Key facts
If you want to earn free travel, but you’re not the kind of person to geek out on points and miles, then the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card can be a great choice. This card offers 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases, with no limits.
And if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards customer with an eligible bank account by maintaining a minimum balance in Bank of America or Merrill investing accounts, then you can earn 1.87 to 2.62 points per dollar, which is a great rate of return.
Annual Fee:
$0Min. Credit Score for Approval:
670-739 * GoodAPR on Purchases:
0 % Intro APR on purchases for 15 cycles, 18.49%-28.49% thereafterAPR on Balance Transfers:
0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 cycles, 18.49%-28.49% thereafterBalance transfer fees
3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%Foreign Transaction Fee:
0%Other perks include access to their Museums on Us program and the BankAmeriDeals® offers for additional points. There’s no annual fee for this card, and no foreign transaction fees.
Reward multipliers
While the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card doesn’t offer any bonus categories for travel purchases, dining purchases, groceries or other common bonus categories, it does offer bonuses to members of its Preferred Rewards program – probably the most prime target for this card. You can also earn a welcome bonus by meeting the required spend within a specified timeframe after account opening.
Gold Tier members, who are those with a 3-month combined average daily balances between $20,000 and $50,000, receive a 25% bonus on their rewards, which equates to unlimited 1.875% points per dollar spent on all purchases. Platinum Tier members, those with a 3-month combined average daily balances of $50,000 to $100,000, receive a 50% bonus on their credit card rewards, which works out to 2.25% points per dollar spent. And those in the Platinum Honors Tier ($100,000 to $1 million) or the Diamond Tier ($1 million to $10 million), earn a 75% bonus, or 2.62 points per dollar spent.
Earns bonus points for spend in the following bonus categories:
Estimated Rewards Value: 1.5%
Key features
Unique Card Benefits
Museums on Us Admission
During the first full weekend of each month, Bank of America offers its customers free admission to over 225 museums and other cultural institutions.
BankAmeriDeals®
You can access bonus points deals for select retailers by using Bank of America’s Mobile Banking app or by logging into its online banking site.
Cardholders can redeem points for a statement credit toward travel or dining purchases, including flights, hotels, vacation packages, rental cars, baggage fees, cruises, or restaurants.
0% Intro APR on Purchases
0 % Intro APR on purchases for 15 cycles, 18.49%-28.49% thereafter
0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers
0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 cycles, 18.49%-28.49% thereafter
Balance Transfer Fees: 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%
Free Access to Credit Score
This card offers you a free FICO Score, which is generated from your TransUnion credit report. Along with your score, you’ll also receive an explanation of the key factors that influence it, and the ability to track your score month to month. You can also learn about how to maintain and improve your credit through their Better Money Habits program.
Roadside Assistance
As a Visa Signature card, the Bank of America Travel Reward card comes with a roadside dispatch service. However, you will be responsible for payments to service providers.
Concierge Services
As a Visa Signature card, the Bank of America Travel Reward card offers access to a concierge service that can assist with travel, dining and entertainment purchases.
Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
As a Visa Signature card, the Bank of America Travel Reward card offers travel and emergency assistance services. These services can assist you to find legal or medical help, or direct you to resources that can help you with a variety of travel problems.
No Fees for Authorized Users
You can add as many additional authorized users as you’d like, for no additional fees.
Earn more rewards by combining credit cards
Pros & cons
- Competitive amounts of travel rewards points, and exceptional amounts for Preferred Rewards members
- Earn a statement credit bonus on a new account when required spend is met
- Valuable promotional financing offer
- No bonus points for certain categories of spending
- Points don't transfer to travel partners
- Very few travel rewards and purchase protection benefits
Our review
While there are plenty of travel rewards enthusiasts that want to earn points and miles with a trendy new credit card, the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is made for others that just want to earn a free trip with a few fees and hassles as possible. It also offers 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases, and those points are worth one cent each as statement credits towards any travel or dining purchases. Points can also be used to pay for baggage fees in addition to other travel expenses such as flights, hotels, vacation packages, and dining/takeout purchases. (Most people would assume the credits are only towards travel so it’s nice that Bank of America includes the statement credit to be applied against dining purchases.
But the best value is offered to Bank of America Preferred Rewards members who can earn a 25%, 50% or 75% bonus, depending on their status within the program. Those with top status can earn as much as 2.62 points per dollar, which is truly exceptional for Preferred Rewards members. These points never expire so long as you account remains open.
Best of all, there’s no annual fee for this card, and no foreign transaction fees imposed on purchases made outside the U.S., so you don’t have to worry about that when traveling.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card vs. Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
Editor’s Note: It’s a question I had, so I thought you might too. The primary differences are that the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no foreign transaction fees but redeeming your points is slightly limited in that they can only be redeemed against travel and dinning purchases whereas the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card has no limitations on cashing out your points for cash, but does charge a foreign transaction fee. So, they are pretty similar, but you would choose this one if you travel internationally and probably choose the Unlimited if you don’t leave the USA.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card have an annual fee?
No, there’s no annual fee for this card.
Does the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card get you into airport lounges?
No, despite being called the Travel Rewards cards, there are no benefits like lounge access for when you travel.
Is it hard to get the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card?
Applicants should have good or excellent credit to have a strong chance of being approved fro this card.
Is it worth getting the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card?
This is a competitive travel rewards card, and it’s a very good choice for those who have Bank of America Preferred Rewards status. However it doesn’t offer any way to transfer rewards to airline miles or hotel points.
How do I earn points with the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card?
You earn 1.5 points all purchases, with additional bonuses for those who have Bank of America Preferred Rewards status.
Is there a better credit card than the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card?
There are many different credit cards for different types of uses. There are some other credit cards that offer larger new account bonuses, higher rates of travel rewards or longer promotional financing offers. It’s up to cardholders to choose the best card for their individual needs. Depending on your needs, you might consider a a Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card or use our Card Explorer to search by features and benefits.
Does the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card charge foreign transaction fees?
No, there are no foreign transaction fees for this card.
Does the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card have car rental coverage?
No, it doesn’t include insurance for rental cars.
Does the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card come with any Elite Status?
No, this card doesn’t offer elite status with any frequent traveler programs.
Does the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card offer extended warranty?
No, this card doesn’t offer elite status with any frequent traveler programs.
Does the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card offer purchase protection?
No, this card doesn’t offer any purchase protection coverage.
Does the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card offer trip protections?
No, it doesn’t.
What credit score do I need to get a Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card?
You should have a credit score of at least 670 to have a strong chance of being approved for this card.
What can I do with the points earned for spending on the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card?
These points can be redeemed for statement credits towards travel and dining purchases at a penny per point.
Does the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card have Cell Phone Protection?
No, this card doesn’t offer any cell phone protection.
What is the Difference Between the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card and the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card?
The primary differences are that the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no foreign transaction fees but redeeming your points is slightly limited in that they can only be redeemed against travel and dinning purchases whereas the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card has no limitations on cashing out your points for cash, but does charge a foreign transaction fee. So, they are pretty similar, but you would choose this one if you travel internationally and probably choose the Unlimited if you don’t leave the country.
How Does the Bank of America Travel Rewards compare with the Capital One VentureOne credit card?
The VentureOne card from Capital One is similar to the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card. It offers new applicants 20,000 bonus miles after spending just $500 in new purchases. It also features 1.25 miles per dollar spent. As with the Bank of America Travel Rewards, this card offers miles that can be redeemed for one cent each as statement credits towards travel purchases. However, Capital One miles can also be transferred to airline miles or hotel points.
It also has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.