If you’re looking for a travel credit card without an annual fee, the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is one of the simplest options available. Instead of complicated bonus categories or airline transfer partners, it focuses on straightforward rewards, unlimited earning potential, and one standout benefit that makes it especially attractive for international travelers.
In this Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card review, we’ll break down the welcome bonus, rewards structure, redemption options, fees, and who should (and shouldn’t) consider adding this card to their wallet.
Welcome Bonus
New cardholders can earn 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening the account.
Those 25,000 points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward eligible travel and dining purchases.
It’s important to understand that this isn’t a cash bonus. Unlike some Bank of America cash-back cards, these points are intended for travel-related redemptions. Eligible purchases include:
- Flights
- Hotels
- Vacation rentals
- Baggage fees
- Restaurants
- Takeout and food delivery
For most people who travel occasionally or dine out regularly, using the full $250 credit shouldn’t be difficult.
Also note that this welcome offer is only available when you apply online.
Earn 1.5 Points Per Dollar on Every Purchase
One of the biggest selling points of this card is its simplicity.
Instead of rotating categories or spending caps, you’ll earn:
- 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase
- Unlimited rewards
- No quarterly limits
- No expiration while your account remains open
Since points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed for travel or dining statement credits, the earning rate is effectively equivalent to earning 1.5% back toward travel expenses.
If you prefer a credit card that doesn’t require tracking categories, this flat-rate approach can be appealing.
Redeeming Your Rewards
The redemption process is refreshingly straightforward.
Simply use your card for eligible travel or dining purchases. After the purchase posts, you can log into your Bank of America account and redeem points as a statement credit.
Unlike some travel rewards programs, you’re not required to:
- Book through a travel portal
- Use a specific airline
- Stay at partner hotels
- Worry about blackout dates
You can book flights directly with airlines, reserve hotels however you prefer, or pay for vacation rentals, then erase those charges later using your rewards.
This flexibility makes the card much easier to use than many travel programs that rely on partner networks.
The Biggest Advantage: No Foreign Transaction Fees
The feature that truly separates this card from other no-annual-fee Bank of America credit cards is its lack of foreign transaction fees.
Many cash-back cards charge around 3% on purchases made outside the United States. That fee can quickly wipe out the rewards you earn while traveling abroad.
The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card charges:
- No foreign transaction fees
Whether you’re paying for hotels in Europe, restaurants in Japan, or transportation in Mexico, you won’t lose money to additional banking fees.
For anyone who travels internationally even once a year, this benefit alone can justify carrying the card.
Bank of America Preferred Rewards Can Increase Your Earnings
One feature many people overlook is the Preferred Rewards program.
If you have qualifying balances with Bank of America or Merrill, your rewards rate can increase significantly.
Current earning bonuses include:
| Preferred Rewards Tier | Rewards Rate |
|---|---|
| Member | 1.65 points per dollar |
| Gold (25% bonus) | 1.875 points per dollar |
| Platinum (50% bonus) | 2.25 points per dollar |
| Platinum Honors (75% bonus) | 2.625 points per dollar |
For customers who already keep substantial assets with Bank of America, this can make the card considerably more rewarding than its advertised 1.5 points per dollar.
What This Card Doesn’t Offer
While the rewards program is easy to understand, it isn’t designed for travel enthusiasts looking to maximize every point.
Unlike premium travel cards, Bank of America points cannot be transferred to airline or hotel loyalty programs.
That means you won’t have access to:
- Airline transfer partners
- Hotel transfer partners
- Airport lounge access
- Luxury travel benefits
- Enhanced point values through travel redemptions
Every point is generally worth 1 cent when redeemed toward eligible travel and dining purchases.
If you’re interested in premium travel rewards strategies, other travel cards may offer more long-term value.
Fees, APR, and Intro Financing
The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card keeps costs low.
Key terms include:
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- 0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles
- 0% introductory APR on balance transfers made within the first 60 days
- Variable APR after the introductory period based on creditworthiness
- Balance transfer fee of 3% during the first 60 days, increasing afterward
If you’re planning a balance transfer, completing it during the introductory window can reduce fees.
Redeem Points the Smart Way
Although Bank of America offers multiple redemption options, not all provide the same value.
The best redemption is using points as statement credits against eligible travel and dining purchases.
You can also redeem points as deposits into eligible Bank of America checking or savings accounts, but the value drops considerably.
To maximize your rewards, it’s generally better to save your points for travel or dining expenses.
Who Should Get the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card?
This card is an excellent fit if you:
- Travel internationally at least once each year
- Want a travel card without paying an annual fee
- Prefer simple flat-rate rewards
- Like booking travel however you want instead of using travel portals
- Already participate in the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program or plan to qualify
For these users, the combination of unlimited rewards and no foreign transaction fees makes the card a practical travel companion.
Who Should Skip This Card?
Despite its strengths, this card isn’t ideal for everyone.
You may want to consider another option if:
- You rarely or never travel internationally
- You prefer cash-back rewards over travel credits
- You want airline or hotel transfer partners
- You value airport lounge access and premium travel perks
- You don’t expect to benefit from the Preferred Rewards program
If most of your spending happens domestically, a traditional flat-rate cash-back card may provide greater flexibility.
Apply Online for the Best Offer
One detail that’s easy to overlook is that the welcome bonus is an online-only offer.
Applying through a Bank of America branch or over the phone may not qualify you for the same promotional offer.
To ensure you’re eligible for the full welcome bonus, submit your application through Bank of America’s official website.
Final Verdict
The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card isn’t trying to compete with premium travel cards packed with luxury perks. Instead, it focuses on delivering straightforward value.
Its biggest strengths are simple earning, flexible travel statement credits, no annual fee, and no foreign transaction fees. For occasional international travelers who don’t want to pay annual fees or manage complicated rewards programs, it’s an excellent option.
On the other hand, travelers who want airport lounge access, airline transfer partners, or premium travel benefits will likely find more value in higher-end travel credit cards.
Overall, if your primary goal is avoiding foreign transaction fees while earning uncomplicated travel rewards, the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card does exactly what it’s designed to do.
