How the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card works
The Bank of America Travel Rewards card earns points on every purchase you make, then lets you redeem those points for travel costs. You get 1.5 points per dollar spent on everything — no bonus categories, no rotating categories to track. Those points convert to statement credits that cover airfare, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and some other travel expenses when you book through the Bank of America travel portal or redeem them directly with travel merchants.
The card has no annual fee. You pay interest on any balance you carry month to month, just like any other credit card. The rewards themselves do not expire as long as your account stays open and in good standing.
Key Takeaways
- You earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases with no bonus categories or spending caps.
- Points redeem as statement credits for travel booked through Bank of America's portal or directly with merchants like airlines and hotels.
- There is no annual fee, but you pay standard credit card interest if you carry a balance.
- The card includes trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and emergency medical coverage when you travel.
- You can transfer points to airline and hotel partners, though the conversion rate varies by partner.
What travel purchases the points cover
Points redeem as statement credits for a broad range of travel costs. This includes airline tickets, hotel stays, rental cars, cruises, and train tickets. You can also use points for baggage fees, seat upgrades, and resort fees charged by the hotel itself. Rideshare to the airport, parking, and tolls during travel count as well.
The redemption works two ways. You can book through Bank of America's travel portal, where you see prices in points and dollars, and the statement credit applies automatically. Or you can book anywhere else — directly with an airline, through a third-party site, on your own — and then request a statement credit from Bank of America for the amount you spent. The second method gives you more flexibility but requires you to submit the charge for reimbursement rather than having it happen at checkout.
Travel protections included with the card
The card bundles several insurance benefits that set up when you charge travel to it. Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you if you have to cancel a prepaid trip because of an unexpected illness, injury, or death in your family. The coverage limit is typically $5,000 per person, though you should check your card's current terms because limits can change.
Lost luggage reimbursement covers baggage and personal items if an airline loses or damages your checked bags. This usually caps at $2,500 per person. Emergency medical and dental coverage pays for urgent care you need while traveling outside the United States. There is also emergency evacuation and transportation coverage if you need to be airlifted or transported to a hospital.
These protections have limits and exclusions. They typically do not cover claims related to pre-existing conditions, claims you file after a certain number of days, or situations where you booked travel against medical information. Read the full terms in your card agreement or contact Bank of America to understand what is and is not covered before you travel.
How to transfer points to airline and hotel partners
Bank of America has partnerships with major airlines and hotel chains. You can transfer your points to these partners' loyalty programs at a set conversion rate. For example, you might transfer points to American Airlines AAdvantage, United MileagePlus, or Marriott Bonvoy. The conversion rate is usually 1 point equals 1 mile or point in the partner program, though some partners offer bonus conversions during promotional periods.
Transferring points can sometimes give you more value than redeeming them as statement credits, especially if you are chasing a specific flight or hotel stay that costs more points through the partner program than it would through Bank of America's portal. However, once you transfer points to a partner, you cannot move them back, so compare the value before you commit.
Annual fees and when the card makes sense
There is no annual fee, which means you can keep the card open indefinitely without paying to hold it. This is useful if you travel occasionally but do not want to pay for a premium travel card. The 1.5 points per dollar rate is consistent across all spending, so you do not have to think about which categories earn more.
The card makes the most sense if you travel at least a few times a year and want a straightforward earning structure. If you spend heavily on groceries, gas, or dining and want bonus points in those categories, a different card might earn you more. If you travel frequently and want premium perks like lounge access or higher insurance limits, Bank of America offers premium travel cards with annual fees that may be worth the cost.
How to redeem points and what the process looks like
Redeeming points takes just a few steps. Log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app, go to the rewards section, and choose "Redeem." You can search for travel by destination, dates, or specific airline or hotel. The portal shows you prices in both points and dollars so you can compare.
Once you book, the points post as a statement credit within a few days. If you book outside the portal, you submit the charge for reimbursement through the same rewards section. Bank of America typically processes these requests within 5 to 10 business days. Keep your receipt and booking confirmation handy in case Bank of America needs to verify the charge.
You can also call Bank of America's rewards team to redeem points over the phone if you prefer not to use the online portal. The phone number is on the back of your card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the points expire if I do not use them?
Points do not expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. If you close the card or let the account become inactive for an extended period, Bank of America may close it and forfeit your points. Keep the card active by using it occasionally or keeping a small balance.
Can I use points for things other than travel?
The card is designed for travel redemption, but Bank of America may allow you to redeem points for other things like cash back or merchandise through their rewards portal. Check your account to see what non-travel options are available, as these can vary.
What happens if I book a flight and then the airline changes or cancels it?
If you booked through Bank of America's portal and the airline cancels, you would typically get a credit or refund from the airline, not from Bank of America. The trip cancellation insurance covers cancellations on your end, not the airline's. Check the airline's policy and your card's insurance terms for specifics.
Is there a limit to how many points I can earn?
There is no cap on points earning. You earn 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase, with no maximum. Some cards limit bonus categories after you hit a spending threshold, but this card does not.
Can I use points to pay my credit card bill?
Points redeem as statement credits for travel purchases, not as a general payment method for your bill. You cannot use points to pay down your balance or cover non-travel charges.