bank of america travel rewards card

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Credit cards > Reviews

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card review: A travel credit card for the fee-averse

Robin Saks Frankel

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Maddie Panzer

Published 6:00 a.m. UTC June 6, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card * The information for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers a simple approach to rewards, with a base rate of 1.5 points per $1 on purchases — and the chance to earn up to an impressive flat rate of 2.62 points per dollar on purchases for being a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member. 

Why trust our credit card experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

• 50+ cards analyzed.
• 8 data points considered.
• 5-step fact-checking process.

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card basics

• Annual fee: $0.
• Welcome bonus: 25,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Rewards: Earn 1.5 points per $1 on purchases, with the chance to earn 25% to 75% bonus points as a Bank of America Preferred Rewards customer. Also, earn an additional 1.5 points per dollar on Bank of America Travel Center purchases.
• APR: 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, followed by a 19.24% to 29.24% variable APR. A 3% intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days; then a 4% fee applies to future balance transfers.
• Preapproval tool: Yes.
• Recommended credit score: Good to excellent.

Bank of America Travel Rewards review

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a mainstay among no-annual-fee travel credit cards . This card offers a flat 1.5 points per $1 on purchases, but if you’re a loyal Bank of America or Merrill customer, you may be able to earn as much as 2.62 points per dollar on purchases. You’ll also earn more rewards when you use your card to book travel through the Bank of America Travel Center.

With no annual fee , the card doesn’t offer much in the way of travel benefits. But its welcome bonus is solid, giving you 25,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. And if you need an introductory APR promotion, this card offers a lengthy one, 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, followed by a 19.24% to 29.24% variable APR. A 3% intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days; then a 4% fee applies to future balance transfers.

The card can be a great introduction to travel rewards for someone who prefers to avoid an annual fee, and it can also be a great way for certain Bank of America or Merrill customers to maximize their rewards on every purchase. But if you’re serious about travel rewards and perks, a different card may be a better fit, even if it charges an annual fee. 

• Intro APR offer: The card’s intro offer is helpful for anyone wanting extra time to pay off a big purchase or looking to tackle some debt.
• Relationship bonus: Those who are already banking with Bank of America or Merrill can earn higher rewards based on their relationship tier via the bank’s Preferred Rewards program.
• Simple travel rewards: Navigating travel rewards can be complicated with some credit card programs. The flat-rate rewards on this card are relatively simple to earn and use.
• No notable travel benefits: If you want added benefits when you travel, such as robust travel protections, airport lounge access or reimbursement for the Global Entry application fee, you may be disappointed with this card.
• No everyday bonus categories: You can earn extra points when you book travel through Bank of America, but the card doesn’t offer any other bonus categories. 
• Steep price to maximize rewards: To earn the highest rewards rate possible, you’ll need a three-month combined average daily balance of at least $100,000 in eligible Bank of America deposit accounts or Merrill investment accounts. 

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card rewards

The card offers a flat base rate of 1.5 points per $1 on purchases. However, if you use your card to book travel through the Bank of America Travel Center, you’ll earn 3 points per $1 on those purchases — an extra 1.5 points per $1 on top of the base rewards rate.

Additionally, the card earns 25%, 50% or 75% more points per purchase if you’re eligible for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program. To join, you must have a three-month combined average daily balance of at least $20,000 in eligible Bank of America deposit accounts or Merrill investment accounts. 

Depending on which Preferred Rewards tier you qualify for, you can earn between 1.87 to 2.62 points per dollar on most of your purchases with this card. Note, however, that this bonus doesn’t apply to the card’s welcome offer.

The welcome offer provides 25,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. 

To redeem your rewards, simply use your card to pay for eligible travel or dining purchases, then request a statement credit with your points within 12 months of the transaction date. You can also redeem points for cash or gift cards, but you’ll only get 0.6 cents per point with cash redemptions — and gift card redemption values can vary. As a result, it’s best to stick to travel and dining statement credits.

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card rewards potential

Using government data and other publicly available information, we estimate that a household in the U.S. that would be in the market for this card has $29,525 in expenses they are likely to be able to charge to a credit card.

If you’re earning the base rate of 1.5 points per $1 on purchases, you could earn $442.88 worth of points every year. If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards customer, though, you could earn up to $773.56 in value.

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card APR details

As a new cardholder, you’ll get a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, followed by a 19.24% to 29.24% variable APR. A 3% intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days; then a 4% fee applies to future balance transfers. That’s a rare benefit among travel credit cards, so it’s even more impressive that it’s also a relatively lengthy intro APR period.

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card vs. Discover it® Miles

If you’re a big spender, you could benefit from a big bonus offer from the Discover it Miles . The card offers 1.5 miles per $1 on purchases, and Discover will automatically match all miles earned at the end of the first cardmember year, with no limit to how many miles you can earn. 

You can redeem miles as a statement credit for travel purchases made up to 180 days after they post, for cash back to a bank account or you can use them to shop online at Amazon.com and through PayPal. 

The card also has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee, but keep in mind that if you plan to travel abroad, Discover is not widely accepted internationally.

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

For a modest $95 annual fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers substantial rewards value. As a new cardholder, you’ll earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. You’ll also earn 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 2 miles per $1 on other purchases. 

You can redeem miles as statement credits for past travel purchases, use them to pay for Capital One Travel bookings or transfer them to airline or hotel loyalty programs.

In terms of perks, you’ll get an application fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (up to $100), two complimentary annual visits to Capital One Lounges or Plaza Premium Lounges, Hertz Five Star status¹, bonus miles on Turo car rentals and more. 

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. You’ll also earn 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. 

Points are typically worth 1 cent each (though the value may vary for certain redemptions). Redemption options include cash back, statement credits, gift cards, Apple purchases and online shopping. You can also use them to book travel through Chase Travel℠ and receive 25% more value per point, or transfer your points at a 1:1 rate to airline and hotel loyalty programs. 

The card also offers a $50 annual statement credit for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel, as well as partner benefits with Lyft, Instacart, DoorDash and Peloton. There’s a $95 annual fee.

Finally, the Sapphire Preferred provides a robust lineup of travel benefits, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay reimbursement and primary rental car insurance .

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome bonus.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s take

• Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
• $50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
• Valuable travel protections.
• $95 annual fee.
• Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
• Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership® Rewards and Citi ThankYou®.

Card details

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Should you get the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card?

If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, the Travel Rewards credit card can be a great way to rack up a lot of points on your everyday purchases, especially if you can qualify for the maximum 75% points bonus — which brings the earning rate up to 2.62 points per dollar spent on purchases. 

That said, it may also be worth considering another travel card with added perks for when you travel, since this one’s benefits are slim compared to popular travel cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

If you’re not a Preferred Rewards customer, the Bank of America travel card may still be a good fit if you want to earn travel rewards but don’t want to deal with an annual fee. However, it should be mentioned there are many travel credit cards that charge an annual fee but offer enough value in perks alone to make up for the cost every year. Shop around and compare several options to determine which one offers the best value for you based on your travel and spending habits.

Methodology

Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of travel credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings. We factored the following into our analysis:

• Annual fees.
• Travel reward rates.
• Value of rewards.
• Redemption options.
• Additional benefits that a card may offer for travelers, such as travel insurance.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card doesn’t publicize a minimum credit score. In part, this may be because Bank of America considers many factors when reviewing your card application, including your credit scores, credit history, other accounts at Bank of America, income and monthly bills.

However, a higher credit score may increase your chances of getting approved and receiving a low rate. As a rule of thumb, you might want to have at least a good FICO Score (670 or higher) when you apply. Additionally, you can use the Bank of America preapproval tool to see if you’ll likely get approved.

You can redeem Bank of America Travel Rewards points by using your card to pay for travel and dining purchases. You then have up to 12 months to use your points to offset the purchase at a rate of 1 cent per point, and you can offset part of the transaction if you don’t have enough points.

The minimum redemption requirement is 2,500 points ($25), which you can meet by making several small redemptions at the same time. You can also redeem points for gift cards or cash, but you may receive a lower value for each point.

Bank of America travel rewards points do not expire while your account is open and has charging privileges. If you lose charging privileges, perhaps because you missed a payment and your account isn’t in good standing, you won’t be able to redeem your points. However, you can redeem them once your charging privileges are restored.

You might forfeit unredeemed points if you close your account or Bank of America closes your account for any reason. Bank of America can give you an extension to use the points when your account is closed, but it’s not guaranteed.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card might be worth it if you want a card that doesn’t have an annual fee and offers 1.5 points per $1 on purchases you spend. However, it works like a cash-back card because you use your rewards to offset previous travel and dining purchases. With this in mind, also consider cash-back cards that don’t have annual fees. They may offer an equal or higher rewards rate on every purchase with fewer redemption restrictions.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card does not offer travel insurance as a cardholder benefit.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

¹Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

*The information for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Ben Luthi is a freelance writer who covers all things personal finance and travel. His work has appeared in dozens of online publications. Ben lives in Salt Lake City with his two children and two cats.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

Maddie Panzer is the Updates Editor on the USA TODAY Blueprint team. Prior to joining the team, she studied journalism at the University of Florida. During her studies, she worked as a reporter for the New York Post, WUFT News and News 4 Jacksonville. She was also editor-in-chief of her school’s magazine, Orange and Blue. Maddie holds a B.S. in Journalism.

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Bottom Line

Benefits and features, card comparison, why you should trust us, bank of america travel rewards credit card review 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a good travel credit card for beginners or those who prefer simplicity in earning and redeeming rewards. It's got a solid bonus for a no-annual-fee card, and you can use your points toward a wide variety of travel purchases.

Earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases

0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles for purchases and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening

19.24% - 29.24% Variable

Earn 25,000 online bonus points

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earns 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee or foreign transaction fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some cards earn more rewards, though usually only in bonus categories
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. You can't transfer points to travel partners (though you can use points to cancel out travel purchases on your statement)

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a good travel credit card for beginners or those who prefer simplicity in earning and redeeming rewards.

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

If you're in search of a no-annual-fee travel credit card that offers a straightforward points program, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is worth considering. This card offers a flat earning rate of 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, and you can redeem your rewards toward travel expenses you charge to your card.

However, if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, the card can be much more lucrative. Depending on your rewards tier, you can earn 25% to 75% more points with this card.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a good choice if you don't like dealing with complicated frequent flyer or hotel rewards programs that limit award availability and make their points hard to use. And on the earning side, there are no bonus categories or spending caps to track, either. If you're new to travel rewards, this could be a great way to start earning and redeeming points.

Detailed Overview

Welcome bonus.

With the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, you can earn a welcome bonus of 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening of account opening. Each point is worth 1 cent, so the welcome bonus offer is worth $250 in travel.

0% Intro APR

New cardholders also receive a 0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles for purchases and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening, after which a 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR applies. This can save you money if you plan to make a large purchase but want to spread the payments out over several months — as long as you have a plan to pay off the debt before the introductory period runs out.

How to Earn Points From the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card cardholders earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, with no categories or limits to keep track of. 

Things get more interesting if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards customer. The amount of money you have on deposit (like savings or investments) with Bank of America and Merrill (Bank of America's wealth management division) determines your rewards tier. Depending on your tier, you could earn 25% to 75% more rewards.

One other way to boost your returns from the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is by purchasing travel through the Bank of America travel center. In that case, you'll earn 3 points per dollar (instead of 1.5 points per dollar) for your purchase.

With the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, you'll earn points that are easy to redeem for a wide variety of travel expenses. Once you charge a travel purchase to your card, you can apply points at a rate of 1 cent each toward a statement credit to cover the purchase. The minimum redemption amount is 2,500 points ($25), and you'll have 12 months from the transaction date to apply your points.

Bank of America has a broad definition of travel, including some purchases most would classify as entertainment. Categories that qualify for a Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card travel statement credit include:

• Trailer parks
• Recreational vehicle rentals
• Campgrounds
• Car rental agencies
• Truck and trailer rental
• Cruise lines
• Travel agencies
• Tour operators and real estate agents
• Operators of passenger trains
• Boat rentals
• Parking lots and garages
• Tolls and bridge fees
• Tourist attractions
• Exhibits like art galleries
• Amusement parks, carnivals, circuses, aquariums, and zoos

If you're not traveling, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card allows you to use points for non-travel redemptions, but the rates aren't as attractive. For example, you can use points for gift cards starting at 3,125 points ($31.25), and the value per point varies.

If you prefer cash back, you can redeem points for a check or electronic deposit into a Bank of America checking or savings account, or for credit to an eligible Cash Management Account with Merrill. In that case, your points are only worth 0.6 cents apiece, which is not a great value.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card doesn't have a ton of valuable cardholder perks, which is common among credit cards with no annual fee .

Introductory 0% APR on purchases 

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card comes with a 0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles for purchases and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening. After that, there's a 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR.

Using a 0% APR credit card offer can be a good way to spread out payments for a big purchase over time without incurring huge interest charges, but you'll want to be sure you have the means and a plan to pay it off. Otherwise, you'll end up with high-interest debt after the introductory period expires.

Keep in mind there are longer intro periods on the best 0% APR credit cards  available right now, and some also include balance transfers in their offers.

No foreign transaction fees

Good travel credit cards don't charge foreign transaction fees , and the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is no exception. Because it doesn't tack on these fees, you can use the card for international purchases and not get stung with extra charges.

Free FICO score 

Primary cardholders with the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card can check their FICO score for free through Bank of America's online banking, mobile website, or mobile banking app for iPhone and Android. This is a useful tool for keeping tabs on your credit, especially if you don't have another credit card that offers free credit scores , 

Overdraft Protection

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card comes with an optional Balance Connect overdraft protection feature that lets you link your eligible Bank of America deposit account to your card. If you choose to use the service, Bank of America automatically transfers funds from your credit card account to cover overdrafts on your deposit account, as long as you have credit available on your credit card.

You won't be charged overdraft fees for this service, but you'll pay interest on the cash advance.

Mobile Wallet

When you add your Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card to digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, you can use it for in-person, online, or in-app transactions. Because your actual card number isn't stored on your device or shared with most merchants, you'll have more security when you make purchases.

$0 Liability Guarantee

Losing a credit card or having it stolen stinks, but you won't have to worry about fraudulent or unauthorized transactions on your Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card as long as you report the issue promptly.

Along with not having an annual fee and offering a 0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles for purchases and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening (then 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR), the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card doesn't add foreign transaction fees, which makes it a good pick to have in your wallet when you travel abroad.

As with most other cards, you'll pay fees for balance transfers, cash advances, and late or returned payments.

Before you decide on the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, you'll want to consider similar no-annual-fee cards, because some have better earning rates and more flexible options for redeeming rewards. For example, the  Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases, and you can use your rewards for whatever you like — not just travel.

Similarly, the Discover it® Miles earns 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases, and at the end of the first 12 billing cycles, Discover will match all the rewards you earn. This means you'll effectively earn 3 miles per dollar in the first year, and while it's framed as a travel card, you can also redeem your miles for cash back at the same rate of 1 cent per mile.

If you're more interested in cash back, Bank of America also has cash-back cards available; you can read our Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card review . Or, if you're looking for a higher-tier travel rewards card and are open to an annual fee, you can read our Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card review .

Frequently Asked Questions

Most people who are approved for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card have at least a good credit score. That means a FICO score of at least 670 or a VantageScore of 700 or more.

You still have options if your credit score is below that range. Our guides to the best credit cards for fair or average credit  and for bad credit include some cards that earn solid rewards. Keep in mind there's also a student version of this card — the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students — that offers most of the same benefits and can be easier to qualify for if you're a college student. 

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is worth it if you're looking for a simple way to earn and use credit card rewards for travel without paying an annual fee. It's best suited for beginners or those who don't want to mess with complicated award programs, but to that end, it doesn't come with a lot of benefits.

Yes, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers trip cancellation and interruption coverage, trip delay coverage, as well as lost luggage coverage like many other top travel rewards cards. This is a great benefit for those who want an additional layer of protection. 

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a Visa Signature card.

Business Insider's experts evaluated the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card relative to other no-annual-fee credit cards that earn points. It's a strong option for beginners getting into travel rewards, especially if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member.

For a closer look at our methodology, see how we rate credit cards at Business Insider.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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We are currently updating our systems to bring enhanced features to the online rewards experience. As a result, this website is temporarily unavailable. Rewards redemption will not be accessible until late afternoon on May 20. Thank you for your patience.

En este momento, estamos actualizando nuestros sistemas para incorporar características mejoradas a la experiencia de recompensas en línea. Como resultado, este sitio web se encuentra temporalmente fuera de servicio. El canje de recompensas no estará disponible hasta las últimas horas de la tarde el 20 de mayo. Gracias por su paciencia.

Important Notice

We are in the process of converting your BankAmericard Privileges ® with Travel Rewards credit card to a BankAmericard Travel Rewards ® credit card. As a result, you will not be able to access the rewards site at this time. Thank you for your patience.

Your BankAmericard Privileges ® with Travel Rewards credit card has recently been converted to a BankAmericard Travel Rewards ® credit card. Please visit bankofamerica.com to access your new rewards site and find out what your new credit card program has to offer.

14 Best Travel Credit Cards of June 2024

Best travel cards main takeaways.

• Money has evaluated hundreds of credit cards, comparing their fees, benefits, welcome offers, travel insurance policies and more.
• The top credit cards for travel offer high rewards on travel purchases, which can be redeemed for airfare, hotel nights, cash back, statement credits or more.
• Our picks feature the best travel cards for every budget and include no-annual-fee, low-annual-fee, premium and business cards.

Why Trust Us?

Our editorial team has spent well over a thousand hours analyzing, evaluating and comparing the top credit card offers in the market. We carefully vet each card’s fine print in order to understand their features, limitations and potential benefits for consumers. We review cards independently, ensuring our content is accurate and guided by editorial integrity. Read our full methodology to learn more.

• 46 travel credit cards evaluated
• 10+ data points used, including ongoing fees, reward programs and welcome offers
• 100+ sources reviewed

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings.com for our coverage of credit card products. Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Our top picks are listed strictly in alphabetical order.

Our Top Picks for Best Travel Credit Cards

Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards.

• Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for flat rate rewards
• Bilt Mastercard® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for paying rent
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee card for travel partners
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for domestic travel
• Discover it® Miles Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for simple rewards
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for everyday spending

Best low-fee-annual-fee travel credit cards

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – Best travel card for flat-rate rewards
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Best travel card for flexible rewards

Best premium travel credit cards

• American Express® Gold Card – Best travel card for dining
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Best low-cost premium travel card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Best premium travel credit card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express – Best travel card for lounge access

Best business travel credit cards

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express – Best business travel card

Best airline travel credit cards

• United℠ Explorer Card: Best airline credit card

Best Travel Credit Cards Reviews

Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards.

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Earns 1.5x points on all purchases
• No bonus category for travel
• Few benefits compared to other cards
• Limited redemption options

Why we chose it: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an easy-to-use card best suited for travel reward beginners or those who are already Bank of America customers.

Some cardholders can earn up to 75% more points if they are Bank of America Preferred Rewards members — that’s up to 2.62 points for every dollar spent.

However, the card doesn’t offer hotel and airline point transfer partners, travel insurance or extended warranty and purchase protection. Additionally, you can only redeem your points as statement credit to cover travel and dining purchases.

All information about Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com

• No annual or foreign currency conversion fee (Click herehttps://www.wellsfargo.com/credit-cards/bilt/terms/">here; for rates and fees)
• Use it to pay your rent and earn rewards without incurring any processing fees
• You can earn double points on all purchase categories (except rent payments) on the first of every month (up to 10,000 points)
• Earn 2x points on travel (when booked directly through an airline, hotels, car rental agencies and cruise lines)
• No welcome bonus or introductory APR period
• Points redeemed for statement credits are worth 0.55 cents each
• You must make at least five transactions in a statement period to earn points
• Rent payments can only be made to one rental property per month

Why we chose it: The Bilt Mastercard® lets you earn travel rewards on rent payments without incurring any processing fees — unlike most credit cards that typically charge around 2.5% to 2.9% per rent payment.

You can use the card to pay rent without worrying about surcharges. Once you get approved for the card, all you have to do is set up an account through the Bilt app or website and use your assigned routing and account number to pay rent through your usual payment portal. You can also use your card even if your landlord only accepts checks, and Bilt will send a check on your behalf.

Additionally, Bilt doubles the card’s rewards rates on the first of every month, which means you can earn 6x points on dining, 4x points on travel and 2x points on other purchases (up to 10,000 points per month). However, this bonus doesn’t apply to rent rewards.

On the downside, the Bilt Mastercard® doesn’t offer a welcome bonus, and points redeemed for statement credits are only worth 0.55 cents each.

• Can transfer your miles to 16 travel partners
• Earns 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Doesn't earn bonus points on airfare
• No domestic travel partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great option if you’re looking for a no-annual fee travel credit card with a simple rewards structure.

You can use your miles to book travel through the Capital One Travel portal or as a statement credit to cover travel purchases made from airlines, hotels, rail lines, car rental agencies and more.

You can also transfer your points to one of Capital One’s 16 travel partners, which include international airlines such as Avianca and British Airways. This option is notable since travel credit cards with no annual fee don’t typically offer the option to transfer your reward to airline and hotel partners.

However, the card’s list of bonus categories is limited compared to some other no-annual-fee credit cards, and Capital One doesn’t offer bonus points on airfare booked through Capital One Travel.

• Includes trip cancellation/interruption and car rental insurance
• Features a high flat cash back rate combined and popular bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fee

Why we chose it: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the best credit card for traveling domestically. It offers a 1.5% flat cash back rate on most purchases plus it has several appealing bonus categories, including travel and dining.

This card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, that is, on any transactions made in currency other than US dollars. However, if you mostly travel within the U.S., this card is an excellent option.

For one, you’ll earn an additional 1.5% on each of the card’s bonus categories during the first year of card membership (or up to the first $20,000 spent).

Also, although using this card abroad is not recommended, you can still use it to book international trips while you’re home, and you’ll earn 5% cash back if you book it through Chase Travel℠.

You can redeem your rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and even transfer them to other cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. It’s also worth noting that this card is one of the few no-annual-fee credit cards with rental car coverage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

• No annual or foreign transaction fees
• Discover matches the total miles you earned at the end of the first year
• Earns 1.5x miles on all purchases
• See your FICO score on the Discover mobile app, online and on statements
• Few benefits compared to other travel cards
• Doesn't include extended warranty or purchase protection

Why we chose it: The Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a no-frills card ideal for travelers who don’t want to keep track of bonus categories, earning caps or redemption values.

The card earns a flat 1.5x miles on all eligible purchases without any annual caps. You can redeem your miles for statement credits and account deposits at a rate of 1 cent per mile. You can also use your rewards through Amazon and PayPal checkout with the same value.

Also, the card’s welcome bonus is easily one of the best in the market: Discover matches every mile you’ve earned at the end of your first membership year — without any spending requirements.

However, while the Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a great starter travel card, its lack of bonus categories could hinder your reward-earning potential in the long run. Additionally, Discover cards aren’t as widely accepted internationally as Visa Signature and World Mastercard, for example.

All information about the Discover it® Miles Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

• Earn 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, select streaming services and cell phone plans
• Includes cell phone protection plan
• No airline or hotel transfer partners
• Doesn't include travel insurance
• Netflix and HBO are not eligible for streaming bonus

Why we chose it: The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is the best travel reward card for everyday spending, offering high rewards on several popular spending categories, including travel, dining, gas, streaming services and cell phone plans.

Its travel bonus category is particularly noteworthy because you can earn points regardless of where you make your reservations, whether it’s directly with an airline or through a third-party travel site like Booking.com. (Most travel credit cards limit travel rewards to bookings made exclusively through the card issuer’s travel portal.)

The card also includes rental car insurance and a cell phone protection plan when you use it to pay your monthly bill.

All information about the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

Best Low-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

• Earn 2x miles per dollar on most purchases
• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
• Includes travel accident and car rental insurance
• Fewer bonus categories than other cards with a similar annual fee ($95)
• Doesn't offer travel rewards for flights
• Car rental insurance is secondary

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture Rewards is ideal for those who want to get the most out of their spending without worrying about tracking bonus categories and spending caps.

You can redeem your miles on the Capital One travel portal and as statement credits to cover travel purchases at a value of one cent per mile. Additionally, you may transfer your miles to more than 15 airline and hotel partners.

However, keep in mind that Capital One doesn’t have domestic travel partners, which can be a drawback if you mainly travel within the U.S.

• Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel purchases through Chase TravelSM
• Receive a point bonus each account anniversary
• Includes primary rental car insurance
• Earn 3x per $1 on dining, including eligible delivery and takeout meals, select streaming services and grocery purchases
• $95 annual fee
• Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck(R) application fee credit

Why we chose this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best travel credit card for frequent travelers who want to earn valuable rewards while paying a low annual fee.

The card features six reward categories that offer outstanding rewards on flights, hotels, restaurants and more. You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through the Chase Travel℠ portal, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through Chase Travel℠, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can also transfer your points to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners at a 1:1 ratio (one Chase point equals one hotel point or airline mile). These include popular airlines and hotels like JetBlue, Southwest, United, Marriott and Hyatt.

Best Premium Travel Credit Cards

• Earns 4x points on restaurants worldwide, takeout and food delivery within the U.S.
• Up to $120 in annual dining credits, issued as a $10 statement credit per month for select restaurants (enrollment required)
• Up to $120 as Uber Cash annually ($10 per month) for food delivery orders and rides in the U.S. after you add the American Express(R) Gold Card to your Uber account
• Earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x)
• High annual fee ($250)
• Includes few travel perks and insurance policies compared to similarly priced cards

Terms apply. Please click here for applicable rates and fees.

Why we chose it: The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for foodies, offering a high reward rate at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, takeout and food delivery. (Terms apply.)

The American Express® Gold Card also offers statement credits worth up to $240 combined — almost enough to offset the card’s $250 annual fee. These include:

• Up to $120 every year in dining credits ($10 per month) for select restaurants and food delivery services. The list includes Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and Shake Shack (Enrollment required)
• Automatically get $10 monthly in Uber Cash to use on Uber Eats or Uber rides in the U.S. (after you add the American Express® Gold Card to your account)
• $100 credit for dining, spa services and other activities when you book a two-night minimum stay at a hotel from The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel
• Terms apply

However, note that the American Express® Gold Card offers fewer travel perks than some other premium cards — for instance, it doesn’t offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance or TSA PreCheck® or CLEAR® Plus fee credits.

• 10,000 bonus miles every year
• Statement credit of up to $300 for bookings made through Capital One Travel
• Up to a $100 credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
• Skip the line and get car upgrades when renting a car with Hertz
• High annual fee ($395)
• Fewer bonus categories than other premium cards
• No domestic airline transfer partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture X also includes noteworthy perks such as:

• 10,000 bonus miles every year (starting on your first anniversary)
• $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
• Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select and Plaza Premium Group
• Authorized users at no extra cost (many cards have an annual fee of $75 or more for each additional user)

All in all, the Venture X is a solid option that can easily compete with other premium travel cards, especially considering its more affordable annual fee.

• Up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year to cover travel purchases
• Transfer your points to 14 travel partners (including United, Southwest, JetBlue and Marriott)
• Points worth 50% more when redeemed for travel expenses through Chase TravelSM
• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including emergency dental insurance
• High annual fee ($550)
• Doesn't include a cell phone protection plan

Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the best credit card for travelers looking for a high reward rate on travel and additional benefits like comprehensive travel insurance and airport lounge access worldwide.

Your points are worth 50% more when you redeem them for travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal. This means each point is worth 1.5 cents per point instead of one cent, like most travel cards. Also, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides several high-end benefits such as:

• $300 annual travel credit to cover travel-related purchases like airfare, hotels, car rentals, rideshares, buses, trains, tolls and/or parking
• Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide (after a one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select)
• Statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or Nexus

The Sapphire Reserve does have a $550 annual fee. But if you take advantage of the $300 annual credit and other perks, the benefits can definitely outweigh its cost.

• Access to the widest network of airport lounges of any card
• Complimentary elite status in the Marriott and Hilton hotel loyalty programs
• Hundreds of dollars in annual statement credits for travel, dining and more
• High annual fee ($695)
• Doesn't include baggage delay, travel accident and primary rental car insurance
• Limited bonus categories

Terms apply. Click here for rates and fees.

Why we chose this card: The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a list of premium benefits that no other travel card offers, including the widest network of airport lounges and room upgrades at Hilton and Marriott hotels. (Terms apply.)

The Platinum Card® from American Express features an impressive list of high-end travel benefits, including:

• Complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges, including Priority Pass, Delta SkyClub and Amex’s own Centurion lounges (enrollment required)
• Gold status in the Marriott and Hilton loyalty programs, which makes you eligible for room upgrades, free breakfast and late checkouts (enrollment required)
• $200 back each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel and paid with your Platinum Card® (Hotel Collection bookings require a minimum two-night stay)
• Up to $200 per year when incidental fees, such as checked bags, are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card® (with one selected qualifying airline)
• Complimentary premium status in Avis Preferred®, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®, and/or National Car Rental® Emerald Club (must enroll through your Amex online account using your card)

The Platinum Card® from American Express does have a hefty $695 annual fee. However, for people who travel often and will take advantage of its annual credits and travel perks, it might almost pay for itself.

Best Business Travel Credit Cards

• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
• Around $1,000 in yearly statement credits for select business purchases
• Access to a wide network of airport lounges (terms apply)
• Around $600 in perks in Fine Hotels + Resorts(R) locations booked through American Express Travel (for stays of two nights)
• Secondary rental car coverage**

Why we chose it: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express features an extensive list of benefits that make it an ideal travel and business credit card.

With this card, you can access over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, comprehensive travel insurance and extra amenities at hundreds of hotels, like daily breakfast and free internet access. Additionally, you get a $200 credit to cover baggage fees, in-flight refreshments and more and up to $100 for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck® every four or 4.5 years respectively. (Terms apply.) (Enrollment required.)

The card also offers several yearly statement credits for business-related purchases that include up to $400 per year ($200 between January and June and $200 between July and December) for U.S. purchases with Dell.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express does have one of the steepest annual fees ($695) among travel credit cards, but its extensive list of benefits makes it a no-brainer for business owners who travel frequently.

Best Airline Travel Credit Cards

• Free first checked bag for you and a companion
• Up to $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck(R) or NEXUS every 4 year
• 25% back as a statement credit on food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights
• Complimentary priority boarding for you and companions traveling on the same reservation
• $95 annual fee (after the first year)
• No intro APR period
• Rewards are only valuable when used with United

Why we chose it: The card_name has a low annual fee and gives you valuable benefits that make up for it, such as priority boarding for everyone on the reservation and a free checked bag for you and one companion.

Other perks the card includes are:

• Two one-time passes for United Club℠ airport lounges each account anniversary year
• 25% back as a statement credit on in-flight purchases like food, beverages and Wi-Fi
• Up to $100 every four years to cover the cost of TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or NEXUS
• Comprehensive travel insurance (auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and trip delay reimbursement)

The United℠ Explorer Card earns miles on United purchases, including tickets, inflight food, beverages, Wi-Fi and more. You also earn rewards at restaurants and select hotel stays.

You can use your miles to book flights on United Airlines or its partners, including Avianca, Lufthansa and Air Canada. You can also redeem them for seat upgrades, inflight Wi-Fi passes and more — although United miles are usually more valuable when used for airfare.

Travel Credit Cards Guide

The best credit cards for travel do more than offer high reward rates on flights and hotel stays. They also provide rewards for everyday spending and perks such as travel insurance , airport lounge access and annual statement credits.

Here’s a rundown of how these cards work:

What is a travel credit card?

Travel credit cards offer benefits and rewards geared towards individuals who travel frequently or want to earn travel benefits.

They provide high rewards for travel-related expenses such as flights, hotels, rental cars and dining. You can then use these rewards (in the form of points or miles) to book travel reservations. Some cards also let you transfer your rewards to hotel and airline partners or redeem them for statement credits, cash back, gift cards and more.

On top of the rewards, these cards often feature several travel-related perks, such as no foreign transaction fees, hotel discounts, travel insurance, free checked bags and airport lounge access.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards give you a certain number of points or miles per dollar on eligible purchases. They often offer around 5x points or more for airfare, hotel rooms, rental cars and more. Some cards may also count parking, bus fares, taxis, tolls and ferries as travel purchases.

Besides travel, you’ll typically get bonus points in additional spending categories. For example, some cards may offer 3x points per dollar on dining, groceries, drugstores or streaming services. All other eligible purchases usually get at least one point (1x) per dollar.

You can then redeem your points for flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more. Card issuers also usually let you redeem your points for non-travel options like statement credits, cash back or gift cards.

How to use credit card points for travel

Travel credit cards have rewards programs through which you can earn points (or miles). Well-known point programs include Chase Travel℠, American Express Membership Rewards® and Citi ThankYou® Rewards.

To redeem your points, go to your card’s rewards program portal. You’ll usually be able to access it through your online account on the issuer’s website or app.

Once you log in, you’ll get several redemption options, including travel. To make a reservation, select whether you want to book a flight, hotel, car rental or other available options and enter your trip details, including travel dates and number of travelers.

How much are points and miles worth

Points are usually worth one cent each. However, some issuers increase their value if you redeem them for travel. For example, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card points are worth 1.25 cents when used to book flights through the Chase Travel℠ portal.

Points may also be worth less than a cent, depending on how you redeem them. For example, some cards allow you to use your points at Amazon checkout. While this might sound convenient, this option may bring down the value of points to around 0.8 cents.

Some cards also allow you to transfer your rewards to select airline and hotel partners. Typically, you can transfer rewards to these loyalty programs on a 1:1 ratio, meaning that 1,000 credit card points are worth 1,000 loyalty program points.

Difference between points and miles

You’ll earn points or miles depending on which travel credit card you have. For example, Chase travel credit cards earn points, while Capital One travel cards earn miles. Miles and points typically have similar value (around one cent each) and redemption options.

However, keep in mind that several cards that earn miles are tied to a specific airline — like the United℠ Explorer Card. In this case, you can only use your rewards for purchases with the issuing airline such as flights, seat upgrades, inflight dining and more.

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

• Some cards offer up to 10x points per dollar on travel purchases.
• Many have additional bonus categories for dining, grocery shopping and more.
• They may include travel benefits like priority boarding, airport lounge access and late hotel checkouts.
• Points or miles can also be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, gift cards and more.
• Highest reward rates are usually limited to purchases made through the card issuer's travel portal.
• They might not offer high rewards on spending outside of the travel category.
• Some of the best ones can have steep annual fees and require good to excellent credit
• Redeeming points or miles for anything other than travel can reduce their value to less than one cent per dollar.

Types of travel credit cards

Here’s a rundown of the differences between the three main types of travel credit cards:

Airline credit cards

Airline credit cards are ideal for people who regularly fly with the same airline. These cards earn miles you can redeem for flights, seat upgrades, inflight dining, airport lounge access and other travel-related purchases but typically only with the issuing airline.

Some of the best airline travel credit cards include benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding and discounts on in-flight purchases.

Hotel credit cards

With hotel credit cards, you can only redeem your points for stays, discounts and other benefits with one particular hotel chain.

For example, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns points for Hilton’s loyalty program, which you can redeem for free nights in the company’s properties, including Hilton Garden Inn and Waldorf Astoria hotels.

Hotel credit cards may also offer complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, late checkouts and bonus points for purchases made during your stay.

General travel credit card

General travel credit cards are more flexible than airline or hotel cards. They aren’t affiliated with a single airline or hotel chain, so their points can be used to book flights, hotel stays, rental cars and more from different companies.

These cards may also offer useful perks for frequent travelers, like airport lounge access. They can also cover the cost of a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership, which allows you to skip the long lines at airport security or customs.

How to choose a travel credit card

Picking the best travel rewards credit card boils down to how often you travel, which cardmember perks you’d benefit the most from and the categories you spend the most on.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the best card for you:

• Do you travel often? A travel rewards credit card offers high reward rates on travel spending, and you’ll get the most bang for your buck when you use their points on flights, hotels and car rentals. If you don’t take trips often but want to pile up rewards, a cash-back credit card might be a better fit.
• Assess your everyday spending. Many travel cards have additional bonus categories other than travel, like dining, supermarkets, streaming services and drugstores. Consider your day-to-day spending habits and pick a card with bonus categories that fit your lifestyle.
• Consider the card’s annual fees. No-annual-fee travel cards usually have few travel benefits. The best travel credit cards charge annual fees of at least $90 and can go as high as $700. However, these are often best for those that travel enough to take advantage of their benefits.
• General travel card vs co-branded cards. General travel cards have more flexible redemption options. On the other hand, co-branded cards are often tied to a specific airline or hotel, which can limit your options. Still, they do provide valuable perks like free checked bags, in-flight discounts and hotel upgrades.
• Compare extra travel perks. Some cards offer extras like annual statement credits for flights and hotels or upgrades when renting cars. Take the time to compare each card’s roster of add-ons and pick one that will best suit your travel plans.
• Compare insurance policies. The best credit card travel benefits include insurance policies that cover travel accidents, rental cars, trip cancellations and more. These policies can vary widely based on the issuer and the card’s annual-fee tier.
• Beware foreign transaction fees. Most travel credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Some cash-back cards may offer outstanding rewards for travel purchases but charge around 3% fees on purchases outside the U.S.
• Look beyond welcome offers. A 60,000-point welcome bonus can be enticing. However, it shouldn’t be your deciding factor, especially if you’ll end up paying a high annual fee without getting your money’s worth.

How to get the most out of your travel credit card

Here are some other tips to maximize your card’s rewards and benefits:

• Use your card as often and strategically as possible. This way, you can earn points or miles with each purchase and redeem them for free or discounted flights, hotels and more. (Remember to pay your card off in full each month to avoid interest charges and credit card debt .)
• Consider adding an authorized user to your account. They’ll earn points with every purchase they make, and those will get added to your overall total. However, make sure to pick someone who will use the card responsibly since you’ll be legally liable if they ever fail to pay their monthly bills.
• Redeem your rewards for travel through the card issuer’s website. This redemption option usually offers the highest value compared to gift cards or merchandise, for example.
• If your card offers travel protections (like travel accident or luggage insurance), use it to pay for your passenger fares. This way, you could be reimbursed in the event of an accident or lost luggage, for example.
• Use your airline or hotel card to sign up for the company’s frequent flyer or frequent guest loyalty program. You’ll often earn extra points or miles when you’re a member and use your co-branded card to pay for flights, hotel stays and more.
• If you can transfer points from other credit cards to your travel card, take advantage of this feature. This way, you can accumulate extra points for travel booking and sometimes even increase their value.

Best Travel Credit Cards FAQs

What is the best travel credit card, what is the best credit card for international travel, how to travel for free with credit cards, what is the best credit card for travel miles, what is a welcome bonus on a credit card, how we chose the best travel credit cards.

We ranked the best credit cards for travel based on their annual fees, benefits, reward rates and redemption flexibility.

Fees: We compared interest rates and foreign, cash advance and balance transfer fees for more than 50 credit cards. We also considered their annual fee, looking for those that offered the most for the money.

Ongoing benefits: Intro APR and bonus offers are attractive, but they can only get you so far. We focused on cards with year-round benefits such as travel insurance or cell phone protection plans.

Reward rates: We preferred cards that allow you to earn extra points from travel expenses, as well as those that provide significant bonus rewards in popular spending categories, like dining, supermarkets or streaming services.

Redemption flexibility: Our picks don’t limit your redemption options to just travel. Some let you use your points for Amazon purchases, for example. We also preferred issuers that allowed cardholders to transfer their points to airline and hotel partners.

Summary of Money’s Best Travel Credit Cards of June 2024

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Money.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

To see rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

* Insurance disclosures for American Express Cards on this page:

Trip Delay Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Baggage Insurance Plan: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Global Assist Hotline: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

*** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

© Copyright 2024 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

Another new premium travel card just hit the market — but is it any good?

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.

2021 has been a notable year for new and revamped premium rewards cards , from launches of products from established players, such as the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, to a full refresh of The Platinum Card® from American Express with the addition of several novel benefits.

Now, another issuer is joining that group with its latest product: The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card.

With an annual fee of $550, the card is targeted at Bank of America's high- and ultra-high-net-worth clients. But it's not exclusive to that customer base, and you do not need to have a relationship with the bank to apply.

At first glance, the new card seems like a souped-up version of the longstanding Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card. For some, however, the new card might be worthwhile to consider instead. From its lifestyle credits to its all-metal design, here's what you need to know about the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card.

The information for the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite credit card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

For more credit card news and advice, sign up for our daily TPG newsletter .

This is Bank of America's first entrant into the world of premium credit cards. The card doesn't come cheap, at $550 per year, but it does have some upscale perks to compensate.

Who this card is for

The "Elite" designation on the Premium Reward Elite card signifies a high-end product, one that is positioned around Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program (more on this below), since customers who participate in the program can boost their potential earnings. This card, therefore, is more about having a cohesive ecosystem of financial products as opposed to constructing a mass-market, standalone credit card.

While banking clients — especially those with a higher net worth — will likely benefit the most, the card is open to the general public. In a crowded field of premium cards , however, Bank of America's offering isn't going to be for everyone.

Before looking at benefits, there's one thing you should know. Unlike transferable points products from Chase, Amex, Capital One or Citi, you cannot convert your Bank of America points into any airline frequent-flyer miles or hotel loyalty program points. This isn't a new limitation, but one that is particularly evident in a product that charges a high annual fee.

Nevertheless, let's dig into the benefits and see who this card can make sense for, especially among those who prefer the simplicity of a fixed-value rewards program.

Most rewards cards with high annual fees offer perks that help offset some (or all) of that yearly cost. The Premium Rewards Elite card is no different, with the following notable benefits:

Statement credits

• Up to $300 annually in airline incidental statement credits.
• This includes purchases such as seat upgrades, baggage fees, and airline lounge fees but not airfare.
• Up to $150 annually in statement credits for lifestyle conveniences.
• This includes streaming services, food delivery, fitness subscriptions and ride-hailing services.
• Up to $100 in statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees (once every four years).

Earning rates

• 2 points per dollar on travel and dining purchases
• 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases
• Preferred Rewards members earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. This means clients could earn up to 3.5 points on travel and dining purchases, and up to 2.625 points on all other purchases, for every dollar they spend.
• Redeem points for travel, cash back, a statement credit, experiences or gift cards at 1 cent apiece.
• 20% savings on airfare for any class when paying with points through the Bank of America Travel Center or concierge. This brings your per-point value for these redemptions to 1.2 cents.

Other perks

• Complimentary Priority Pass Select Membership.
• Private flying with NetJets: Purchase or redeem points for flight time and complimentary upgrades.
• Complimentary 24/7 full-service concierge.
• Visa Infinite card benefits, including the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection.
• No foreign transaction fees.

Sign-up bonus

You'll receive 50,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. These points have a fixed value of 1 cent each, meaning that this bonus is worth $500.

However, thanks to 20% savings on airfare when paying with points through the Bank of America Travel Center, your bonus points can be worth up to $600. This is far from the most lucrative bonus out there, but $600 can go a decent way towards airfare.

The differentiator: Bank of America Preferred Rewards

The real differentiator is with Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program . Essentially, if you have enough assets with Bank of America, you're rewarded for using one of the bank's credit cards. To qualify for the program, you must have both of the following:

• An active, eligible Bank of America checking account.
• A three-month combined average daily balance of $20,000 or more in qualifying Bank of America deposit accounts and/or Merrill investment accounts.

There are now five tiers of Preferred Rewards (up from three), which you qualify for based on your combined average daily balance. They are organized like this:

• Gold: $20,000 or more in total assets.
• Platinum: $50,000 or more in total assets.
• Platinum Honors: $100,000 or more in total assets.
• (NEW) Diamond: $1 million or more in total assets.
• (NEW) Diamond Honors: $10 million or more in total assets.

Preferred Rewards members earn a 25%, 50% or 75% rewards bonus on select Bank of America cards , including this new Premium Rewards Elite card.

Compared to the Premium Rewards credit card

First, let's point out the obvious — and probably most disappointing — aspect of this card. It's essentially a slightly enhanced version of the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card.

How it's similar

The rewards card without the "elite" designation has a $95-per-year annual fee and earns a similar 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, along with 1.5 points per dollar on everything else. It similarly qualifies for the Preferred Rewards bonuses for customers that do their banking business with Bank of America. It carries an up-to $100 airline incidental statement credit and comes with the same Global Entry/TSA PreCheck statement credit as the elite version.

How it's different

The primary difference between the two cards is the annual statement credits offered by the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite credit card (but not the Bank of America Premium Rewards card) — up to $300 in airline incidental credit and up to $150 in lifestyle credit. In addition, the "elite" Bank of America card has a Priority Pass benefit and the 20% rebate when redeeming points for airfare through the issuer's travel portal. It also offers some more comprehensive Visa Infinite travel protections and a snazzier all-metal design.

However, the new elite card doesn't distinguish itself in other ways that make it a notable standalone product, especially when considering it within the context of Bank of America's overall card lineup. I can't help but notice the lack of originality — not just in the card's name but also in its overall benefits.

How to apply

For now, the Premium Rewards Elite card is only available at Bank of America branches, through its call center and via the bank's wealth management advisor channels. You won't be able to apply for the card online until the end of February 2022.

Bottom line

Bank of America isn't going for mass-market appeal with its first sally into the world of premium travel cards.

Instead, the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite card seems to target existing or incoming Preferred Rewards program clients by offering them a higher-priced product within the Bank of America ecosystem. It's a card that will likely remain a niche player, especially considering applications remain limited to offline channels until early next year and the fact that Bank of America does not have airline or hotel transfer partners. With that said, it's still a solid card for those that bank with Bank of America who can take advantage of its annual statement credits.

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The best credit cards for vacations for June 2024

As the busy summer travel season ramps up, it’s not too late to apply for a credit card that can maximize savings on your next vacation. From big international trips to family beach vacations or even local weekend excursions, a great travel credit card can help you save money this summer .

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite travel cards available now — no matter where you’re heading.

In this article:

Best for simplicity: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Best for earning toward future vacations: American Express® Gold Card

Best for booking travel: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Best for dining and attractions: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for road trips: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Best for flat rewards and credits: Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

Best premium card for hotel status: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Should you get a credit card for travel?

Choosing a credit card by type of vacation.

Vacation credit cards FAQ

Our methodology

These are our top picks for credit cards to take on your upcoming vacation . Find the right card for you based on the travel perks, top rewards categories, or type of travel you value most.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for simplicity

Annual fee: $95

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months

5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

2x miles on all other purchases

Recommended credit score: Good to excellent

Why we like it: Earning and redeeming travel rewards is easy with the Capital One Venture Rewards Card . You’ll earn a flat 2x miles on every purchase you make and can use those miles toward future travel. Either redeem miles toward travel purchases you make with your card (within 90 days) or use them to book through Capital One Travel. Your miles are generally worth a standard 1 cent each.

More Capital One Venture travel features include a boosted 5x rewards when you book hotels and rental cars with Capital One Travel, as well as access to Lifestyle Collection hotels and a $50 experience credit when you book through Capital One Travel. Finally, get up to $100 in statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees.

American Express Gold Card : Best for earning toward future vacations

Annual fee: $250 ( see rates & fees )

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 within the first 6 months

4x points at restaurants worldwide

4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 spent per year, then 1x)

3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel

1x points on all other purchases

Why we like it: Thanks to its impressively high rewards rate at restaurants and supermarkets, the Amex Gold card can help you rack up points on food you buy at home to put toward your next vacation. With 4x points per dollar, this is one of the highest-earning cards for both categories available today.

You can use more Amex Gold perks to save money both at home and while traveling. Get up to $120 each year ($10 per month) in Uber Cash when you add your card to your Uber account, and up to another $120 annually ($10 per month) in statement credits for purchases at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations. Finally, you can book The Hotel Collection hotels through Amex Travel and get up to $100 in experience credit during your stay (with a two-night minimum).

When you’re ready to use your Amex Gold points, put them toward your vacation costs for the best value. You’ll get up to 1 cent per point value when you redeem rewards for flights through Amex Travel, or you could reap even more value by transferring your points to Amex airline and hotel partners.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card : Best for booking travel

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months

5x points on travel through Chase Travel (not including hotels that count toward the $50 annual hotel credit)

3x points on dining

3x points on online grocery purchases (not including Walmart, Target, or wholesale clubs)

3x points on select streaming services

2x points on all other travel

Why we like it: The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a diverse range of rewards categories — from dining to streaming services to travel — but that’s only the beginning of what makes this card valuable.

When you’re ready to redeem, you can get up to 1.25 cents per point for travel booked through Chase. Take the 60,000-point welcome bonus, for example: Those points are worth up to $750 in travel purchases when you use the Chase Travel portal. By comparison, a solid redemption for travel rewards is typically around 1 cent per point.

Other Chase Sapphire Preferred travel benefits include up to $50 in annual credits for eligible hotel bookings you make through Chase Travel, plenty of travel protections, and the option to transfer your rewards points to Chase’s airline and hotel partners. Chase partners offer more annual benefits, including Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for dining and attractions

Annual fee: $0

Welcome offer: Earn $200 after spending $500 within the first 3 months

5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores

1% cash back on all other purchases

Why we like it: The Capital One SavorOne card and its rewards categories can make the perfect choice for carrying on your next trip, with 3% cash back on common travel expenses like dining out and entertainment — including tourist attractions, amusement parks, concerts, and sporting event tickets. Meanwhile, you can use those same categories (plus streaming services and grocery stores) to make the most of your spending at home.

The SavorOne card also offers a solid 0% introductory APR for 15 months on both new purchases and balance transfers. Added Uber benefits are another travel-friendly feature: Earn 10% back on Uber rides and Uber Eats spending, plus complimentary Uber One membership through Nov. 14, 2024.

Wells Fargo Autograph Card : Best for road trips

Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 points after spending $1,000 within the first 3 months

3x points at restaurants, gas stations, and EV charging stations, on travel, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans

Why we like it: If your vacations involve driving to your destination rather than air travel, look for a travel card that rewards all the trips you’ll make to gas stations along the way — like the no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph.

You can get a competitive 3x points at gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations. Earn the same amount on other expenses you’re likely to incur on the road, such as dining at restaurants, transit (which includes parking and tolls), and any hotel stays (which fall under the travel category).

In addition to your travel rewards, there’s an introductory 0% APR on new purchases for the first 12 months, which you can use to help finance your trip — as long as you pay down the balance before the period ends. Redeem your points for travel purchases, statement credits, deposits into a Wells Fargo account, gift cards, and more.

Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card : Best for flat rewards and credits

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first 90 days

2x points on travel

2x points on dining

1.5x points on all other purchases

Why we like it: The Bank of America Premium Rewards Card is another solid option for cardholders who want simplicity when it comes to earning rewards.

Existing Bank of America customers get even more value. Like other credit cards from the bank, you can boost your rewards earnings by 25% to 75% if you have a qualifying account and balance with Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program. In other words, you could get up to 3.5x points on travel and dining and up to 2.62x points on all other spending.

It also offers annual travel credits to help offset the fee cost. These include up to $100 in statement credits for airline incidental charges (upgrades, baggage fees, lounge access, etc.) and up to $100 in statement credits toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees every four years.

Rewards points are generally worth about 1 cent each, and you can redeem them for statement credits, gift cards, deposits into eligible bank accounts, or through Bank of America’s Travel Center.

The Platinum Card from American Express : Best premium card for hotel status

Annual fee: $695 ( see rates & fees )

Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 within the first 6 months

5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 spent per year)

5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel

1x points on all other spending

Why we like it: The Amex Platinum Card earned a spot on this list thanks to its complimentary hotel status benefit — you’ll get automatic Marriott Gold Elite Status and Hilton Honors Gold Status. Other hotel benefits include up to $200 in annual statement credits when you book eligible stays through Amex Travel and access to The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels + Resorts program, which both come with added amenities and credits when you book.

The Platinum Card from Amex also offers frequent travelers a wide range of annual benefits. Here’s a rundown of some of the most valuable travel credits and perks:

Global Lounge Collection airport lounge access

Up to $200 in airline fee credits for your chosen airline

Up to $200 annual Uber Cash ($15 per month and a bonus $20 in December)

Up to $189 in statement credits for CLEAR Plus membership

Complimentary status with select rental car programs

There are even perks for frequent cruise travelers; the Cruise Privileges Program can help you get onboard credits, amenities, and bonus rewards on cruises you book with the Platinum Card.

Keep in mind, the card’s pricy annual fee makes it most valuable for very frequent travelers. You’ll only really maximize those great hotel benefits and other travel discounts if you use them often enough to justify the fee. Otherwise, you may want to find a card better suited to your vacation schedule and budget.

If you go on vacation even just once a year, a credit card with travel rewards can quickly pay off.

While traveling, a credit card can offer some unique benefits over cash or a debit card. Travel protections (in case of lost baggage, delays, rental car issues, and more), waived foreign transaction fees , and rewards on your travel purchases can make any trip more efficient and affordable.

The key is choosing the right card for your travels.

Frequent travelers may save a lot of money using premium travel credit cards with high annual fees and thousands of dollars in yearly credits — but they’re not for everyone. Your most valuable vacation credit card may not offer airport lounge access or credits toward airline incidental fees but instead focus on everyday rewards value.

For example, say you prefer to vacation at a rented beach house only a few hours away by car. In that case, you probably want to prioritize rewards at supermarkets and gas stations — which can help you save both throughout your beach vacation and on regular expenses at home .

Airline and hotel cards

For some, co-branded travel credit cards with airlines and hotels may be more useful for vacation savings. Just like premium rewards cards , though, these cards aren’t universal.

If you fly multiple times per year, live near an airline’s hub city, or really value a specific airline loyalty status, you can get added benefits and more miles with a co-branded airline card. You may even get free checked bags, a faster path toward elite status, flight discounts, or companion benefits.

Similarly, a hotel credit card is helpful if you strongly prefer a specific hotel chain. If you have status with the hotel or go on vacation to the same destination each year, opening a hotel credit card can help you earn points toward award nights more quickly, reach elite status, and gain other perks for each stay.

Read more about our top airline credit cards and hotel credit cards .

Before you choose an airline card or hotel card, make sure to compare them to more general travel rewards cards . Look back at your past spending and travel — or ahead to any upcoming trips — and make sure you choose the card that’s going to help you both earn the best rewards on your typical purchases and redeem those rewards in a way that saves you the most on your trip.

Travel cards come in many different forms, and it can pay to find the one best suited for your travel. Here are a few common types of vacations and what you should look for in a credit card for each:

International trips

When choosing a card for international travel, the first thing to look for is no foreign transaction fees . These fees are typically around 3% of each purchase abroad, which can add up to big savings throughout your trip.

Then, think about the expenses you’ll incur for an international trip, such as airfare and hotel bookings. Your credit card can make a big difference in the amount you’ll save while booking these costly expenses. Look for a great rewards rate with airlines and hotels (or when booking through the credit card rewards program portal) as well as any potential savings you can get with statement credits and other benefits.

Finally, when traveling internationally, you don’t want to risk not being able to use your card to make a purchase. Visa and Mastercard are generally considered the most widely accepted credit card networks — so you may want to ensure you have one of these in your wallet. It can also pay to bring along multiple cards, just in case you run into any issues.

Here are some options to consider for your international trip:

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Citi Strata Premier℠ Credit Card

You might have some different expenses to plan for with a road trip. Most likely, fueling up at gas stations will make up a large portion of the cost — so you probably want to prioritize gas rewards from your potential credit card. Additionally, you may be stocking up on food at grocery stores just as often as you stop for a bite at a restaurant or drive-thru. Think about whether supermarket rewards , dining rewards, or both might best fit your budget.

Another thing to consider is whether you’re renting a car for your trip or bringing your own. If you rent, look for a card with travel protections — especially for car rentals. Many come with auto rental collision damage waivers , emergency assistance services, and more protections that can save you money and time in a pinch.

These are some great cards today you can use before you hit the road:

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Chase Freedom Flex®

Unlike other forms of travel, many cruises are relatively inexpensive while onboard — but require a lot of up-front costs. Prioritize cards that will reward the money you spend on travel expenses, including both the cost of the cruise itself and how you’ll travel to get there. If the port city is located near your home, that might include gas costs and parking. If you need to fly into a different city, then you’ll probably need to account for the higher costs of airfare and a hotel room.

Depending on your cruise destination, you might also prepare for excursion expenses, too, whether you plan to dine off-ship or spend with a local merchant. Think about the rewards you can earn on this spending, as well as how to avoid foreign transaction fees for destinations outside of the U.S.

Here are some of our top credit card picks for cruise travelers:

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Read more: Best credit cards for cruises

Credit cards for vacation: FAQ

Is it worth getting a credit card for travel.

Depending on your spending and travel habits, using a vacation credit card can be well worth the effort. While travel cards often come with an annual fee and require good credit, the benefits can easily outweigh the costs with just a few short trips a year.

That said, travel cards may require more strategizing than a beginner-friendly rewards card. You may need to do some research to maximize the benefits and rewards on offer, and redeeming your points for future travel may take some extra planning.

If you don’t travel at least occasionally or want a simpler rewards program to track, a straightforward cash-back card may be a better fit.

Read more: Are travel credit cards worth it?

How many credit cards should you take on vacation?

It can be useful to carry multiple credit cards on vacation.

For example, your go-to card might charge foreign transaction fees or work on a network that’s not widely accepted outside the U.S. When traveling abroad, multiple cards from different issuers or networks can help you avoid any unexpected issues.

Another example might revolve more around rewards. Say you prepaid all your travel expenses, and your spending on vacation will center around meals, souvenirs, and attractions. You may have a card best suited for rewards on those purchases, but consider also bringing the travel rewards card you used to book your flights, hotels, and rental cars — just in case. If you need to use the card’s travel protections or confirm your reservation with the travel company at check-in, it may be useful to have it on hand.

What credit score do you need for a travel credit card?

For most travel credit cards , you’ll need at least a good credit score — or a FICO score of at least 670. You may want to see if you qualify for any preapproval offers before you apply to make a more informed decision about your application.

If you don’t think you’ll qualify with your existing credit score, it may be better to wait and start earning travel rewards later. In the meantime, improve your credit by making timely payments every month, keeping your credit utilization low, and maintaining other good credit card habits .

At Yahoo Finance, we’ve compiled several lists of our favorite travel cards ; you can find our top picks for airlines , hotels , gas stations , and many more.

We use proprietary rubrics to assign credit cards a rating based on details like annual fee, APR, welcome offer, rewards rates, redemption options, security measures, customer service, access to credit score, and more.

We used these lists and rubrics to compile our top credit cards for vacations. We first determined several superlatives that fit a wide range of vacation types and what we believe vacationers seek from a travel credit card. Then, we took those superlatives and matched them with the most rewarding cards — pulling from our existing lists of best cards and those cards that receive the highest ratings within our rubric.

However, you won’t find co-branded travel or business credit cards on this list. While these cards can be valuable under specific circumstances, we focused on general travel cards that fit the broadest ranges of consumers and vacation types.

This article was edited by Alicia Hahn

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

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5 Things to Do When You Get the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card

Rachel is a writer and ghostwriter within the personal finance community, a FinCon 2018 scholarship recipient and the creator of the website Budgets & Kale.

Mary Flory leads NerdWallet's growing team of assigning editors at large. Before joining NerdWallet's content team, she had spent more than 12 years developing content strategies, managing newsrooms and mentoring writers and editors. Her previous experience includes being an executive editor at the American Marketing Association and an editor at news and feature syndicate Content That Works.

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The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a great $0 -annual-fee option that rewards users with an unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on everything.

The rewards system is simple: Points are worth 1 cent each toward travel. Here are five things to do when you get the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card .

What to do after getting a Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

1. mark your calendar.

That’s right, mark your calendar so you know when your bonus spending requirements are due. Here's the offer: 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

Be sure to have the minimum spend deadline on a calendar or as an appointment reminder in your phone so you don’t risk missing out on the sign-up bonus.

» Learn more: Bank of America Travel Rewards review: Easy rewards for easy travel

2. Start earning

Start using the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for purchases. Think about switching any auto-pay bills you have to this card so you can meet the minimum spending requirement without many changes to your other personal expenses. And remember, from here on out, those bills also get you 1.5 points per $1 toward future travel.

» Learn more: Auto-paying bills by credit card

3. Link the card to electronic payment accounts

Bank of America makes it easy to use contactless payment via the Digital Wallet option. This works with digital payment platforms including the following:

Google Pay.

Samsung Pay.

FitBit Pay.

Garmin Pay.

So if you’re out on a run or forget your wallet, you can still earn travel rewards with the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card .

4. Sign up for paperless statements

Create less waste and help keep your account information more secure — sign up for paperless statements to receive all statement information electronically. This is a feel-good option that also means you don’t have to worry about shredding files to protect your account information.

5. Start planning a trip

Hey, you got this travel card for a reason, right? Start thinking about where you want to visit and how this credit card can help you achieve that goal. Imagine yourself on your next adventure, and have some fun thinking ahead. If you’ve got a partner or travel buddy, get them in on the ideation too. It’ll be easier to work on the financial side together if you have the shared travel bug.

Your Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card will help get you on your next trip. Be sure to do all of these steps to maximize your rewards and get the most out of your card.

Maximize your Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card from the get-go

Now that you have a smart travel credit card in your wallet, be mindful of your early spending to secure the bonus. Sync your automated payments to be paid for with the card, and start planning that dream vacation. The points back will help take the sting out of that first class splurge.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice: Find the best travel credit card for you Is the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card for me? Earn more points and miles with these 6 strategies

On a similar note...

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Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card

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75,000 online bonus points offer — a $750 value

Plus, get up to $550 in combined Airline Incidental, TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry, and Lifestyle Statement Credits

Card Details

75,000 bonus points offer.

75,000 online bonus points — a $750 value — after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening

Get up to $550 in automatic statement credits

Receive up to $300 annually in Airline Incidental Statement Credits for qualifying purchases such as seat upgrades, baggage fees, airline lounge fees and in-flight services

Receive up to $150 annually for lifestyle conveniences including video streaming services, food delivery, fitness subscriptions and rideshare services

Receive up to $100 in statement credits for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ® application fees, every four years

Earn unlimited points with flexible rewards

Earn unlimited 2 points for every dollar spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases. There's no limit to the points you can earn, and points don't expire as long as the account remains open.

You choose how you want to be rewarded. Redeem your points for travel, cash back, a statement credit, distinctive experiences or gift cards.

Airfare savings, travel and lifestyle perks

Save 20% on domestic or international airfare for any class when you pay with points

Enjoy free unlimited access to airport lounges and experiences worldwide with up to 4 complimentary Priority Pass™ Select Memberships

Complimentary 24/7 Full-Service Concierge to book your travel, dinner reservations, event tickets and more

Earn even more rewards

Bank of America Preferred Rewards ® members earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase.

That means you could earn 2.5 to 3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 to 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.

Learn more about Preferred Rewards Premium Rewards

Interest Rates & Fees Summary †

Introductory apr, standard apr.

21.24% - 29.24%

Balance Transfer Fee

of each transaction †

† Please see Terms and Conditions for rate, fee and other cost information, as well as an explanation of payment allocation. All terms may be subject to change.

Note: minimum payments are applied to lower-interest balances first. Additional payments are applied to higher-interest balances first.

75,000 bonus points after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening

Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases

Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases

Bank of America Preferred Rewards ® members earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase . That means you could earn up to 2.5 to 3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 to 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.

No limit to the points you can earn and points don't expire as long as the account remains open

Use our rewards calculator to see where your points can take you…

You choose how you want to be rewarded . Redeem your points for travel, cash back, a statement credit, distinctive experiences or gift cards.

Travel : Get 20% savings on airfare paid for with points through the Bank of America Travel Center or the Concierge. Or use points to book car rental and hotel accommodations.

Cash back : Redeem your points for cash back as a deposit into Bank of America ® checking or savings accounts, for credit to eligible Merrill ® accounts including 529 accounts or as a statement credit to your credit card.

Concierge : Redeem points for travel, experiences, event tickets and more through our full-service Concierge.

Gift Cards : Choose brand-name gift cards from top retailers and restaurants.

See how many points you can earn

Tell us how much you spend every, earn unlimited 2 points.

for every $1 spent on travel & dining purchases

Earn unlimited 1.5 points

for every $1 spent on all other purchases

Your 1 year of spending

You choose how you want to be rewarded

Redeem your points for travel, cash back, a statement credit, distinctive experiences or gift cards.

Customer bonus

Gold Tier Preferred Rewards Bonus

Platinum Tier Preferred Rewards Bonus

Platinum Honors Tier and Higher Preferred Rewards Bonus

Learn more about Preferred Rewards

Preferred Rewards makes your credit card even better

Note: This calculator is for illustrative purposes only. It is not intended to be printed or distributed. Your actual rewards earned will depend upon your individual purchases.

25% Customer bonus

25% Gold Tier Preferred Rewards Bonus

50% Platinum Tier Preferred Rewards Bonus

75% Platinum Honors Tier and Higher Preferred Rewards Bonus

Premium Rewards Elite Benefits

Full service concierge.

Open the door to unique experiences, find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with complimentary 24/7 Premium Rewards ® Elite Visa Infinite ® Concierge service.

Airport Lounge Access

Enjoy free unlimited access to airport lounges and experiences worldwide with your complimentary Priority Pass™ Select Memberships.

Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection

Enjoy benefits at premium hotels, including late checkouts, free breakfast daily for two, automatic upgrades and more. (some benefits based on availability)

Visa Infinite Car Rental Benefits

Get VIP amenities, complimentary status upgrades and discounts with Avis ® , Hertz ® and National ® .

Travel Protections

Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delay, lost luggage reimbursement, roadside assistance, and emergency evacuation and transportation. Learn more

Security & Features

Stay protected, contactless chip technology, balance connect ® for overdraft protection, paperless statement option, digital wallet technology, online & mobile banking, account alerts, fico ® score.

Now, when you opt-in you can access your FICO ® Score updated monthly for free, within your Mobile Banking app or in Online Banking. FICO ® Score Program . The FICO ® Score Program is for educational purposes and for your non-commercial, personal use. This benefit is available only for primary cardholders with an open and active consumer credit card account who have a FICO ® Score available. The feature is accessible through Online Banking, the Mobile website, and the Mobile Banking app for iPhone and Android devices. FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and other countries. Data connection required. Wireless carrier fees may apply." data-footnote="ADDITIONAL_BENEFITS_FOOTNOTE_07" aria-label="Footnote 5"> Footnote [5] Learn More   about Free FICO Credit Score opens in a new window

Priority code: TC0375

Schedule an appointment to apply in person

Connect one on one with a credit card specialist

Top Credit Cards With Priority Pass Lounge Access

Enhance your next trip by spending time in a lounge before your flight.

Credit Cards With Priority Pass

Getty Images

There is a Priority Pass credit card for each type of traveler.

Some of the links on this site contain offers from our partners .

Key Takeaways

• Priority Pass has over 1,500 airport lounges around the world.
• Select travel credit cards offer a complimentary membership with free entrance for the cardholder and up to two travel companions.
• Travelers receive complimentary drinks, food, Wi-Fi and more inside the lounge.

Waiting at the airport for your flight can be an uninviting experience. Seats at the gate are often uncomfortable and crowded, while food options are typically overpriced. However, if you have access to an airport lounge, you'll enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, and free Wi-Fi.

Priority Pass credit cards allow travelers to enjoy the amenities inside more than 1,500 lounges around the world. Learn more about Priority Pass lounges, which credit cards offer Priority Pass membership and which factors you should consider before applying.

Priority Pass Lounge Benefits

Benefits can vary, depending on the location. You may find multiple Priority Pass lounges at the same airport that offer different amenities. However, most Priority Pass lounges offer the following complimentary benefits:

• Meals or snacks
• Beverages, including alcohol
• Comfortable seating

According to Zac Hood, founder of Travel Freely, a points and miles app for beginners, "International lounges typically stand out as more upscale with better food," than U.S. lounges.

The Priority Pass website or mobile app provides an overview of the benefits available inside each lounge. A third-party service called LoungeBuddy also shares highlights and user reviews.

How Many Times Can You Use Your Card's Priority Pass Benefits?

Complimentary access to participating airport lounges is often unlimited for people with a Priority Pass credit card. However, not all credit cards that offer this benefit include unlimited access for free. Some cards include just a handful of complimentary visits per year and charge for each additional visit. Other credit cards do not include any free visits and charge every time you want to enter the lounge.

Ben Komenkul, a travel points and miles educator at Ben's Big Deal, says, "Priority Pass cardmembers get full access to Priority Pass airport lounge for up to two guests when flying any airline the same day." However, there can be some exceptions to the rule.

5 Best Credit Cards for Priority Pass Lounge Access

There are numerous Priority Pass credit cards to choose from, so we narrowed down the list to our favorites for each type of traveler.

For Luxury Travelers: The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card from American Express is well-known for its premium travel benefits and top-notch customer service. In addition to Priority Pass lounges, cardholders also receive complimentary access to Centurion Lounges, Escape Lounges and Plaza Premium Lounges. It features numerous benefits, including more than $1,500 in value with its cardholder credits. Cardholders receive Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status for no charge, and they'll earn five points per dollar when booking flights through American Express Travel or directly with the airline. Membership Rewards points can be used to book travel, get statement credits and more, including transferring to 21 airline and hotel partners. You'll pay a $695 annual fee for this card. ( See Rates & Fees )

For Best Rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Savvy travelers love the Chase Sapphire Reserve for its benefits and flexible rewards. The card earns three points per dollar on dining and travel worldwide and up to 10 points per dollar on purchases through Chase Travel. Points are worth 50% more when booking travel through Chase, or you can transfer to 14 airline and hotel loyalty programs. The card also features an annual $300 travel credit that automatically applies to eligible purchases. You'll pay a $550 annual fee for this card.

For Hotel Elite Status: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Hotel elite status provides numerous complimentary benefits, including upgrades at check-in, late checkout and higher earning power on hotel spending. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card includes automatic Hilton Honors Diamond elite status, which is the loyalty program's highest tier. Cardholders also receive a $400 Hilton resort credit and a $200 flight credit every year. Plus, the card includes an annual free night that can be used at almost any Hilton property worldwide. For big spenders, you can earn an additional free night by spending $30,000 and a second free night by spending $60,000. You'll pay a $550 annual fee for this card.

The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by U.S. News and the card is not currently available on the site. The information has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer and it is accurate as of the date posted.

For Sharing Benefits: Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card

The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card includes Priority Pass memberships that can be shared by up to four people. While other Priority Pass credit cards allow cardholders to bring up to two guests with them, this card allows cardholders to give Priority Pass benefits to other people. The card also earns two points per dollar on travel and dining plus 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases. Customers who qualify for Preferred Rewards can earn up to 75% bonus points. The card also includes $550 in fee credits to offset its annual fee of $550.

The information for the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card has been collected independently by U.S. News and the card is not currently available on the site. The information has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer and it is accurate as of the date posted.

For No Annual Fee: Signify Business Cash℠ Card by Wells Fargo

Travel credit cards have significant annual fees that are hard to justify for some travelers. The Signify Business Cash Card by Wells Fargo is a business credit card that includes Priority Pass access without charging an annual fee. The card earns an unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase and includes a 0% introductory annual percentage rate offer on purchases for 12 months. Whenever you want to visit a Priority Pass lounge, simply pay an entrance fee to use all of its benefits.

The information for the Signify Business Cash℠ Card by Wells Fargo has been collected independently by U.S. News and the card is not currently available on the site. The information has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer and it is accurate as of the date posted.

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Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

How to do a balance transfer with Bank of America

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Key takeaways

• You can complete a balance transfer online with Bank of America after you're approved for an eligible card or if you already have a card with an intro APR offer.
• Most Bank of America balance transfers are completed within two to four days, but it might take up to 14 days for new accounts.
• When choosing a Bank of America balance transfer card, determine whether you'd rather have a longer intro APR offer and no ongoing rewards or a shorter intro APR offer and ongoing cash back rewards.

Paying off credit card debt can seem overwhelming, especially when that debt comes with high interest rates. To start tackling that debt, it’s smart to take advantage of a balance transfer credit card with an 0 percent intro APR offer .

If you’re interested in transferring a balance with Bank of America, several Bank of America credit cards come with intro APR offers, and transferring your balance is easy. Go this route, and you can pay off your credit card debt without paying interest for a limited time — as long as you pay it off before the intro APR offer expires. If you don’t pay it all off by then, you’ll start paying a variable APR on any remaining balance.

All information regarding Bank of America credit cards was last updated on May 8, 2024

How to transfer a balance to a Bank of America credit card

The easiest way to complete a Bank of America balance transfer is online. You can complete a balance transfer after you’re approved for a new, eligible card or if you already have a card with an intro APR offer.

Keep the following in mind before diving in:

• You cannot transfer debt from one Bank of America credit card to another Bank of America credit card.
• For new Bank of America cardholders, you must transfer your balances within the first 60 days of account opening if you want to take advantage of any intro APR offers.
• If you request a balance transfer that exceeds your Bank of America card’s credit limit, you’ll only be able to transfer part of your balance to your new account. In some cases, Bank of America may deny the transfer .
• You will typically pay a 3 percent or 4 percent balance transfer fee for each balance you transfer.
• You’ll need to pay off your balances before your intro APR period ends to avoid paying interest. Once the intro APR period is over , you’ll begin paying the regular variable APR on any balance left on the card .
• Avoid transferring any balance you have disputed with your issuer as being erroneous, fraudulent or duplicative. If you transfer a disputed transaction, you’ll lose certain dispute rights on that charge.

How to do a balance transfer online with a new card

• Fill out an application for the balance transfer card you’re interested in.
• Once you’re approved for the card, you can request to transfer a balance to your new credit card.
• Follow the instructions to complete the transfer. You’ll enter information like the account number for the credit card that holds the balance you’d like to transfer, the credit card issuer’s name and the total amount you’d like to transfer to your new Bank of America card.
• Submit your application with the balance transfer request. If Bank of America approves your balance transfer, it will transfer your balance as requested.

How to do a balance transfer online with an existing card

If you already have a Bank of America card, you can check to see if you’re eligible for an intro APR offer on balance transfers. If you have an eligible card and want to transfer a balance to it, follow these steps:

• Log in to your account.
• Select “Transfers” and choose the option for a balance transfer.
• Follow the instructions to complete your transfer. Provide the account number of the credit card from which you’d like to transfer the balance, as well as how much of the balance you’d like to transfer and the credit card issuer’s name.
• Submit your transfer request.

What happens after submitting a balance transfer request?

According to Bank of America, most balance transfers are completed within two to four days, but it might take up to 14 days for new accounts. You’ll know you’re successful when you see the transferred balance appear in your Bank of America credit card account.

Be sure to keep making payments on the credit card you transferred the balance from until the balance transfer is complete. If a payment comes due while your transfer is in progress, pay it promptly. If you don’t, you’ll run the risk of getting hit with late fees and penalty APRs .

Best Bank of America cards for balance transfers

Bank of america® customized cash rewards credit card: best for higher rates of cash back.

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card offers 3 percent cash back on eligible purchase categories of choice, 2 percent cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1 percent cash back on all other purchases. Note that 2 percent and 3 percent categories are limited to a combined $2,500 in purchases each quarter; then you’ll earn 1 percent back.

This card stands out even more if you already have a relationship with Bank of America and can take advantage of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program. Depending on your membership tier, you could earn 25 percent to 75 percent more cash back on all purchases.

This no-annual-fee card also includes a 0 percent intro APR for 15 billing cycles on balance transfers made in the first 60 days and on purchases (19.24 percent to 29.24 percent variable APR thereafter). A 3 percent fee applies to balance transfers for 60 days from account opening, then 4% after. If you’re hoping to pay off a balance and earn rewards on new purchases, this card is for you. Remember, you won’t earn rewards on the transferred balance, but you will on purchases you make during the intro APR term.

BankAmericard® credit card: Best for a long intro APR offer

The BankAmericard credit card * includes a 0 percent intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and on balance transfers made in the first 60 days of account opening (16.24 percent to 26.24 percent variable APR thereafter). Also, note an intro balance transfer fee of 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4% will apply. This intro APR offer means you can avoid high interest rates for a year and a half, giving you plenty of time to pay off debt. Plus, with no penalty APR for late payments and a lower variable APR, this no-annual-fee card is an excellent way to save on interest.

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card: Best for flat cash back

The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card , which comes with no annual fee, offers an unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases. If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, that means you could earn 1.87 percent to 2.62 percent cash back on all purchases. Plus, this card offers a 0 percent intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and on balance transfers made in the first 60 days (19.24 percent to 29.24 percent variable APR thereafter; a 3% intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%).

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card: Best for travel rewards

If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee travel card with an intro APR offer, the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a good option to consider. This card offers 1.5X points on all purchases. Points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards or statement credits to cover travel-related purchases. You’ll also get a 0 percent intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and on balance transfers made in the first 60 days (19.24 percent to 29.24 percent variable APR thereafter; a 3% intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%).

The bottom line

If you’re dealing with high interest debt, applying for a credit card with a 0 percent intro APR offer for balance transfers is a viable option to avoid those fees. Many Bank of America cards have intro APR offers on balance transfers, allowing you to pay off debt over time without accruing interest.

Be sure to determine what you’re looking for in a card — such as an extra-long intro APR period or a shorter intro APR offer with cash back rewards — before applying for a card. The more you understand what you want from one of the best balance transfer credit cards , the easier it will be to determine which card is best for you .

Learn more: How to choose a balance transfer credit card

Frequently asked questions

How often can you transfer a balance with bank of america, what credit score do you need for a bank of america balance transfer, how can you check the status of your bank of america balance transfer.

*The information about the BankAmericard® credit card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

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