Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card Review: Simple, No-Fee Travel Rewards
Discover why the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a top choice for simple, no-fee travel. We delve into its $0 annual fee, absence of foreign transaction fees, and straightforward 1.5x point earnings on every purchase.
| Annual Fee | $0.00 |
| Sign-up Bonus | 25,000 bonus points |
| Rewards Rate | 1.5x points on all purchases |
| Intro APR | 0% Intro APR for your first 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 17.49% to 27.49% will apply. 3% 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%. |
| Regular APR | Standard APR 17.49% - 27.49% variable |
| 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 who prioritize simplicity and value over complex reward schemes. Its biggest draws are the $0 annual fee and the absence of foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent, cost-effective companion for trips abroad. Cardholders earn a straightforward, unlimited 1.5 points on every dollar spent, with a generous welcome offer of 25,000 online bonus points (worth $250 toward travel and dining) after meeting an achievable initial spending goal.
Beyond its simple earning structure, the card offers great flexibility. Points can be easily redeemed as a statement credit against a wide array of travel and dining purchases, with no blackout dates or restrictions. The card also features a lengthy 0% introductory APR period on both purchases and balance transfers, adding another layer of value. While the regular APR can be high after the intro period, the card’s user-friendly rewards and fee-free structure make it ideal for beginners in the points and miles world or existing Bank of America customers who can boost their earnings through the Preferred Rewards program.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR period for purchases and balance transfers
- Generous sign-up bonus
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flat rate rewards on all purchases
- Flexible redemption options for travel and dining
Things to consider
- High regular APR
- High balance transfer fee after introductory period
Benefits
Valuable Sign-Up Bonus
For a card with no annual fee, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card starts off strong with an easy-to-earn welcome offer. New cardholders can earn 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. Those points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward a wide range of travel and dining purchases. The spending requirement is quite reasonable, making this a valuable and attainable bonus that effectively pays for a night at a hotel or a round-trip flight right from the start.
Straightforward Rewards with a Big Bonus
The card’s ongoing rewards structure is simple and effective: you’ll earn a flat, unlimited 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all purchases. There are no rotating categories or spending caps to track, which is perfect for anyone who values simplicity. The real power of this card, however, is unlocked for existing Bank of America customers. Through the Preferred Rewards program, members can receive a rewards bonus of 25% to 75% on every purchase. At the highest tier, that boosts your earning rate from 1.5x to an excellent 2.625x points per dollar, outperforming many premium travel cards.
Flexible Redemptions and Travel-Friendly Fees
Redeeming points is incredibly flexible. Instead of being locked into a specific travel portal with potential restrictions, you can book your flights, hotels, or rental cars however you want. Then, you can simply apply your points as a statement credit to erase those travel or dining purchases. This freedom is a major advantage over many competing rewards cards. This flexibility is complemented by the card’s excellent fee structure. With a $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, it’s an ideal, low-cost companion for both everyday spending and international travel.
Drawbacks
The primary drawback of this card is its rewards rate. While earning a flat 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases is simple and respectable for a no-annual-fee card, it can be outpaced by other flat-rate cards that offer 2% cash back. The card's true earning potential is only unlocked for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members, who can receive a bonus of 25% to 75% on their earnings. If you don't have a qualifying account with Bank of America, the rewards are good, but not best-in-class.
Furthermore, once the introductory 0% APR period ends, the card's ongoing variable APR can be quite high, ranging from 17.49% to 27.49%. This makes it a potentially costly option for anyone who plans to carry a balance from month to month. And while it's a travel card, it lacks the premium perks often found on cards with annual fees, such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, or credits for expedited security screening. It's a straightforward card for earning and redeeming rewards, not for accessing luxury travel benefits.
Decision Guidance
This card is ideal for travelers seeking a simple, no-annual-fee option with flexible rewards and no foreign transaction fees. Its straightforward 1.5x points on all purchases makes it a great entry-level travel card, particularly for Bank of America customers who can earn more through the Preferred Rewards program. However, spenders who want to maximize rewards in specific categories like dining or flights will likely find more value elsewhere.
Summary
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is an excellent choice for travelers who want straightforward rewards without an annual fee. Its flat 1.5 points on every purchase and lack of foreign transaction fees provide consistent, simple value, especially for spending abroad. While it forgoes the high-end travel perks of more premium cards, its flexible redemptions and cost-free structure make it ideal for rewards beginners or existing Bank of America customers looking for a low-maintenance travel card.