Credit cards have become essential for everyone who needs to make purchases or carry out transactions for themselves or their family members. While they may seem convenient to use, they come with a responsibility. Some places you can use the credit card include groceries, gas, restaurant, shopping for clothes, travelling, and paying for hotel accommodation. Each use of the credit card comes at a cost. You will need to pay back the amount in full and with interest. If you do not pay off the debt before the due date, the interest will be accrued and will increase the payable amount.
There are many banks in the banking industry that are providing credit cards of various types to all consumers. However, each bank has features that differ from other card providers. So it is better if you carry out some research and see which cards fit according to your needs and preference. The Bank of America offers several cards that serve a unique purpose. The travel credit cards are mainly for travelling while the cashback credit cards are for rewards.
In this article, we will look at those classes of people that should look into buying the Bank of America credit cards. We will identify the best Bank of America credit card users can apply for. Moreover, we will discuss the factors a person should consider before purchasing a Bank of America credit card. This guide will also help an individual understand how the Bank of America credit card works for any consumer who buys it. A FAQs section will be added to answer general questions related to Bank of America credit cards.
Let us discuss who should get a Bank of America credit card.
Who Should Get a Bank of America Credit Card?
Bank of America offers various credit card users different options to attract many people to the bank for its services. However, some consumer groups will highly benefit from the bank’s offerings regarding credit cards. In the first section, we will identify those people that should purchase the Bank of America credit cards.
The following consumers should buy the Bank of America credit card:
Loyal Banking Customers
As the name suggests, loyal banking customers are those classes of people that remain faithful to the bank by opting for its services. For these customers, the bank has introduced a beneficial rewards scheme they can enjoy when the requirements are fulfilled. The members of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards credit card can earn 75% more points on every purchase than other customers.
The members can get car insurance or home equity loans through the Preferred Rewards card. Hence, the Bank of America Preferred Rewards members enjoys excellent benefits which others can enjoy once they apply for this card.
Cashback Strategists
Cashback strategists are those aware of the cashback they will earn from the purchases they carry using the card. If you are very particular about where to make the most money, you should look into the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit card. These people intend to take full advantage of the bank’s cashback offerings and make earnings on their transactions.
This card is entirely suitable for those people that want to earn cashback. Through this card, you can choose the purchase category that will make you earn the highest cashback rate. The cashback rate can differ from one category to another. Hence, if you choose a purchase category that offers a maximum cashback rate, you should concentrate your spending on that particular category.
Travellers
Being a traveller means you would need to locate that ideal credit card you can use in your travels abroad or locally. Travel reward credit cards are quite common since their demand in the banking industry has fluctuated recently. One of the best things about the Bank of America Travel cards is that it is open to anyone who seeks to buy the card for vacation, holiday, or travelling alone or with their families.
This means that everyday consumers, small business owners, students, etc., can all apply for the Travel Rewards card. There are several perks that consumers of this card enjoy, which include booking your travel from the Bank of America Travel Center and getting special discounts like greater mileage points, less cost for hotel accommodation, luggage insurance, etc.
Debt Managers
Debt managers are those classes of people who are in debt due to loans and the credit card balance they need to pay off. These people cannot pay their debt because of the hefty interest rate that increases the overall price of the payment. The Bank of America has many credit cards that offer introductory APR, welcome bonus, and balance transfer options.
With several balance transfer options, consumers can take the balance that they owe from their existing credit card to a balance transfer credit card of Bank of America. Hence, they will not be charged any interest for a particular time and can pay off their dues without stressing over the high-interest rates.
Through the Bank’s Balance transfer cards, consumers get a break to pay off debt and explore the company’s options for other credit cards. It is a great opportunity to acknowledge the products and services the company offers its consumers, which you may find attractive. And so you can also become part of it by purchasing it for everyday use.
Small Business Owners
The Bank of America has introduced several credit cards meant for small business owners since the bank acknowledges the expenses when you operate a business. All these credit cards come with a cashback scheme and help the business owners earn cashback rewards on every purchase they make through the card.
These rewards cards are segregated between cashback cards and travel cards. The bank acknowledges that the business owners must travel to different destinations. Hence, travel cards are a good way to earn mileage points or get a discounted price for hotel accommodation.
Small business owners can take advantage of these credit cards as the perks would give them some breathing space. Moreover, the money they save from travel cards or earn from cashback cards can defray some of the everyday costs of operating the business.
Let us discuss the factors a person should consider before purchasing the Bank of America credit card.
How to Decide Which Card Is Best for You?
In the next section, we will list down some factors that are essential to go through before getting a Bank of America credit card. A clear understanding of the type of credit card you need is essential as it will help you understand your needs much better. The Bank of America offers various credit cards, each with a unique use, and the consumers who purchase such a credit card are sure they need it. As a result, the following are the factors you should consider:
Financial Goals and Personal Spending Habits
One-size-fits-all credit cards do not exist, particularly for Bank of America. Perhaps it is imperative to know your financial capabilities and how much credit you can afford. Spending habits also kick in as your spending habits will differ from others. Some people like to spend lavishly, whereas others are on a budget, so they carry out transactions accordingly. If you prefer to spend frequently, check out the cashback cards, as they will earn you money on your purchases.
Each person must evaluate the card that will give them the most value. The ideal way to carry this out would be to know the purpose of buying a credit card. For example, if you like to travel a lot and would prefer to carry less cash and utilize the credit card more often, then look at the Bank of America Travel cards and match the costs and expenses with the benefits. Similarly, if you want to manage your high-interest debt, check out the Balance Transfer cards by Bank of America.
Perks and Benefits
A good credit card will provide you with benefits that are convenient to use and a rewards scheme that will maximize your earnings on every transaction that results from the card. For example, people who travel frequently will find it advantageous to have a travel card that discounts hotel accommodation, provides luggage coverage, and adds miles to your card that can be redeemed anytime.
The extended warranty feature of these cashback credit cards has attracted many consumers to avail the bank’s products and services. Moreover, other perks include statement credits and VIP lounge access. The cashback credit cards also come at a flat rate, ideal for older consumers like parents who pay much attention to the cashback scheme.
Sign-up Bonus
Like other credit card companies, Bank of America also offers a welcome bonus if you meet the spending requirements within a certain time. Many cards have a huge sign-up bonus, but their features are not impressive. So it is essential to know that a card with a huge welcome bonus does not mean it is good enough for you.
If you want to purchase a credit card and offer a sign-up bonus, it is important to see if the amount can be paid realistically. If you have a smaller budget, it would be better for you to purchase a credit card with a welcome bonus that is not too large. Some people buy a credit card because of their sign-up bonus but cannot meet the spending requirement for a certain duration.
Qualify for the Sign-up Bonus
Qualifying for a sign-up bonus depends on several factors that include the person’s financial health and how effectively they managed their finances. If you are carrying a balance on your credit cards, you will need to check the APR as it will determine the payable amount.
The variable APR will not be the same for each card offered by Bank of America, and you can expect the APR to be within the range of 17% to 30%. If your credit score is higher, the variable APR will be low. But if you have bad credit, you can expect the APR to be higher than average.
Several cards offered by Bank of America provide 0% introductory APR, and you can easily pay off your debt without any interest. These cards are known as Balance Transfer cards.
Let’s look at how a Bank of America credit card would work for the consumers.
How Does a Bank of America Credit Card Work?
Since there are many credit card providers in the Banking industry, it is essential to know how their offerings work. In this section, we will study how a consumer can understand how a Bank of America credit card will work. Similarly, we will discuss a step-by-step process for working with Bank of America credit cards. Let’s get to it!
Some people do not have a bank account here but have a credit card from this bank. One of the best things about this company is that you do not need a bank account with the Bank of America to qualify for a credit card from this creditor. However, Bank of America claims that there are certain perks that you can only enjoy if you have an account with the bank.
The Bank of America credit card works similarly to all other credit cards and can be used to pay utility bills, credit card bills, etc. You can also use a credit card to rent a car, house, apartment, etc. People also use these credit cards to pay for hotel accommodation or related expenses on a family trip.
The Bank of America has a network logo on the front of the card, and consumers can use their credit card anywhere that accepts that particular network. One popular network you can see on your Bank of America card is Visa or Mastercard.
Most Bank of America cards have a prequalification offer that you can activate before lodging a formal application to the creditor. This is advantageous on the consumer side since a prequalifying offer is something that not every card company provides to the consumers. Moreover, people who apply for too many credit cards invite having a hard inquiry run on their financial situation, which leaves a mark on their credit report and reduces the overall credit score.
Let’s look at the best Bank of America credit cards.
Best Bank of America Credit Cards
This section will discuss the bank’s top cards for consumers. They include the following:
Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card
Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card is considered the best credit card for cashback. It offers an unlimited reward of 1.5% cash back on all purchases. If you spend $1,000 in your first ninety days, you will get a $200 bonus offer. The card charges no annual fee, so you can be tension free for annually maintaining your account.
The card requires applicants to have a good to excellent credit score of 670 to 850. It boosts the regular APR by offering 15.49% to 25.49% on balance transfers and purchases. The card charges a $10 or 3% charge as a balance transfer fee. Also, it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee if users use this card while travelling.
Features:
- Recommended Credit Score: 670 to 850 Good to Excellent
- Annual Fee: $0
- Balance transfer fee: 3% or $10
- Foreign transaction fee: 3%
- Intro offer: $200
- Regular APR: 15.49% to 25.49%
- Best for Cashback
Pros:
- The card charges no annual fee.
- It offers unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases.
- It offers 25 to 75% cashback for Preferred Rewards members on all purchases.
- It offers 0% Intro on purchases and balance transfers for the first two months.
- It requires 15.49% to 25.49% regular Variable APR.
Cons:
- Compared to other flat-rate credit cards, this card has no distinguishing rewards.
- It charges a 3% fee on the foreign transaction.
- It charges a 3% fee on balance transfers.
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card is considered the best credit card for choice of rewards category. It offers the reward of 3% and 2% cash back for wholesale and grocery items purchases. Also, you can earn an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. If you spend $1,000 in your first ninety days, you will get an online reward of $200 as a bonus offer.
The card charges no annual fee. But it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee and a $10 or 3% charge as a balance transfer fee. It offers a regular APR of 15.49% to 25.49% variable on balance transfers and purchases. The card requires applicants to have a good to excellent credit score of 670 to 850.
Features:
- Recommended Credit Score: 670 to 850 Good to Excellent
- Annual Fee: $0
- Balance transfer fee: 3%
- Foreign transaction fee: 3%
- Intro offer: $200
- Regular APR: 15.49% to 25.49% Variable
- Best for: Choice of rewards category
Pros:
- It offers 75% more cashback for Preferred Rewards members on all purchases.
- It offers flexible APR terms for balance transfers and purchases.
- It does not offer any annual fee.
- It offers users to choose purchasing categories of 3% monthly.
Cons:
- It charges a 3% fee on the foreign transaction.
- It charges a 3% fee on balance transfers.
- It does not offer high reward offers.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card
Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card is the best Bank of America travel card. It offers a reward of 2 cashback points on all $1 for the purchases on travelling and dining. Also, you can earn unlimited 1.5 cash back points on all other purchases. If you spend $3,000 in your first ninety days, you will get online bonus points of 50,000 as a welcome offer.
The card charges an annual fee of $95 and a 3% balance transfer fee. But it does not offer any fee for foreign transactions. It offers a regular APR of 17.49% to 24.49% variable on balance transfers and purchases. The card requires users to have a credit score of 670 to 850, which is good to excellent.
Features:
- Recommended Credit Score: 670 to 850 Good to Excellent
- Annual Fee: $95
- Balance transfer fee: 3%
- Foreign transaction fee: None
- Intro offer: 50,000 points
- Regular APR: 17.49% to 24.49% Variable
- Best for Best Bank of America travel card
Pros:
- It offers more than 75% more cashback points to Preferred Rewards clients with Platinum Honors status.
- It does not offer any foreign transaction fee.
- It provides multiple travel advantages, including a low annual fee and travel insurance.
- It offers unlimited points for dining and travel purchases.
Cons:
- It charges an annual fee of $95.
- It does not offer flexible cashback points for travelling or gift cards.
- It only offers category rates of Preferred Rewards to cardholders with large savings.
Bank Americard Credit Card
Bank Americard credit card is considered the best credit card for balance transfers. It allows users to see their FICO score using the Mobile Banking application for free. The card charges no annual fee and late payment penalty. If you spend $1,000 in your first ninety days, you will get a $100 statement credit as a welcome offer.
The card requires applicants to have a good to excellent credit score of 670 to 850. It boosts the regular APR by offering 14.49% to 24.49% on balance transfers and purchases. Also, it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee if users use this card while travelling abroad and a 3% balance transfer fee.
Features:
- Recommended Credit Score: 670-850 Good to Excellent
- Annual Fee: $0
- Balance transfer fee: 3%
- Foreign transaction fee: 3%
- Intro offer: $100 statement credit
- Regular APR: 13.24% to 23.24% Variable
- Best for Balance transfers
Pros:
- It offers a good welcome offer of a $100 statement credit on the spending of $1,000 in the first three months.
- It does not charge any fee for late-payments and annual terms.
- Its required regular APR of 13.24% to 23.24% is lower than other cards.
Cons:
- It charges a $10 or a 3% balance transfer fee.
- It charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.
- It does not offer long-term rewards with flexible interest rates.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is the best credit card for qualifying travel purchases. It offers users an unlimited 1.5 cash back points on every $1 for all other purchases. If you spend $1,000 for your purchase in the first ninety days, you will get bonus points of 25,000 or $250 for travel purchases with a welcome offer.
The card charges no annual fee and foreign transaction fee. But it charges a $10 or 3% charge as a balance transfer fee. It offers 25 to 75% more cash points on all purchases if you are a member of Preferred Rewards. The card offers the regular APR of 15.49% to 25.49% variable on purchases. The card requires applicants to have a credit score of 670 to 850.
Features:
- Recommended Credit Score: 670 to 850 Good to Excellent
- Annual Fee: $0
- Balance transfer fee: 3% or $10
- Foreign transaction fee: None
- Intro offer: 25,000 points
- Regular APR: 15.49% to 25.49% Variable
- Best for Qualifying travel purchases
Pros:
- It offers no annual fee and foreign transaction fee.
- Its Regular APR requirement of 15.49% to 25.49% is lower than other cards.
- It offers 25 to 75% more cash points to Preferred Rewards members.
- Users can redeem cash points on travel and dining purchases.
Cons:
- It charges a $10 or 3% balance transfer fee.
- Its introductory APR requirement is not for balance transfers.
- It only offers travel rewards to Preferred Rewards members.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card is the best credit card for Alaska Airlines perks. It offers users an unlimited 3 miles on every $1 purchase for Alaska Airlines. Also, users can get an unlimited 1-mile offer for every $1 spent on all other purchases. If you spend $1,000 in your first ninety days, you will get a buy one get one offer and 40,000 Bonus miles as a welcome offer.
The card requires applicants to have a 670 to 850 good to excellent credit score. It requires users to have a regular APR of 17.49% to 25.49% on balance transfers and purchases. It offers a 20% discount on purchases for in-flights. Also, it charges a 3% or $10 as a balance transfer fee and a $75 annual fee.
Features:
- Recommended Credit Score: 670 to 850 Good to Excellent
- Annual Fee: $75
- Balance transfer fee: 3%
- Foreign transaction fee: N/A
- Intro offer: Buy One Get One +40,000 Bonus Miles
- Regular APR: 17.49% to 25.49% Variable
- Best for Alaska Airlines perks
Pros:
- With this card, users can get a companion fare offer for booking a flight for a companion.
- It offers a great welcome bonus of buying a ticket and getting one for free.
- It offers a 20% cash back on purchases for in-flights of Alaska Airlines.
- Users get the free checked bag offer on their Alaska flights.
Cons:
- Alaska Airlines has a limited flight network, so that that companion fare offers will be a difficult task to avail of.
- It charges a 3% balance transfer fee.
- It charges a 75% annual fee.
Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard
Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard credit card is the best Bank of America business card. It offers the reward of 3% and 2% cash back for spending $50,000 in your own choice of purchase category. If you spend $3,000 in your first three months, you will get a statement credit of $300 as a welcome offer. Also, you can earn unlimited 1% cashback on all other purchases.
The card charges no annual fee. But it charges a 4% or $10 balance transfer fee and a 3% foreign transaction fee. But it does not offer any fee for foreign transactions. It offers a regular APR of 13.74% to 23.74% variable on balance transfers and purchases. The card requires users to have an excellent credit score of740 to 850.
Features:
- Recommended Credit Score: 740 to 850 Excellent
- Annual Fee: $0
- Balance transfer fee: 4% or $10
- Foreign transaction fee: 3%
- Intro offer: $300 statement credit
- Regular APR: 13.74% to 23.74% Variable
- Best for Best Bank of America business card
Pros:
- It offers flexible rewards offers.
- It charges no annual fee.
- It offers a good welcome offer of a $300 statement credit.
Cons:
- It offers fewer options for redemption.
- It requires users to spend an annual $50,000 cap.
- It charges a 4% or $10 fee for balance transfers.
- It charges a 3% fee for foreign transactions.
Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard
Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard credit card is the best-unlimited cashback business card. It offers an unlimited 1.5% cash back reward for all purchases in all places and on all products. If you spend $3,000 in your first ninety days, you will get an online reward of $300 bonus cash as a welcome offer.
This credit card charges no annual fee. But you must pay $10 or 4% on balance transfers and a 3% fee on foreign transactions. The card requires an excellent credit score of 740 to 850. It offers a regular APR of 13.74% to 23.74% variable on balance transfers and purchases. You can get more cash points of 75% on your purchases if you are a Preferred Rewards member.
Features:
- Recommended Credit Score: 740 to 850 Excellent
- Annual Fee: $0
- Balance transfer fee: 4% or $10
- Foreign transaction fee: 3%
- Intro offer: $300
- Regular APR: 13.74% to 23.74% Variable
- Best for Unlimited cashback business card
Pros:
- It charges no annual fee.
- It offers 1.5 % unlimited cash back rewards on all purchases for everything.
- It offers flexible bonus offers to Preferred Rewards members.
Cons:
- It charges a 4% or a $10 balance transfer fee.
- It charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.
- The welcome offer of $300 is not a high bonus compared to other flat-rate cards.
Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard
Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard credit card is one of the best credit cards for small business owners. Users can get an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 they spend on all other purchases. If you spend $3,000 in your first ninety days, you can earn $3,000 for all purchases of dining and travelling. You can get them after they turn into a $300 statement credit after redemption.
Small business owners can get travel rewards without paying off the annual Fee and foreign transaction fee. The card requires users to have a 720 to 850 excellent credit score. It requires users to have a regular APR of 13.74% to 23.74% on purchases. It offers 75% more cash points to Preferred Rewards members.
Features:
- Recommended Credit Score: 720 to 850 Excellent
- Annual Fee: $0
- Balance transfer fee: N/A
- Foreign transaction fee: None
- Intro offer: $300 statement credit
- Regular APR: 13.74% to 23.74% Variable
- Best for Small business
Pros:
- It charges no annual fee and foreign transaction penalty.
- It offers 1.5 % unlimited cash back rewards on all purchases for everything.
- It offers flexible bonus offers to Preferred Rewards members.
Cons:
- Users need to have an excellent credit score.
- It does not offer flexible welcome offers and other rewards offers.
Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard
Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard is the best card for low-budget travellers. It offers a reward of 3 points on every $1 for purchases of Spirit only. It also offers 2 points on every $1 for the grocery store and dining purchases. You can also get 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. If you spend $1,000 in your first ninety days, you will get a $100 companion flight voucher and 60,000 bonus points as a welcome offer.
The card charges an annual fee of $79 after the first year and a 3% balance transfer fee. But it does not offer any fee for foreign transactions. It offers a regular APR of 17.49% to 25.49% variable on balance transfers and purchases. The card requires users to have a credit score of 670 to 850, which is good to excellent.
Features:
- Recommended Credit Score: 670 to 850 Good to Excellent
- Annual Fee: $79
- Balance transfer fee: 3%
- Foreign transaction fee: None
- Intro offer: 40,000 bonus points, +$100 Companion Flight Voucher
- Regular APR: 17.49% to 25.49% Variable
- Best for Low-budget travellers
Pros:
- It is best for low-budget travellers.
- Cash points of users will not expire.
- It offers a welcome bonus and anniversary spend bonus.
Cons:
- It does not offer any advantage for luggage.
- It charges an annual fee of $79 after the first 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Now that you have read about Bank of America credit cards let us look at the questions people have about this credit card provider
What Is Bank of America?
Bank of America is the full-service bank in the United States, ranking second. It has its operational coverage in more than thirty-five countries. Bank of America started the general-purpose credit card in the United States in 1958. Besides credit cards, Bank of America provides other services related to financing, such as car loans, savings and checking accounts, and mortgages.
What Are the Preferred Rewards of Bank of America?
Bank of America credit cards has three tiers for the Preferred Rewards program. They are:
- Gold Preferred Rewards: It requires a $20,000 to $50,000 balance.
- Platinum Preferred Rewards: It requires $50,000 to $100,000 balance.
- Platinum Honors Rewards: It requires a $100,000 combined balance of three months.
What Credit Score Do I Need to Qualify for a Bank of America Credit Card?
Almost all Bank of America credit cards require users to have a good to excellent credit score to get approved. Before applying for a credit card, check your credit score first. You must have a minimum 670 credit score to qualify for a Bank of America credit card.
How Do I Get Approved for a Bank of America Credit Card?
All Bank of America credit cards demands different approval points. Some offer high credit scores, and some have high APR variables. If you are worried about your credit score, you can match your score to the different credit cards to know the credit card you can get approved. You don’t have to worry about approval because Bank of America credit cards is available for everyone, from low-budget travellers to large business owners.
Which Bank of America Card Has the Best Benefits or Rewards?
All Bank of America credit cards offers different and unique benefits and rewards. You have to check the rewards and benefits of a credit card match your financial goals and expenses. Other than that, the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card offers the best rewards offers. The rewards include a $500 statement credit after your spending of $3,000. It also offers 2 points on purchases of travel and dining and 1.5 points on all other purchases. Preferred Rewards Members can get 75% more cash points with their large savings.
Is a Bank of America Credit Card Worth Getting?
Bank of America has a wide range of credit cards, including personal and business ones. Credit cards offer flexible perks and flexible benefits for different spenders and consumers.
- People who want travel and cash back rewards can earn them all from a Bank of America credit card.
- People who want good credit with a low-interest rate can get 0% APR for all purchases and balance transfers from Bank of America credit cards.
- Many Bank America credit cards charge no annual fee, so users can get rewards bonuses and raise their credit score by getting Bank of America credit cards.
Conclusion
This article is a comprehensive study about the Bank of America, which is ideal for beginners since they have limited knowledge on the topic. In the first section, we covered the classes of people that should get their credit cards from this credit card provider. In the next section, we listed the factors you should heed before getting any credit card. Next, we discussed how the Bank of America credit card works. And finally, the last section provided details of the top Bank of America credit cards. This guide will enhance your knowledge about the Bank of America cards.
