Best Bank of America Credit Cards of September 2025
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Written by
Joseph Hostetler
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Edited by
Emily Gadd
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Reviewed by
Jasmin Baron
Bank of America does an excellent job at serving just about every financial demographic. Whether you’re a student, a traveler, a cash-back fanatic or a business owner, you can probably find an excellent fit with one of the best Bank of America credit cards.
We’ll compare Bank of America cards — and show you how to quickly decide which among the sea of options best suits your lifestyle.
Quick Overview: Bank of America Credit Cards
| Our Choice For | Credit Range | Annual Fee | Highlights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Cash Back |
Excellent/Good
670 – 850*
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$0 |
Unlimited 2% cash back for the first year on all purchases, generous intro APR, $200 bonus opportunity $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Apply Now
More Details
|
|
Premium Perks |
Excellent/Good
670 – 850*
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$95 |
Unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on all purchases, 2 points per $1 on dining and travel, 60,000 bonus points opportunity worth $600 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
Apply Now
More Details
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|
Travel |
Excellent/Good
670 – 850*
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$0 |
Unlimited 1.5 Points per $1 on all purchases, generous intro APR, 25,000 bonus points opportunity worth $250 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
Apply Now
More Details
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|
Cash Back |
Excellent/Good
670 – 850*
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$0 |
Welcome bonus opportunity, generous intro APR, and choose your 6% cash back category 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined choice category / grocery store / wholesale club quarterly purchases.
After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, up to the quarterly maximum. 1% cash back on all other purchases. If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25% – 75% more cash back on every purchase. The Preferred Rewards bonus is not applied to the 3% first year bonus.
Apply Now
More Details
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Travel & Dining Purchases |
Excellent/Good
670-850*
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$550 |
75,000 bonus points plus travel perks75,000 online bonus points — a $750 value — after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Full Review
More Details
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|
Balance Transfers |
Excellent/Good
670 – 850*
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$0 |
0% Intro APR for purchases and balance transfers0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends a 15.24% to 25.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply.
Full Review
More Details
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Earning Atmos Rewards Points (Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines) |
Excellent/Good
670 – 850*
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$95 |
Intro bonus with Companion Fare, free checked bags and preferred boarding
Full Review
More Details
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Detailed Overview: Bank Of America Credit Cards
Welcome Bonus
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Purchase & Balance Transfer 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 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply.
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Cash Back
1.5% cash back on all purchases after the first year from account opening.
If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25% – 75% more cash back on every purchase. The Preferred Rewards bonus does not apply to the .5% first year bonus.
Card Details From Issuer
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- New Offer! Earn 2% cash back on purchases for the first year from account opening, with no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn.
- Thereafter, you’ll earn unlimited 1.5% on all purchases, with no expiration on rewards as long as your account remains open.
- With the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87%-2.62% cash back with Preferred Rewards. The Preferred Rewards bonus does not apply to the .5% first-year bonus.
- No annual fee.
- 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 18.24% – 28.24% 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%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- 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.
Welcome 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
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
20.24% – 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25% – 75% more points on every purchase.
Card Details From Issuer
- 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.
Welcome 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
Purchase & Balance Transfer 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 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply.
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
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.
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 18.24% – 28.24% 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%. 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.
Welcome Bonus
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Purchase & Balance Transfer 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 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply.
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Cash Back
After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, up to the quarterly maximum.
1% cash back on all other purchases.
If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25% – 75% more cash back on every purchase. The Preferred Rewards bonus is not applied to the 3% first year bonus.
Card Details From Issuer
- New offer! Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- With the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means the 3% choice category could go up to 3.75%-5.25%. The Preferred Rewards bonus is not applied to the 3% first-year bonus.
- 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 18.24% – 28.24% 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%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- 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
Welcome Bonus
75,000 online bonus points — a $750 value — after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
20.24% – 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
Card Details From Issuer
- 75,000 bonus points after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
- Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
- Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn up to 2.5 to 3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 to 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
- No limit to the points you can earn and points don’t expire as long as the account remains open
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends a 15.24% to 25.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply.
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
Card Details From Issuer
- 0% Intro APR for 18 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 15.24% – 25.24% 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%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- No annual fee.
- No penalty APR. Paying late won’t automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
- Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
- 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.
Welcome Bonus
Limited-time online offer: Earn 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $4,000 or more on purchases within the first 120 days after account opening
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
20.24% to 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
Card Details From Issuer
- Limited-time online offer: 80,000 bonus points.
- Earn 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, spend $4,000 or more on purchases within the first 120 days of opening your account.
- Receive a $99 Companion 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 and Hawaiian Airlines flights within North America booked on AlaskaAir.com.
- Earn unlimited 3 points for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all points earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
- Free checked bag on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines and enjoy priority boarding on Alaska Airlines, 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.
- Earn and redeem across 1,000+ destinations worldwide with oneworld® Alliance member airlines and 30+ global air partners.
- 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.
How To Choose the Best Bank of America Credit Card for You
There are a lot of Bank of America credit cards to choose from. But finding the best card for your situation is a snap if you ask yourself the following four simple questions.
What Is Your Credit Score?
Whenever you’re considering another credit card, start by checking your credit score. It’ll help you to pinpoint the credit cards that are within your reach.
For example, approval for a travel rewards credit card generally requires at least a good credit score (670 or above on FICO’s scale). If your credit score is below that, you shouldn’t bother applying for one of these cards.
What Are Your Financial Goals?
Something inspired you to open a new credit card. What was it?
Whether you’re planning a trip and want to open a card that elevates and discounts your travel, have an upcoming expense for which you’d like a year or so of 0% intro APR or have a messy credit history that you’re trying to repair, Bank of America has plenty of great options.
What Are Your Spending Habits?
One thing that Bank of America does better than (almost) anyone is bonus categories. Many of its cards offer an uncommonly high return rate for everyday purchases — some of which you can select yourself (from a list of eligible options).
Choose the card that best complements your regular spending.
Are You Willing To Pay an Annual Fee?
What if a Bank of America credit card fits your goals in every conceivable way — but it comes with an annual fee?
Lots of folks aren’t willing to ante up for the privilege of holding a credit card. But if the card’s benefits outweigh that yearly price point, it’s a good deal. Do the math to decide if you’ll actually negate that fee and actually save money in the long run.
Pros and Cons of Bank of America Cards
Bank of America does a great job of offering a wide range of credit cards that meet most financial situations. There are some limitations to consider, however.
Pros
- Valuable welcome bonuses
- Generous (and sometimes customizable) return rates
- Bank of America Preferred Rewards program can enhance your credit card earning rate
Cons
- Some bonus categories are subject to quarterly caps
- You can’t transfer Bank of America’s proprietary rewards to airline and hotel partners (as you can with many other bank-issued points)
- Many cards require a good-to-excellent credit score to be considered for approval
Bank of America Credit Card Benefits
Many Bank of America credit cards share similar perks — but its wide variety of credit card types mean that some cards offer unique value. Here’s a look at the most notable Bank of America benefits:
- Intro APR: Many Bank of America credit cards come with an interest-free window on purchases and balance transfers upon account opening. With the BankAmericard credit card, for instance, new cardholders receive a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends a 15.24% to 25.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. And the Bank of America Travel Rewards card offers 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 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply.
- Choose your own bonus categories: Bank of America is famous for its agreeable bonus spending categories. For example, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card lets you choose one eligible category in which you’d like to earn bonus rewards.
- Travel statement credits: Bank of America issues multiple credit cards, such as the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card, that offer hundreds of dollars in annual credits. You can be reimbursed for expenses like airline incidental fees and TSA PreCheck.
- Approval standards: Bank of America secured credit cards, like the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card, are designed for those with limited or bad credit. They’re clutch ways to build a positive credit history when other banks won’t take a chance on you.
- Lifestyle statement credits: The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite comes with annual credits that reimburse you for video streaming, food delivery, fitness subscriptions and rideshare services.
- Travel companion fare: Multiple Bank of America airline credit cards, including the Atmos Rewards Ascent Card and the Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard®, offer an annual companion certificate, which can dramatically reduce the amount of money you spend when flying with a travel buddy. This feature typically requires you to meet a yearly spending threshold to qualify.
- Airport lounge access: The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite and Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card come with access to airport lounges.
Alternatives To Consider
Bank of America does a lot right, but there are many situations in which a card issued by another bank better suits your needs. For example:
- Chase credit cards: Chase issues cards that earn flexible Ultimate Rewards® points, and with annual-fee cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you can transfer points to Chase’s airline and hotel partners. The bank also offers co-branded cards with United Airlines, Marriott, Southwest and more. If you use these travel brands regularly, Chase can offer immense value that Bank of America can’t.
- Citi credit cards (an advertising partner): Citi features some of the best 0% intro APR credit cards on the market, a few of which feature longer interest-free windows than what you can get from Bank of America.
- Capital One credit cards: Similar to Chase and Citi, the issuer’s travel credit cards earn Capital One miles that you can transfer to airline and hotel partners. That’s something Bank of America doesn’t offer. Even some no-annual-fee travel credit cards offer this benefit.
How To Apply for a Bank of America Card
You’ve settled on the ideal Bank of America credit card. All that’s left to do is apply:
- Head to the Bank of America site (or duck into a local branch) to fill out an application.
- Provide your personal information, such as your mailing address, Social Security number, household income etc.
- Submit your application. Your credit will sustain a hard credit inquiry, which will temporarily lower your credit score (but it should bounce back after a month or two of responsible credit usage).
You may be instantly approved, in which case you’ll get your new credit card within 10 business days. If your application is declined (or pending), you may try calling Bank of America reconsideration to offer more information that may lead to an approval.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bank of America Credit Cards
What is the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program and how does it boost credit card earnings?
The Bank of America Preferred Rewards program is a loyalty program of sorts for Bank of America customers. Depending on the amount of your combined Bank of America banking and Merrill investment balances, you’ll receive between a 25% and 75% rewards bonus when you swipe your eligible Bank of America credit card. For example, instead of earning 2x points on travel and dining with the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card, you could earn up to 3.5x points.
Which Bank of America credit card is best for students?
The best Bank of America credit card for students depends on your goals. For example, if you’re a student with aspirations to travel abroad, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students may be a great fit. However, you may also choose a secured credit card for reasons such as more lenient approval standards and the inability to go into debt (thanks to the card’s required security deposit).
Can Bank of America credit cards be used internationally?
Yes, Bank of America credit cards can be used internationally. You can swipe them anywhere Visa or Mastercard (whichever is the type of your card) is accepted. Just note that some Bank of America credit cards charge 3% foreign transaction fees when making purchases that are processed outside the U.S.
What minimum credit score is required for Bank of America credit cards?
The credit score you’ll need to be considered for Bank of America credit cards depends on the card. You’ll need at least a good credit score (670 or higher on FICO’s scale) to be eligible for Bank of America’s top rewards credit cards. The issuer’s secured cards have less stringent requirements.
Do any Bank of America credit cards include travel insurance?
Not all Bank of America credit cards offer travel insurance. But some cards, including the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card and Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite, do offer perks like trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay, and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
How Do Our Critics Evaluate the Cards?
All of the credit cards featured on CardCritics™ are assessed using the same criteria. Our critics evaluate fees, interest rates, balance transfer options, introductory bonuses, rewards, additional benefits and the average credit score required for approval.
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.