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Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

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25,000 online bonus points offer (a $250 value) and no annual fee †

Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time

Card Details

Unlimited points.

Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time and no expiration on points as long as your account remains open. Calculate Rewards Travel Rewards

No annual fee † and no foreign transaction fees †

Enjoy no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees while earning points to use for a statement credit to pay for flights, hotel stays, vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants – including takeout.

Low Introductory APR Offer

0% † Intro APR for your first 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.24% to 28.24% will apply. 3% † Intro balance transfer fee for the first 60 days your account is open. After the intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for all future balance transfers is 4%.

25,000 online bonus points offer

25,000 online bonus points if you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening – which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases

Get even more rewards

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

That means you could earn 1.87 to 2.62 points for every $1 you spend, everywhere, every time.

Learn more about Preferred Rewards Travel Rewards

Interest Rates & Fees Summary †

Introductory apr.

0% for 15 billing cycles

Applies to purchases and to any balance transfers made within 60 days of opening your account

Standard APR

18.24% - 28.24%

Balance Transfer Fee

After the intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for all future balance transfers is 4%.

† 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.

Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time.

No blackout dates or restrictions and points do not expire as long as your account remains open.

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

Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.

Flexibility to redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants – including takeout.

See how many points you can earn

Tell us how much you spend every.

for every $1 spent on purchases

Your 1 Year of spending

Pay yourself back with a statement credit towards travel and dining purchases

Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, rental cars or baggage fees, or dining expenses, such as restaurants and takeout. (Redemptions for cash or gift cards will be of lesser value.)

Travel Rewards

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 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.

10% Customer bonus

25% Gold Tier Preferred Rewards Bonus

50% Platinum Tier Preferred Rewards Bonus

75% Platinum Honors Tier and Higher Preferred Rewards Bonus

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: QAF1UM

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Credit Cards > Reviews

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

Glen Luke Flanagan

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

Updated 11:13 a.m. UTC March 29, 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 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 18.24% to 28.24% 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 credit card

Welcome Bonus

• 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.

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

• 15 billing cycles of intro APR financing on both new purchases and on qualifying balance transfers.
• Earn an unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on purchases.
• No foreign transaction fees so it’s a good choice to use abroad.
• Points must be redeemed towards eligible travel and dining purchases for maximum redemption value.
• You can’t transfer rewards to airline or hotel partners.

Card Details

• 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.
• 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 18.24% – 28.24% 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.

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 18.24% to 28.24% 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. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

• Over $1,500 in travel and entertainment credits can offset the annual fee.
• Comprehensive lounge access benefit.
• Generous travel and purchase protections.
• High annual fee and spending requirements.
• Amex’s once-per-lifetime rule limits welcome bonus eligibility.
• Annual statement credits have limited use.
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

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 an annual income of $84,352 and $25,087 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 $376.31 worth of points every year. If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards customer, though, you could earn up to $657.28 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 18.24% to 28.24% 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 .

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 card is designed for consumers with good or excellent credit. According to FICO , that typically means a credit score of 670 or higher. That said, Bank of America will review your full credit history, income and other factors to determine your eligibility. 

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, you can use the card issuer’s preapproval tool, which can help you gauge your approval odds for any Bank of America credit card.

After you use your card to pay for an eligible travel or dining purchase, you can log in to your account and request a statement credit up to 12 months after the transaction posts. Alternatively, you can redeem your points for a paper check or a deposit into an eligible Bank of America or Merrill account or to buy gift cards.

As long as your account remains open and you can actively make purchases, your points will never expire. However, you will forfeit your points if you or Bank of America closes your account.

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 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.

Glen Luke Flanagan is a deputy editor on the USA TODAY Blueprint credit cards team. Prior to joining Blueprint, he served as a deputy editor on the credit cards team at Forbes Advisor, and covered credit cards, credit scoring and related topics as a senior writer at LendingTree. He’s passionate about helping people understand personal finance so they can make the best decisions possible for their wallet. Glen holds a master's degree in technical and professional communication from East Carolina University and a bachelor's degree in journalism from Radford University.

Bank of America travel rewards guide

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Bank of America’s travel rewards program isn’t as lucrative or extensive as what rivals like American Express or Chase offer, but some cardholders may find value in its simplicity.

If you’ve got one or more Bank of America credit cards that allow you to earn and redeem rewards for travel, or are interested in applying for one, this guide can help explain the basics of the bank’s travel program, including how to earn and redeem travel rewards points and more.

Bank of America travel rewards basics

Compared to other issuers, Bank of America has a smaller portfolio of travel credit cards , but there are some similarities in how you earn and redeem travel rewards with each card.

Essentially, you can redeem the rewards you earn for statement credits to cover travel-related purchases. Some Bank of America travel cards may also allow you to cover purchases like dining with your award statement credits.

With each card, you’ll also gain access to the Bank of America Travel Center , where you can search for travel deals and pay with cash or rewards. The site operates much like a travel search engine, similar to Expedia or Orbitz.

Although the issuer announced the launch of a Partner Rewards program accessible to Bank of America credit card and debit card holders late last year, the travel rewards program still lacks travel transfer partners.

However, as we’ll explain below, being a member of Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program could increase the value of the rewards you earn by 25 to 75 percent, should you have enough in a qualifying Bank of America account.

Bank of America travel credit cards

As mentioned, Bank of America has only a handful of cards that offer ongoing rewards and travel-focused perks. Here are the cards you can choose from:

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card

• Rewards rate : Unlimited 1.5X points on all purchases
• Welcome bonus : 25,000 bonus points when you make $1,000 in purchases within 90 days of opening the account (worth $250 toward travel purchases)
• Annual fee : $0
• Additional perks : No foreign transaction fees ; long zero-interest offer on purchases and balance transfers; Visa Signature benefits

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is an entry-level travel credit card that allows you to earn basic travel rewards without paying an annual fee. Its rewards rate is simple; just swipe and earn 1.5X points on all of your spending without any limit. There’s no need to track spending categories or activate any special offer on your account to receive your rewards. Further, you can also earn 3X points on travel bookings and other purchases through the Bank of America Travel Center (except for insurance).

If you’re in the market to pay off existing credit card debt or fund an upcoming purchase, this card can be a good option thanks to its 0 percent intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days (followed by variable APR between 17.49 percent and 27.49 percent).

For more information on card perks, read our Bank of America Travel Rewards card benefits guide .

Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card

• Rewards rate : Unlimited 2X points on travel and dining purchases; 1.5X points on all other purchases
• Welcome bonus : 50,000 bonus points when you make $3,000 in purchases within 90 days of account opening
• Annual fee : $95
• Additional perks : $100 incidental airline credit; up to $100 in credits toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck; Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection perks; no foreign transaction fees

The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card offers another level of travel rewards: 2X back on all travel and dining purchases and a flat 1.5X rate on everything else. Plus, its welcome bonus is relatively easy to earn for an annual-fee-carrying travel card — spend just $1,000 a month for your first three months and receive 50,000 bonus points.

The card also offers statement credits toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership every four years and an annual airline incidental credit. And with Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection perks, you can enjoy automatic room upgrades, late checkout, complimentary breakfast and more.

Read our Bank of America Premium Rewards card benefits guide for more information on all the card has to offer.

Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite credit card*

• Annual fee : $550
• Additional perks : $300 in annual airline incidental statement credits; $150 in annual lifestyle statement credits; up to $100 in credits toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck; complimentary Priority Pass Select membership; 20 percent off airfare redemptions through the Bank of America Travel Center; Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection perks; no foreign transaction fees

While the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite credit card, launched late last year, has the same rewards structure and welcome bonus as the Premium Rewards card, it’s packed with a few more benefits to ease its $550 annual fee.

Enjoy $200 more in airline incidental statement credits compared to the Premium Rewards card, the same Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit opportunity and Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection perk access. Plus, you’ll get $150 in lifestyle statement credits each year toward things like food delivery and streaming service costs, discounts on airfare redemptions through the Travel Center as well as Priority Pass Select membership, giving you access to 1,300-plus airport lounges worldwide.

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students*

• Rewards rate : 1.5X points on all purchases
• Welcome bonus : 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in purchases within your first 90 days
• Additional perks : No foreign transaction fees; zero-interest offer on purchases

Although its features and benefits are minimal, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students  can be a good entry-level card for students with little-to-no credit history. You’ll get 1.5X points on all purchases, plus the ability to redeem rewards for a statement credit on qualifying travel purchases.

There’s also a 0 percent intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles (followed by a variable APR between 17.49 percent and 27.49 percent), which can help students who have a large purchases on the horizon that they’d like to pay off over time (think textbooks or dorm supplies).

Who are Bank of America travel cards best for?

As noted, this travel rewards program is best if you want simplicity and flexibility in earning and redeeming travel rewards. The Bank of America rewards cards listed above allow you to use your rewards to cover eligible travel purchases. Other redemption options include cash and gift cards.

If you are a Bank of America Preferred Rewards program member, you’ll get much more value than other cardholders. This invitation-only program gives you access to special offers and discounts based on the combined balance of qualifying Bank of America or Merrill Investment accounts. Here’s a look at the five tiers offered:

How to earn Bank of America travel rewards points

The only thing you need to do to earn rewards is use your Bank of America card for eligible purchases; you don’t need to keep track of rotating bonus categories or activate offers in your Bank of America account to earn rewards. For some of the travel cards we mentioned above, you’ll earn more rewards in travel and dining categories, but there’s no need to track or apply for your rewards.

Additionally, Bank of America’s travel and dining categories are more extensive than those of most travel rewards cards:

How to redeem Bank of America travel rewards points

You can redeem rewards for a statement credit to cover eligible travel purchases. Other redemption options include cash as a check or direct deposit into an eligible Merrill Cash Management Account or a gift card. Travel credits and cash rewards redemptions require a minimum of 2,500 points, and gift cards require 3,125 points to redeem.

How much are Bank of America travel rewards points worth?

Bank of America travel rewards are worth 1 cent per point, according to Bankrate’s points valuations . Redemptions for cash or gift cards may be of lesser value.

How do Bank of America travel rewards compare to other points’ values?

In most cases, your Bank of America travel rewards points are worth 1 cent per point. In other cases, such as the Premium Rewards Elite credit card, your rewards points can get a 20 percent boost for travel bookings through the Travel Center — not to mention rewards boosts from Preferred Rewards membership.

Issuers such as Chase, American Express and Capital One offer similar boosts for redeeming points through their travel portals. However, those issuers also have transfer partners that can allow you to get more value for travel purchases like airfare, hotel and car rentals.

Bank of America doesn’t yet have this in place. If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, that may make up for the lack of travel partners, but it’s something you’d have to analyze on a case-by-case basis.

Bank of America travel rewards frequently asked questions

Do bank of america travel rewards expire, can i share points with friends and family members, can you buy bank of america travel rewards points, the bottom line.

Bank of America’s travel rewards program isn’t as attractive as those of other major issuers. But if you’re willing to accept some of the other competitive program advantages — namely, the extensive travel and dining categories and Preferred Rewards bonuses — it may be worth it.

Truthfully, if you’re at least a semi-frequent traveler, you’ll find much better value from rewards programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards .

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card information was updated on March 1, 2023.

*All information about the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite credit card and Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students has been collected independently by Bankrate and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.

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How to use Bank of America travel rewards points

Key takeaways.

• T he Bank of America travel rewards program can be lucrative and flexible, but the specifics of how you’ll earn points in this program depend on which credit card you sign up for.
• Bank of America travel rewards points can generally be redeemed for eligible travel purchases, cash back and gift cards.
• Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can earn an additional 25 percent to 75 percent more in rewards for each dollar spent.

Many credit card issuers boast a lineup of rewards credit cards that let you earn cash back, points or miles on travel, and Bank of America is no exception. Although not as popular as travel credit cards from Chase or American Express, Bank of America travel cards can be rather lucrative and flexible — but the specifics will depend on which credit card you sign up for.

If you’re ready to give the Bank of America travel rewards program a chance, you should find out which Bank of America credit cards let you earn rewards for travel, which travel rewards benefits are offered and how to use Bank of America travel rewards points to your advantage.

Which Bank of America cards earn travel rewards?

The main two Bank of America travel rewards cards are the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card and the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card . However, Bank of America also offers the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card * and the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students .

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card: Best for no annual fee

• Welcome bonus: 25,000 online bonus points ($250 statement credit value toward travel purchases) if you make $1,000 in purchases within 90 days of opening the account
• Rewards rate: Unlimited 1.5X points per dollar on all purchases; 3X points on Bank of America Travel Center purchases
• Annual fee:  $0
• Notable perks: No foreign transaction fees, flexible travel rewards

Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card: Best for occasional travelers

• Welcome bonus: 60,000 online bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
• Rewards rate: Unlimited 2X points per dollar on travel and dining; 1.5X points per dollar on all other purchases
• Annual fee:  $95
• Notable perks: Up to $100 in statement credits per year for incidental airline expenses to cover eligible costs; up to a $100 statement credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every four years; no foreign transaction fees

Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card: Best for frequent travelers

• Welcome bonus: 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
• Rewards rate:  Unlimited 2X points on dining and travel purchases; unlimited 1.5X points on all other purchases
• Annual fee: $550
• Notable perks: Up to $300 annually in airline incidental statement credits for qualifying purchases (like seat upgrades and baggage fees); up to $150 annually for eligible lifestyle conveniences (including video streaming services, food delivery, fitness subscriptions and rideshare services); up to a $100 statement credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every four years; complimentary Priority Pass membership; 20 percent off on domestic or international airfare for any class when paid with points

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students: Best for students

• Welcome bonus: 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening
• Rewards rate: 1.5X points on all purchases
• Annual fee: $0
• Notable perks: No foreign transactions fees, flexible travel rewards

Which Bank of America travel cards do not earn travel rewards points?

Bank of America also offers a surprising number of co-branded travel credit cards that are geared to loyalists with specific brands. However, these cards do not earn Bank of America travel rewards points. These include:

• Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card
• Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard®*
• Allegiant World Mastercard®*
• Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® card*
• Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard®*
• Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® card*
• Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard® *
• Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard®*

When it comes to redeeming your Bank of America travel rewards, your options may vary depending on the card you have.

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card and Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students

With the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card and the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students, you can use your points for:

• Cash back in the form of a check or direct deposit to an eligible Bank of America or Merrill account
• A statement credit to cover eligible travel-related purchases

Unlike with other travel rewards programs, you can use your eligible card to book travel with any eligible providers, and Bank of America’s list of qualifying travel purchases is extensive. In addition to airlines, hotels, car rentals and eligible transit, travel-related purchases also include purchases made with eligible cruise lines, parking garages, travel agencies, tourist attractions, art galleries, amusement parks and more.

From there, you can redeem your points for a travel credit statement through your Bank of America account. However, note that you’ll need at least $25 worth of points to redeem for a travel credit.

Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card

The Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card lets you cash in your rewards for:

• Travel bookings through the Bank of America Travel Center
• Cash back in the form of a statement credit or a direct deposit to an eligible Bank of America or Merrill account

Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card

With the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card, you can redeem your points for:

• Travel, experiences, event tickets and more through our Bank of America’s Concierge service

How to maximize Bank of America travel rewards points

To get the most of your travel rewards points with Bank of America, you should try to be as strategic as you can. When you go to redeem points, consider the ways you may be able to earn more points on your spending and any ways you can maximize your rewards .

Join the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program

One major way to earn more Bank of America travel rewards involves signing up for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program . Doing so can net you an additional 25 percent to 75 percent more in rewards for each dollar you spend. However, note that you do need to meet certain qualifications to enroll in this program, including:

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

Also, keep in mind that the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program offers additional perks like savings boosters and loan discounts for members with cash on deposit. The following chart shows how much more you could earn in rewards as a member, as well as how much you need to keep in eligible accounts to qualify for each tier.

While the minimum balance requirements are high, the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program can help you earn considerably more points on your spending if you qualify. For example, Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card members in the Platinum Honors tier have the potential to earn up to 3.5X points for every dollar spent on travel and dining purchases and up to 2.62X points on other purchases.

Also, it’s worth noting that there is one more Bank of America Preferred Rewards program tier, Diamond Honors.

Compare pricing in the travel portal

Keep in mind that the Bank of America Travel Center lets you make travel bookings with over 200,000 hotels and resorts and more than 200 airlines, among other options. Since some Bank of America travel rewards credit cards let you redeem your points for either travel-related statement credits or travel booked through the Bank of America Travel Center, you should compare the prices offered in the travel portal with other travel sites. By comparing prices, you can make sure you get the best deal.

Pick a card with an annual fee

Finally, make sure to think about your goals before you sign up for a travel credit card from this issuer. After all, a card with an annual fee comes with more benefits and perks. For example, when you pay the $95 annual fee for the Bank of America Premium Rewards card, you’ll get higher rewards rates on travel and dining spending, up to a $100 annual credit for incidental airline expenses to cover eligible costs and up to a $100 application fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership every four years. All of this could easily leave you “ahead” in a financial sense.

The bottom line

Bank of America travel rewards can work differently depending on the card you sign up for, so make sure to compare all the rewards card options available before you decide on a card. In the meantime, spend some time comparing cards from this issuer to travel rewards credit cards from other major issuers. You may find that Bank of America has what you’re looking for in a travel rewards card, but you’ll never know for sure unless you check.

The Bank of America content in this post was last updated on June 23, 2023.

The information about the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card was updated on June 23, 2023.

*The information about the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card, Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard®, Allegiant World Mastercard®, Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® card, Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard®, Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® card, Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard® and Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

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Bank of America Travel Rewards: 3 Surprising Ways You Can Redeem Your Points

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What do fortunetellers, dolphinariums and art galleries all have in common?

Well, not much, really — except for the fact that, according to the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card ’s terms and conditions, they all count as travel purchases. That's one reason this card, which has a broader definition of travel expenses than almost any other travel card on NerdWallet, as well as no annual fee, could save you hundreds on an unconventional vacation. (Another reason is that points can be redeemed for restaurant purchases, too.)

What are 'travel purchases'?

Just because you buy something while you're on vacation, it doesn't automatically count as a "travel purchase." Card issuers define purchases according to Merchant Category Codes or MCCs — four-digit numbers that show up on the purchase lines of your credit card statement. Payment networks assign MCCs to businesses based on their industry, and card issuers decide which ones count as travel. As such, the definition of "travel purchases" varies widely from issuer to issuer.

For cards that let you redeem points or miles for travel statement credit, that definition matters because it determines how you can use the rewards you earn. With the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card , for example, you earn 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on anything. You can then redeem those points for a credit against travel purchases. The more things count as "travel," the greater the flexibility of your rewards.

Just about every travel card classifies airline and hotel costs as travel purchases, but the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card takes the definition a lot further, offering a laundry list of possible redemption options rarely offered by other issuers.

If you have the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card , here are three surprising travel redemptions you could take advantage of on your next trip.

1. If you book stays through HomeAway, VRBO or VacationRentals.com: 'Real Estate Agents and Managers – Rentals'

What it means: “Real Estate Agents and Managers – Rentals” (MCC 6513) includes certain non-hotel lodging, such as cabin rentals and bed & breakfasts.

Why it’s awesome: In the past, the popular vacation sites HomeAway, VRBO and VacationRentals.com (all of which are owned by HomeAway) have been classified as real estate. On most cards, this would mean you couldn't redeem your rewards for a travel credit for your stay, but with the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card , it's a different story.

If you want to pay for your stay with points, find a property owner who accepts credit cards through the booking site's payment tools, rather than someone who accepts payments only through PayPal or by personal check. You'll have to pay a processing fee , which exceeds the rewards you'll earn on the rental itself, but if you really want to use your points for your stay, it might be worth it.

Airbnb, another peer-to-peer rental marketplace, is typically classified as “Travel Agencies and Tour Operators,” not as real estate. But since travel agencies are also included in Bank of America®’s definition of travel, you’ll still be able to redeem your travel points for these stays if you put them on your card.

2. If you’re going on a family road trip: 'Motor Home and Recreational Vehicle Rental'

What it means: "Motor Home and Recreational Vehicle Rental" (MCC 7519) includes companies that rent out RVs and campers. Although many credit card issuers include car rental companies in their definition of travel, most exclude RV rentals.

Why it’s awesome: In most states, you can rent a six-person camper for around $100 per night. Even after factoring in the cost of gas, this can be much less expensive than staying at hotels if you’re traveling with a large family. Book the rental with your Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card , and you’ll be able to redeem your points to cover the cost, or a portion of the cost.

3. If you’re going to Disneyland or Six Flags: 'Amusement Parks, Carnivals, Circuses, Fortune Tellers'

What it means: Historically, the "Amusement Parks, Carnivals, Circuses, Fortune Tellers" category (MCC 7996) has included Disneyland and Six Flags, as well as several smaller theme parks. If you happen to visit a fortuneteller on your trip, that will most likely be included too.

Why it’s awesome: Even though amusement parks are popular vacation destinations for families, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is the only general travel card on NerdWallet that includes this MCC in its definition of “travel.” If most of your vacation budget is spent on visiting parks with roller coasters, carousel rides and water slides, a card with this kind of redemption flexibility could make your next getaway a lot less expensive.

More travel categories

To be sure, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card includes many other categories in its definition of travel. Here’s a complete list of everything that’s included, in the language provided in the card's terms and conditions:

Airlines, Air Carriers (representing individual major airline carriers, and Airlines/Air Carriers)

Lodging – Hotels, Motels, Resorts (representing individual major hotel/motel chains and Hotels/Motels/Resorts)

Car Rental Agencies (representing individual major agencies; and Automobile Rental Agency)

Cruise Lines

Travel Agencies and Tour Operators

Taxicabs and Limousines

Passenger Railways

Transportation – Suburban and Local Commuter Passenger, including Ferries

Transportation Services – not elsewhere classified

Real Estate Agents and Managers — Rentals

Campgrounds and Trailer Parks

Motor Home and Recreational Vehicle Rental

Tourist Attractions and Exhibits

Art Dealers and Galleries

Amusement Parks, Carnivals, Circuses, Fortune Tellers

Aquariums, Dolphinariums, Zoos, and Seaquariums

Boat Leases and Boat Rentals

Recreation Services — not elsewhere classified

If your travel expenses are all over the map, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card might be the card for you. Read NerdWallet’s full review of this card to find out if it’s a good match.

on Chase's website

1x-5x 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.

60,000 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℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Find the right credit card for you.

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card review: Simplicity for points beginners

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card overview

The no-annual-fee Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has the potential to be a solid flat-rate card if you are a member of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program . However, without the Preferred Rewards earning bonus, the card falls short compared to other flat-rate cards on the market. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐

* Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

For beginners, points and miles can seem daunting. When I first started earning credit card rewards, the idea of transferring points and trying to find the absolute best redemptions was exciting but also nerve-wracking — and I'm not alone. Many beginners give up on using credit card rewards to pay for travel because it seems too complicated.

That's where an option like the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card comes into play. It has no annual fee and a recommended credit score of 670. Points and miles experts will likely not be amazed at the perks and redemption options, but the simplicity of this card's earning rate and redemption process provides a nice starting point for beginners.

Let's dig into the card details so you can decide if it's right for you.

Bank of America Travel Rewards welcome offer

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is currently offering 25,000 bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. These points are redeemable at a flat rate of 1 cent per point toward travel or dining purchases, so this bonus is worth $250 — a solid offer but significantly less valuable than what you'll find on other top travel cards .

It's not a flashy bonus, but it is easy to hit since the minimum spending requirement works out to $11.11 per day. And since the card has no annual fee, you're essentially earning rewards on purchases you would have normally made without any up-front cost.

Bank of America does have a 24-month restriction , though the details vary from card to card. The wording for the Travel Rewards card states:

"This card may not be available to you if you currently have or have had the card in the preceding 24 month period."

This means that you can get a second Travel Rewards card if you held one before but must wait 24 months after closing your old account before opening a new one.

Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions

Bank of America Travel Rewards benefits

The real benefit of the Bank of America Travel Rewards is its simplicity. There are no bonus categories, earning caps or transfer partners. For beginners, that can be a great way to start a points and miles journey.

The card offers an unlimited 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all purchases. Your points don't expire as long as you keep your account open. You'll also enjoy no booking restrictions when you redeem your points and will pay no foreign transaction fees when you swipe the card outside the U.S.

As expected with a no-annual-fee card, you won't get luxury perks with this card. However, since it is a Visa Signature card, you will still have access to certain travel protections and benefits, including:

• Auto rental insurance
• Zero fraud liability
• Roadside assistance

Again, this isn't an extensive list of benefits, but it's decent for a no-annual-fee card.

Related: How to build a no-annual-fee card strategy

Earning points on the Bank of America Travel Rewards

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card has a simple earning structure, but there's more than meets the eye. You'll earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase. There's no yearly cap on rewards earned, and your points won't expire for as long as your account is open.

This is a fairly standard earning rate for a no-annual-fee card, though you can find cards with more competitive reward structures . However, the rewards structure becomes much more valuable if you qualify for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program .

To enroll in Preferred Rewards, you'll need an eligible Bank of America personal checking account and a three-month average balance of at least $20,000 across your Bank of America and Merrill accounts. There are four levels of Preferred Rewards, and each comes with an earning bonus on the Travel Rewards card.

As you can see, those with Platinum Honors and Diamond can earn 2.625 points per dollar on every purchase, which is an impressive return for everyday purchases. Plus, you'll get a savings account interest bonus, discounted banking and investing fees, and discounted rates on auto loans and mortgages.

Still, if you aren't a Preferred Rewards member, the earning rate of 1.5 points per dollar is lackluster.

Related: Stop ignoring Bank of America Preferred Rewards

Redeeming points on the Bank of America Travel Rewards

Bank of America points act more like cash-back rewards since each point is worth a flat 1 cent . You can redeem them as a statement credit for travel or dining purchases (starting at a minimum of 2,500 points). When you make a purchase, simply login, log in to your account and select any qualifying transaction from the previous 12 months.

Although travel enthusiasts may see this as a disadvantage, beginners might rejoice at this no-stress process. You don't have to think about maximizing reward redemptions or figuring out the best transfer partner for booking your travel, which can be a headache for someone looking for a simple, no-frills way to earn and use their points.

You can also use your points for a cash reward — a check or a deposit into a qualifying Bank of America account. However, you'll get a value of just 0.6 cents per point this way (2,500 points = $15), so you're much better off using them for travel or dining purchases.

Finally, you can redeem your points for gift cards, though the exact value varies by merchant.

Related: The best Bank of America credit cards of 2024

Which cards compete with the Bank of America Travel Rewards?

One of these may be a better fit if you want more perks or a different earning structure than the Bank of America Travel Rewards offers.

• If you want more perks : The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card is a mid-tier travel card with a $95 annual fee. It earns the same 1.5 points per dollar base rate as the Travel Rewards card, but you'll also earn 2 points per dollar on travel and dining purchases and get more travel perks. For more information, see our full review of the Premium Rewards card .
• If you want more flexible rewards : The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card earns 1.25 miles per dollar spent on everyday purchases and 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals purchased through Capital One Travel. However, the card shines by giving you access to the issuer's 15-plus transfer partners , including British Airways, Turkish Airlines and Wyndham. For more information, see our full review of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards .
• If you want even more cash back: The Chase Freedom Unlimited is another great no-annual-fee card option and offers 5% cash back on travel purchases through the Ultimate Rewards portal, 3% back at restaurants and drugstores and 1.5% back on all other purchases. For more information, see our full review of the Freedom Unlimited .

For additional options, check out our full list of the best cash-back credit cards .

Related: How to choose a cash-back credit card

Is the Bank of America Travel Rewards worth it?

If you're looking for simplicity in how you earn and redeem points, the no-annual-fee Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card could be a good option for you, especially if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards customer. However, more seasoned points and miles travelers will likely want a card with higher earning rates and more redemption options.

Bottom line

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card offers a simple earning rate and redemption options many beginners will appreciate. However, frequent travelers who want better earning rates and the flexibility of transfer partners should consider other options.

Apply here: Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card

The Best Deals to Score Extra Points and Miles This Spring

As you book your 2024 travels, these limited-time credit card and loyalty program promotions will boost your points and miles balance in a big way..

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Through April 30, you can earn a 25 percent bonus when transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Air France-KLM Flying Blue.

Photo by Jarco Penning on Unsplash

As spring kicks into full gear, it’s time to start boosting your points and miles balances for your 2024 dream trip. In addition to record-breaking introductory bonuses on travel credit cards, several limited-time promotions are happening right now that allow you to get even more points and miles quickly—and often at the simple click of a button. You can earn bonus points for transfers between loyalty programs, fast-track your airline elite status through shopping, and even get discounts on buying points and miles. Find the details on these deals—and others—that you can’t miss this spring.

Valuable transfer bonuses

American Express, Capital One, Chase, and Citi have all created their proprietary loyalty programs, which can then be transferred to various airline and hotel programs . Often—but not always—these transfers are completed at a 1:1 ratio and allow credit cardholders to bank and keep their points in the currency of their chosen credit card, transferring to airline and hotel partners as and when needed.

Through Tuesday, April 30, 2024, Chase is offering a 25 percent bonus when transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Air France-KLM Flying Blue. With business class seats to Paris on Air France starting at 50,000 Air France/KLM Flying Blue points, just 40,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points can land you in the front of the plane, champagne in hand.

Moreover, until April 4, 2024, American Express Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Etihad Guest Miles with a 20 percent bonus.

Earn bonus points in hotel loyalty programs

All major hotel loyalty programs—Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt—are running spring promotions to sweeten the stay and reward members. All require registration, so we suggest signing up proactively.

With Hilton Honors’ Points Plus Promotion , until May 1, 2024, earn 2,000 bonus points on every stay, plus 500 bonus points per stay when using Digital Key to open your room (instead of a traditional plastic key card). Hilton points are becoming ever more valuable, as the hotel company has announced the acquisition of Graduate Hotels and exclusive partnerships with AutoCamp properties and Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) for earning and burning points.

For stays from April 1 through May 31, 2024, IHG One Rewards will give guests 2,000 IHG bonus points on every two nights booked at its hotels.

World of Hyatt members can earn double tier-qualifying night credits for every eligible night completed at Thompson and Dream Hotels for stays completed between March 22, 2024, and June 10, 2024.

Finally, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn up to 2,500 bonus Bonvoy points by linking their Bonvoy account to their Uber or Uber Eats account and making qualifying purchases. You’ll get 500 points for linking your accounts, then 1,000 with a qualifying ride and another 1,000 with a qualifying Uber Eats delivery order on food or groceries. Additionally, as of March 6, 2024, the MGM Collection is part of Marriott Bonvoy, meaning that stays at MGM’s 16 iconic properties (hello, Bellagio and ARIA Resort & Casino) now earn Bonvoy points and can be booked using Bonvoy points.

Save with Amex Offers

All American Express cards come with Amex Offers , an ever-changing roster of discounts and offers depending on your location and spending patterns. Promotions are often targeted, so you may not see all of these in your account, but here are just a few examples of the better ones we’ve received lately:

• $300 statement credit when spending $2,000 or more with Virgin Atlantic by June 16, 2024
• 17,500 additional Membership Rewards points by spending $1,000 in one or more purchases online with ITA Airways by May 3, 2024
• Onetime $100 statement credit by spending a minimum of $500 in one or more purchases for Alaska Airlines marketed flights booked online at AmexTravel.com by May 26, 2024

Enrollment is required for Amex offers, and the card enrolled must be the one used for purchases (which is important to note for those who have several Amex cards).

Buy points and miles at a discount

While it doesn’t usually make sense to buy points and miles in loyalty programs at retail price, it can be smart and cost-effective to buy points during promotional sales.

Until April 5, 2024, you can buy up to half a million Air Canada Aeroplan points with an 80 percent bonus , equating to the points being on sale for 1.43 cents apiece. Air Canada’s Aeroplan portal has access to award inventory on 53 other airlines serving more than 1,300 destinations. These airlines include Star Alliance’s 26 members—Austrian Airlines, Copa Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines, to name a few—plus another 20 carriers, including Etihad Airways and Emirates. Combined, this is the most comprehensive search engine of any airline program in the world.

Until April 9, 2024, purchase up to 55,000 World of Hyatt points with a 20 percent discount . The minimum purchase requirement to get the discount is 5,000 points, which costs $96 with the discount, instead of $120. Though this doesn’t seem like a huge discount, consider that World of Hyatt points carry far more value than those of its competitors, and the program offers some of the industry’s top opportunities for redeeming points.

Inch closer to elite status with American Airlines

Unlike other airline loyalty programs, which require big spending on airline tickets, elite status on American Airlines is based on Loyalty Points, which can be accrued in so many ways beyond flying. With American’s shopping, dining, hotel, and event platforms, it’s easy to rack up Loyalty Points.

At press time, it’s possible to earn 3,700 Loyalty Points (as well as AAdvantage miles) using American’s shopping platform to subscribe to The Motley Fool’s Stock Advisor, a subscription-based stock recommendation service, for just $79 (with promo code “SALE60'’ until March 31, 2024). If you also sign up for its sister real-estate newsletter Millionacres for another $99, you can get another 3,700 Loyalty Points and 3,700 AAdvantage miles. Together, that’s nearly 20 percent toward earning AAdvantage Gold Status, which requires 40,000 Loyalty Points.