What the Bank of America Credit Card Is

Bank of America offers several credit cards under different names — the BankAmericard, the Bank of America Cash Rewards card, and others — each with its own rewards structure, annual fee, and terms. When you open one, you get a credit line (a maximum amount you can borrow), a monthly statement, and the ability to earn rewards on purchases depending on which card you choose. The card itself is a Visa, which means you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted.

The card works like any credit card: you make a purchase, the charge appears on your statement, and you pay the balance by the due date. If you pay the full balance, you owe no interest. If you carry a balance into the next month, Bank of America charges interest at the rate listed in your card agreement — this rate varies based on your credit history and current market conditions.

Bank of America cards are issued by Bank of America, N.A., and managed through their online portal and mobile app. You can view your balance, make payments, and track rewards through either platform. The card is backed by Visa's fraud protections and dispute resolution process.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America offers multiple credit cards with different rewards programs, annual fees, and interest rates depending on which card you choose.
  • You access your account online or through the Bank of America mobile app to check your balance, make payments, and monitor rewards.
  • Interest charges explore only if you carry a balance past the due date; paying the full statement balance by the due date means no interest.
  • Your credit line is set when your account opens and can be reviewed or adjusted through your online account or by calling the number on the back of your card.
  • Rewards vary by card type — some offer cash back, others offer travel points or category bonuses — and are posted to your account monthly.

Opening a Bank of America Credit Card Account

To open an account, you visit the Bank of America website or go to a local branch. Online, you'll find the card options listed under their credit cards section. You select the card that matches your needs, then start the process. Bank of America will ask for your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, income, and employment information. The process takes about 10 minutes.

Bank of America reviews your credit report and credit score to decide whether to approve you and what credit line to offer. This review is a hard inquiry, which means it shows on your credit report. You'll receive a decision within minutes if you explore online, or within a few business days if you explore in person or by mail. If approved, your card ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

If you're denied, Bank of America will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, a low credit score, or too many recent credit inquiries. You can call the number on the denial letter to ask questions or reapply later.

Activating Your Card and Setting Up Online Access

When your card arrives, you must set up it before you can use it. You can set up it by calling the number printed on the card itself, or by logging into your Bank of America online account and following the set up prompt. set up takes less than a minute and is a security step to confirm you received the card.

Set up online access at bankofamerica.com by creating a username and password. If you already have a Bank of America checking or savings account, you can link your new credit card to that login. Once logged in, you can view your balance, recent transactions, due date, and minimum payment. You can also set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same day each month.

read the Bank of America mobile app if you want to manage your card from your phone. The app shows the same information as the website and lets you pay your bill, report a lost card, or dispute a transaction from anywhere.

Making Payments and Understanding Your Statement

Your statement arrives each month on a set date (your statement closing date). The statement shows every purchase you made during that billing period, any fees, interest charges, and your total balance. It also lists your minimum payment and the due date — typically 21 to 25 days after the statement closes.

You can pay in three ways: online through your Bank of America account, by phone using the number on your statement, or by mailing a check. Online and phone payments post within one business day. Mailed payments take 5 to 7 business days, so mail early if your due date is near. If you miss the due date, Bank of America charges a late fee (typically $25 to $39 for the first late payment) and may raise your interest rate.

To avoid interest, pay your full statement balance by the due date. If you can't pay the full amount, pay at least the minimum payment to stay current. Any balance you don't pay will be charged interest at your card's annual percentage rate (APR), which is listed in your card agreement and on your statement.

Understanding Rewards and How They Work

Bank of America credit cards earn rewards on purchases, but the structure depends on which card you have. The BankAmericard Cash Rewards card, for example, earns 1% cash back on all purchases and higher percentages (2% to 3%) in certain categories like gas, groceries, or online shopping. Other cards earn travel points or airline miles instead of cash back.

Rewards post to your account monthly and appear as a credit on your statement. You can redeem cash back by requesting a statement credit (which reduces your balance), a deposit to a linked Bank of America bank account, or a check. Travel points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, or other travel expenses through the card's rewards portal. You don't have to redeem rewards when ready — they stay in your account until you choose to use them.

Rewards are not earned on balance transfers, cash advances, or fees. They are also not earned if your account is closed or in default. If you return a purchase, the reward for that purchase is removed from your account.

Managing Your Credit Line and Requesting Changes

Your credit line is the maximum amount you can charge to your card. Bank of America sets this when you open the account based on your credit score and income. You can check your current credit line in your online account under "Account Details" or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.

If you want to increase your credit line, you can request an increase online through your account or by calling customer service. Bank of America may do a soft inquiry (which doesn't affect your credit score) or a hard inquiry (which does). An increase decision comes within minutes to a few business days. If you want to decrease your credit line, you can call customer service to request that as well.

Keep your credit line in mind when you spend. Using more than 30% of your available credit can lower your credit score, even if you pay on time. For example, if your credit line is $5,000, try to keep your balance below $1,500.

Disputing Charges and Reporting Problems

If you see a charge on your statement that you don't recognize or believe is wrong, you can dispute it through your online account or by calling customer service. Bank of America will ask you to describe the problem and may request documentation like a receipt or email confirmation. The bank then investigates and contacts the merchant on your behalf.

While the dispute is being investigated, the charge may be temporarily removed from your balance so you don't have to pay it. The investigation typically takes 30 to 60 days. If Bank of America finds the charge was unauthorized or incorrect, it stays removed. If the investigation finds the charge was valid, it goes back on your statement and you'll owe it.

If your card is lost or stolen, call the number on the back of your card or log into your account and report it when ready. Bank of America will cancel the card and send you a replacement. You are not responsible for unauthorized charges made after you report the card missing, though you may be responsible for charges made before you reported it (up to $50 under federal law).

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don't pay my bill by the due date?

Bank of America charges a late fee (typically $25 to $39 for the first late payment) and may increase your interest rate. The late payment also appears on your credit report and can lower your credit score. If you miss a payment, pay as soon as you can to stop additional fees and interest from building up.

Can I transfer a balance from another credit card to my Bank of America card?

Yes. Most Bank of America cards offer balance transfer options, usually with a promotional period of 0% interest for a set number of months. You request a balance transfer through your online account or by calling customer service. Bank of America charges a balance transfer fee (typically 3% to 5% of the amount transferred). The transferred balance counts toward your credit line.

How do I close my Bank of America credit card account?

Call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask to close the account. Pay any remaining balance first. Once closed, you can no longer use the card, but your account history stays on your credit report for seven years. Closing a card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit.

What is the difference between the minimum payment and the full statement balance?

The minimum payment is the smallest amount Bank of America requires you to pay to stay current on your account. The full statement balance is everything you owe. If you pay only the minimum, interest charges explore to the remaining balance. Paying the full balance means no interest.

Can I use my Bank of America credit card internationally?

Yes. Your card works anywhere Visa is accepted, including outside the United States. Bank of America charges a foreign transaction fee (typically 3%) on purchases made in foreign currencies. Notify Bank of America before traveling so they don't block your card for suspicious activity.