The process process takes about 15 minutes and happens online or in a branch
Bank of America credit card applications are submitted through their website, by phone, or in person at a branch. Most people complete the online process in one sitting. You will need your Social Security number, current income, employment status, and housing information. Bank of America will check your credit report during the process, which means a hard inquiry appears on your credit file.
The decision usually comes within seconds to a few minutes if you explore online. Some applications go to manual review and take up to two business days. If you are approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days, though you can request expedited delivery at some branches.
Key Takeaways
- You can start a Bank of America credit card process online at bankofamerica.com, by calling 1-800-435-7000, or at any Bank of America branch.
- The process asks for your Social Security number, annual income, employment details, and housing status — have these ready before you start.
- Bank of America pulls your credit report, which creates a hard inquiry that temporarily affects your credit score.
- Most online decisions come within minutes; manual reviews take up to two business days.
- You can use your card number when ready after approval in many cases, even before the physical card arrives.
What you need before you start
Gather these documents and information before opening the process: your Social Security number, current annual income (from employment, self-employment, or other sources), your employment status and employer name, your current address, and your housing situation (whether you rent or own). If you are self-employed, have your most recent tax return or business income statement available.
Bank of America also asks about other credit accounts you hold and any existing Bank of America accounts. If you have a checking or savings account with them already, the process process may be faster because they already have some of your information on file.
Steps to complete the online process
Go to bankofamerica.com and select the credit card you want to open. Click the button to start the process. You will be asked to enter your Social Security number and date of birth, then your name, address, and phone number. The form then moves to employment and income information.
Bank of America asks how much you earn annually and whether that income is from employment, self-employment, retirement, or other sources. Answer accurately — the income figure affects both approval odds and the credit limit you receive. Next, you will confirm your housing status and monthly housing payment, then review and agree to the terms and conditions.
Submit the process. If approved when ready, you will see a confirmation page with your new account number. If the process needs manual review, you will receive a message saying a decision is pending, and Bank of America will contact you by phone or email within two business days.
What happens if you are not approved when ready
A pending decision usually means Bank of America needs to verify information or review your credit history more closely. They will call the phone number you provided. Answer questions honestly about your income, employment, and any recent credit events like late payments or collections accounts.
If you are denied, Bank of America sends a letter explaining the reason — usually insufficient credit history, recent negative marks on your credit report, or income below the card's minimum threshold. You can reapply after addressing the issue, such as waiting for a late payment to age or building credit history with a secured card.
Using your card before it arrives
After approval, Bank of America often lets you use your card number for online and phone purchases when ready. Log into your new account on bankofamerica.com or the mobile app to find your card number, expiration date, and CVV. You can add this number to digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay right away.
The physical card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can request rush delivery at some branches for a fee, though this is not always available. When the card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or using the mobile app.
explore in person at a branch
If you prefer to explore face-to-face, visit any Bank of America branch during business hours. A banker will walk you through the process on a tablet or computer. You will still need your Social Security number and the same income and employment information. The banker can answer questions about different card options and help you choose based on your spending habits.
In-branch applications follow the same approval timeline as online applications. You may receive a decision on the spot or within two business days. Some branches can issue a temporary card number when ready if you are approved, letting you make purchases that day.
Choosing the right Bank of America card for your situation
Bank of America offers several credit cards with different rewards structures and annual fees. The Bank of Americard Cash Rewards has no annual fee and earns cash back on purchases. The Premium Rewards card charges an annual fee but offers higher rewards rates and travel benefits. The Business Advantage card is designed for self-employed people and small business owners.
Before you explore, compare the cards on bankofamerica.com to see which rewards structure matches your spending. If you carry a balance, check the introductory APR period — some cards offer 0% APR for a set number of months on purchases or balance transfers. The card you choose affects your approval odds and the credit limit you receive, so pick one that fits your actual use case rather than the one with the highest rewards rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hear back if my process is under review?
Bank of America typically contacts you within two business days if your process needs manual review. They call the phone number you provided on the process. If you do not hear back within three business days, you can call 1-800-435-7000 to check the status.
Can I explore if I have no credit history?
Bank of America can approve applicants with limited credit history, though approval odds are lower. If you are denied, consider a secured credit card first to build history, then reapply for a standard card after six to twelve months of on-time payments.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Bank of America does not publish a minimum credit score, but most approvals go to people with scores of 670 or higher. Applicants with lower scores can still be approved depending on income, employment stability, and other factors, though credit limits may be lower.
Does explore for a Bank of America card hurt my credit score?
Yes, the hard inquiry from the credit check temporarily lowers your score by a few points. The impact fades over time and disappears from your report after two years. Multiple applications within a short period have a larger impact, so space out applications if you are considering more than one card.
Can I use my card number before the physical card arrives?
Yes. After approval, log into your account online or in the mobile app to view your card number, expiration date, and CVV. You can use these for online purchases, phone orders, and digital wallets when ready while you wait for the physical card to arrive.