How to Apply for Bank of America Travel Rewards Card

Ready to start earning unlimited 1.5X points on every purchase with the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card? This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire application process, from checking your eligibility to maximizing your approval odds and activating your new card. With the right preparation, you can complete your application in just 5-10 minutes and potentially receive instant approval.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card offers exceptional value with no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and a generous 25,000-point welcome bonus. Before diving into the application, let’s ensure you’re fully prepared to maximize your approval chances and understand exactly what to expect throughout the process.

Eligibility Requirements: Do You Qualify?

Before applying for the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card, ensure you meet these basic eligibility criteria:

Credit Score Requirements

Bank of America typically approves applicants with good to excellent credit for this card:

• Excellent (750+): Highest approval odds and best credit limits
• Good (670-749): Strong approval chances with competitive terms
• Fair (580-669): May be approved but with lower credit limits
• Poor (Below 580): Unlikely to be approved; consider secured cards first

Not sure about your credit score? Bank of America offers free credit score access to customers, or you can check through services like Credit Karma or your existing credit card providers.

Income and Financial Stability

While Bank of America doesn’t publish specific income requirements, they consider:

• Sufficient income to support the credit line requested
• Stable employment history (self-employment and other income sources accepted)
• Reasonable debt-to-income ratio (typically below 40%)
• Ability to pay based on income minus existing obligations

Additional Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old (21 in some states)
• Valid U.S. residential address (P.O. boxes not accepted for primary address)
• Valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
• Cannot have opened this specific card in the past 24 months

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Check for Pre-Qualified Offers

Before submitting a full application, check if you’re pre-qualified:

1. Visit Bank of America’s pre-qualification page
2. Enter basic information (name, address, last 4 digits of SSN)
3. View personalized offers without impacting your credit score
4. If pre-qualified for Travel Rewards, proceed with confidence

Pro Tip: Pre-qualification uses a soft credit pull that doesn’t affect your credit score, while the actual application requires a hard pull.

Step 2: Access the Application Page

1. Navigate to Bank of America’s official website
2. Search for “Travel Rewards Credit Card” or use the direct link
3. Review the current offer details and terms
4. Click the “Apply Now” button to begin

Step 3: Choose Your Application Path

Bank of America offers two application paths:

Existing Bank of America Customers:

• Click “Sign in to apply”
• Enter your Online Banking ID and password
• Your information will be pre-filled for faster processing
• Application typically takes 3-5 minutes

New Customers:

• Select “Apply without signing in”
• You’ll need to manually enter all required information
• Application typically takes 5-10 minutes
• Consider opening a checking account first for relationship benefits

Step 4: Complete Personal Information Section

Provide accurate information for the following fields:

Basic Information:

• Full legal name (as it appears on government ID)
• Date of birth
• Social Security Number
• Mother’s maiden name (for security verification)
• Country of citizenship
• Country of residence

Contact Information:

• Email address (for account notifications)
• Primary phone number
• Mobile number (for text alerts – optional)

Step 5: Enter Residential Information

Current Address:

• Street address (no P.O. boxes)
• City, state, ZIP code
• Time at current address (years/months)
• Housing status (own, rent, other)
• Monthly housing payment

Previous Address (if less than 2 years at current):

• Complete previous street address
• Time at previous address

Step 6: Provide Financial Information

This section is crucial for determining your creditworthiness:

Employment Information:

• Employment status (employed, self-employed, retired, student, etc.)
• Employer name and phone number
• Job title or occupation
• Years with current employer

Income Details:

• Annual gross income (before taxes)
• Additional income sources (optional but helpful):
  • Investment income
  • Retirement benefits
  • Social Security
  • Alimony/child support
  • Rental property income

Important: You can include household income if you’re 21+ and have reasonable access to it.

Step 7: Review and Accept Terms

1. Carefully review all entered information for accuracy
2. Read the Pricing and Fees disclosure
3. Review the Rewards Program terms
4. Understand the Privacy Policy
5. Check the box to accept terms and conditions
6. Opt-in or out of:
   • Paperless statements
   • Marketing communications
   • Balance transfer offers

Step 8: Submit Your Application

• Click the “Submit Application” button
• Wait for the processing screen (usually 30-60 seconds)
• You’ll receive one of three responses:
  • Instant Approval – Congratulations!
  • Pending Review – Decision within 7-10 business days
  • Declined – You’ll receive a letter explaining why

What Happens After You Apply?

If Instantly Approved:

1. Immediate confirmation showing your credit limit
2. Digital card access may be available for immediate use
3. Physical card arrives in 7-10 business days
4. Welcome packet with full terms and benefits guide
5. Online account setup instructions via email

If Application Is Pending:

1. Reference number provided for tracking
2. Additional verification may be needed:
   • Income verification documents
   • Identity verification
   • Address confirmation
3. Phone call from Bank of America possible
4. Decision letter mailed within 7-10 business days
5. Check status online or call 1-866-422-8089

If Application Is Declined:

1. Adverse action letter sent within 7-10 days explaining:
   • Specific reasons for denial
   • Credit score used in decision
   • Credit bureau contact information
2. Free credit report available if requested within 60 days
3. Reconsideration possible by calling 1-866-458-8805
4. Wait period of 30+ days recommended before reapplying

Tips to Maximize Your Approval Odds

Before Applying:

During Application:

• Be completely accurate – Inconsistencies trigger manual review
• Include all eligible income – Don’t undersell your financial capacity
• Apply when stable – Recent job or address changes may impact approval
• Choose the right time – Morning applications often process faster
• Have documentation ready – In case verification is needed

Reconsideration Process: Second Chance at Approval

If your application is declined, don’t give up immediately. Bank of America’s reconsideration line can overturn decisions:

How to Request Reconsideration:

1. Call within 30 days of denial: 1-866-458-8805
2. Business hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 11 PM ET
3. Have ready:
   • Application reference number
   • Explanation for any negative marks
   • Additional income documentation
   • Reasons why you’re a good candidate

What to Say:

• Explain any recent credit improvements
• Clarify any confusing credit report items
• Emphasize your relationship with Bank of America
• Offer to move credit from existing BofA cards
• Express genuine interest in the card’s benefits

Activating and Setting Up Your New Card

Once approved and your card arrives:

Card Activation (Choose One Method):

1. Online:
   • Log into Bank of America online banking
   • Navigate to “Account Services”
   • Select “Activate Credit Card”
   • Enter card details and verify identity
2. Mobile App:
   • Open Bank of America app
   • Select your new card
   • Tap “Activate Card”
   • Follow prompts
3. Phone:
   • Call 1-800-276-9939
   • Follow automated prompts
   • Have card and SSN ready

Essential Account Setup Steps:

• ✓ Create online banking access (if new customer)
• ✓ Download the mobile app
• ✓ Set up automatic payments
• ✓ Enable transaction alerts
• ✓ Add to digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• ✓ Review and understand rewards program
• ✓ Note payment due date
• ✓ Set spending notifications

Earning Your Welcome Bonus: Strategic Spending Plan

To earn the 25,000 bonus points, you need to spend $1,000 within 90 days. Here’s how to reach it strategically:

Month 1 Strategy:

• Switch all recurring bills: Utilities, subscriptions, insurance ($200-400)
• Daily expenses: Groceries, gas, dining ($300-400)
• Planned purchases: Any delayed purchases or gifts ($200+)

Smart Ways to Meet Minimum Spend:

• Pay for group dinners and collect reimbursement
• Book upcoming travel or accommodations
• Prepay annual subscriptions or services
• Purchase gift cards for future use
• Cover work expenses for reimbursement
• Pay quarterly taxes or insurance premiums

What Doesn’t Count:

• Balance transfers
• Cash advances
• Purchases that are later returned
• Fees and interest charges

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying with frozen credit: Ensure all bureaus are unfrozen
2. Wrong income reporting: Use gross (pre-tax) annual income
3. Too many recent applications: Space out credit apps by 3-6 months
4. Incorrect personal info: Use exact name from government ID
5. Missing the bonus window: Track your 90-day deadline carefully
6. Not reading terms: Understand APR, fees, and rewards structure
7. Ignoring pre-qualification: Check offers before hard credit pull

Frequently Asked Questions About Applying

How long does approval take?

Many applicants receive instant decisions. If your application requires review, expect a decision within 7-10 business days. You can check your status online or by calling 1-866-422-8089.

Can I apply if I’m not a Bank of America customer?

Yes, you don’t need an existing relationship with Bank of America to apply. However, having a checking or savings account may improve your approval odds and makes the application process faster.

Will applying hurt my credit score?

The application triggers a hard credit inquiry, which may temporarily lower your score by 5-10 points. This impact diminishes over time and disappears after 12 months.

Can I apply for multiple Bank of America cards?

Bank of America follows a 2/3/4 rule: maximum 2 cards in 2 months, 3 cards in 12 months, and 4 cards in 24 months. Space out applications accordingly.

What if I’m denied?

You’ll receive a letter explaining the denial reasons. You can call reconsideration at 1-866-458-8805 or wait 30+ days to reapply after addressing the issues.

Can I get the bonus again if I’ve had this card before?

The welcome bonus is typically limited to new cardholders who haven’t opened this card in the past 24 months. Check the current offer terms for specific restrictions.

Alternative Cards If You’re Not Approved

If the Travel Rewards card isn’t the right fit now, consider these alternatives:

For Building Credit:

• Bank of America Secured Credit Card: Helps establish credit with a refundable deposit
• Bank of America Cash Rewards for Students: Designed for college students with limited credit

For Similar Rewards:

• Capital One VentureOne: No annual fee, earns 1.25X miles on all purchases
• Chase Freedom Unlimited: 1.5% cash back on all purchases, no annual fee
• Discover it Miles: 1.5X miles on all purchases, matched first year

Final Thoughts: Your Path to Travel Rewards

Applying for the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is straightforward when you’re properly prepared. With no annual fee, unlimited 1.5X points on all purchases, and a valuable 25,000-point welcome bonus, this card offers immediate value for approved applicants.

Remember to check your credit score, gather necessary documents, and consider your relationship with Bank of America before applying. If you’re instantly approved, you could be earning rewards on your purchases within minutes using digital wallet integration.

Take advantage of the pre-qualification tool to check your odds without impacting your credit score, and don’t hesitate to call reconsideration if your initial application isn’t approved. With the right approach and preparation, you’ll be on your way to earning valuable travel rewards.|

Need Help?
Bank of America Customer Service: 1-800-932-2775
Application Status: 1-866-422-8089
Reconsideration Line: 1-866-458-8805

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about applying for the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on individual creditworthiness and Bank of America’s current underwriting criteria. Terms and conditions may change without notice. Always review current offers and terms on Bank of America’s official website before applying.