What the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card offers

The Bank of America Travel Rewards Card earns 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, with no category restrictions and no rotating categories to track. There is a $0 annual fee. The card does not offer travel protections like trip delay reimbursement or lost luggage coverage, and does not include travel credits or statement credits toward specific expenses.

Points redeem for travel only — flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and some ride-sharing services — through the Bank of America travel portal or by calling customer service. You can also transfer points to partner airlines and hotel chains, though the transfer rate is typically 1 point to 1 mile or point, meaning you do not gain value through transfer. The card carries no foreign transaction fees.

Bank of America offers this card to both new and existing customers. New cardholders receive an introductory bonus, though the amount changes periodically and varies by offer channel. There is no sign-up spending requirement tied to the bonus.

Key Takeaways

  • The card earns 1.5 points per dollar on all spending with no annual fee, making it straightforward for casual travelers who do not want to track bonus categories.
  • Points redeem only for travel purchases through the Bank of America portal or by phone, not for cash back or other redemption types.
  • The card does not include travel insurance, trip cancellation coverage, or emergency medical coverage abroad.
  • Transferring points to airline and hotel partners does not increase their value, so redemption through the portal is typically the better choice.
  • The introductory bonus for new cardholders varies by offer and does not require a minimum spending threshold.

How the rewards structure compares to other no-annual-fee travel cards

The 1.5 points per dollar flat rate is competitive among cards with no annual fee. The Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Gold Card both earn higher points in specific categories — 3 points on dining and travel for Chase, 4 points on flights and hotels for Amex — but both charge annual fees ($95 and $250 respectively). For a traveler who does not want to pay an annual fee and does not spend heavily in bonus categories, the Bank of America card's flat rate is simpler and often yields more value.

The Capital One Venture X also earns 2 points per dollar on all purchases but charges $395 annually and is designed for high-spend travelers. The Citi Prestige Card earns 3 points on travel and dining but also carries an annual fee. If you spend less than $5,000 to $7,000 per year on travel and dining combined, the Bank of America card's $0 fee usually outweighs the higher earning rates of fee-based competitors.

The main trade-off is insurance and protections. Cards with annual fees typically include trip cancellation insurance, emergency medical coverage abroad, baggage delay reimbursement, and other protections. The Bank of America Travel Rewards Card does not. If you value these protections, you may need to pay an annual fee elsewhere or purchase travel insurance separately.

Redemption options and point value

Points redeem through the Bank of America travel portal at a fixed rate: 1 point equals approximately 1 cent in travel value. This means 50,000 points is worth roughly $500 toward a flight, hotel, or rental car booked through the portal. The portal includes major airlines, hotel chains, and car rental companies, so most common travel bookings are available.

You can also transfer points to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio — 1 point becomes 1 airline mile or hotel point. This option does not increase point value; it straightforward converts them into a different currency. Transfer partners include American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest, Hilton, Marriott, and others. Transfer to a partner makes sense only if you have a specific redemption in mind that is not available through the portal, or if you are close to a redemption threshold at a particular airline or hotel.

Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close the card or the account, you typically have a grace period to redeem remaining points before they are forfeited — check your cardholder agreement for the exact timeline.

Who this card works for and who should look elsewhere

This card is a good fit for someone who travels occasionally, does not want to track bonus categories, and values simplicity over maximum rewards. It works well if you book travel through major carriers and hotel chains that appear in the Bank of America portal. It also suits someone who already has a Bank of America checking or savings account and wants to consolidate rewards across products.

You should look elsewhere if you spend heavily in specific categories like dining or airfare and want to maximize points per dollar. If you value travel insurance — trip cancellation, baggage coverage, emergency medical abroad — you will need a card with an annual fee or separate travel insurance. If you book through smaller airlines, boutique hotels, or alternative lodging platforms, the portal may not include your preferred vendors, making the card less useful.

The card is also not ideal if you want to redeem points for non-travel purchases. Some competitors offer cash back or statement credits; this card does not. Points are locked to travel redemption only.

Annual fee, introductory offers, and ongoing benefits

The card has no annual fee, which is its primary advantage over premium travel cards. You pay nothing to hold it, even if you do not use it for a year.

Bank of America periodically offers introductory bonuses to new cardholders. These bonuses have ranged from 25,000 to 75,000 bonus points in recent years, though the exact offer varies by channel and timing. The bonus is typically awarded after your first purchase, not after meeting a spending threshold. Check the current offer on Bank of America's website or through a partner site to see what is available at the time you explore.

Ongoing benefits beyond rewards are minimal. The card does not include concierge services, airport lounge access, or statement credits. It does waive foreign transaction fees, which is useful for international travel. If you are a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member (a tiered program based on your deposit and investment balances), you may earn bonus points on card purchases — typically 10% to 50% more points depending on your tier.

How to decide between this card and a premium alternative

Start by calculating your annual travel and dining spend. If you spend $3,000 or less per year on these categories combined, the Bank of America card's $0 fee and flat 1.5 points per dollar will likely beat a $95 or $250 annual fee card, even if that card earns higher points in bonus categories.

If you spend $5,000 to $10,000 per year on travel and dining, compare the math directly. A card earning 3 points on $5,000 in travel spend generates 15,000 points; the Bank of America card earns 7,500 points on the same spend. The difference is 7,500 points, or roughly $75 in value. If the alternative card's annual fee is $95, you break even or lose money. If the fee is $50, the premium card wins.

If you spend more than $10,000 annually on travel and dining, a premium card with higher earning rates and travel insurance usually justifies its fee. You also gain access to benefits like airport lounge access and concierge services, which add value beyond points.

Consider also whether you value travel insurance. If you book expensive trips or travel frequently, trip cancellation insurance and emergency medical coverage abroad are worth paying for — either through a premium card or a standalone travel insurance policy. The Bank of America card does not include these, so factor that into your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use points for anything other than travel?

No. Points redeem only for travel purchases — flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and some ride-sharing services — through the Bank of America portal or by phone. You cannot convert points to cash back, statement credits, or merchandise. If you want flexibility to redeem for non-travel purchases, you need a different card.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your points remain in your Bank of America rewards account after you close the card, as long as you keep your Bank of America account open. You have a window to redeem them before they expire — the exact timeframe is in your cardholder agreement. If you close both the card and your Bank of America account, points are typically forfeited.

Does this card include travel insurance or trip protection?

No. The Bank of America Travel Rewards Card does not include trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay reimbursement, emergency medical coverage abroad, or other travel protections. If these are important to you, consider a premium travel card with an annual fee or purchase standalone travel insurance.

How does the introductory bonus work?

Bank of America offers a sign-up bonus to new cardholders, typically awarded after your first purchase. The bonus amount varies by offer and timing — recent offers have ranged from 25,000 to 75,000 points. There is no minimum spending requirement. Check Bank of America's website to see the current offer before you explore.

Is this card better than the Chase Sapphire Preferred?

It depends on your spending. Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 3 points on dining and travel but costs $95 annually. If you spend less than $6,000 per year on these categories, Bank of America's flat 1.5 points with no fee usually wins. If you spend more and value trip insurance, Chase Sapphire Preferred is likely better. Chase also offers more travel protections and a higher sign-up bonus.