Bank of America credit cards reward you with up to $600 in bonus rewards after spending $4,000 during your first 90 days.
These cards match your lifestyle perfectly, whether you prefer cash back, travel rewards, or dining perks. You can earn welcome bonuses ranging from $200 to $600, along with ongoing rewards like 3% cash back in your chosen category or unlimited 1.5% on all purchases.
The application process takes just minutes online. You’ll need to provide your Social Security number and annual income. Most applicants receive a decision within two business days. Your new card ships to you within 10 business days after approval.
Would you like to start earning these rewards? We’ll guide you through the Bank of America credit card online application process step by step.
Preparing to Apply for a Bank of America Credit Card
Getting ready before you apply for Bank of America credit cards will boost your approval chances by a lot. A few key steps will give a better experience and help you pick the right card that fits your money situation.
Checking your credit score
Bank of America gives its credit card customers free monthly FICO® Score access through Online and Mobile Banking. The score usually falls between 300 and 850, and higher numbers suggest better creditworthiness. You’ll need a score of 750 or higher to get Bank of America’s premium credit cards, but they have options if your score is lower.
Your score can be different from other sources based on:
- The credit bureau’s data they use (TransUnion, Experian, or Equifax)
- The last data update time
- The scoring model they use
Looking for errors in your credit reports is one of the quickest ways to raise your score. You can get free reports once a year from AnnualCreditReport.com.
Gathering required personal information
Your Bank of America credit card application needs:
- Full legal name, address, and contact information
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Date of birth and country of citizenship
- Employment status and total gross annual income
- Monthly housing payment amount
People with an ITIN must apply at a branch in person or call instead of using the online process.
Understanding Bank of America’s application criteria
Bank of America uses specific rules to evaluate applications. They follow what people call the “2/3/4 rule”:
- You can get no more than 2 new cards in two months
- Up to 3 new cards in 12 months
- No more than 4 new cards in 24 months
The bank looks at your recent credit activity with other card companies too. If you don’t have a Bank of America deposit account, they might say no if you’ve opened three or more cards from any bank in the last 12 months. But deposit account holders can get up to seven new cards.
Your credit utilization ratio (the amount of available credit you’re using) affects your approval chances by a lot. Try to keep it under 30% to get the best results.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
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Getting your Bank of America credit card online takes just minutes once you have your information ready. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you complete your application successfully.
Navigating to the Bank of America credit cards page
The official Bank of America website has a “Credit Cards” section in the main navigation menu. You can go straight to bankofamerica.com/credit-cards/ to see all available card options. The site lets you check your application status, access saved applications, and use card comparison tools.
Selecting the right credit card for your needs
The credit cards page shows cards hosted in these categories:
- Cash Back Credit Cards
- Travel Rewards Credit Cards
- Lower Interest Rate Credit Cards
- Cards for Building Credit
- Student Credit Cards
A comparison tool helps you assess features between different cards. Each card has an “Apply Now” button ready when you make your choice.
Filling out the application form
You’ll need these pieces of personal information:
- Full name and contact details
- Social Security number
- Total gross annual income
The application times out after 2 minutes without activity to protect you. It’s best to have all your information ready before you start. You can save your application and finish it within 30 days if needed.
Reviewing and submitting your application
Take time to review all your information before you submit. You’ll get one of these responses within 60 seconds:
- Approved
- Approved for a different card offer
- Need more time to review
- Declined
Approved applicants receive their cards within 10 business days. You can check your application status online or call 866.422.8089 anytime.
Adding Optional Features During Application
The Bank of America credit card application process lets you customize your account with several useful features. These options make financial management easier and help you save money.
Setting up balance transfers
The application allows you to request balance transfers from other credit cards right away. You can move balances from non-Bank of America accounts to qualify for promotional rates within 60 days of opening your account. Most cards give you a 0% intro APR for 15-18 billing cycles on transfers during this timeframe.
Remember that transfers come with a 3% intro fee in the first 60 days and jump to 4% after that. Existing accounts usually take 2-4 business days to process transfers. New accounts might need up to 14 business days.
Adding authorized users
Bank of America cards let you add trusted friends or family members as authorized users during your original application free of charge. You’ll need these details to add someone:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (optional but recommended)
- Phone number
- Relationship to you
Each authorized user gets their own card linked to your account and can make purchases using your credit limit. All the same, you stay responsible for all charges made.
Enrolling in paperless statements
Bank of America makes paperless enrollment simple from day one. This eco-friendly choice gives you:
- Email alerts when statements are ready
- Better protection against lost or stolen mail
- Quick access to statements through online or mobile banking
Once approved, you can adjust your paperless settings through online banking. Just select “Statements & Documents” and click “Paperless Settings”. The system confirms your priorities with an on-screen message.
These optional features improve your Bank of America credit card experience and give you more control over your finances.
What Happens After You Apply
The waiting game starts right after you submit your Bank of America credit card application. A clear understanding of the next steps will help reduce your anxiety about the process.
Understanding application status messages
Your online application submission will generate one of these four responses:
- “Your application has been approved”
- “Your application has been approved, but for a different card offer”
- “We need more time to review your information”
- “Your application has been declined”
Bank of America’s application status center lets you check your status online anytime. The process requires your last name, date of birth, last 4 digits of your Social Security Number, and ZIP code. You can also call 866.422.8089 for updates. This verification will match you correctly to your application.
Typical approval timeline
Many applicants get an instant decision within 60 seconds. Some applications need additional review. Most people receive a decision within days when instant approval isn’t possible, though the process might take up to 30 days.
Your approval might take longer due to:
- Incomplete or incorrect information
- Need for additional documentation
- High application volume periods
Quick responses to Bank of America’s requests for additional information will prevent delays.
Receiving and activating your new card
Your new Bank of America credit card will arrive by mail within 7-10 business days. Customer service can accelerate shipping to 1-3 business days, though additional fees might apply.
Your card activation options include:
- Mobile Banking app access through “Card Management” and “Activate Card” options
- Bank of America’s credit card activation webpage
- Phone activation using the number on your card’s back
Your Online Banking ID and Passcode provide the quickest way to activate. The system allows new users to activate their card and sign up for online banking services simultaneously.
Conclusion
Getting a Bank of America credit card is simple with proper information and preparation. This piece has covered everything you need to know about preparing, applying, and managing your application.
Your success starts with a good understanding of your credit score and having all documents ready. The online application only takes a few minutes, and approval time depends on your situation.
Bank of America’s application process is user-friendly. You can easily track your status and activate your card in multiple ways. Their card features let you customize options that match your financial needs, from balance transfers to adding authorized users.
Your card will arrive within 7-10 business days after approval. Take time to learn your card’s benefits and rewards structure while you wait. Doing this will give a hassle-free application experience and help you manage your Bank of America credit card effectively.
FAQs
Q1. What credit score do I need to apply for a Bank of America credit card? Generally, you’ll need a credit score of 750 or higher for premium card offers, but options are available for those with lower scores. Bank of America considers various factors beyond just the credit score when evaluating applications.
Q2. How long does it take to get approved for a Bank of America credit card? Many applicants receive an instant decision within 60 seconds. If additional review is needed, most applications are processed within a few days, though it can occasionally take up to 30 days in some cases.
Q3. Can I add authorized users to my Bank of America credit card? Yes, you can add authorized users to your Bank of America credit card for free. You’ll need to provide their full name, date of birth, and optionally their Social Security number and phone number during the application process or after approval.
Q4. How do I activate my new Bank of America credit card? You can activate your new card through the Mobile Banking app, online at Bank of America’s credit card activation page, or by calling the number on the back of your card. The quickest method is using your Online Banking ID and Passcode.
Q5. What happens if my Bank of America credit card application is not instantly approved? If your application isn’t instantly approved, Bank of America will review it further. You can check your application status online or by phone. They may request additional information, and responding promptly can help avoid unnecessary delays in the decision process.
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