Bank of America offers several credit cards with different rewards, fees, and benefits depending on your spending habits and credit history

Bank of America credit cards fall into a few main categories: cash back cards that return a percentage on purchases, travel rewards cards that earn points toward flights and hotels, and cards designed for people building or rebuilding credit. Each card has its own annual fee (some charge nothing, others charge $95 or more), interest rate range, and sign-up bonus structure. The card you can open depends partly on your credit score — Bank of America typically requires good to excellent credit for premium cards, though they do offer options for people with fair credit.

The process process is straightforward and takes about 10 minutes online. You will need your Social Security number, income information, and a current mailing address. Bank of America will pull your credit report during the process, which creates a hard inquiry on your credit file. You will get a decision within seconds or within a few business days, depending on whether your process needs manual review.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America credit cards range from no-annual-fee cash back cards to premium travel cards charging $95 or $450 per year.
  • You can open a card online in about 10 minutes, and most decisions come back when ready or within a few business days.
  • Your credit score determines which cards you can open — premium cards typically require a score of 670 or higher.
  • New cardholders often receive a sign-up bonus (such as cash back or points) if they spend a certain amount within the first few months.
  • Once approved, your card ships to your mailing address within 7 to 10 business days, and you can use it online when ready through a temporary card number.

The main Bank of America credit card options and what they reward

The Bank of America Cash Rewards card has no annual fee and returns 1% cash back on all purchases, with higher rates (2% or 3%) on specific categories like gas, groceries, or online shopping depending on which version you choose. This card is designed for everyday spending and works well if you want simplicity without tracking bonus categories.

The Bank of America Premium Rewards card costs $95 per year and earns 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, 1.5 points per dollar on everything else. Points can be redeemed for cash back, travel bookings, or gift cards. This card appeals to people who spend regularly on restaurants and hotels.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card has no annual fee and earns 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases. It is simpler than the Premium Rewards card but charges no fee, making it a middle ground for people who want travel rewards without paying annually.

Bank of America also offers the Bank of America Secured Credit Card for people with limited or damaged credit history. You deposit cash as collateral (usually $500 to $2,500), and that becomes your credit limit. After making on-time payments for several months, you may be able to convert to an unsecured card and get your deposit back.

How to open a Bank of America credit card online

Go to the Bank of America website and navigate to the credit cards section. Select the card you want and click "Open Now" or "explore." You will be asked for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number. Have your most recent pay stub or tax return handy — you will need to enter your annual income.

Enter your employment information, including your job title and employer name. Bank of America will ask whether you have an existing Bank of America checking or savings account; if you do, linking it can speed up the process. Review the terms and conditions, then submit your process.

Most applicants receive a decision when ready. If your process is approved, you will see a confirmation number and your new card number on screen. If Bank of America needs more information, they will tell you to call a phone number or check your email within a few days. If you are denied, the letter will explain the reason — usually a low credit score, high existing debt, or recent negative credit events.

What happens after you are approved

Your physical card will arrive at your mailing address within 7 to 10 business days. However, you do not have to wait. Bank of America provides a temporary card number when ready after approval, which you can use to make purchases online or over the phone right away. Some cardholders can also add the card to their digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) within hours and use it at stores with contactless payment.

When your physical card arrives, it will come with a PIN for ATM withdrawals if you want to use it to get cash. set up the card by calling the number on the back or by logging into your Bank of America online account. Set up your payment method — you can pay online, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments from your Bank of America checking account.

Your first statement will arrive about 30 days after your first purchase. The statement shows your balance, minimum payment due, and the due date. You can pay the full balance to avoid interest charges, or pay the minimum and carry a balance at the card's interest rate (which varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates).

Understanding annual fees, interest rates, and sign-up bonuses

Bank of America credit cards charge annual fees ranging from $0 to $450. No-fee cards like the Cash Rewards and Travel Rewards cards are good if you want to keep costs down. Premium cards like the Premium Rewards ($95) and Preferred Rewards card ($450) charge more but offer higher rewards rates and additional perks like travel credits or lounge access.

Interest rates (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) vary by card and by person. A card might advertise an APR range of 16.99% to 26.99%, meaning your actual rate depends on your credit score and credit history. The better your credit, the lower your rate. This rate applies only if you carry a balance; if you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you pay no interest.

Sign-up bonuses are common. You might see an offer like "$200 cash back after you spend $500 in the first three months" or "50,000 bonus points after your first purchase." These bonuses are real, but you must meet the spending requirement within the stated timeframe to receive them. The bonus appears as a credit on your statement once you may have access to.

How Bank of America Preferred Rewards affects your card benefits

If you have a Bank of America checking or savings account, you may be enrolled in Preferred Rewards, a program that boosts your credit card rewards based on your account balance. The program has three tiers: Silver (starting at $20,000 in combined accounts), Gold (starting at $50,000), and Platinum (starting at $100,000).

Each tier increases your rewards rate by a percentage. For example, a card earning 1% cash back might earn 1.25% at Silver, 1.5% at Gold, or 1.75% at Platinum. This bonus applies automatically if you are enrolled, so your rewards grow without extra effort. You can check your Preferred Rewards status by logging into your Bank of America online account.

Paying your Bank of America credit card bill

You have several ways to pay. The easiest is to log into your Bank of America online account and make a one-time payment or set up automatic payments. You can pay from any bank account, not just Bank of America accounts. Automatic payments can be set to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount you choose, on a date you select each month.

You can also pay by phone by calling the number on the back of your card, by mail by sending a check to the address on your statement, or in person at a Bank of America branch. Payments made online or by phone typically post within one business day. Mail payments take 5 to 7 business days, so send them early if your due date is approaching.

Your due date is the same each month (for example, the 15th). If you pay after the due date, you will be charged a late fee (typically $25 to $39 for the first late payment) and your interest rate may increase. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, Bank of America will report it to the credit bureaus, which damages your credit score.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need to open a Bank of America credit card?

Most Bank of America credit cards require a credit score of 670 or higher. The Secured Credit Card is available to people with scores below 670 or no credit history, since it is backed by a cash deposit. If you are denied for a standard card, you can reapply after improving your score or consider the Secured option.

Can I use my Bank of America credit card right away, or do I have to wait for the physical card?

You can use your temporary card number online and over the phone when ready after approval. Many cardholders add the card to their digital wallet within hours and use it at stores with contactless payment. The physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

What is the difference between cash back and rewards points?

Cash back is returned as a dollar amount credited to your account — you can use it to pay your bill or request it as a check. Rewards points are a currency you redeem for travel bookings, gift cards, or cash back at a set conversion rate. Cash back is simpler; points often offer more value if you book travel through the card issuer's portal.

Do I have to pay an annual fee every year?

Yes, annual fees are charged every year on your card anniversary (the date you opened the card). If you close the card before the anniversary, you will not be charged. Some cardholders downgrade to a no-fee Bank of America card instead of closing the account, which keeps their credit history intact.

What happens if I miss a payment?

A late fee of $25 to $39 is charged if you pay after the due date. If you are 30 days late, the missed payment is reported to credit bureaus and your credit score drops. Your interest rate may also increase. Contact Bank of America when ready if you cannot pay on time — they may be able to work out a payment plan.