Bank Of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card Review [2024]: Unlimited Rewards and No Annual Fee

CREDIT CARDS - TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS
Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card offers a simple rewards system. But is it as good as other travel credit cards?
Updated March 12, 2024
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Who doesn’t love travel rewards? With the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, cardholders can earn unlimited rewards points at a fixed rate of 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases with $0 annual fee.

This credit card features a simple and straightforward rewards program, but some might find the rewards rate relatively low. Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members could earn more, however.

If you're thinking about applying for the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, this review will help you decide if it's right for your wallet.

Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards

4.1

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Annual Fee

$0

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details

In this Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card review

Key Takeaways

  • The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card has a simple, flat-rate rewards structure and a $0 annual fee.
  • You can earn 1.5X bonus points for every $1 spent (along with the regular 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases) through the Bank of America Travel Center.
  • Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members can earn 25% to 75% more points.

Who should get the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card?

Individuals looking for a simple and straightforward rewards program will like the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card. With fixed rewards of 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, there’s no need to worry about spending in specific categories to maximize your rewards.

If you’re already a Bank of America customer, this travel credit card is a sensible option — especially if you qualify for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® distinction. Preferred Rewards members can earn even more points. (More on that later!)

If you’re looking to maximize travel rewards or receive the best travel perks available, you might be better off with one of the best travel credit cards, even if it carries an annual fee. Some cards offer a higher earnings rate on certain purchases. Still, the Bank of America Travel Rewards card is a decent option, especially if you earn Preferred Rewards status.

Card basics

Card type Travel
Credit card issuer Bank of America
Credit card network Visa
Annual fee $0
Welcome offer 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 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
Recommended credit score Excellent, Good
Intro APR 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR)

0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR)
Foreign transaction fee 0%

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card benefits and perks

Generous welcome bonus

New cardmembers can 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 is especially generous considering that there’s a $0 for the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card.

For comparison, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card allows you to earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months (that’s a $200 cash redemption value) and also has a $0 annual fee.

Simple rewards rate

You can earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, which is a great fit if you don’t want to worry about which card to use for what spending category. That said, there are cards, like the Wells Fargo Autograph Card, that allow you to earn more if your travel is concentrated in certain areas, like restaurants or travel.

You can earn more rewards if you qualify for Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program.

Qualifying for the program is based on the combined balance you carry across your Bank of America bank accounts and/or Merrill investment accounts. You could earn anywhere from 25% to 75% more points.

Other notable perks

  • Introductory APR offer: Take advantage of the Bank of America Travel Rewards card's introductory 0% APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR). You also receive 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR).
  • Credit score access: You can opt-in to receive your FICO Score every month for free. Access your credit score through your account online or through the Bank of America mobile banking app.
  • You also have access to Visa Signature benefits, like extended warranty, lost luggage insurance, and travel cancellation and interruption insurance.

Drawbacks to the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card

Low earnings rate

While the Bank of America Travel Rewards card does offer 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, which is decent for a $0-annual-fee card, lots of other travel cards provide a higher rewards rate. And if you’re willing to pay a relatively modest annual fee, you could earn significantly more.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a $95. For that fee, you earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases. It also has an impressive welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

If you don’t want to pay an annual fee or if your preferences don’t line up with spending categories, the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card could be a better choice.

Earning & redeeming Bank of America rewards

Potential earnings in years one and two

Here's a look at how your points can add up with the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card. To calculate these values, we used a point valuation of one cent.

Remember, this is an estimation. The actual value will be determined by how much you spend and in which categories you spend.

Year one earnings: $752.50

Year two earnings: $502.50

These values are based on the FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model which takes a look at points earned via spending, the welcome offer, and the annual fee. They don't account for any bonus rewards you might earn when you book trips through the Bank of America Travel Center or the added value you could get if you qualify for Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program. 

Best ways to earn

Earning rewards is simple with this Bank of America credit card; cardmembers earn a flat-rate 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. There are no bonus categories such as dining purchases or groceries, which is great for people who like travel rewards but don’t want to devote time to activating different categories each quarter. You simply earn straightforward rewards, whether you're spending on takeout, gas, or at the grocery store.

Frequent travelers can maximize their earnings by booking travel through Bank of America’s Travel Center. All qualifying travel purchases made on your card through their Travel Center earn 3 points per dollar spent (1.5X points and 1.5X online bonus points).

If you qualify for Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program, you can achieve higher earning rates. To qualify, you need to be a Bank of America customer or have an investment account through Merrill. With this 3-tiered program, you can earn a 25% to 75% rewards bonus, depending on your status. Your specific tier is based on your three-month average combined balance of Bank of America bank accounts and/or Merrill investment accounts.


Bonus percentage Rewards rate Rewards rate for Travel Center purchases
Normal spending N/A 1.5X points 3 points
Gold Preferred

(balances of $20k to $50k)

25% 1.875X points 3.75 points
Platinum Preferred (balances of $50k to $100k) 50% 2.25X points 4.5 points
Platinum Honors (balances of $100k+) 75% 2.625X points 5.25 points

Maximizing your redemptions

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card doesn’t require that you use a specific website or service to redeem points for travel. Simply book trips using your credit card and redeem points for a travel statement credit for hotels, flights, rental cars, cruises, vacation packages, baggage fees, and more. Plus, you can enjoy flexibility with no blackout dates or restrictions.

With this card, you need to accumulate at least 2,500 points in order to redeem them for travel credits. Points are valued at $0.01 each when used for travel credits. Cardholders can also use their points for cash rewards — but redemptions start at 2500 points for $15, making the value only $0.006 per point. If you prefer to redeem your points for cash rewards, you can request a check or a deposit account credit to an eligible Bank of America or Merrill Cash Management account.

You can also redeem your Bank of America points for gift cards. However, the redemption value varies depending on the gift card.

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card FAQs

Is the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card a good card?

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card may be a good travel credit card for people who want simple rewards and redemption options. This card can also be a great option for current Bank of America customers. However, some premium credit cards offer higher earning rates.

How much are Bank of America rewards worth?

The total value of your Bank of America rewards will depend on the redemption option you choose. Bank of America rewards points are worth $0.01 each when redeemed for travel. Points are worth $0.006 each when redeemed for cash back.

How do I book a flight with Bank of America travel rewards?

You can book flights through the Bank of America Travel Center, or directly through airlines or other travel sites, and then redeem your points for statement credits. This can be a great way to offset the cost of your travel expenses.


Other cards to consider

While the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card can be a good option for some travelers, it's not the best credit card for everyone.

If you’re looking for a premium rewards credit card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card gives you more bang for your buck than the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card. A favorite among Chase fans, this card does carry a $95 annual fee, but it has no foreign transaction fees, and new cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 in travel rewards if you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Read our full Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review.

Another solid alternative is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. This credit card offers 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25. You could also earn 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. The Venture X credit card comes with a $395 annual fee.

Read our full Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review.

Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards

4.1

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Why We Like It

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

See how these cards compare:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • 25% more value when redeeming rewards for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • 10% anniversary point bonus each year
  • $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through Ultimate Rewards
  • Premium travel protection benefits
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
  • Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
  • 10,000-mile annual anniversary bonus
  • Up to 10 miles per dollar
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit
  • Access to Capital One and Priority Pass lounges
  • 19.99% - 29.99% (variable) purchase APR
  • Rates and fees

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