What Bank of America Credit Cards Offer

Bank of America issues more than a dozen credit cards, each with different rewards structures, annual fees, and features. Some cards earn cash back on all purchases, others offer bonus points in specific categories like travel or dining, and some are designed for people building or rebuilding credit. The card you choose depends on how you spend money and what benefits matter most to you.

Every Bank of America credit card comes with fraud protection, online account access, and the ability to set up automatic payments. Cards are issued as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express products, so acceptance is wide. The interest rate you receive and your credit limit depend on your credit history and income — Bank of America will tell you these details before you complete your process.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America offers cash back cards, travel rewards cards, and cards for people with limited credit history, each with different annual fees and earning rates.
  • You can start an process online, by phone, or in a branch, and you will know whether you are approved within seconds to a few minutes.
  • Once approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you must set up it before your first purchase.
  • You can pay your bill online through your Bank of America account, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments set to any date you choose.
  • Rewards are posted to your account monthly and can be redeemed as cash back, statement credits, or transfers to other accounts depending on the card.

How to Start Your process

You can begin a Bank of America credit card process on their website, through their mobile app, by calling 1-800-435-7000, or by visiting a local branch. Online and app applications are fastest — you will see a decision within seconds in most cases. Phone and in-branch applications may take a few minutes longer because a representative will review your information with you.

You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and information about your income and employment. Bank of America will also ask whether you want to link the new card to an existing Bank of America checking or savings account. If you do, the bank can verify your account information when ready, which can speed approval.

Before you explore, know which card you want. Bank of America's website lists each card's rewards rate, annual fee (if any), and sign-up bonuses side by side. Read the terms for the specific card you are considering — rewards rates and benefits vary significantly between cards.

What Happens After You Are Approved

If you are approved, Bank of America will tell you your credit limit and interest rate when ready. Your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can also request a temporary digital card number to use for online purchases while you wait for the physical card.

Before you use your card for the first time, you must set up it. You can do this online through your Bank of America account, through the mobile app, by calling the number on the back of your card, or by making a purchase — the card will prompt you to set up during the transaction. set up takes less than a minute.

If you were denied, Bank of America will explain why in writing. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, recent late payments, or high existing debt. You can reapply after addressing the issue, or you may want to consider a Bank of America card designed for people with limited credit history.

Understanding Your Credit Limit and Interest Rate

Your credit limit is the maximum amount you can charge to the card. Bank of America sets this based on your credit score, income, and existing debts. You can request a higher limit after you have used the card responsibly for several months — Bank of America will review your account and may increase it without a hard inquiry.

Your interest rate (called the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR) is what you pay if you carry a balance from month to month. The APR you receive depends on your creditworthiness. Bank of America will show you the range of possible APRs before you finish your process, and your actual rate will be within that range.

If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you will not pay any interest. This is the most cost-effective way to use a credit card, especially if your card earns rewards — you get the rewards without paying interest charges.

How to Make Payments and Manage Your Account

You can pay your Bank of America credit card bill through your online account, the mobile app, by phone at 1-800-435-7000, or by mailing a check. Online and app payments post within one business day. Phone payments post the same day if you call before 8 p.m. Eastern time. Mail payments take 5 to 7 business days, so plan ahead if you pay by check.

Set up automatic payments to avoid missing a due date. You can choose to pay your full statement balance, a fixed amount, or just the minimum payment on any date you select. Most people choose to pay the full balance automatically on the due date — this ensures you never pay interest and never miss a payment, which helps your credit score.

Your statement arrives each month and shows your balance, transactions, due date, and minimum payment. You can view your statement online anytime through your Bank of America account. If you notice a transaction you did not make, report it to Bank of America when ready — you are not responsible for fraudulent charges.

How Rewards Work and How to Redeem Them

Rewards are posted to your account monthly and appear as cash back, points, or miles depending on your card. Cash back cards credit the amount directly to your statement, reducing what you owe. Points and miles cards let you redeem through a rewards portal for travel, merchandise, or statement credits.

You can redeem rewards anytime — there is no important date. Most people redeem when they have accumulated enough to make it worthwhile, though some cards offer bonus redemption rates during certain periods. Check your card's terms to see whether your rewards expire (most Bank of America cards do not have an expiration date, but some do).

If your card offers a sign-up bonus, you must meet the spending requirement within the timeframe stated in your offer to receive it. For example, you might need to spend $500 in the first three months to earn a $200 bonus. The bonus posts to your account once you meet the requirement.

Fees and Annual Costs

Some Bank of America credit cards have no annual fee, while others charge between $95 and $450 per year. The card's benefits should justify the fee — for example, a $95 annual fee card might offer travel protections, airport lounge access, or a higher rewards rate that adds up to more than $95 in value over a year.

Beyond the annual fee, you may pay interest if you carry a balance, late fees if you miss a payment, and foreign transaction fees if you use the card outside the United States. You will not pay these fees if you pay your full balance on time and use the card only in the U.S. — so the annual fee is often the only cost.

Bank of America waives the annual fee for the first year on some cards, or waives it permanently if you meet certain conditions (like maintaining a Bank of America checking account). Check your card's terms to see whether a waiver applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online and app applications receive a decision within seconds to a few minutes. Phone and in-branch applications may take a few minutes longer. Once approved, your physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though you can use a temporary digital card number for online purchases when ready.

What should I do if my process is denied?

Bank of America will send you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, recent late payments, or high existing debt. You can reapply after addressing the issue, or consider a Bank of America card designed for people with limited credit history.

Can I use my card before it arrives in the mail?

Yes. Once approved, you can request a temporary digital card number through your Bank of America account or app and use it for online and mobile purchases when ready. Your physical card will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if I miss a payment?

A late payment will be reported to the credit bureaus and will hurt your credit score. Bank of America will charge a late fee (typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment). If you miss a payment, contact Bank of America as soon as possible to bring your account current and discuss your options.

Can I change my rewards redemption method after I have earned rewards?

Yes. You can redeem your rewards as cash back, statement credits, or transfers to other accounts depending on your card's options. You can also let rewards accumulate and redeem them all at once. Check your card's rewards portal or your account for available redemption options.