Bank of America Travel Rewards Card
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The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card stands out as one of the most versatile travel rewards cards available today, offering unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on every purchase with absolutely no annual fee. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or someone who wants to maximize rewards on everyday spending, this card delivers exceptional value without the typical costs associated with premium travel cards.
What makes this card particularly attractive is its straightforward rewards structure combined with Bank of America’s reputation as one of the nation’s largest and most trusted financial institutions. With no foreign transaction fees and a generous 25,000-point welcome bonus (worth $250 in travel), the Travel Rewards card provides immediate value from day one.
| Card Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Welcome Bonus | 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in first 90 days |
| Earning Rate | 1.5X points on all purchases |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None |
| APR | 19.24% – 29.24% Variable |
| Credit Score Needed | Good to Excellent (670+) |
HOW TO APPLY→
Key Benefits and Features That Set This Card Apart
Unlimited Points on Every Purchase
Unlike many travel cards that limit bonus categories or cap rewards, the Bank of America Travel Rewards card keeps things simple. You’ll earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent, regardless of the purchase category. This means whether you’re buying groceries, paying for gas, dining out, or booking travel, you’re always earning at the same competitive rate.
The points never expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing, giving you the flexibility to save for larger redemptions without pressure. Plus, there’s no limit to how many points you can earn annually, making this an excellent card for high spenders who want consistent rewards.
Flexible Redemption Options
Points earned with the Travel Rewards card can be redeemed for:
- Travel statement credits – Apply points directly to travel purchases made in the last 90 days
- Flights – Book through Bank of America’s travel portal or redeem for past purchases
- Hotels and vacation rentals – Cover accommodations worldwide
- Car rentals – Use points for vehicle rentals from major companies
- Cruises and travel packages – Apply toward complete vacation experiences
- Cash back – Deposit directly into your Bank of America account
Each point is worth 1 cent when redeemed for travel or cash back, providing straightforward value without complicated redemption tiers or blackout dates.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
International travelers will appreciate that the Travel Rewards card charges zero foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad. This saves you the typical 3% fee that many cards charge, making it an ideal companion for international trips. Combined with the card’s chip-and-PIN technology, you’ll have seamless payment experiences worldwide.
Welcome Bonus and How to Maximize It
New cardholders can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending just $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. This translates to $250 in travel statement credits, essentially providing a 25% return on your initial spending requirement.
To easily meet the spending requirement, consider:
- Timing your application before planned large purchases
- Using the card for all daily expenses including groceries, gas, and utilities
- Paying for upcoming travel bookings or annual subscriptions
- Making necessary home improvements or furniture purchases
Bank of America Preferred Rewards: Boost Your Earning Power
If you’re a Bank of America customer with qualifying deposits and investments, you can significantly increase your rewards through the Preferred Rewards program:
| Tier Level | Balance Required | Points Boost | Effective Earning Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | $20,000+ | 25% | 1.87 points per dollar |
| Platinum | $50,000+ | 50% | 2.25 points per dollar |
| Platinum Honors | $100,000+ | 75% | 2.62 points per dollar |
These bonuses can transform an already competitive card into one of the highest-earning no-annual-fee cards available, especially for those who maintain their banking relationship with Bank of America.
Security Features and Cardholder Protections
Bank of America provides comprehensive security features to protect your purchases and personal information:
Advanced Fraud Protection
- $0 Liability Guarantee – You won’t be held responsible for unauthorized transactions
- Real-time fraud monitoring – Suspicious activity triggers immediate alerts
- Card lock feature – Instantly freeze your card through the mobile app if lost or stolen
- Virtual card numbers – Generate unique numbers for online shopping
Travel and Purchase Protections
- Travel accident insurance – Coverage when traveling on a common carrier
- Purchase protection – Covers eligible items against damage or theft
- Return protection – Refunds for eligible items merchants won’t accept back
- Price protection – Reimburses the difference if prices drop after purchase
Digital Wallet Compatibility and Mobile Features
The Travel Rewards card seamlessly integrates with modern payment technology:
- Apple Pay – Add to iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac
- Google Pay – Use with Android devices and Chrome browser
- Samsung Pay – Compatible with Samsung smartphones and watches
- Contactless payments – Tap to pay at millions of locations worldwide
The Bank of America mobile app provides full account management capabilities, including instant transaction notifications, spending insights, payment scheduling, and one-touch card controls.
Fees and Interest Rates: What You Need to Know
While the card has no annual fee, understanding other potential charges helps you maximize value:
- Purchase APR: 19.24% – 29.24% Variable based on creditworthiness
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.24% – 29.24% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% of each transfer ($10 minimum)
- Cash Advance APR: 29.24% Variable
- Cash Advance Fee: 3% of each advance ($10 minimum)
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
- Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40
To avoid interest charges, pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. The card offers a grace period on purchases when you pay in full.
Who Should Apply for the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card?
This card is ideal for:
Perfect Fit:
- Casual travelers who want travel rewards without annual fees
- Bank of America customers who can leverage Preferred Rewards bonuses
- International travelers who need a no-foreign-transaction-fee card
- Simple rewards seekers who prefer one earning rate on everything
- Those building credit history with responsible card use
May Want to Consider Alternatives:
- Heavy spenders in specific bonus categories (dining, gas, groceries)
- Luxury travelers seeking premium perks like airport lounge access
- Those wanting transferable points to airline and hotel partners
- People with credit scores below 670
How Bank of America Travel Rewards Compares to Competitors
| Feature | BofA Travel Rewards | Capital One VentureOne | Chase Freedom Unlimited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Welcome Bonus | 25,000 points ($250) | 20,000 miles ($200) | $200 cash back |
| Base Earning | 1.5X all purchases | 1.25X all purchases | 1.5% cash back |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None | 3% |
| Redemption Flexibility | High | Moderate | Very High |
Tips to Maximize Your Travel Rewards Card Value
- Combine with other Bank of America cards – Pool points from multiple cards for larger redemptions
- Time your application strategically – Apply before major purchases to easily earn the welcome bonus
- Use for all purchases – With 1.5X points on everything, make this your primary card
- Redeem for travel – Points maintain full value when used for travel statement credits
- Set up automatic payments – Avoid late fees and interest charges
- Monitor your credit score – Bank of America provides free FICO scores monthly
- Take advantage of special offers – Check BankAmeriDeals for bonus cash back opportunities
Application Requirements and Approval Tips
To qualify for the Bank of America Travel Rewards card, you’ll typically need:
- Credit Score: 670 or higher (Good to Excellent credit)
- Income: Sufficient to support credit line (no specific minimum published)
- Credit History: At least 1-2 years of established credit
- Debt-to-Income Ratio: Generally below 40% for best approval odds
- Recent Inquiries: Fewer than 5 in the past 24 months improves chances
Improve Your Approval Odds:
- Check your credit report for errors before applying
- Pay down existing balances to lower credit utilization
- Consider opening a Bank of America checking account first
- Apply when your income is stable and verifiable
- Avoid applying for multiple credit cards within a short period
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my Travel Rewards points to airline partners?
No, Bank of America Travel Rewards points cannot be transferred to airline or hotel loyalty programs. However, you can use them to book travel through Bank of America’s portal or apply them as statement credits to travel purchases.
Do my points expire?
Points never expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close your account, you’ll forfeit any unredeemed points.
Can I combine points with family members?
Bank of America allows you to pool points between eligible cards on the same account, but you cannot transfer points between different account holders.
Is there a minimum redemption amount?
Yes, the minimum redemption is 2,500 points ($25 value) for travel statement credits and cash rewards.
How quickly are points credited to my account?
Points typically appear in your account within 1-2 billing cycles after qualifying purchases post.
Final Verdict: Is the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card Worth It?
The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card proves that you don’t need to pay an annual fee to earn valuable travel rewards. With its straightforward 1.5X points on all purchases, no foreign transaction fees, and flexible redemption options, it delivers consistent value for both travelers and everyday spenders.
The card truly shines for Bank of America customers who can boost their earning rates through Preferred Rewards, potentially earning up to 2.62 points per dollar spent. Combined with the solid 25,000-point welcome bonus and comprehensive security features, this card offers exceptional value in the no-annual-fee category.
While it may not offer the premium perks of luxury travel cards or the highest earning rates in specific categories, its simplicity and versatility make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking uncomplicated rewards without ongoing fees.
Editorial Note: The information provided in this review is accurate as of the publication date. Credit card terms, benefits, and fees may change at any time. Please verify current offers and terms on Bank of America’s official website before applying. Our site may receive compensation from Bank of America if you apply through our links, but this does not influence our editorial content or recommendations.
