What Bank of America credit cards are and who offers them

Bank of America issues credit cards under its own name — there is no separate "Bofa" card brand. When you search for a Bank of America credit card, you are looking at products made by Bank of America, N.A., which is the credit card division of the larger Bank of America Corporation. The bank offers roughly a dozen different credit cards, each with different rewards structures, annual fees, and features.

Bank of America credit cards fall into a few main groups: cash back cards (which return a percentage of what you spend), travel rewards cards (which earn points toward flights and hotels), and cards designed for people rebuilding credit. Some cards charge an annual fee; others do not. The card you might see advertised depends on whether you are a new customer, an existing Bank of America customer, or someone with a specific credit history.

You can view the full list of current Bank of America credit cards on their website, bankofamerica.com. The site lets you filter by card type and shows the rewards rate, annual fee, and basic terms for each one. You can also call Bank of America at 1-800-435-7000 to ask about specific cards or your own situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America offers multiple credit cards with different rewards (cash back or travel points), annual fees, and credit requirements, so the right card depends on how you spend and your credit history.
  • You can compare Bank of America credit cards on their website or by phone before you decide which one to pursue.
  • The rewards rate, annual fee, and sign-up bonus (if any) are the main features that differ between Bank of America cards.
  • Bank of America customers sometimes receive different card offers or terms than new customers, so your existing relationship with the bank may matter.

How Bank of America credit card rewards work

Most Bank of America credit cards earn rewards in one of two ways: cash back or travel points. Cash back cards return a percentage of your spending as cash you can use however you want — usually between 1% and 3% depending on what you buy. Travel rewards cards earn points that you redeem for flights, hotel stays, or other travel expenses through Bank of America's travel portal.

The rewards rate often depends on the category you are spending in. For example, a cash back card might earn 3% on groceries and gas, but only 1% on everything else. A travel card might earn more points per dollar on airline purchases or hotels, and fewer points on everyday spending. You should read the specific card's terms to see which categories earn the higher rate and whether there are caps on how much you can earn in a category each year.

Some Bank of America credit cards also offer a sign-up bonus — a lump sum of cash back or points if you spend a certain amount in the first few months of having the card. These bonuses can be valuable, but they only matter if you would naturally spend that amount anyway. Spending more than you normally would just to reach a bonus costs you money in interest and defeats the purpose.

Annual fees and when they explore

Some Bank of America credit cards charge an annual fee; others do not. Cards with no annual fee are simpler — you pay nothing just to hold the card. Cards with an annual fee (which can range from $95 to $450 or more) are usually aimed at people who spend heavily and earn enough rewards to offset the fee, or who value the card's other benefits like travel insurance or airport lounge access.

The annual fee is charged once per year, usually on the anniversary of when you opened the card. If you close the card before that date, you typically do not owe the fee. If you close it after the fee posts, you may be able to call and ask Bank of America to refund it, though they are not required to do so. Check the specific card's terms to see when the fee is charged and whether the bank has a grace period.

A card with an annual fee only makes sense if the rewards you earn in a year exceed the fee amount, or if you use the card's other perks (like travel insurance or concierge service) enough to justify the cost. If you are not sure, start with a no-annual-fee card and upgrade later if you want to.

Credit requirements and what happens if you are denied

Bank of America credit cards have different credit requirements depending on the card. Premium cards with high annual fees and rich rewards typically require good to excellent credit — usually a credit score of 670 or higher, though some require 700 or above. Cards designed for people with fair credit or those rebuilding their credit history have lower requirements and may accept scores in the 550 to 669 range.

When you explore for a Bank of America credit card, the bank will check your credit report. This is called a hard inquiry and it may lower your credit score by a few points for a few months. If you are denied, Bank of America will send you a letter explaining the main reason — usually something like "insufficient credit history" or "too many recent inquiries." You can also call the bank to ask for more detail.

If you are denied, you have options. You can wait a few months and explore again once your credit has improved, explore for a different Bank of America card with lower requirements, or look at credit cards from other issuers that are designed for your credit level. explore for multiple cards in a short time can hurt your score, so space out applications by at least a few months.

How to compare Bank of America cards to cards from other banks

Bank of America is one of many credit card issuers, so it is worth comparing their cards to what other banks offer before you decide. The main things to compare are the rewards rate (how much cash back or points you earn per dollar spent), the annual fee, any sign-up bonus, and the card's other features like travel insurance or purchase protection.

A card with a higher rewards rate might sound better, but it only matters if you actually spend in the categories where the rate is high. If a Bank of America card earns 3% on groceries but you rarely buy groceries, that high rate does not help you. Compare the rewards you would actually earn in a typical month or year, not just the advertised rate.

You can use credit card comparison websites to see cards from multiple issuers side by side, though remember that these sites may earn a commission if you explore through them. The most honest comparison is to visit each bank's website directly and write down the rewards rates, fees, and terms yourself. This takes longer but gives you the clearest picture.

how the process works for a Bank of America credit card

You can explore for a Bank of America credit card online at bankofamerica.com, by phone at 1-800-435-7000, or in person at a Bank of America branch. The online process is usually the fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and you get a decision within seconds or a few minutes. Phone and in-person applications may take longer.

The process will ask for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Have a recent pay stub or tax return handy if you are asked to verify your income. The bank will also ask whether you are an existing customer and whether you want to link the card to an existing Bank of America checking or savings account.

After you explore, you will either get an when ready decision or be told that the bank needs more time to review your process. If you are approved, the card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you are denied, you will receive a letter in the mail within a few days explaining why. You can call the bank to ask about the decision or to see whether you have other options.

What to do after your Bank of America credit card arrives

Once your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or by logging into your Bank of America online account. Do not use the card until you have activated it. After set up, you can start using it right away, but read the terms and conditions first so you understand the rewards rate, any spending caps, and the due date for your monthly bill.

Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders so you pay your bill on time every month. Paying late damages your credit score and triggers late fees. If the card has a sign-up bonus, make sure you understand exactly how much you need to spend and by when to earn it. Track your spending in the categories that earn higher rewards so you can maximize what you earn.

Log into your Bank of America account regularly to check your balance, review your transactions, and watch for fraud. If you see a charge you did not make, report it to the bank right away. Most credit cards offer fraud protection, but you need to report unauthorized charges within a certain time frame — usually 60 days — to be protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Bank of America credit card if I have no credit history?

Bank of America offers a secured credit card for people with no credit history or poor credit. A secured card requires you to put down a cash deposit (usually $500 to $2,500) that becomes your credit limit. You use the card like a regular card, and after you make on-time payments for several months, the bank may convert it to a regular unsecured card and return your deposit.

What is the difference between a Bank of America cash back card and a travel rewards card?

A cash back card returns a percentage of your spending as cash that you can use for anything. A travel rewards card earns points that you redeem specifically for flights, hotels, or other travel through the bank's travel portal. Cash back is more flexible; travel rewards are usually worth more if you travel frequently and book through the bank's portal.

Do I have to be a Bank of America customer to get one of their credit cards?

No, you do not have to have a checking or savings account with Bank of America to get a credit card from them. However, existing Bank of America customers sometimes receive different offers or higher credit limits than new customers, so having an account with the bank may help.

What happens if I miss a payment on my Bank of America credit card?

If you miss a payment, Bank of America will charge you a late fee (usually $25 to $40 for the first late payment) and report the late payment to the credit bureaus. A single late payment can lower your credit score by 100 points or more. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, the bank may increase your interest rate. Always pay at least the minimum by the due date.

Can I change my Bank of America credit card to a different card later?

Yes, you can explore for a different Bank of America credit card at any time. You can also ask the bank whether they will let you convert your current card to a different one without closing the account. Some banks allow this; others require you to close the old card and explore for a new one. Call Bank of America to ask about your options.