bank of america travel rewards pros and cons

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card review: Simplicity for points beginners

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Editor's Note

Bank of america travel rewards credit card overview.

The no-annual-fee Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has the potential to be a solid flat-rate card if you are a member of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program . However, without the Preferred Rewards earning bonus, the card falls short compared to other flat-rate cards on the market. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐

* Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

For beginners, points and miles can seem daunting. When I started earning credit card rewards, the idea of transferring points and trying to find the absolute best redemptions was exciting but also nerve-wracking — and I'm not alone.

Many beginners give up on using credit card rewards to pay for travel because it seems too complicated.

That's where an option like the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card comes into play. It has no annual fee and we recommended applicants have a credit score of 670 to increase their chances of approval.

Points and miles experts will likely not be amazed at the perks and redemption options, but the simplicity of this card's earning rate and redemption process provides a nice starting point for beginners.

Let's dig into the card details so you can decide if it's right for you.

Bank of America Travel Rewards pros and cons

Bank of america travel rewards welcome offer.

New Bank of America Travel Rewards cardholders can earn 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.

These points are redeemable at a flat rate of 1 cent per point toward travel or dining purchases, so this bonus is worth $250 — a solid offer but significantly less valuable than what you'll find on other top travel cards .

It's not a flashy bonus, but it is easy to get since the minimum spending requirement is easily attainable. And since the card has no annual fee, you're essentially earning rewards on purchases you would have normally made without any up-front cost.

Bank of America does have a 24-month restriction, though the details vary from card to card. The wording for the Travel Rewards card states:

"This card may not be available to you if you currently have or have had the card in the preceding 24 month period."

This means that you can get a second Travel Rewards card even if you held one; you just have to be certain that at least 24 months have passed since you closed your previous Travel Rewards card account.

Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions

Bank of America Travel Rewards benefits

The real benefit of the Bank of America Travel Rewards is its simplicity. There are no bonus categories, earning caps or transfer partners. For beginners, that can be a great way to start a points and miles journey.

As a cardholder, you'll enjoy no booking restrictions when you redeem your points and will pay no foreign transaction fees when you swipe the card outside the U.S. A number of no-annual-fee cards have foreign transaction fees, so this is a great benefit.

As expected with a no-annual-fee card, you won't get luxury perks with this card. However, since it is a Visa Signature card, you will still have access to certain travel protections and benefits, including zero fraud liability and roadside assistance.

Again, this isn't an extensive list of benefits, but it's decent for a no-annual-fee card. Check your Travel Rewards Guide to Benefits for a comprehensive list of every perk you'll receive through this card's Visa Signature branding.

Related: How to build a no-annual-fee card strategy

Earning points on the Bank of America Travel Rewards

The Bank of America Travel Rewards has a simple earning structure, but there's more than meets the eye.

You'll earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on every purchase. There's no yearly cap on rewards earned, and your points won't expire for as long as your account is open.

This is a fairly standard earning rate for a no-annual-fee card , though you can find cards with more competitive reward structures . However, the rewards structure becomes much more valuable if you qualify for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program.

To enroll in Preferred Rewards, you'll need an eligible Bank of America personal checking account and a three-month average balance of at least $20,000 across your Bank of America and Merrill accounts.

There are four levels of Preferred Rewards, and each comes with an earning bonus on the Travel Rewards card.

As you can see, those with Platinum Honors and Diamond can earn 2.625 points per dollar spent on every purchase, which is an impressive return for everyday purchases.

Plus, you'll get a savings account interest bonus, discounted banking and investing fees and discounted rates on auto loans and mortgages.

That said, the earning rate of 1.5 points per dollar is lackluster if you aren't a Preferred Rewards member.

Redeeming points on the Bank of America Travel Rewards

Bank of America points act more like cash-back rewards since each point is worth a flat 1 cent. You can redeem them as a statement credit for travel or dining purchases (starting at a minimum of 2,500 points).

When you make a purchase, simply log in to your account and select any qualifying transaction from the previous 12 months.

Although travel enthusiasts may see this as a disadvantage, beginners might rejoice at this no-stress process.

You don't have to think about maximizing reward redemptions or figuring out the best transfer partner for booking your travel, which can be a headache for someone looking for a simple, no-frills way to earn and use their points.

You can also use your points for a cash reward — a check or a deposit into a qualifying Bank of America account. However, you'll get a value of just 0.6 cents per point this way (2,500 points = $15), so you're much better off using them for travel or dining purchases.

Finally, you can redeem your points for gift cards , though the exact value varies by merchant.

Related: The best Bank of America credit cards

Which cards compete with the Bank of America Travel Rewards?

One of these may be a better fit if you want more perks or a different earning structure than the Bank of America Travel Rewards offers.

• If you want more perks : The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card is a mid-tier travel card with a $95 annual fee. It earns the same 1.5 points per dollar base rate as the Travel Rewards card, but you'll also earn 2 points per dollar on travel and dining purchases and get more travel perks. To learn more, see our full review of the Premium Rewards card .
• If you want more flexible rewards : The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card earns 1.25 miles per dollar spent on everyday purchases and 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals purchased through Capital One Travel. However, the card shines by giving you access to the issuer's 15-plus transfer partners , including British Airways, Turkish Airlines and Wyndham. To learn more, see our full review of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards .
• If you want even more cash back: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is another great no-annual-fee card option. It offers 5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase Travel℠, 5% back on Lyft rides through March 2025, 3% back at restaurants and drugstores and 1.5% back on all other purchases. To learn more, see our full review of the Freedom Unlimited .

For additional options, check out our full list of the best cash-back credit cards .

Related: 5 reasons I love the Chase Freedom Unlimited as a credit card beginner

Is the Bank of America Travel Rewards worth it?

If you're looking for simplicity in how you earn and redeem points, the no-annual-fee Bank of America Travel Rewards could be a good option for you, especially if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards customer. However, more seasoned points and miles travelers will likely want a card with higher earning rates and more redemption options.

Bottom line

The Bank of America Travel Rewards offers a simple earning rate and redemption options many beginners will appreciate. However, frequent travelers who want better earning rates and the flexibility of transfer partners should consider other options.

Apply here: Bank of America Travel Rewards

Related: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards review

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Is the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card Worth It?

Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers you a simple way to earn valuable rewards on a travel credit card with a $0 annual fee. This is a good card to consider if you don’t like the restrictions of airline and hotel loyalty programs but want straightforward earning and easy redemption options.

Here are the features to consider when deciding whether the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card will be worthwhile for you.

Valuable welcome offer

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card currently has a nice welcome offer: 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.

Reward earnings

This card offers a very straightforward way to earn rewards. You don’t have to worry about rotating categories or extra rewards in certain purchase categories. You simply earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases. If you book travel with the Bank of America Travel Center, you earn 3 points per dollar.

If you are a member of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® Rewards program, your points-earning rate on the card goes up.

To qualify for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, you need to hold a certain minimum balance in a Bank of America® checking or savings account or through investments with Merrill Lynch or Merrill Edge.

Gold members in the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program earn a 25% bonus when they use this card while Platinum status Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members get a 50% bonus and top tier Platinum Honor members get a 75% bonus.

» Learn more: How to choose a travel credit card

Redeeming your points

Redeeming your rewards for travel expenses is extremely easy. There are no complicated award charts or blackout dates to worry about.

You have the flexibility to book your travel however you want, then use your points to redeem as a statement credit against your travel charge at a rate of 1 cent per point. It's that simple.

The points from your Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card can be used for flights, hotels, cruises, car rentals, baggage fees, zoos, amusement parks, tolls and many other travel expenses. In most cases, you have up to 12 months after you make a travel purchase to redeem your points for a statement credit.

If you redeem your points for cash back instead of travel credits, your points are worth about 0.6 cent per point. For example, if you redeemed 2,500 points for cash, you would receive $15 in rewards. So your points have more value when redeemed for travel charges than for cash back.

» Learn more: 3 surprising ways you can redeem your Bank of America Travel Rewards

Foreign transaction fees

If you look at other popular no-annual fee credit cards, they charge up to a 3% foreign transaction fee.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no foreign transaction fees, which makes it a great choice when traveling outside the country.

Other benefits

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has a few other benefits useful for travelers:

Bank of America® offers a great benefit for museum lovers. Your Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card gives you access to Museums on Us. Through this program, you will get access to more than 225 museums across the country, for free, on the first full weekend of every month.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card features chip technology for extra security and easy use at over 130 countries.

Fraud protection is also a stable of the card and you'll be protected with a $0 Liability Guarantee and also get alerted of suspicious activity on your account.

Is the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card worth getting?

Even though this credit card offers no annual fee and has a valuable welcome offer, unless you hold Platinum or Platinum Honor status with the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, this credit card has a reward rate that's less than a 2% cash back credit card.

But, if you have higher levels of status with Bank of America®, this could be a great option for earning great rewards with no annual fee.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Bank of America Travel Rewards Card Review: Rewards on Autopilot, No Annual Fee

AwardWallet receives compensation from advertising partners for links on the blog. Terms Apply to the offers listed on this page. The opinions expressed here are our own and have not been reviewed, provided, or approved by any bank advertiser. Here's our complete list of Advertisers .

Offers for Bank of America cards mentioned in this post have been updated as of 10/01/2024

If you're looking for a new card to add to your wallet, the Bank of America ® Travel Rewards credit card offers an excellent mix of versatility and value. The card boasts a solid welcome offer of 25,000 points. Plus, the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card charges no annual fee, keeping your out-of-pocket expenses to a minimum.

• 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases

Additionally, new account holders can take advantage of a generous 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers, offering one of the best 0% introductory APR deals of any card we've reviewed. And existing Bank of America Preferred Rewards program members can earn significantly more rewards — up to 75% more.

However, the points earned on this card aren't the type you'll transfer to an airline for incredible value with a business-class ticket to far-flung regions. The tradeoff, however, is for points that are simpler to use. Let's take a closer look at the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card and see if this card deserves a spot in your wallet.

Page Contents

Bank of America Travel Rewards Card Pros

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• Earns uncapped rewards on all eligible purchases.
• Easy to achieve welcome offer and generous introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers.
• No foreign transaction fees or annual fee.
• Rewards don't expire as long as your account is in good standing.
• No bonus categories to earn additional rewards.
• Does not have any transfer partners or travel-specific protections.
• The minimum required redemption is high compared to other cards.

Applicants for the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card can earn 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.

This is worth $250. That's because points are redeemed at a value of 1 cent each.

With such an affordable minimum spend, the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card is an excellent option if you are locked out of other travel rewards cards due to the higher spending requirements to earn the bonus. Spending $1,000 over 90 days requires a little less than $80 per week, which should be more than manageable for most applicants than bonuses on more premium cards that often have spending requirements five times higher than this.

Given that you'll earn 1.5 points on purchases used to meet the minimum spending requirement, you will have at least 26,500 points after receiving the bonus. That's worth $265.

Related: The Best Rewards Credit Card Bonus Offers Available Right Now

Bank of America Travel Rewards Card Benefits

The card has a few notable features that take it from being a simple travel rewards credit card to one of the standout rewards cards at its price point.

When you're approved for the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card , you can enjoy a 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. That's followed by a 18.74% - 28.74% variable APR. This is outstanding for a card with a decent welcome offer and a top return on everyday expenses. Balance transfers attract a fee of 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%.

While we don't recommend carrying a balance on your credit card, life happens. If you need to use a balance transfer or introductory APR to finance a large purchase or pay down credit card debt, this can help you avoid interest for over a year.

Related: Tips for Managing Your Credit Score

If you travel outside of the U.S. , you can use the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card without incurring foreign transaction fees, so it's an ideal card to pack. Additionally, the card doesn't charge an annual fee , making it easy on the hip pocket.

Bank of America Travel Rewards Card Earning Rates

The earning rates on the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card are relatively straightforward and don't require any advanced knowledge of bonus categories. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. And points earned don't expire as long as your card remains open and in good standing.

You can earn significantly more from your Bank of America Travel Rewards Card spending if you are an existing Bank of America customer enrolled in the Preferred Rewards program . The value of the additional rewards ranges between an extra 25% and an extra 75%, depending on the balance of your deposits and investments with Bank of America and Merrill Lynch.

Let's look at the breakdown based on your average account balance for the last three months:

• $20k to $50k in qualifying deposits
• 25% bonus rewards (1.875 points per dollar)
• $50k to $100k in qualifying deposits
• 50% bonus rewards (2.25 points per dollar)
• $100k to $1 million in qualifying deposits
• 75% bonus rewards (2.625 points per dollar)
• $1 to $10 million in qualifying deposits

The minimum amount needed in deposit or investment accounts to achieve the maximum bonus (75% extra earnings) is $100,000. This 75% bonus nets 2.625 points per dollar on all eligible purchases. If you are an existing Bank of America customer or are in the market to move banks, consider going all in at Bank of America to maximize the number of points earned on your rewards cards.

Redeeming Points With the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card

Bank of America doesn't have any transfer partners like you'll find with Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards . However, cardholders can easily redeem rewards for a statement credit toward travel and dining purchases.

Bank of America has an open interpretation of what qualifies in these categories. You can redeem points towards expenses such as airline tickets, hotel accommodations, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and purchases made at restaurants, including takeout.

If you prefer cash, you can cash out your points at a rate of 1 cent per point. Rewards can be deposited directly into a Bank of America checking or savings account, an eligible Merrill investment account, or contributed to a 529 College Savings Plan.

There is a $25 minimum to redeem for cash (requiring 2,500 points).

Bank of America doesn't have any hard rules for how many of its credit card products one person may have at a time, though four cards seems to be a common limit. Additionally, the bank has a 2/3/4 rule which limits applicants to:

• 2 new cards in a 2-month period
• 3 new cards in a 12-month period
• 4 new cards in a 24-month period

Note that this rule only applies to how many Bank of America cards you've obtained. A different rule applies to opening credit cards from other banks. Based on what's visible on your credit report, Bank of America may deny your application as follows:

• If you have a deposit account with Bank of America, your application will be denied if you have opened seven new cards in the past 12 months, based on what they see on your credit report.
• If you DON'T have a deposit account with Bank of America, your application will be denied if you have three new cards in the past 12 months.

Related: Understanding Rewards Credit Card Application Rules and Restrictions

• 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases
• 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases

• Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase
• Earn 3% on dining at restaurants
• Earn 3% on drugstore purchases
• Earn 1.5% on all purchases

• 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X miles per dollar on all other purchases
• If you want a Bank of America card with higher earnings on travel and dining, the Bank of America ® Premium Rewards ® credit card might be right for you. It has a $95 annual fee and earns unlimited 2X points on travel and dining purchases plus unlimited 1.5X on other spending. This card also is eligible for bonus earnings from Preferred Rewards, meaning you could earn up to 3.5 points per $1 spent on dining and travel. Check out our Bank of America Premium Rewards Card review to learn more.
• If you want a card with a similar earning rate but with bonus categories , consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited ® . This card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, and 3% back on dining and drugstores. This no-annual-fee card also earns 5% on travel purchased through Chase. However, it doesn't offer any bonus earnings for your banking relationship with Chase. Learn more in our full Freedom Unlimited review .
• If you want a card with a higher earning rate and more uses for your rewards, look into the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . It earns unlimited 2X miles on all purchases, plus 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked in the Capital One Travel portal. The miles can be transferred directly to Capital One’s 18 hotel and airline partners, which can provide higher-value redemptions, plus miles can be redeemed for cash as a statement credit. Our full Capital One Venture Card review has additional details.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards Card is a great choice for someone who wants a rewards strategy that runs on autopilot. And you can significantly increase the earning rates on this card if you are a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member — especially if you qualify for the maximum rate.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards Card offers new account holders a valuable signup bonus with a spending requirement that won't break the bank. If you are not in a position to meet the higher minimum spending requirements on premium travel cards, the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card is an excellent choice that provides a great return on spending without worrying about any out-of-pocket expense to hold the card each year. It also doesn't require tracking complex earning or redemption strategies to get value from your purchases.

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Actually, a better deal is to get the bofa custom cash card and choose travel as the category, becuz your base is 3%

Bottom Line

Benefits and features, card comparison, why you should trust us, bank of america travel rewards credit card review 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a good travel credit card for beginners or those who prefer simplicity in earning and redeeming rewards. It's got a solid bonus for a no-annual-fee card, and you can use your points toward a wide variety of travel purchases.

Earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases

0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles for purchases and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening

19.24% - 29.24% Variable

Earn 25,000 online bonus points

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earns 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee or foreign transaction fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some cards earn more rewards, though usually only in bonus categories
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. You can't transfer points to travel partners (though you can use points to cancel out travel purchases on your statement)

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a good travel credit card for beginners or those who prefer simplicity in earning and redeeming rewards.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 19.24% - 29.24% 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%.
• 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.
• 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.

If you're in search of a no-annual-fee travel credit card that offers a straightforward points program, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is worth considering. This card offers a flat earning rate of 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, and you can redeem your rewards toward travel expenses you charge to your card.

However, if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, the card can be much more lucrative. Depending on your rewards tier, you can earn 25% to 75% more points with this card.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a good choice if you don't like dealing with complicated frequent flyer or hotel rewards programs that limit award availability and make their points hard to use. And on the earning side, there are no bonus categories or spending caps to track, either. If you're new to travel rewards, this could be a great way to start earning and redeeming points.

Detailed Overview

Welcome bonus.

With the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, you can earn a welcome bonus of 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening of account opening. Each point is worth 1 cent, so the welcome bonus offer is worth $250 in travel.

0% Intro APR

New cardholders also receive a 0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles for purchases and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening, after which a 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR applies. This can save you money if you plan to make a large purchase but want to spread the payments out over several months — as long as you have a plan to pay off the debt before the introductory period runs out.

How to Earn Points From the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card cardholders earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, with no categories or limits to keep track of. 

Things get more interesting if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards customer. The amount of money you have on deposit (like savings or investments) with Bank of America and Merrill (Bank of America's wealth management division) determines your rewards tier. Depending on your tier, you could earn 25% to 75% more rewards.

One other way to boost your returns from the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is by purchasing travel through the Bank of America travel center. In that case, you'll earn 3 points per dollar (instead of 1.5 points per dollar) for your purchase.

With the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, you'll earn points that are easy to redeem for a wide variety of travel expenses. Once you charge a travel purchase to your card, you can apply points at a rate of 1 cent each toward a statement credit to cover the purchase. The minimum redemption amount is 2,500 points ($25), and you'll have 12 months from the transaction date to apply your points.

Bank of America has a broad definition of travel, including some purchases most would classify as entertainment. Categories that qualify for a Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card travel statement credit include:

• Trailer parks
• Recreational vehicle rentals
• Campgrounds
• Car rental agencies
• Truck and trailer rental
• Cruise lines
• Travel agencies
• Tour operators and real estate agents
• Operators of passenger trains
• Boat rentals
• Parking lots and garages
• Tolls and bridge fees
• Tourist attractions
• Exhibits like art galleries
• Amusement parks, carnivals, circuses, aquariums, and zoos

If you're not traveling, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card allows you to use points for non-travel redemptions, but the rates aren't as attractive. For example, you can use points for gift cards starting at 3,125 points ($31.25), and the value per point varies.

If you prefer cash back, you can redeem points for a check or electronic deposit into a Bank of America checking or savings account, or for credit to an eligible Cash Management Account with Merrill. In that case, your points are only worth 0.6 cents apiece, which is not a great value.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card doesn't have a ton of valuable cardholder perks, which is common among credit cards with no annual fee .

Introductory 0% APR on purchases 

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card comes with a 0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles for purchases and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening. After that, there's a 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR.

Using a 0% APR credit card offer can be a good way to spread out payments for a big purchase over time without incurring huge interest charges, but you'll want to be sure you have the means and a plan to pay it off. Otherwise, you'll end up with high-interest debt after the introductory period expires.

Keep in mind there are longer intro periods on the best 0% APR credit cards  available right now, and some also include balance transfers in their offers.

No foreign transaction fees

Good travel credit cards don't charge foreign transaction fees , and the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is no exception. Because it doesn't tack on these fees, you can use the card for international purchases and not get stung with extra charges.

Free FICO score 

Primary cardholders with the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card can check their FICO score for free through Bank of America's online banking, mobile website, or mobile banking app for iPhone and Android. This is a useful tool for keeping tabs on your credit, especially if you don't have another credit card that offers free credit scores , 

Overdraft Protection

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card comes with an optional Balance Connect overdraft protection feature that lets you link your eligible Bank of America deposit account to your card. If you choose to use the service, Bank of America automatically transfers funds from your credit card account to cover overdrafts on your deposit account, as long as you have credit available on your credit card.

You won't be charged overdraft fees for this service, but you'll pay interest on the cash advance.

Mobile Wallet

When you add your Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card to digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, you can use it for in-person, online, or in-app transactions. Because your actual card number isn't stored on your device or shared with most merchants, you'll have more security when you make purchases.

$0 Liability Guarantee

Losing a credit card or having it stolen stinks, but you won't have to worry about fraudulent or unauthorized transactions on your Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card as long as you report the issue promptly.

Along with not having an annual fee and offering a 0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles for purchases and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening (then 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR), the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card doesn't add foreign transaction fees, which makes it a good pick to have in your wallet when you travel abroad.

As with most other cards, you'll pay fees for balance transfers, cash advances, and late or returned payments.

Before you decide on the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, you'll want to consider similar no-annual-fee cards, because some have better earning rates and more flexible options for redeeming rewards. For example, the  Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases, and you can use your rewards for whatever you like — not just travel.

Similarly, the Discover it® Miles earns 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases, and at the end of the first 12 billing cycles, Discover will match all the rewards you earn. This means you'll effectively earn 3 miles per dollar in the first year, and while it's framed as a travel card, you can also redeem your miles for cash back at the same rate of 1 cent per mile.

If you're more interested in cash back, Bank of America also has cash-back cards available; you can read our Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card review . Or, if you're looking for a higher-tier travel rewards card and are open to an annual fee, you can read our Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card  review .

Frequently Asked Questions

Most people who are approved for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card have at least a good credit score. That means a FICO score of at least 670 or a VantageScore of 700 or more.

You still have options if your credit score is below that range. Our guides to the best credit cards for fair or average credit and for bad credit include some cards that earn solid rewards. Keep in mind there's also a student version of this card — the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students — that offers most of the same benefits and can be easier to qualify for if you're a college student. 

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is worth it if you're looking for a simple way to earn and use credit card rewards for travel without paying an annual fee. It's best suited for beginners or those who don't want to mess with complicated award programs, but to that end, it doesn't come with a lot of benefits.

Yes, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers trip cancellation and interruption coverage, trip delay coverage, as well as lost luggage coverage like many other top travel rewards cards. This is a great benefit for those who want an additional layer of protection. 

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a Visa Signature card.

Business Insider's experts evaluated the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card relative to other no-annual-fee credit cards that earn points. It's a strong option for beginners getting into travel rewards, especially if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member.

For a closer look at our methodology, see how we rate credit cards at Business Insider.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Table of contents

• BofA Travel Rewards card’s rewards benefits
• BofA Travel Rewards card’s travel benefits
• Maximizing your BofA Travel Rewards card

Key takeaways

• The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is considered a starter travel rewards card, and for good reason. It doesn’t have the robust benefits found with many other travel credit cards — but that doesn’t mean it’s not useful for some.
• Bank of America Preferred Rewards program members can get more out of this card with their boosted earnings rate.
• Because Bank of America’s definition of “travel” is less strict than other issuers, cardholders can get travel credits for more than just airfare, hotels and related purchases.

If you like to adventure or have a few big trips coming up, you might be considering getting a travel credit card to supplement your budget by earning rewards. Most people don’t want to start off with a premium travel credit card, which often comes with steep annual fees and rewards systems that can feel confusing to navigate. That’s where the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card comes in.

This Bank of America credit card has no annual fee but still offers enough benefits to get you started on your award travel journey. It also earns a flat rate of 1.5X points on all purchases. The Bank of America Preferred Rewards program can boost the value of this card significantly, but the program is invite-only and based on the sum of your deposits with the bank, which we discuss further below. Although you’ll get the most out of this card as a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, it might still be a worthwhile card to consider if you’re not.

We’ve created this Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card benefits guide to help potential cardholders understand all that this card promises.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card’s rewards benefits

While the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card doesn’t offer much in terms of specific category rewards, it does still have its benefits when it comes to deals, redemption options and boosted rates.

Save on your next vacation

Explore Bankrate’s picks of travel cards to help you earn points and miles for your next trip View all travel cards

Welcome bonus and intro APR offer

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card offers a solid welcome bonus that’s easily attainable for most cardholders. You can earn 25,000 online bonus points when you make $1,000 in purchases within 90 days of account opening. That’s about $250 worth of travel credits.

In addition to the welcome bonus, cardholders also get a 0 percent introductory annual percentage rate (APR) for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers. Balance transfers made within 60 days of the account opening come with a three percent balance transfer fee. After the introductory period ends, there is a  18.74% - 28.74% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers and the balance transfer fee rises to four percent.

Varied redemption options

You can redeem your rewards points in a variety of ways, including:

• Statement credits in an eligible Bank of America or Merrill account. This could add up if you decide to use the card as an everyday spending card.
• Cash deposits in an eligible Bank of America or Merrill account. The best part is that your cash redemptions don’t lose value, as with some rewards credit cards .
• Travel credits for purchases up to 12 months after the date of purchase. However, there’s a redemption minimum of 2,500 points, which is equal to about $25.
• Statement credits for dining and takeout purchases. Bank of America considers this to be a pretty broad category, meaning that in addition to restaurants, you can possibly get statement credits for purchases from bars, lounges and nightclubs.
• Gift cards. This redemption option only gives your points a value of 0.6 cents apiece and has a redemption minimum of 3,125 points.

Boosted rewards rates with the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program

If you’re a part of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program , you’ll earn up to 75 percent more in rewards for each dollar you spend on your Travel Rewards card. The only requirement is to maintain a minimum balance in your eligible Bank of America or Merrill investing accounts. The minimum balance for each tier is as follows:

Although you need to maintain a significant amount of money on deposit with the bank to qualify for these tiers, you’ll find that it can really boost your earnings with the Travel Rewards card. At the highest tier, you could earn up to 2.62 points for every dollar spent on the card.

BankAmeriDeals

The BankAmeriDeals program gives you access to exclusive discounts by using your card at eligible retailers for a specific period of time. You can save anywhere from 5 percent to 15 percent on certain purchases by activating your offer and using your card according to the offer details. Note that participating businesses change every few weeks.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card’s travel benefits

As a more entry-level travel card, the Bank of America Travel Rewards card lacks some of the more common travel benefits, like credits towards TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. There’s also no lounge access, travel insurance or annual credits. Instead, the card offers the following travel benefits :

No foreign transaction fees

Foreign transaction fees are typically 1 percent to 3 percent of a purchase, which can add up quickly depending on where you’re shopping. If you plan to travel abroad or shop internationally while online, you at least won’t bust your travel budget with these extra fees.

No annual fee

Most travel rewards credit cards charge an annual fee to pay for all of the perks they offer — especially if they’re branded as luxury travel credit cards. These cards can have fees as high as $695. However, while the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee, it also doesn’t have nearly the same level of perks and benefits, so you’ll have to decide whether paying a fee is worth what you get with this card.

Visa Signature benefits

As a Visa credit card , the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card also offers:

• Visa Signature® Concierge services
• Extended warranty coverage
• Access to Roadside Dispatch® for emergency vehicle assistance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Travel and emergency assistance

Broad travel categories

One benefit of the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card that you don’t always see with other travel cards is how varied its definition of “travel” truly is. You can get travel statement credits for purchases with:

• Hotels and motels
• Trailer parks, motor homes and recreational vehicle rentals
• Campgrounds
• Car, truck, trailer and boat rentals
• Cruise lines
• Travel agencies, tour operators and real estate agents
• Passenger trains
• Taxis, ferries and limousines
• Parking lots and garages
• Tolls and bridge fees
• Tourist attractions and amusement parks
• Art galleries and museums
• Carnivals and circuses
• Aquariums and zoos

Museums on Us

This unique benefit allows Bank of America cardholders to get free access to over 225 cultural institutions during the first weekend of each month. The program is perfect for those who love planning day trips or those who have a list of museums they’ve been excited to visit. To take advantage of this perk, all you have to do is present your Bank of America debit or credit card and a valid photo ID at the museum site.

Maximizing the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card

This card’s flat rewards rate of 1.5X points for all purchases makes maximizing the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card fairly easy — just use it on everyday purchases to see the points rack up. But there are a few ways to ensure this card is worth it .

Combine this card with another

Use this card for travel in niche categories, the bottom line.

In some aspects, the Bank of America Travel Rewards isn’t the very best travel credit card out there. Most people may prefer a card that offers a higher travel rewards rate .

But for those who meet Bank of America Preferred Rewards requirements, the card could provide substantially more value. Plus, it could be appealing to someone who wants their travel rewards to be useful for more than just airfare and hotels or someone who is just getting started on their travel rewards journey . But even then, there are likely better cards available for you to take your travels to the next level.

The Bank of America content in this post was last updated on November 06, 2024.

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We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.

• “ Museums On Us ” Bank of America. Accessed on August 13, 2024.

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