Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card: A Simple Way to Travel Smarter

Traveling doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, especially with the right credit card in your wallet. The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is a fantastic option for casual travelers who want straightforward rewards without the hassle of annual fees or complex redemption rules. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an international adventure, this card offers flexibility, value, and perks that make it a solid choice for beginners and seasoned travelers alike. Let’s dive into why this card might be your next travel companion.

No Annual Fee, No Fuss

One of the standout features of the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is its $0 annual fee. Unlike many travel cards that charge hefty yearly fees for premium perks, this card keeps things budget-friendly. This makes it ideal for occasional travelers who want to earn rewards without committing to an annual cost. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, so you can swipe your card abroad without worrying about extra charges piling up. Whether you’re grabbing coffee in Paris or booking a hotel in Tokyo, your purchases stay cost-effective.

Simple and Flexible Rewards Structure

The card’s rewards program is refreshingly straightforward. You earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no categories to track or limits to hit. If you book travel through the Bank of America Travel Center, you’ll earn 3 points per $1 spent, giving you a nice boost for flights, hotels, or car rentals. The simplicity of this structure is perfect for those who don’t want to juggle bonus categories or activate quarterly offers.

Points are versatile, too. You can redeem them as a statement credit for travel or dining purchases made within the last 12 months, covering everything from flights and hotels to car rentals, cruises, and even takeout. Each point is worth 1 cent when redeemed for travel or dining, so 25,000 points equal $250 in value. You can also redeem for cash or gift cards, though the value drops to about 0.6 cents per point, so travel redemptions are the way to go for maximum value.

Generous Welcome Bonus

New cardholders can jumpstart their rewards with a 25,000 online bonus points offer after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening. That’s worth $250 toward travel purchases, which could cover a round-trip flight or a few nights at a hotel. Compared to other no-annual-fee cards, this is a competitive offer that adds immediate value.

Boost Your Earnings with Preferred Rewards

If you’re already a Bank of America customer, the Preferred Rewards program can supercharge your earnings. Depending on your account balance (starting at $20,000 across eligible Bank of America or Merrill accounts), you can earn a 25% to 75% bonus on every purchase. For example, at the highest tier (Platinum Honors), your 1.5 points per $1 become 2.62 points per $1, and Travel Center purchases jump to 5.25 points per $1. This makes the card incredibly rewarding for those already in the Bank of America ecosystem.

Intro APR for Purchases and Balance Transfers

The card also offers a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days, followed by a variable APR of 18.24% to 28.24%. This gives you over a year to pay off big purchases or transferred balances without interest, which is great for financing a trip or consolidating debt while earning rewards.

Visa Signature Perks

As a Visa Signature card, it comes with travel-friendly benefits like auto rental collision damage waiver, lost luggage reimbursement, roadside dispatch, and concierge services. While it doesn’t offer luxury perks like lounge access, these protections add peace of mind for travelers. The card also features chip technology and a $0 fraud liability guarantee, ensuring secure transactions at home or abroad.

Additional Benefits for Bank of America Customers

Cardholders get access to Museums on Us, offering free admission to over 225 museums nationwide on the first full weekend of each month. This is a unique perk for culture enthusiasts looking to explore local attractions. Plus, the card’s contactless payment option and compatibility with mobile banking make it convenient for everyday use.

Is This Card Right for You?

The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card shines for those who value simplicity and flexibility. It’s perfect for beginners or casual travelers who want a no-annual-fee card with solid rewards and no foreign transaction fees. However, if you’re a frequent traveler seeking premium perks like lounge access or transferable points, you might want to explore cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture Rewards, which offer more robust benefits for an annual fee.

For Bank of America customers, especially Preferred Rewards members, this card’s value skyrockets thanks to the bonus earning potential. If you’re not in the Preferred Rewards program and don’t plan to join, the 1.5 points per $1 might feel underwhelming compared to flat-rate cards offering 2% cash back. A credit score of 670 or higher is recommended for approval, so ensure your credit is in good shape before applying.

A great starter Card

The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is a reliable, no-frills option for travelers who want to earn rewards without overthinking their strategy. With no annual fee, a generous welcome bonus, and flexible redemption options, it’s a great starter card or a complement to other travel cards. Pair it with Preferred Rewards, and it becomes a powerhouse for earning points on every purchase. Ready to travel smarter? This card might just be your ticket to hassle-free rewards.

Sam Smith

This post is published as of May 4, 2025, and reflects information available at the time of writing regarding the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card. Please be advised that the terms, conditions, benefits, rewards, and other features described herein are subject to change at the sole discretion of the issuing bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., or its affiliates. Such changes may occur without prior notice and could affect the accuracy or applicability of the information provided. Readers are encouraged to verify the most current details directly with the bank or through official sources before making financial decisions based on this content. The author and publisher are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from reliance on this information.