/images/2018/01/23/navina-side-hustle-mid_MPfEDfV.jpg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
/authors/kevin_payne_updated.png)
/authors/yahia-barakah-financebuzz.jpg)
We recommend the BankAmericard® credit card as a valuable tool for managing existing credit card debt since it comes with 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any qualifying balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR). It also has an intro APR offer on purchases, allowing you to manage large upcoming purchases.
However, the BankAmericard doesn’t earn any rewards, so we don’t recommend it for someone who’s looking for a balance transfer credit card that also earns cash back, points, or miles.
Let’s take a closer look at this $0-annual-fee balance transfer card from Bank of America.
Key takeaways
- We recommend the BankAmericard® credit card as one of the best balance transfer credit cards from Bank of America. It has $0 annual fees and two intro APR offers.
- This card offers 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any qualifying balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR).
- The BankAmericard also offers 0% intro APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles (then 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR).
- The drawback of the BankAmericard is that it doesn’t earn any rewards.
Who should get the BankAmericard® credit card?
We think that BankAmericard can be an excellent fit for someone who plans to use it to manage existing credit card debt. If you have lingering credit card debt from other cards with high interest rate charges, the BankAmericard can help you squash that debt without pesky interest (though, there is a balance transfer fee).
The BankAmericard offers these introductory APR periods:
- 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any qualifying balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR)
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles (then 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR).
This card’s long intro APR periods and $0 annual fee make it one of the better balance transfer cards out there. Just make sure to pay off any large purchases or balance transfers before the introductory period ends, which is when your APR will increase and shift to a variable APR.
Beyond its balance transfer perks, the BankAmericard doesn’t offer rewards on your purchases or other attractive benefits. It has a few travel perks, such as complimentary admission to select U.S. museums. Some of the best 0% intro APR credit cards offer similar intro APR periods while still earning valuable rewards.
BankAmericard basics
| Card type | Balance Transfer |
| Credit card issuer | Bank of America |
| Credit card network | Mastercard |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Welcome offer | Extensive introductory APR offer on purchases and qualifying balance transfers |
| Intro APR | 0% intro APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles (then 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR) 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any qualifying balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR) (Balance transfer fee — 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%) |
| Reward rate | Doesn't earn rewards |
| Recommended credit score | Excellent, Good |
| Foreign transaction fee | 3% |
Why we like the BankAmericard: benefits and perks
- Intro APR: Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles (then 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR). You also get a 0% APR for 18 billing cycles for any qualifying balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR).
- $0 annual fee: The BankAmericard has a $0 annual fee, which is perfect for someone looking to pay down debt, not add to it.
- Complimentary museum access: With Museums on Us®, this credit card provides you with free general admission to more than 225 museums and cultural institutions in the U.S. This access is available during the first full weekend of every month.
- Access to FICO score: When you’re trying to pay down debt and build credit, it’s important to know where you stand. BankAmericard gives cardholders access to their FICO credit score for free through the Bank of America online banking portal or the lender's mobile banking app.
- No penalty APR: Sometimes credit cards will charge a penalty APR if you have late payments. Typically this is higher than the regular APR on purchases. There is no penalty APR with the BankAmericard.
- Security: Stay safe with the BankAmericard. It offers fraud protection, including alerts to any suspicious spending patterns. Cardholders always receive a $0 fraud liability guarantee for fraudulent transactions.
- Extended warranty coverage: Extend the manufacturer warranty on eligible purchases by up to 12 months. You can receive up to $10,000 per successful claim.
What we don’t like about the BankAmericard: drawbacks
- No rewards: This card has no rewards program, so cardholders do not earn points, miles, or cash back with the BankAmericard at gas stations, grocery stores, or any other place.
- Credit score requirements: In order to get approved for the BankAmericard, you need a good to excellent credit score. If your credit score is in the fair range, a different card would be a better option.
BankAmericard FAQ
What is the highest credit limit for Bank of America?
Unfortunately, credit limits aren’t published by Bank of America and depend on your creditworthiness. Getting a credit limit increase is relatively simple with Bank of America. Sign in to your online account and select the Information & Services tab.
The info you see there will tell you whether you are eligible for a credit line increase. You can also call Bank of America’s customer service number located on the back of your card.
What credit score is needed for BankAmericard?
You need a good to excellent credit score rating to qualify for this card. Good credit scores fall within the range of 700-749. Your credit score is one of the deciding factors the financial institution may use to determine if you’re eligible for the BankAmericard.
Do balance transfers affect your credit score?
Anything that involves your credit could affect your credit score, at least temporarily. If you open a new card account to transfer a balance, there will be a hard credit inquiry, which can lower your score. Other factors that could make your score go up or down after a balance transfer include:
- Credit utilization
- Credit card account age
- New card payments
Is BankAmericard a good credit card?
BankAmericard is a good credit card if you have existing credit card debt you want to pay off without worrying about interest fees and other charges. Once the introductory APR period ends, there are few reasons to continue using the BankAmericard for spending. This credit card offers no rewards and has limited perks. Other Bank of America credit cards may offer more benefits in the long run.
Other cards to consider
Another credit card to consider is the Chase Freedom Flex® if you’re looking for a good balance transfer card. It comes with a 0% introductory APR for 15 months (then 19.74% - 28.49% Variable) on purchases. It has a $0 annual fee and you can earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Chase Freedom Flex cardholders earn 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories you activate (on up to $1,500 spent) and travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery service); and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Read our full Chase Freedom Flex® review.
BankAmericard review: bottom line
We think that the BankAmericard® credit card can be a great fit for you if you’re looking for a credit card with lengthy APR offers on purchases or balance transfers. This card can help you manage a large upcoming purchase or an existing credit card debt.
With a $0 annual fee, the BankAmericard is an easy card to keep. However, beyond its intro APR periods, you may not find much use for it since it doesn’t earn any rewards.
If you’d prefer a card with intro APR offers that also earns rewards, check out our list of the best 0% intro APR credit cards.