What the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card gives you

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card earns 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, with no category restrictions and no rotating categories to track. You redeem points for travel at a fixed rate: 1 point equals 1 cent toward flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and other travel expenses booked through the card's travel portal or directly with merchants.

The card has no annual fee. You get a sign-up bonus if you meet a spending threshold in the first few months — the specific bonus amount and spending requirement change periodically, so check the current offer before you open the account.

The flat 1.5% rate means you earn the same whether you're buying groceries, gas, or a plane ticket. This simplicity appeals to people who don't want to remember which card to use for which purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • You earn 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase with no bonus categories or caps.
  • Points redeem for travel at a 1-to-1 cent value through the Bank of America travel portal or directly with airlines and hotels.
  • The card carries no annual fee, making it cost-free to hold even if you don't use it.
  • A sign-up bonus is available if you spend a set amount in the first few months, though the bonus size varies by offer period.
  • You can also redeem points for cash back or transfer them to Bank of America rewards partners, though travel redemption typically offers the best value.

How to redeem points for travel

You have three main ways to use your points. The simplest is the Bank of America travel portal: log into your account, search for flights, hotels, or car rentals, and pay with points at checkout. One point equals one cent, so a $500 flight costs 50,000 points.

You can also book directly with an airline or hotel and then call Bank of America to request a statement credit for the amount you paid. This method works if you want to use a specific airline's website or loyalty program, or if you find a better price outside the portal. Bank of America will credit your account within a few business days.

A third option is to transfer points to Bank of America's travel partners — airlines and hotel chains that have partnerships with the card program. Transfer rates vary: sometimes you get a bonus (like 1.25 points for every point transferred), sometimes you get a 1-to-1 rate. Check the current transfer partners and rates in your account before you move points.

When the 1.5% rate makes sense

The flat earning rate works best if you spend heavily on categories that other travel cards don't reward well. Many premium travel cards earn 3% or more on airfare or hotels but only 1% on groceries and gas. If you split your spending across many categories, the Bank of America card's consistent 1.5% can match or beat those cards without forcing you to track which card to use.

The card also makes sense if you travel infrequently and want a straightforward rewards structure. You don't have to remember rotating bonus categories or worry about hitting an annual cap. Every dollar earns the same.

However, if you spend most of your money on flights and hotels, a card that earns 3% or 5% in those categories will accumulate points faster, even if it earns only 1% on other purchases.

Annual fee and other costs

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card has no annual fee. You can open it, earn the sign-up bonus, and then hold it indefinitely without paying anything, even if you never use it again.

There are no foreign transaction fees, so you can use the card abroad without a penalty. This is standard on most travel cards, but it's worth confirming before you travel.

The card does not charge a fee to redeem points. Whether you book through the travel portal, request a statement credit, or transfer to a partner, there's no redemption cost.

Sign-up bonus details

Bank of America offers a sign-up bonus when you open the card and spend a certain amount within a set timeframe — typically three months. The bonus size and spending requirement vary depending on when you explore and which offer you see.

The bonus is paid in points, not cash. If the offer is 50,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000, you'll receive 50,000 points once the spending requirement posts to your account. You can redeem those points when ready for travel, cash back, or other rewards.

Check the current offer on Bank of America's website before you explore, because the bonus changes throughout the year. You can also call Bank of America to ask what bonus is available for your account.

How this card compares to other travel cards

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card is a no-annual-fee option with a straightforward earning structure. It appeals to people who want straightforward rewards without annual fees or category tracking.

Cards with annual fees often earn higher rates in specific categories. For example, a card that costs $95 per year might earn 3% on flights and hotels but only 1% elsewhere. If you spend $10,000 per year on flights and hotels and $5,000 on other purchases, you'd earn 300 points plus 50 points (350 total) with the premium card, minus the annual fee cost. With the Bank of America card, you'd earn 225 points with no fee. The premium card wins if the higher earning rate outpaces the annual fee.

Other no-annual-fee travel cards exist, but many earn 1% flat or have lower sign-up bonuses. The Bank of America card's 1.5% flat rate is competitive in the no-fee category.

What happens to points if you close the account

Your points remain in your Bank of America rewards account even after you close the credit card. You can continue to redeem them for travel, cash back, or other rewards as long as you have an active Bank of America checking or savings account.

If you close both the credit card and your Bank of America bank account, the points may be forfeited. Check with Bank of America before you close your accounts if you have a large points balance you want to keep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use points to book travel through a third-party site like Kayak or Expedia?

No. You must book through the Bank of America travel portal, directly with the airline or hotel, or transfer points to a partner program. If you book through a third-party site and pay with the card, you earn points on the purchase, but you cannot redeem points for that booking.

What if I want to redeem points for something other than travel?

You can redeem points for cash back at a 1-to-1 rate (1 point = 1 cent), or transfer them to Bank of America's rewards partners. Cash back is typically worth less than travel redemption, so travel is the best use of your points if you travel at all.

Do I lose points if I don't use the card for a while?

No. Bank of America does not expire points for inactivity on the card itself. However, if you close the card and your Bank of America bank account, you may lose the points. Keep at least one Bank of America account open to preserve your points.

How long does it take to earn enough points for a free flight?

That depends on your spending and the flight price. If you spend $2,000 per month, you earn 3,000 points monthly, or 36,000 points per year. A $500 flight costs 50,000 points, so you'd reach it in about 17 months. A $300 flight costs 30,000 points and would take about 10 months.

Can I combine points from multiple Bank of America cards?

Yes. If you have more than one Bank of America rewards card, all points go into the same rewards account and can be combined for redemption. This lets you pool points from different cards toward a single travel booking.