The Bank of America Travel Rewards card is a no-annual-fee travel card with no foreign transaction fees. It earns an unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on everything, and you can use points to cover travel and dining purchases with no blackout dates. For Bank of America customers in the Preferred Rewards program, the rewards can be boosted by up to 75%. Here is how to apply for the Bank of America Travel Rewards card.
Bank of America Travel Rewards at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuer / network | Bank of America / Visa |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Intro APR | 0% for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made in the first 60 days |
| Regular APR | 17.49%–27.49% (variable) |
| Welcome offer | Points bonus after spending in the first 90 days (varies — recently 25,000 points / $250 in travel) |
| Foreign transaction fee | None |
| Recommended credit | Good to excellent |
How the Bank of America Travel Rewards Earns Rewards
Earning is simple:
- Unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on all purchases
- Points redeem as a statement credit for travel and dining purchases
Key Benefits
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles
- Preferred Rewards members earn 25%–75% more
- No blackout dates or expiration while the account is open
Who Should Apply for the Bank of America Travel Rewards?
It is ideal for occasional travelers who want to avoid foreign fees and annual fees, and for BofA customers who can use the Preferred Rewards boost. Frequent travelers seeking lounges and transfer partners will want a premium card instead.
Eligibility Requirements
Before you apply, it helps to know what Bank of America typically looks for. There is no guaranteed approval, but these basics matter most:
- Be at least 18 years old (21 in some cases unless you show independent income).
- Have a valid U.S. address and a Social Security Number or ITIN.
- A credit score in the good to excellent range, with no recent serious delinquencies.
- Enough income to support new credit — issuers review income against your monthly debts and housing cost.
- A reasonable number of recent applications and new accounts.
Bank of America Application Rules to Know
Bank of America is reported to follow a “2/3/4” velocity rule: roughly no more than 2 new BofA cards in 2 months, 3 in 12 months and 4 in 24 months. Some applicants also report trouble getting approved with many new accounts from any bank in the last 12 months. Existing BofA banking customers, especially Preferred Rewards members, often have an easier time.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Bank of America Travel Rewards
You can complete the application online in one sitting. Here is the process from start to finish:
- Check your credit first. Pull your free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and check your score in your banking app. Fix any errors before applying.
- Use the prequalification tool. Bank of America has a “customized offers” page where you can check for preselected offers without affecting your credit score. A soft check does not affect your credit score and shows whether you are likely to be approved.
- Gather your details. You will need your full name, date of birth, SSN or ITIN, home address, phone, email, annual income, employment status and monthly housing payment.
- Go to the official page yourself. Type the issuer address into your browser or use the official link at the end of this article. Never apply through links in unsolicited emails or texts.
- Fill in the application carefully. Enter income accurately — you can usually include income you can reasonably access, such as a spouse’s income if you are over 21.
- Read the terms and pricing table. Check the APR, fees and the exact bonus terms shown on your application screen.
- Submit and wait for a decision. Many applicants get an instant answer. Others see “pending” and receive a decision by email or mail within 7–10 business days.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once approved, expect the physical card within about a week or two. As soon as it arrives, activate it, add it to your mobile wallet, and set up autopay so you never miss a due date. Keep an eye on the deadline for the welcome offer.
If Your Application Is Pending or Denied
A pending decision often means the issuer needs to verify your identity or income. You may be asked to call or upload documents. If you are denied, you will receive an adverse action letter explaining the main reasons. You can call the reconsideration line to ask for a second review, or wait 3–6 months, improve the reason given, and try again. If you are not approved, build a relationship with a BofA checking account and try again later.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No annual or foreign fees | No transfer partners |
| Simple 1.5x on everything | Points best for travel/dining credits |
| Big boost for Preferred Rewards | Lower base rate than 2% cards |
| Long intro APR | Velocity rules |
Tips to Get the Most From the Bank of America Travel Rewards
- Use it on trips abroad to avoid foreign fees.
- Redeem points against travel within the allowed window.
- Join Preferred Rewards if your balances qualify.
- Pay in full to avoid interest.
Bank of America Preferred Rewards Boost
If you hold enough money in Bank of America and Merrill accounts, you can join Preferred Rewards and earn a 25% to 75% boost on credit card rewards. For example, a 75% boost turns a 1.5-point earning rate into 2.62 points per dollar. This program is one of the main reasons people choose BofA cards, so check your tier before applying.
Example: What You Could Earn
With $1,500 in monthly spending, you earn about 27,000 points per year (about $270 in travel). With a 75% Preferred Rewards boost, that rises to roughly 47,000 points (about $470), still with no annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BofA Travel Rewards have a foreign transaction fee?
No.
Can I transfer points to airlines?
No, points are redeemed as statement credits for travel and dining.
What score do I need?
Usually good to excellent credit.
Is it worth it without Preferred Rewards?
Yes for a no-fee travel card, but a 2% card may earn more on general spending.
Final Thoughts
The Bank of America Travel Rewards card is an easy, fee-free travel card — especially powerful for Preferred Rewards members. Check customized offers and apply on the official BofA site.
Helpful Official Links
- Bank of America Travel Rewards official page
- Bank of America prequalification tool
- CFPB: Credit card basics
- Free credit reports – AnnualCreditReport.com
- More credit card guides on 123 SEO Tools
