What the NFL Extra Points Visa Card is
The NFL Extra Points Visa Card is a rewards credit card issued by Bank of America in partnership with the NFL. It lets you earn points on purchases, which you can redeem for NFL merchandise, experiences, or statement credits. The card is designed for people who watch football and want rewards tied to the sport, rather than a general cash-back card.
Like any credit card, you receive a bill each month for what you've charged. You're responsible for paying that bill on time to avoid interest charges and damage to your credit score. The rewards are a bonus feature — they don't reduce what you owe or make the card free to use if you carry a balance.
Key Takeaways
- The NFL Extra Points Visa Card earns points on all purchases, with bonus points in certain categories like gas and groceries.
- You can redeem points for NFL gear, tickets, experiences, or statement credits that reduce your bill.
- The card has an annual fee, which means you pay Bank of America each year just to hold the card, separate from any interest on a balance.
- Rewards are only valuable if you pay your full bill each month — interest charges will quickly erase the value of points earned.
- Your credit score affects what interest rate and rewards tier you receive, so the card works best for people with good to excellent credit.
How points are earned and what they're worth
You earn a set number of points per dollar spent on the card. The exact rate varies: you might earn 1 point per dollar on most purchases, but 2 or 3 points per dollar on categories like gas stations, grocery stores, or restaurants. Bank of America periodically changes these rates, so check your cardholder agreement or the bank's website for current earning rates.
Points have different redemption values depending on what you choose. If you redeem for a statement credit (money off your bill), each point might be worth a fraction of a cent — typically 0.5 to 1 cent per point. If you redeem for NFL merchandise or experiences, the value can be higher or lower depending on what's available. A $50 NFL jersey might cost 5,000 points one month and 6,000 points another, so the real value shifts.
You don't earn points on fees you pay, including the annual fee itself. You also don't earn points on balance transfers (moving debt from another card) or cash advances (withdrawing money from an ATM using the card).
Annual fee and when it makes sense to keep the card
The NFL Extra Points Visa Card charges an annual fee — a set dollar amount you pay once per year just to hold the card. This fee is separate from any interest you pay on a balance. You pay it whether you use the card or not, so you need to earn enough points to cover it and still come out ahead.
The card makes financial sense only if you spend enough each year that your rewards exceed the annual fee plus any interest you might pay. For example, if the annual fee is $95 and you earn 1 point per dollar on most purchases, you'd need to spend roughly $9,500 per year just to break even (assuming each point is worth about 1 cent). If you spend less than that, or if you carry a balance and pay interest, the card costs you money.
If you're an NFL fan but don't spend enough to justify the fee, a no-annual-fee rewards card from the same bank or another issuer might serve you better. The rewards rate may be lower, but you won't pay to hold it.
What happens if you carry a balance
If you don't pay your full bill by the due date, the unpaid amount becomes a balance, and Bank of America charges you interest on it. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) depends on your credit score and current market rates. People with excellent credit might receive a lower APR; people with fair or poor credit will pay more.
Interest charges grow quickly. If you carry a $1,000 balance at 18% APR, you'll pay roughly $15 in interest the first month alone. Over a year, that's $180 in interest on a $1,000 balance — far more than any rewards you'd earn. This is why rewards cards only make sense if you pay the full bill each month.
If you're carrying balances on other cards and thinking about opening this one, focus on paying down existing debt first. A rewards card is a tool for people who already pay in full; it's not a solution for people managing debt.
Redemption options and how to use your points
Bank of America lets you redeem points through their online portal or mobile app. You log in, view your available points, and choose from the redemption menu. Options typically include statement credits (the points reduce your next bill), merchandise (NFL apparel and gear), experiences (like stadium tours or game tickets), or transfers to partner programs.
Statement credits are the most straightforward: your points convert to a dollar amount and reduce what you owe. Merchandise and experiences may offer better value per point, but only if you actually want what's available. If the only NFL jersey in stock is one you don't like, a statement credit might be the smarter choice even if it's worth slightly less.
Points don't expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. However, if you close the account or miss payments for an extended period, you may lose unused points. Check your cardholder agreement for the exact policy.
How your credit score affects the card you receive
When you open a rewards card, the bank assigns you to a rewards tier based on your credit score and credit history. A higher tier usually means a higher rewards rate or better redemption value. Someone with a credit score of 750 or above might earn 2 points per dollar in bonus categories, while someone with a score of 650 might earn 1 point per dollar.
Your credit score also determines your interest rate if you carry a balance. The difference between a 15% APR and a 22% APR is substantial over time, so a lower credit score makes the card more expensive to use if you ever miss a payment.
If your credit score is below 670, you may not be approved for this card at all. In that case, a secured credit card (one that requires a cash deposit) or a no-annual-fee card designed for people building credit might be a better starting point.
Comparing this card to other rewards options
The NFL Extra Points Visa Card competes with other rewards cards from Bank of America and other banks. A general cash-back card with no annual fee might earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which is simpler than earning points at different rates. A travel rewards card might offer better value if you fly frequently. A card with a lower annual fee might let you keep more of your rewards.
The main reason to choose this card over a general rewards card is if you're a dedicated NFL fan who values NFL-specific merchandise and experiences. If you'd just as soon have cash back or travel rewards, a different card will likely serve you better and cost you less.
Before opening any rewards card, compare the annual fee, earning rates, redemption options, and interest rate you'd receive based on your credit score. A card that looks good on paper might not be worth it for your specific spending habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I earn points on the annual fee itself?
No. The annual fee doesn't earn points, and it doesn't count toward spending thresholds that might unlock bonus points. You pay the fee, and it's a cost with no rewards attached.
What if I want to cancel the card — do I lose my points?
Points typically remain in your account for a period after you close the card, usually 30 to 90 days, giving you time to redeem them. After that window, unused points are forfeited. Check your cardholder agreement or contact Bank of America before closing to confirm the exact timeline.
Can I transfer my points to another person?
No. Points are tied to your account and can't be transferred to a family member or friend. Only you can redeem them, and only on your own account.
What if my credit score drops after I open the card?
Your rewards rate and interest rate are typically locked in when you open the account. A drop in your credit score won't when ready change them. However, if you miss a payment or your account goes into default, Bank of America can lower your credit limit or close the account.
Is there a sign-up bonus for new cardholders?
Bank of America sometimes offers sign-up bonuses for new cardholders — for example, extra points if you spend a certain amount in the first few months. These offers change frequently, so check the current offer on Bank of America's website or the card's landing page before opening an account.