Choosing and applying for a Bank of America credit card is straightforward when you know the steps, eligibility, and costs.
This guide explains application methods, common requirements, typical interest rate ranges by card, required documents, and customer service contacts.
Where fees or rates vary by product, check the Pricing & Terms shown to you during the application, since those are the controlling terms.
How Bank of America Credit Cards Work
Bank of America offers multiple cards for different needs: cash back, travel, lower interest, student, and secured options.
Each card has its own APR range, intro offers, rewards structure, and fees.
Your exact APR and credit line depend on your credit profile and the terms displayed to you at the moment of application.
Card terms can change according to the agreement and applicable law, so always review the disclosures during the application flow.
Examples of product APR snapshots
These ranges illustrate how products differ. Your offer may be outside these examples if BofA updates pricing or if your profile qualifies you for different terms.
- BankAmericard (lower interest focus): variable APR typically around 14.99%–24.99% after any intro period.
- Customized Cash Rewards: post-intro variable APR typically around 17.99%–27.99%; no annual fee.
- Premium Rewards (travel): purchase APR commonly around 19.99%–27.99%; no foreign transaction fees.
- Travel Rewards (including student version): no annual fee; no foreign transaction fees; variable APR set at approval.
Fees to Know Before You Apply
Some cards (e.g., Travel Rewards, Premium Rewards) have no foreign transaction fees. Others may charge one, so confirm.
Many consumer cards display an intro balance transfer fee of 3% for transfers made within a specified window after account opening.
Several BofA cards carry no annual fee (e.g., Customized Cash Rewards, Travel Rewards).
Premium travel cards generally charge an annual fee in exchange for richer benefits.
How to Apply For a Bank of America Credit Card
Individuals with higher credit scores tend to qualify for lower APRs and higher credit limits. A hard inquiry is placed when you apply.
Issuers evaluate the ability to repay, considering reported income and debt obligations.
Be ready to provide SSN/ITIN, date of birth, and a physical address to meet identity verification requirements.
Bank of America offers student and secured cards for those establishing or rebuilding credit with responsible use.
- Compare cards by goal. Decide whether you want cash back, travel rewards, or a lower interest rate. Compare rewards categories, intro APRs, ongoing APR ranges, and fees.
- Open the online application. From the card’s page, fill in your legal name, SSN/ITIN, date of birth, income, housing information, and contact details.
- Review Pricing & Terms before submitting. Confirm APR ranges, balance-transfer terms, foreign transaction fees, and any intro offers.
- Submit and get a decision. Many applicants receive an instant decision. If a decision takes longer, you can check your application status by phone.
- After approval. Expect your card by mail, typically within about 10 business days. Activate it online, in the mobile app, or by phone, then set up account alerts, autopay, and security controls.
Tips to Choose the Right Bank of America Credit Card
If you spend heavily on travel, a travel card with transferable or flexible rewards and no foreign transaction fees will fit better.
If you plan to use your card abroad, prioritize cards with no foreign transaction fee.
Intro 0% APR periods can help with planned large purchases or transfers, but your ongoing variable APR after the intro ends is what matters over time.
If you keep qualifying balances with Bank of America and Merrill, Preferred Rewards can boost card rewards by 25%–75%, depending on your tier.
| Card | Best For | Rewards Structure | Ongoing APR | Notable Perks / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BankAmericard® | Lower interest and financing | None (focus on low/intro APR) | Varies by credit profile | Designed for carrying a balance or transfers rather than rewards |
| Customized Cash Rewards | Maximizing everyday categories | 3% in one chosen category (e.g., online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, home improvement/furnishings, or gas), 2% at grocery stores & wholesale clubs (enhanced rates capped quarterly), 1% all other | Varies by credit profile | Choose/shift 3% category; pair with Preferred Rewards for 25%–75% bonus |
| Unlimited Cash Rewards | Simple, flat cash back | 1.5% cash back on all purchases | Varies by credit profile | No category tracking; Preferred Rewards boosts earn rate |
| Travel Rewards | No-annual-fee travel spending | Points on all purchases; elevated earn via the Travel Center | Varies by credit profile | No FTF; flexible points; good starter travel card |
| Premium Rewards® | Travel & dining with extra credits | Elevated points on travel & dining; base earn on other purchases | Varies by credit profile | Travel credits (e.g., airline incidentals), Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, travel protections |
| Travel Rewards for Students | Students who travel/study abroad | Points on all purchases; elevated earn via the Travel Center | Varies by credit profile | No FTF; helps build credit with responsible use |
| Customized Cash Rewards for Students | Students with targeted spending | Same structure as consumer version: 3% chosen category, 2% grocery/wholesale clubs, 1% other | Varies by credit profile | Category flexibility; quarterly cap on enhanced earnings |
| Secured (deposit-backed) option | Building or rebuilding credit | Often earns cash back (product availability/structure may vary) | Varies by credit profile & product | Requires refundable security deposit; responsible use can help upgrade over time |
Managing Your Account After Approval
Enable account alerts (payment due, balance thresholds, suspicious activity), go paperless, and set up autopay to avoid missed payments.
If consolidating debt, confirm the fee and promotional window before moving balances.
If your card charges foreign transaction fees, consider a no-FTF card for international trips. Add travel notifications if recommended and enable card-control features.
Use card-locking, merchant category alerts, and two-factor authentication. Update your contact information to receive real-time fraud alerts.
Contact Details (Verified)
Credit card customer service (24/7): 800-732-9194 (U.S.)
Outside the U.S.: 1-302-738-5719
Application status line: 866-422-8089
Corporate address (mailing): Bank of America Corporate Center, 100 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28255
How to Improve Approval Odds and Keep Costs Low
Dispute errors and pay down revolving balances to reduce utilization before applying.
Spacing out credit applications can help protect your score and approval odds.
Higher tiers can materially boost the value of rewards earned.
Paying in full by due date helps you avoid interest entirely and maintain a strong payment history.
Conclusion
Applying for a Bank of America credit card is a simple process.
Choose the card that fits your spending, review the Pricing & Terms carefully, and submit the online application.
Confirm the exact APR, fees, and features presented to you, since these vary by card and by applicant profile.
Disclaimer: Rates, fees, rewards, eligibility criteria, and benefits can change at any time. Always rely on the official Pricing & Terms and Cardmember Agreement provided during your application or with your approval, which supersede any general ranges or examples in this guide.
