Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card – 2025 Review

Quick Stats at a Glance

Card Overview and Positioning

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an excellent option for travelers seeking a no-annual-fee product that consistently earns travel points on every purchase. Unlike many competitor travel cards that charge $95 or more annually, this card keeps costs at zero, so every point you earn translates into real-world savings for flights, hotels, vacation packages, and more.

A hallmark of this card is its consistent earning structure. Where some cards have complicated rotating categories or multi-tiered systems, Bank of America Travel Rewards offers a flat 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases. If you book travel (like flights or hotels) directly in the Bank of America Travel Center, you can score 3 points per dollar, giving you an extra incentive to keep everything in-house.

Welcome Bonus: A Solid Start

One of the best perks of the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Card is its straightforward 25,000-point welcome bonus (valued at $250 in travel statement credits) after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. It’s a simple threshold, especially for cardholders who plan to use this card daily.

Why It’s Great: Some competing no-fee cards require higher spend ($1,500 or more) or offer a smaller reward. Here, $1,000 in three months is quite manageable for most, yielding a solid $250 that can be redeemed as a statement credit toward travel expenses such as flights, hotels, car rentals, and even certain vacation activities.

Rewards Structure in Detail

At its core, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card focuses on simplicity:

• 1.5 points per $1 on all purchases, all year long
• 3 points per $1 when booking eligible travel through the Bank of America Travel Center

These points can be redeemed as statement credits toward any travel purchase, or you can book directly through the Travel Center to pay with points. No rotating or bonus categories to track—just straightforward, no-nonsense earning. This structure ensures you don’t have to remember any specialized category or sign up quarterly for additional rates.

Example: If you spend $2,000 in a given month— $1,500 on everyday expenses and $500 on travel booked via the Travel Center— you’d earn 2,250 points total: (1.5 points x $1,500) + (3 points x $500) = 2,250. That’s effectively $22.50 worth of travel credits accrued in one month, all from a no-fee card.

Over 12 months, that’s 45,000 points—worth $450 if redeemed for travel. Add the 25,000-point welcome bonus (worth another $250), and your total first-year value jumps to $700 in travel, all from a card with no annual fee.

Redemption Options

Bank of America’s travel rewards points are extremely flexible. You can redeem them for:

1. Travel Statement Credits:Use your points to offset travel purchases on your statement (e.g., an airline ticket purchased directly from an airline, hotel stays, car rentals, cruises, etc.).
2. Online Travel Booking:Redeem points directly in the Bank of America Travel Center for flights, hotels, vacation packages, tours, or car rentals.
3. Gift Cards or Cash:While intended for travel, you can also opt for gift cards or direct cash-back statement credits—but redemption values might be less attractive than travel redemptions.

The real advantage is no blackout dates or restrictions on how and when you redeem. As long as the expense codes as a “travel” purchase—like an airline or hotel charge—you can use your points to cover part (or all) of that cost.

Annual Fee and Ongoing Costs

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card carries $0 annual fee, placing it among the most cost-effective travel credit cards. You won’t have to justify a recurring charge each year—perfect if you’re value-conscious or if you’re adding it to an existing wallet lineup for a specialized role.

After any introductory period, the ongoing APR typically stands between 18.24%–28.24% Variable. If you plan to carry a balance, that interest rate can quickly eat into your rewards. As a best practice, always aim to pay off your statement in full to maximize savings.

Fees to Keep in Mind

Unlike many travel-oriented credit cards, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards has no foreign transaction fee. This is a crucial benefit for jet-setters who don’t want to be hit with an extra 3% on purchases made abroad.

• Balance Transfer Fee:Typically 3% (min $10) during promotional windows, then 5% afterward. If you plan on transferring a balance, factor this in.
• Cash Advance Fee:5% (min $10), with APR commonly around 28.24% or higher. Cash advances are best avoided unless absolutely necessary.
• Late Payment Fee:Up to $40 if you miss your due date.

With no annual or foreign fees, the only major costs to watch for are balance transfers and potential interest if you don’t pay in full.

Consumer Protections and Cardholder Benefits

While not a premium card with lounge access or high-end travel insurance, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards still offers a few key consumer protections:

• Zero Liability:You’re not responsible for unauthorized charges made on your account if you report them promptly.
• Overdraft Protection (for BoA Customers):If you link this credit card to your Bank of America checking account, you can have an added layer of overdraft protection—though fees may apply.
• Digital Wallet Compatibility:Use Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or other contactless methods to make secure in-person or online transactions.
• Travel & Emergency Assistance: Access a 24/7 hotline that can help with travel planning, medical or legal referrals, and emergency cash coordination if you face trouble while traveling.

These benefits help provide peace of mind, especially if you’re traveling abroad and lose your wallet or require emergency help. While not as comprehensive as high-tier travel cards, they’re valuable additions for a no-fee product.

2025 Updates and Enhancements

In 2025, credit card competition has intensified. Bank of America has indicated potential refinements to maintain a competitive edge:

1. Boosted Travel Center Offers:Short-term promotions could provide 4 or 5 points per dollar on select airlines or hotel chains.
2. BofA Preferred Rewards Synergy: Preferred Rewards clients can enjoy up to 25%-75% bonus points on every purchase. For instance, a Platinum Honors member might earn 2.62 points per dollar on general spend instead of 1.5.
3. Flexible Booking Partners:Possibility of expanded hotel and airline networks for direct point bookings, raising the card’s redemption value even further.
4. Longer Introductory Periods:Some cardholders might see extended 0% APR offers if competition demands it.
5. Enhanced Travel Insurance (Rumored):Bank of America might roll out more robust travel insurance perks for their travel-centric cards, including trip delay or lost luggage coverage.

As always, these potential changes aren’t guaranteed, but Bank of America historically updates its credit card lineup to remain in step with customer needs. Keep an eye on official announcements for details on any new or limited-time perks.

Real-Life Example: Maximizing the Card

Consider a scenario where you spend $1,500 monthly on general purchases and $500 monthly on travel booked through the Bank of America Travel Center. That means $2,000 total spending each month.

Over 12 months, that’s 45,000 points—worth $450 if redeemed for travel. Add the 25,000-point welcome bonus (worth another $250), and your total first-year value jumps to $700 in travel, all from a card with no annual fee.

Pairing with Other Bank of America Cards

Bank of America encourages cardholders to build a relationship, particularly if you’re part of the Preferred Rewards program. If you hold significant balances across checking, savings, or Merrill investment accounts, you can earn up to 75% more rewards. This synergy can transform your Travel Rewards Card into a high-octane earner.

• Cash Rewards Card: Earn bonus cash back in rotating categories, complementing your Travel Rewards for everyday spend.
• Premium Rewards® Card: If you need lounge access or stronger travel insurance, consider upgrading or pairing with this heavier-hitting card. However, it does carry an annual fee.
• Merrill Travel Accounts:Points can sometimes be redeemed or boosted within certain Merrill programs, especially if you’re a Platinum or Platinum Honors member.

The “ecosystem effect” is real: The more you integrate your finances with Bank of America or Merrill, the bigger your Travel Rewards can become. For many, that synergy alone is reason enough to choose Bank of America over competing issuers.

Competitor Analysis

Here’s how the Bank of America® Travel Rewards stacks up against other zero-annual-fee travel cards:

Verdict: The BoA Travel Rewards Card wins for BoA loyalists or anyone wanting a simple 1.5x baseline plus elevated 3x on travel center bookings. If you’re craving airline-transfer capabilities, VentureOne might hold more appeal. Discover it® Miles can be appealing for first-year doubling, but it lacks a direct travel portal with 3x booking bonuses.

Is It Right for International Travel?

Absolutely. Unlike some no-fee cards that ding you with a 3% foreign transaction fee, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card charges no extra fees on foreign transactions. That’s a big plus if you travel abroad frequently— or even if you just shop on international websites.

Travel points stack up whether you’re booking flights overseas or dining at local cafés in Europe. Combining this with the card’s 3x booking bonus for flights, hotels, and more (via the Travel Center) means it’s well-suited for both domestic and international travelers.

Who Should Get the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Card?

Downsides

Even a well-rounded card has drawbacks. For the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Card:

• Lack of Premium Perks:No lounge access, no built-in travel insurance (beyond basic assistance), no baggage delay coverage.
• Limited Transfer Partners:Points are generally for statement credits. If you want to transfer points to airline or hotel loyalty programs, you’ll need another card.
• Below-Par Sign-Up Bonus vs. Some Competitors:$250 in value is good for a no-fee card, but other issuers occasionally offer bigger bonuses if you meet higher spend thresholds.
• Preferred Rewards Complexity: The best earn rates require high combined balances with BoA or Merrill, which not everyone can maintain.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

1. Enroll in Preferred Rewards if Possible: If you have $20,000+ across BoA/Merrill accounts, you can unlock higher bonus rates (25%, 50%, or 75%). This can significantly boost your points.
2. Book through the Travel Center for 3x:Whenever possible, book flights, hotels, or rental cars directly on Bank of America’s platform to maximize earnings.
3. Pay Balances in Full: The variable APR can climb up to 28.24%, so revolve a balance only in emergencies.
4. Track Introductory Offers:Bank of America occasionally raises the welcome bonus or extends 0% APR periods. Timing your application can yield better deals.
5. Layer with a Premium Travel Card (If Desired):If you want advanced travel benefits (trip insurance, lounge access, etc.), consider also holding a more premium card while using the Travel Rewards Card for everyday, no-fee spending.

Advanced FAQ

Q1: How do I redeem points for travel?

You can either redeem as a statement credit to erase an existing travel purchase on your statement or pay with points directly in the Bank of America Travel Center.

Q2: Are there blackout dates?

No. You’re free to redeem points for any travel purchase that codes as travel. Using the Travel Center also eliminates common restrictions or capacity controls.

Q3: Do my points expire?

Not as long as your account remains open, active, and in good standing. If you close the card or it goes delinquent, you risk losing points.

Q4: Is it a Visa or Mastercard?

The Bank of America Travel Rewards is typically issued on the Visa or Visa Signature network, granting wide global acceptance. Check your approval details for the specific network version.

Q5: Any protections for flights and hotels?

While you do get basic emergency assistance and certain Visa benefits, robust coverages (like trip delay or lost luggage reimbursement) aren’t standard. Consider a dedicated travel insurance policy if you want extensive coverage.

Q6: Does booking through third-party sites earn 1.5x or 3x?

Travel purchased through third-party aggregators (like Expedia) typically earns the standard 1.5x. You must use the Bank of America Travel Center to claim the 3x bonus.

Q7: Can I pool points with other BoA cardholders?

In most cases, you can transfer or gift points to another BoA Travel Rewards account, but it’s subject to certain limits and restrictions. Check your online account for exact guidelines.

Q8: Will carrying a balance affect my rewards?

You’ll still earn points, but any interest charges can quickly overshadow those gains. Whenever possible, avoid carrying a balance to truly capitalize on your travel rewards.

Final Thoughts

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card stands out as a top-notch solution for travelers seeking a no-fee, no-foreign-fee credit card. Its intuitive earning system—1.5 points on everything, 3 points on travel center bookings— delivers consistency. Plus, the $250 welcome bonus provides a nice on-ramp for new cardholders.

While not laden with high-end perks, it’s a tremendous pick for those who simply want to earn and redeem points for travel without complicated hoops. The synergy with Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards adds another layer of value, potentially boosting your earning rate far beyond 1.5 points per dollar if you qualify.

Should You Apply?

In short, if you value ease, no fees, and flexible redemption for travel, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards is an attractive card for 2025 and beyond.