Bank of America
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card
Key Features
| Annual Fee | $0.00 |
| Rewards Rate | 1.5x Points on all purchases |
| Intro APR | Introductory APR None |
| Regular APR | Standard APR 27.74% variable |
| Other Fees | Balance Transfer Fee 5% of each transaction |
| Network | Visa |
About this card
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card is a good option for individuals focused on building or rebuilding credit while simultaneously earning practical travel rewards. Its standout features include a robust fee structure, particularly the absence of an annual fee and foreign transaction fees (Fees Rating: 4.5/5.0), which is exceptional for a secured card. The rewards program is remarkably strong for its category, offering an unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, with flexible travel and dining redemption options (Rewards Rating: 4.0/5.0). The card also benefits from a strong issuer reputation, effectively serving as a credit-building tool and an entry point into the Bank of America ecosystem (Reputation Rating: 4.5/5.0). However, significant drawbacks prevent it from achieving a higher rating. The most notable concern is the very high variable APR of 27.74% (APR Rating: 1.5/5.0), which makes carrying a balance extremely costly and undermines much of the card's value proposition. Additionally, the card offers no sign-up bonus (Sign-up Bonus Rating: 0.5/5.0), a common perk that could provide initial value to new cardholders. While the security deposit is inherent to secured cards, the punitive APR and lack of introductory offers are considerable limitations. Overall, the card successfully serves its target audience by offering valuable features like no annual fee and consistent rewards while facilitating credit growth. However, users must be diligent in paying balances in full to avoid the punitive interest rates. Considering the balance of strong fees and rewards against the very high APR and lack of a bonus, the card earns an overall rating of 3.2, placing it in the 'Good' category.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Rewards on all purchases
- Helps build or rebuild credit
- Flexible travel and dining redemptions
Things to consider
- High regular APR
- No sign-up bonus
- Security deposit required
- High balance transfer fee
- No intro APR period
What this card offers
Rewards
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on everyday purchases.
Other features
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Help establish, strengthen, or even rebuild your credit and earn unlimited points with no expiration on points as long as your account remains open
- A minimum security deposit of $200 (maximum of $5,000) is required to open this account.
- Your maximum credit limit will be determined by the amount of the security deposit you provide, your income and your ability to pay the credit line established.
- We'll periodically review your account and, based on your overall credit history (including your account and overall relationship with us, and other credit cards and loans), you may qualify to have your security deposit returned. Not all customers will qualify.
- Access to credit education on topics like using credit cards responsibly, budgeting and more.
- Enrich your experience as a Bank of America customer with the BofA Rewards program—starting with a rewards bonus on every credit card purchase.
- No blackout dates or restrictions and points do not expire as long as your account remains open.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Flexibility to redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants – including takeout.
- We block potential fraud if abnormal patterns are detected and let you know if we suspect fraudulent activity. Plus, you always get a $0 Liability Guarantee for fraudulent transactions. Learn more at the Security Center
- An optional service to help prevent declined purchases, returned checks or other overdrafts when you link your eligible Bank of America checking account to your credit card. No transfer fees. Other fees may apply.
- Opt for paperless credit card statements and increase account security while reducing paper consumption.
- Discover more ways to pay by adding your Bank of America credit card to your mobile device then shop in-store or in-app using Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay.
- Access to our award-winning Online and Mobile Banking. Bank on the go from almost anywhere quickly and securely. Pay your credit card bill online, transfer funds, check available credit and more.
- Stay on top of your balances and due dates. Choose from several types of customer email or text alerts and let your phone tell you when payments are due and paid.
Additional Notes
Secured card products are not eligible for a new account bonus offer, like a bonus points offer and introductory APRs are not available. Note: minimum payments are applied to lower-interest balances first. Additional payments are applied to higher-interest balances first.