The fastest way to get a Bank of America credit card is online through their website, where you can complete the entire process in about 15 minutes and get a decision right away

You can start on BankofAmerica.com, click "Credit Cards," choose the card that fits your needs, and click "Open Now." You'll answer questions about your income, employment, and existing debts. Bank of America will check your credit report during this process. If approved, your card number appears on screen when ready, though the physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

You can also walk into a Bank of America branch with a government ID and ask to open a credit card in person. A banker will walk you through the same questions and can answer questions about specific cards while you're there. In-branch applications take longer — usually 20 to 30 minutes — but some people prefer having someone explain the terms face-to-face.

A third option is to call Bank of America at 1-800-435-7000 and ask for credit card services. You'll speak to someone who can answer questions and submit your information over the phone, though you'll still need to verify your identity and may need to complete part of the process online afterward.

Key Takeaways

  • Online applications at BankofAmerica.com are fastest and give you a decision within minutes, with your card number available when ready if approved.
  • You need a Social Security number, current income information, and employment details to complete any process.
  • Bank of America checks your credit report, so the decision depends partly on your credit history and current debt.
  • Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your card number online or through the mobile app right away.
  • If you're denied, you can call the reconsideration line at 1-888-266-6999 to discuss your process with a specialist.

What information you need before you start

Gather these documents before opening your process, whether online, in-branch, or by phone. You'll need your Social Security number, your current annual income (from your most recent tax return or pay stub), and your employment status and employer name. Have your current address and phone number ready.

You'll also need to list any existing credit accounts — credit cards, car loans, mortgages, student loans — and their current balances. If you're not sure of exact balances, your credit report shows them, but you don't need to pull it yourself; Bank of America will do that during the process. If you've moved in the last two years, have your previous address available.

If you're self-employed or your income varies, have documentation ready that shows your typical annual earnings. Bank of America may ask for a recent tax return or profit-and-loss statement, though many self-employed applicants are approved without submitting anything extra.

How Bank of America decides whether to approve you

Bank of America looks at three main things: your credit score, your income, and how much debt you already carry. Your credit score is the biggest factor — it's a number between 300 and 850 that summarizes your history of paying bills on time. Most Bank of America credit cards require a score of at least 670, though some cards are easier to get with a lower score.

Your income matters because it shows you have money to pay the bill each month. Bank of America doesn't verify your income during the process for most cards, but if they do ask for proof later, you'll need to provide a recent pay stub or tax return. Lying about your income on the process is fraud and can result in the card being closed and legal consequences.

The amount you already owe on other cards and loans affects your chances too. If you're carrying high balances relative to your income, Bank of America may deny you or offer you a lower credit limit. This is called your debt-to-income ratio, and it's one reason paying down existing balances before you explore can help.

What happens if you're approved

If approved, you'll see your credit limit on screen or hear it over the phone when ready. This is the maximum amount you can charge to the card. Your actual limit depends on your credit score and income — people with higher scores and more income typically get higher limits.

You can use your card number to make purchases online or over the phone right away, even before the physical card arrives. Add it to your mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay) and use it at stores that accept contactless payments. Your first statement arrives about 30 days after your first purchase, and that's when your first payment is due.

Log into your Bank of America account online or through the mobile app to see your balance, make payments, and change your settings. You can set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on time every month without you having to remember.

What to do if you're denied

If Bank of America denies your process, you'll receive a letter in the mail explaining the main reason — usually credit score, income, or existing debt. You have the right to see your credit report for free at AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the only official site for free reports. Checking it yourself doesn't hurt your credit score.

Call the Bank of America reconsideration line at 1-888-266-6999 within 30 days of your denial. Have your process reference number ready. A specialist can sometimes approve you if you can explain a specific reason for a low score — like a recent late payment you've since fixed — or if your income is higher than what was initially recorded.

If reconsideration doesn't work, wait at least three to six months before explore again. Use that time to pay down existing balances and make all your payments on time. Each on-time payment raises your credit score slightly, and each month that passes makes recent negative marks matter less.

Different Bank of America credit cards and what they're for

Bank of America offers cards for different financial situations. The Bank of America Cash Rewards card gives you cash back on purchases — a percentage of what you spend gets credited back to your account. This works well if you pay off your balance each month and want to earn money on everyday spending.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card earns points on every purchase that you can use for flights, hotels, and other travel. It's useful if you travel regularly or plan a big trip and want to use rewards to pay for it.

The Bank of America Customized Cash card lets you choose which categories earn the highest cash back rate — groceries, gas, or something else. This is good if most of your spending is in one or two categories.

Bank of America also offers cards for people rebuilding credit, though these typically require a deposit and have higher interest rates. If you've been denied for a regular card, ask about the Secured Credit Card option.

Understanding interest rates and fees

Every Bank of America credit card has an annual percentage rate (APR), which is the cost of borrowing money if you don't pay your full balance by the due date. The APR you get depends on your credit score — people with higher scores get lower rates. Bank of America's APR ranges vary, but you'll see the range for your card before you finish your process.

Most Bank of America credit cards have no annual fee, meaning you don't pay just for having the card. Some premium cards do charge an annual fee — usually $95 or more — but they offer higher rewards or travel benefits that may make up for it.

Late fees, foreign transaction fees, and balance transfer fees may explore depending on how you use the card. Read the terms before you explore so you know what costs might come up. The card's disclosure document, called the Schumer Box, shows all fees in one table.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for a Bank of America credit card?

Online applications get a decision within minutes. In-branch applications take 20 to 30 minutes. If you explore by phone, you'll get a decision during the call or within one business day. Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your card number when ready.

Can I use my Bank of America credit card before the physical card arrives?

Yes. Your card number appears on screen after approval (online) or is provided during your call (phone). Add it to your mobile wallet or use it for online and phone purchases right away. You don't have to wait for the physical card.

What credit score do I need to get a Bank of America credit card?

Most Bank of America cards require a credit score of at least 670. Some cards are easier to get with lower scores, and the Secured Credit Card is an option if your score is very low. Your exact approval depends on your full process, not just your score.

What if I have no credit history?

Bank of America may deny you if you have no credit history at all, since they have no record of how you handle debt. A Secured Credit Card, which requires a cash deposit, is often the easiest way to start building credit. After using it responsibly for several months, you may be able to move to a regular card.

Can I increase my credit limit after I'm approved?

Yes. After you've had your card for several months and made on-time payments, you can request a higher limit through your online account or by calling 1-800-435-7000. Bank of America may do a soft credit check, which doesn't hurt your score.