Bank of America Student Credit Card Comparison [2024]: Which One is Right for You?

Bank of America offers a range of student credit cards designed to help young adults build credit while potentially earning rewards on everyday spending. With no annual fees, these cards provide affordable options if you’re just starting your financial journey.

Each Bank of America student credit card comes with unique perks tailored to different spending preferences — whether you’re looking to earn cash back on groceries, gas, and online shopping or to accumulate points for travel-related expenses. Most of these cards offer both generous welcome offers and an introductory APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.

Here’s a detailed Bank of America student credit card comparison to help you decide which may suit your needs best.

Key takeaways

• There are no annual fees for Bank of America’s student credit cards.
• Only the Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card for Students doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
• I’d recommend Bank of America student credit cards because of their incentives — I use mine primarily for qualifying balance transfers.
• You typically need to have a good-to-excellent credit score to qualify for a Bank of America student credit card.

Student card comparison

	Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students 4.75 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students 4.8 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students 3.5 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students 4.8 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Annual fee	$0	$0	$0	$0
Welcome offer	Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening	Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening	None	Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Reward rate	3% cash back in the category of your choice and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and 1% cash back on all other purchases	unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases	None	1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
Intro APRs	0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 18.49% - 28.49% Variable) 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles, and then 18.49% - 28.49% Variable	0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 18.49% - 28.49% Variable) 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles, and then 18.49% - 28.49% Variable	0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers for 18 billing cycles for any qualifying balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 15.49% - 25.49% Variable) 0% intro APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles, and then 15.49% - 25.49% Variable	0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, and then 18.49% - 28.49% Variable 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles, and then 18.49% - 28.49% Variable
Other benefits	Balance transfer fee of 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4% Overdraft protection available Free FICO score and Better Money Habits resources	Balance transfer fee of 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4% Overdraft protection available Free FICO score and Better Money Habits resources	Balance transfer fee of 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4% Overdraft protection available Free FICO score and Better Money Habits resources	Balance transfer fee of 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4% Overdraft protection available Free FICO score and Better Money Habits resources
Foreign transaction fee	3%	3%	3%	0%

Our verdict

Bank of America’s student credit cards offer many of the same benefits, such as a generous intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, a welcome bonus, a lower intro balance transfer fee, an overdraft protection option, and free monthly FICO scores. So, choosing the best one depends on how you plan to use the card.

If you’re studying abroad or travel often, the Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card for Students is likely best because you can get unlimited travel points for the things you buy and pay no foreign transaction fees. But if you want cash back on all purchases, the Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students or Bank of America^® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students is better. And, if you want a longer intro APR period for purchases and qualifying balance transfers and don’t mind the lack of rewards, the BankAmericard^® Credit Card for Students is a solid option.

It’s important to note that all Bank of America credit cards for students typically require good to excellent credit, so if your credit score is under 670, you may want to apply for a different card.

Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students benefits and drawbacks

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students credit card is a good choice if your spending tends to be focused on just one area. With this card, you earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and 1% cash back on all other purchases, and you can change your category once monthly.

It’s important to note that there is a quarterly $2,500 cap on purchases where you earn elevated cash back. That means you may need to keep an eye on your spending and switch to a different card when you hit the cap if you’re looking to maximize your earnings. Rewards won’t expire for as long as your account stays open.

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students card offers a nice welcome offer for new users where you can earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. It also has intro APR offers:

• 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days on qualifying balance transfers (then 18.49% - 28.49% Variable)
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles, and then 18.49% - 28.49% Variable

If you plan to transfer a balance to the card, the balance transfer fee is 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%.

Read our Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students review.

Bank of America^® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students benefits and drawbacks

The Bank of America^® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students is good for earning money for daily spending. While the all purchases flat cashback rewards rate is less than what you could earn on select purchases with the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card, there are no caps to limit your earnings. The cash rewards also don’t expire while your credit card account is open.

As a new Bank of America Ultimate Cash Rewards for Students card user, you could earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Plus, there are intro APR offers.

• 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days on qualifying balance transfers (then 18.49% - 28.49% Variable)
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles, and then 18.49% - 28.49% Variable

Read our Bank of America Ultimate Cash Rewards for Students review.

BankAmericard^® Credit Card for Students benefits and drawbacks

The key advantage to the BankAmericard^® Credit Card for Students is that it offers longer intro APR periods than the other Bank of America student credit cards.

• 0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers for 18 billing cycles for any qualifying balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 15.49% - 25.49% Variable)
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles, and then 15.49% - 25.49% Variable

Otherwise, there aren’t many perks with the BankAmericard for Students. You don’t earn cash rewards or travel points with your purchases. The card has a 3% foreign transaction fee, and you must still have fair, good, or excellent credit to get approved.

Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card for Students benefits and drawbacks

The Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card for Students lets you earn points on purchases and redeem them for statement credits toward travel-related expenses like airlines, hotels, timeshares, RV rentals, cruise lines, tour operators, trains and buses, and tourist attractions, as well as restaurants and bars. You’ll earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, and the point redemption value is $0.01. Points are unlimited and won’t expire with an open account.

You could also earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases. This card also has a $0 annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and intro APR offers.

• 0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, and then 18.49% - 28.49% Variable
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles, and then 18.49% - 28.49% Variable

While you can also redeem your travel points for cash, that may not be wise because the redemption value is considerably lower. Since travel points are redeemed at $0.01 per point when used to offset travel and dining purchases, 2,500 points will equal $25. But when you redeem your points for cash deposited into a Bank of America checking or savings account or Merrill investment account, you’ll only get $0.006 per point (2,500 points = $15).

Read our Bank of America Travel Rewards Card for Students Review.

How each card excels

Where these Bank of America credit cards excel is having no annual fees and providing generous introductory APR offers on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. With the exception of BankAmericard, the Bank of America student cards offer rewards on everyday purchases and feature welcome bonuses that are relatively easy to attain.

3 important differences between Bank of America student credit cards

While there are many similarities among the four Bank of America student credit cards, these key differences may make one better for your needs than the others.

1. Introductory APR period

All of Bank of America’s student credit cards offer an introductory APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for several billing cycles after you open your account. The intro APR on qualifying balance transfers attracted me to open a Bank of America credit card. What I love about my card is that after I paid off my balance transfer, the bank eventually sent me another APR offer (which isn’t a guarantee for everyone).

Winner: The BankAmericard for Students has the best introductory APR offers because they last the longest (18 billing cycles for any qualifying balance transfers made in the first 60 days).

2. Foreign transaction fees

Three of the Bank of America student credit cards — Bank of America Cash Rewards for Students, Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students, and BankAmericard — all charge foreign transaction fees. The Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students card doesn’t charge those fees, so it can be helpful if you’re studying abroad or otherwise travel often.

Winner: The Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students beats the other student credit cards in this category because it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

3. Rewards structures

The Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, and the Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students card allows you to earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. Neither card limits your rewards.

The Bank of America Customized Cash for Students card has a more complex structure: 3% cash back in the category of your choice and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Winner: Depending on your spending habits, the Bank of America Customized Cash for Students card might win for its higher cashback rates on certain purchases, or the Ultimate Cash Rewards and Travel Rewards cards might win for their unlimited rewards potential.

Which credit card should you choose?

When you should choose Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students

You should choose the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students card if you often spend money in the elevated earnings categories. Examples include gas and EV charging stations, dining, travel, drug stores, home improvement, and online shopping. It’s also one of the best rewards credit cards to use to pay for groceries and get cash back.

When you should choose Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students

You should choose the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students card if you want to earn unlimited cash back on all purchases without worrying about categories.

When you should choose BankAmericard for Students

You should pick the BankAmericard for Students if you prefer a longer intro APR period.

When you should choose Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students

You should choose the Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students card if you travel often or study abroad because this card has no foreign transaction fees. If you’re an avid traveler, this card could help you save money on your adventures by letting you redeem points toward travel and dining purchases.

FAQs

Bottom line

Bank of America’s credit cards for students offer a variety of features to suit different needs, from cash back to travel rewards. With no annual fees and introductory APR offers, these cards provide strong incentives if you’re looking to build credit, and most of them offer rewards.

Which Bank of America student credit card is best depends on your spending habits and financial goals. If travel is a priority, the Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students card is ideal for unlimited points and no foreign transaction fees. The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students or Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students may be more suitable if you want cash back on everyday expenses while the BankAmericard offers the longest introductory APR period.

Whichever card you choose, typically having a good to excellent credit score is important for approval.

Double Rewards on Gas and Dining

Discover it^® Student Chrome

4.55

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Discover it^® Student Chrome

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Lucrative welcome offer
• Introductory low APR offer on purchases
• No foreign transaction fees

Drawbacks

• Limited international acceptance
• Spending cap on earnings
• Limited bonus categories

Card Details

• INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
• Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• No credit score required to apply.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.49% - 26.49% applies. Rates as of December 12, 2024.
• Terms and conditions apply.