Bank of America offers several credit cards with no annual fee, though the specific card that fits your needs depends on your credit history and spending habits.
Bank of America's no-annual-fee lineup includes the Bank of America Cash Rewards card, which earns 1% cash back on all purchases, and the Bank of America Travel Rewards card, which earns 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases. Both cards carry no annual fee and require good to excellent credit to be considered. The bank also offers the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card, which lets you choose a category for higher rewards (2% cash back) and earns 1% on everything else, also with no annual fee.
These cards are designed for people who want basic rewards without paying an annual membership cost. They do not offer premium travel benefits like airport lounge access or travel insurance, and their rewards rates are lower than Bank of America's premium cards—but you pay nothing to hold them.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's no-annual-fee cards include the Cash Rewards, Travel Rewards, and Customized Cash Rewards cards, each earning cash back or points on all purchases.
- You will need good to excellent credit (typically a credit score of 670 or higher) to be considered for these cards.
- No-annual-fee cards from Bank of America do not include premium perks like travel insurance or airport lounge access, but they cost nothing to keep open.
- The rewards rate on no-annual-fee cards is lower than on Bank of America's premium cards, which charge annual fees of $95 to $450.
How Bank of America's No-Annual-Fee Cards Compare
Bank of America offers three main no-annual-fee options, each with a different rewards structure. The Cash Rewards card earns 1% cash back on all purchases with no category selection required. The Travel Rewards card earns 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, and points can be redeemed for travel bookings through Bank of America's travel portal or transferred to airline and hotel partners. The Customized Cash Rewards card lets you pick one category (gas, groceries, transit, or online shopping) to earn 2% cash back on, then earns 1% on all other purchases.
All three cards include basic fraud protection and purchase protection, but none include travel insurance, extended warranty coverage, or other premium benefits. If you travel frequently or want those protections, Bank of America's premium cards (which charge annual fees) offer them, but you will pay $95 to $450 per year for the privilege.
Credit Score Requirements for Bank of America No-Annual-Fee Cards
Bank of America typically considers applicants with a credit score of 670 or higher for its no-annual-fee cards. This range is often called "good" credit. If your score is below 670, you may still be considered, but approval is less likely. Bank of America does not publish a hard minimum score, so the exact threshold can vary based on other factors like your income, employment history, and existing relationship with the bank.
If you already have a Bank of America checking or savings account, you may have a slightly better chance of approval, though this is not may provide. The bank reviews each process individually. If you are denied, you can ask what factors led to the decision, and you have the right to request a free copy of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) within 60 days of denial.
What to Expect During the process Process
explore for a Bank of America no-annual-fee card takes about 10 to 15 minutes and can be done online, by phone, or in person at a Bank of America branch. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information. Bank of America will pull your credit report (a hard inquiry) as part of the review.
You will typically receive a decision within minutes if you explore online. If approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you will need to set up it before using it—you can do this online, by phone, or through the Bank of America mobile app. Some cards come with a temporary digital card number you can use when ready for online purchases while you wait for the physical card.
Annual Fees Versus Rewards: The Trade-Off
Bank of America's no-annual-fee cards earn rewards at a lower rate than its premium cards. For example, the Bank of America Premium Rewards card charges $95 per year but earns 2 points per dollar on travel and dining and 1.5 points per dollar on everything else. The Bank of America Preferred Rewards card charges $450 per year and earns 3 points per dollar on travel and dining and 1.5 points per dollar on everything else.
Whether the premium card makes sense depends on how much you spend and what you spend on. If you spend $10,000 per year on dining and travel, the Premium Rewards card's extra point per dollar (compared to the Travel Rewards card's flat 1.5 points) could earn you enough extra rewards to cover the $95 annual fee. If you spend less, or if your spending is spread across categories the premium card does not reward heavily, the no-annual-fee card is likely the better choice.
How to set up Your Card and Start Using It
Once your Bank of America card arrives, you must set up it before making purchases. You can set up it in three ways: online through your Bank of America account, by calling the number on the back of the card, or through the Bank of America mobile app. set up usually takes less than a minute.
If your card comes with a temporary digital card number (some Bank of America cards do), you can use that number for online purchases when ready—you do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive. When the physical card arrives, the temporary number will stop working, and you will use the permanent card number instead. Set up autopay or calendar reminders for your due date to avoid missing payments, which can hurt your credit score and trigger late fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Bank of America no-annual-fee card if I have fair credit?
Bank of America typically considers applicants with a credit score of 670 or higher, which falls into the "good" range. If your score is lower, approval is less likely but not impossible. Each process is reviewed individually, and factors like your income and existing relationship with the bank also matter. You can explore and see if you are approved.
Do I have to be a Bank of America customer to get one of these cards?
No, you do not have to have a Bank of America checking or savings account to explore for a credit card. However, existing Bank of America customers may have a slightly better chance of approval. You can explore whether or not you bank with them.
What is the difference between cash back and points?
Cash back is deposited directly into your account as a statement credit or can be transferred to your bank account. Points must be redeemed through the card issuer's rewards portal—you choose what to redeem them for (travel, gift cards, merchandise). Cash back is simpler if you just want money back; points offer more options but require an extra step to redeem.
Can I switch between the different no-annual-fee cards after I am approved?
Yes, you can request a product change from one Bank of America card to another without a new hard inquiry. This is usually done by calling the number on the back of your card or through your online account. A product change keeps your existing account open and does not affect your credit score the way a new process would.
What happens if I do not use my no-annual-fee card?
Bank of America may close inactive accounts after a period of non-use, typically 12 months or longer. If your account is closed, it can show up on your credit report and may lower your credit score. To keep the account open, make at least one small purchase every few months and pay the bill on time.