What Bank of America Credit Cards Offer

Bank of America issues credit cards across several product lines, each with different rewards, fees, and features. The most common cards include the Bank of America Cash Rewards card (which pays cash back on purchases), the Bank of America Travel Rewards card (which earns points on all spending), and the Bank of America Premium Rewards card (which targets higher-spending customers). Some cards carry an annual fee; others do not.

Before you start the process process, you should know what each card costs and what it gives back. A card with no annual fee might offer lower rewards rates. A card with an annual fee might offer higher rewards, travel protections, or sign-up bonuses. Bank of America publishes the terms for each card on its website, and you can compare them side by side before you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America credit cards come in multiple versions with different rewards structures, annual fees, and features—compare them on the Bank of America website before explore.
  • You can explore online, by phone, or in person at a Bank of America branch, and the bank will tell you when ready or within a few business days whether you are approved.
  • Once approved, you set up your card either online through your Bank of America account or by calling the number on the back of the card when it arrives.
  • Your credit score, income, and existing Bank of America account history all affect whether you are approved and what credit limit you receive.
  • You can manage your card online or through the Bank of America mobile app, where you can pay your bill, view transactions, and set up automatic payments.

how the process works for a Bank of America Credit Card

You can explore online at bankofamerica.com, by phone at 1-800-933-6262, or in person at any Bank of America branch. The online process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. You will also need to confirm that you have read and agree to the card's terms.

Bank of America will pull your credit report as part of the process. This is called a hard inquiry and will show up on your credit report. If you are approved on the spot, you will see a decision screen when ready. If the bank needs more information, it will contact you within a few business days. Some applicants receive a conditional approval, meaning the bank will issue the card once you provide additional documents like a recent pay stub or utility bill.

If you are denied, you have the right to know why. Bank of America will send you a notice explaining the main reason—usually a low credit score, insufficient income, or too many recent credit inquiries. You can dispute inaccurate information on your credit report by contacting the credit bureau directly.

What Happens After You Are Approved

Once approved, your card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The envelope will include your card, a PIN (if applicable), and instructions for set up. Do not use the card until you set up it.

To set up your card, you have two options. You can log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app and follow the set up prompts. Or you can call the number printed on the back of your new card and follow the automated system. set up is when ready either way. If you have an existing Bank of America checking or savings account, the new credit card will automatically link to that account in your online banking profile.

After set up, you can begin using your card when ready. Your first statement will arrive 20 to 30 days after your first purchase. Bank of America sends statements monthly and gives you at least 21 days to pay before interest charges explore.

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 credit history. Most new cardholders receive limits between $500 and $5,000, though limits can be higher or lower depending on your financial profile. You can request a credit limit increase after you have had the card for at least six months and have made on-time payments.

Your interest rate, called the Annual Percentage Rate or APR, is also based on your creditworthiness. Bank of America publishes a range for each card—for example, 16.99% to 26.99%—and you will learn your specific rate when you are approved. This rate applies to purchases you do not pay off in full by the due date. If you carry a balance, interest charges will appear on your next statement.

Some Bank of America cards offer an introductory APR period, meaning you pay 0% interest on purchases or balance transfers for a set number of months (typically 6 to 12 months). After the introductory period ends, your regular APR applies. Read the card's terms carefully to understand when the introductory period expires.

How to Pay Your Bank of America Credit Card Bill

You must make at least a minimum payment by the due date each month. The minimum is usually 1% to 3% of your balance, but paying only the minimum means you will pay interest on the remaining balance. To avoid interest entirely, pay your full statement balance by the due date.

Bank of America offers several ways to pay. You can pay online through your account, set up automatic payments from your Bank of America checking account, pay through the mobile app, mail a check to the address on your statement, or pay by phone at 1-800-933-6262. If you set up automatic payments, you can choose to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount each month.

Payments made online or through the app are usually reflected the same day. Mailed checks take 5 to 7 business days to process. If you miss a payment, Bank of America will charge a late fee (typically $25 to $39 for the first late payment) and may report the missed payment to credit bureaus after 30 days, which will damage your credit score.

Managing Your Account Online and Through the Mobile App

Once your card is active, you can manage it through your Bank of America online account at bankofamerica.com or through the Bank of America mobile app. Both platforms let you view your current balance, recent transactions, and statement history. You can also read statements as PDFs and set up alerts for when your balance reaches a certain amount or when a payment is due.

The mobile app includes additional features like the ability to lock or unlock your card temporarily if you lose it or suspect fraud, view your credit score (if you have a Bank of America checking account), and contact customer service by phone or chat. You can also use the app to request a credit limit increase or update your contact information.

If you see a transaction you do not recognize, you can report it as fraudulent directly through your account. Bank of America will investigate and typically issue a temporary credit within two business days while the investigation continues. Unauthorized transactions are usually removed from your account within 30 to 60 days.

Rewards, Bonuses, and Card Benefits

Most Bank of America credit cards earn rewards on your purchases. The Cash Rewards card earns 1% to 3% cash back depending on the category (higher rates on gas, groceries, and online shopping). The Travel Rewards card earns 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases. Some cards offer sign-up bonuses—for example, $200 cash back after you spend $500 in the first 90 days.

Rewards are added to your account automatically and appear in your statement. You can redeem cash back as a statement credit, a deposit to your Bank of America checking account, or a check. Travel points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel purchases through the Bank of America travel portal, or you can convert them to cash at a lower rate.

Higher-tier Bank of America cards may also include benefits like travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranties, and concierge services. Review your card's benefits guide (available in your account or by calling the number on the back of your card) to understand what protections explore to your purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most applicants receive a decision when ready or within a few business days. If Bank of America needs additional information, it will contact you by phone or email. Once approved, your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use a temporary digital card number in your mobile app to make purchases before the physical card arrives.

What if I am denied for a Bank of America credit card?

Bank of America will send you a notice explaining the reason. Common reasons include a low credit score, insufficient income, or recent negative credit events. You can reapply after addressing the issue—for example, by paying down existing debt or waiting several months for negative items to age off your credit report.

Can I use my Bank of America credit card internationally?

Yes, but Bank of America charges a foreign transaction fee of 3% on purchases made outside the United States. Some higher-tier cards waive this fee. If you travel frequently, check whether your card includes this benefit before explore.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Bank of America will charge a late fee (typically $25 to $39) and may increase your interest rate. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, the bank will report it to credit bureaus, which will lower your credit score. Contact Bank of America when ready if you cannot make a payment—the bank may offer a hardship program or payment plan.

Can I change my credit limit after I am approved?

Yes. You can request an increase through your online account, mobile app, or by calling 1-800-933-6262. Bank of America typically allows increases after six months of on-time payments. You can also request a decrease if you want to lower your limit for security reasons.