annual fee, are looking for a straightforward way to earn and redeem their rewards and want to save money with a generous intro APR. You’ll earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases and can easily earn 25,000 online bonus points (redeemable for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases) when you spend at least $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening. Read our in-depth Review to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- 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.
- 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.
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
- 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 17.99% – 27.99% 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%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- 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. You could earn 3.75-5.25 points for every $1 you spend on travel purchases made through the Bank of America Travel Center.
- 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.
Other Rewards Card Options
If you are in the market for a flexible flat-rate rewards card without an annual fee then the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is tough to beat. Since it is always good to compare your top options, we have rounded up some other compelling cards that may appeal to you as well.
Bonus Worth $300 In Travel + No Annual Fee
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
There are a ton of options in the market today for travel rewards cards, but the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is one you should seriously consider. You will earn rewards quickly with unlimited 1.25x miles per dollar on all purchases and 5x miles per dollar when you book your car rentals, vacation rentals and hotel stays through Capital One Travel. For a limited time, earn $300 in travel bonuses. Enjoy $100 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening – that’s equal to $300 in travel. While you’ll get the most out of your miles by redeeming them for travel, there are several other options to cash in your rewards making it an extremely flexible program and one of the best travel rewards programs out there with over 15 direct transfer partners. A 0% intro on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) APR will apply on this $0 annual fee card.
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics™, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
If you are looking for a travel rewards card that offers big-time benefits without an annual fee then the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a top option to consider. To start, there is an easy to earn bonus opportunity and a generous intro APR. You will also earn an unlimited 1.25X on every purchase made and an elevated rate on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Read our in-depth Review to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn $300 in travel bonuses. Enjoy $100 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening – that’s equal to $300 in travel
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 18.99% – 28.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Earn Unlimited 2% Cash Rewards Plus A Bonus
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
This card from Wells Fargo is an exciting option that also has a $0 annual fee. You can earn an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases which means there are no activation requirements for special categories or monthly caps to worry about. Earning 2% rewards on your purchases is tough to beat making it a stand out option for anyone looking for a low maintenance cash rewards card that will allow you to accumulate cash rewards really quickly. There is also a welcome bonus worth $200 in cash rewards that can be earned by spending at least $500 in purchases in the first three months after you are approved. It also offers a 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and on qualifying balance transfers, then a 18.99%, 24.99%, or 28.99% Variable APR.
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics™, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
If you are looking for a flat-rate cash rewards card that also offers an intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers then this card is a great option. You will pay no annual fee, can earn an intro bonus and protect your cell phone from damage or theft. Read our in-depth Review to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.99%, 24.99%, or 28.99% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Great For Everyday Spending – Especially Groceries
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Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
If you already have a great flat-rate card in your wallet then the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (a CardCritics™ advertiser) is a great card to check out if you spend a lot of money on groceries and gas. You will earn a massive 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, and 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit. All of your other eligible purchases will earn you 1% back. To sweeten the deal, you can earn a $250 welcome offer after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months. There is a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then you will pay $95.
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics™, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
If you are looking for a well-rounded card that makes it easy to rack up cash back rewards while saving on interest look no further. With incredible cash back rates at U.S. supermarkets, select streaming services, U.S. gas stations, and for transit purchases, it’s easy to see why the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (a CardCritics™ advertiser) is so popular. There is an impressive cash back welcome offer and though there is an annual fee, it is $0 for the first year. If you spend at least $30.44 on groceries a week the cash back earned will justify the cost of the annual fee. Read our in-depth Review to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Low Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.99% – 28.99%.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
As you can see, it is a great time to be in the market for a new credit card. Issuers are really stepping up their game and offering incredible perks to win your business. If you have good to excellent credit in the 670 – 850* range and have not recently applied for a new credit card then you should definitely apply for one of these stand-out options today.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
*CardCritics™ references a FICO® 8 score, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when evaluating your application.