Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card Review: Simple, Flexible No-Fee Travel
Looking for an effortless way to earn travel rewards without an annual fee? Our review of the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card reveals its simple earning, flexible redemptions, and how existing BofA customers can maximize its value.
| Annual Fee | $0.00 |
| Sign-up Bonus | 25,000 bonus points |
| Rewards Rate | 1.5x points on all purchases |
| Intro APR | 0% for 15 billing cycles Applies to purchases, and to any balance transfers made within 60 days of opening your account |
| Regular APR | Standard APR 17.74% - 27.74% variable After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 17.74% to 27.74% will apply. |
| Other Fees | 3% of each transaction intro balance transfer fee for the first 60 days your account is open. After the intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for all future balance transfers is 5%. |
Overview
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a standout choice for travelers seeking simplicity and value without the commitment of an annual fee. Cardholders earn a straightforward, unlimited 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all purchases, which can be redeemed as a flexible statement credit against travel and dining expenses. Adding to its appeal is a generous sign-up bonus: earn 25,000 online bonus points (worth a $250 statement credit) after spending just $1,000 in the first 90 days. Combined with no foreign transaction fees, it's an excellent travel companion for use both at home and abroad.
Beyond its simple rewards, the card packs in extra value with a lengthy 0% introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. The card's earning power gets a significant boost for existing Bank of America customers enrolled in the Preferred Rewards program, who can earn up to 75% more on every purchase, making it a truly top-tier earner for loyal BofA clients. All told, this card is an ideal fit for beginners in the travel rewards world or anyone who prioritizes no-fuss rewards and no annual fee. It’s especially powerful for Bank of America customers looking to maximize their existing relationship.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period
- Generous sign-up bonus
- High rewards rate
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible travel redemption
Things to consider
- High regular APR
- High balance transfer fee
Benefits
Straightforward Welcome Offer
Right from the start, this card offers a solid welcome bonus that's easy to earn. New cardholders can receive 25,000 online bonus points after spending just $1,000 in the first 90 days. This bonus is worth a straightforward $250 when redeemed as a statement credit toward travel or dining purchases. For a card with no annual fee, this is a generous and highly attainable offer that provides immediate value without a hefty spending requirement.
Simple and Flexible Rewards
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card keeps earning simple with an unlimited 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all purchases. There are no bonus categories to track, making it an excellent choice for everyday spending. Points are easy to redeem as a statement credit against a wide range of travel and dining expenses, from flights and hotel stays to restaurant meals and baggage fees. This flexibility is a major advantage, as you aren't locked into a specific travel portal—you can book your travel however you want and then use your points to offset the cost.
Furthermore, a key feature is the ability to earn even more if you are a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member. Depending on your tier, you could earn a 25% to 75% rewards bonus, boosting your earning rate to as high as 2.625 points per dollar. This potential makes it one of the most rewarding flat-rate travel cards available for existing Bank of America customers.
Essential Travel-Friendly Perks
Beyond points, the card delivers significant value through its fee structure. It charges no annual fee and, crucially for travelers, no foreign transaction fees. This combination makes it an ideal companion for international trips, saving you the typical 3% fee other cards often charge on purchases abroad. Additionally, new cardholders can take advantage of a 0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases, offering valuable flexibility for financing a large trip or other big-ticket items without incurring interest.
Drawbacks
The primary consideration with this card is its potentially high ongoing APR. While the introductory 0% APR offer is excellent for financing new purchases or a balance transfer, the regular variable APR of 17.74% - 27.74% can be costly. Anyone who tends to carry a balance from month to month may find that interest charges quickly erase the value of any rewards they earn.
While the rewards rate of 1.5 points per dollar is solid for a no-annual-fee card, its true potential is only unlocked for existing Bank of America customers with large balances who qualify for the Preferred Rewards program. For those outside that ecosystem, other flat-rate cards that offer 2% cash back on all purchases may provide more value. Furthermore, as a straightforward travel card, it lacks the premium perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance protections, or the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners that you'd find on travel cards with an annual fee.
Decision Guidance
This card is an excellent choice for travelers who value simplicity and want to avoid an annual fee, offering a straightforward 1.5 points on every purchase. It's particularly powerful for existing Bank of America Preferred Rewards members, who can significantly boost their earning rate, making it one of the best flat-rate cards available. However, if you don't bank with BofA, you may find competing no-annual-fee cards that offer higher rewards in specific spending categories.
Summary
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is an excellent choice for travelers who value simplicity and want to avoid an annual fee. Its straightforward 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases makes earning easy, but the card's true power is unlocked for existing Bank of America clients in the Preferred Rewards program, who can boost their earnings up to a market-leading rate. If you're not a BofA customer, you'll still get a solid, no-fuss travel card, but those who can leverage the relationship bonus will find it an unbeatable value.