Bank of America
Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Student-friendly travel rewards card offering unlimited 1.5x points on all purchases with no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and intro APR offer.
Annual fee
None
Top rate
1.5x everything else
Welcome bonus
25,000 points
Credit needed
No credit history needed
Quick look
No Annual Fee + Rewards
Unlimited 1.5x points on all purchases, no fees
3.9
out of 5
Rewards
Fees
Welcome bonus
Perks
Value
Overall score is a weighted average: Rewards 20% · Fees 20% · Welcome bonus 20% · Perks 20% · Value 20%.
Ideal for
Students who travel regularly or study abroad, want to build credit with no annual fee, and can meet the $1,000 minimum spend—especially if they book through Bank of America's travel portal and pay balances in full each month.
The verdict
This card delivers solid value for students who travel frequently and want to build credit without paying an annual fee. The 0% intro APR for 15 months is genuinely useful, and the flat 1.5x points on everything beats many student cards that lock earnings into categories. The real drawback isn't the rewards—it's what's missing. You don't get travel protections like trip cancellation or baggage insurance, and you can't earn bonus points on specific categories; the 1.5x applies whether you're booking a flight or buying gas.
The 25,000-point welcome bonus looks generous on paper, but hitting $1,000 in 90 days can be tough for a college student on a budget. Aim for this card if you genuinely travel or have family helping you meet the threshold—don't chase it just for the bonus.
Pros
- Unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, including travel and dining—no category hunting required
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on new purchases and balance transfers made within 60 days, giving new cardholders breathing room
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it genuinely practical for studying abroad or traveling internationally
- Points never expire as long as your account stays open and in good standing
Cons
- Missing common travel protections: no trip cancellation, baggage delay, or travel accident insurance coverage
- Regular APR of 17.49–27.49% after the intro period kicks in—steep for a student managing variable income
- 25,000-point welcome bonus requires $1,000 spend in 90 days, a high bar for many college students
- Only 1.5x points everywhere means no incentive to concentrate spending in high-value categories
Reward rates
| Category | Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Everything else | 1.5x | Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 on all purchases |
The flat 1.5x points on all purchases is straightforward—you earn the same rate whether you're at a restaurant, gas pump, or booking a flight. This consistency beats cards that only bonus in specific categories, but it also means no upside if you concentrate spending. Once you've converted travel booked through Bank of America Travel to 3x points, the difference is modest (1.5x vs. 3x), but only if you're willing to use BofA's travel portal instead of booking directly.
Fees and APR
Does it pay for itself?
At $0, this card pays for itself automatically just by replacing a card that charges an annual fee. Even at 1.5x points on modest spend, you'll come out ahead over time. No hidden fees either: foreign transaction fees are 0%, and there's no inactivity fee as long as your account stays open and in good standing.
Welcome bonus
Is it worth chasing?
The 25,000-point bonus represents solid value ($250 toward travel), but the $1,000 minimum spend in 90 days is a genuine friction point. For a student with limited monthly spending, this might take three months of regular use plus some intentional larger purchases (flight home, textbooks, etc.) to hit. Don't apply for the bonus alone—apply because you'd use the card anyway.
Other benefits
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Redeem points for statement credits toward travel, dining, flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, and rental cars
- Balance Connect for overdraft protection with no transfer fees
- Paperless statement option
- Digital Wallet support: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay
- Award-winning Online and Mobile Banking with real-time alerts
- $0 Liability Guarantee for fraudulent transactions
- Better Money Habits educational resources
Similar cards
Identical rewards and APR, but designed for general audiences instead of students—check eligibility requirements if you want slightly different positioning
Also 1.5x on everything with no annual fee, but Discover's Miles Match Guarantee (auto-matching all miles earned in year one) is a meaningful advantage for the student segment
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my points if I don't book through Bank of America Travel?
Yes. Points can be redeemed as statement credits toward any travel purchase (flights, hotels, rental cars) you've already booked elsewhere, or toward dining, takeout, and other charges. You don't get the 3x bonus rate unless you book through BofA's portal, but the 1.5x base earnings apply regardless of where you spend.
What happens to my points if I close the account?
Points expire if you close the account. As long as you keep the card open and active (use it at least occasionally), your points never expire, giving you flexibility to save up for a bigger travel redemption.
Does this card work for international travel?
Yes—there are no foreign transaction fees, so you can use it anywhere abroad without extra charges. The 0% intro APR also applies to foreign purchases, which is useful if you're studying or traveling overseas.
How do I know if I qualify? Do I really need excellent credit?
Bank of America says the card is for students, but third-party reviews note that it historically favors applicants with good-to-excellent credit (typically 750+). Other student cards are more lenient. Your best move: check your credit score before applying. If it's fair or lower, alternatives like the Capital One QuicksilverOne or Discover it Student cards may have a higher approval rate.
Is the intro APR worth it if I'm not planning to carry a balance?
Only if you genuinely need breathing room for a planned balance transfer or emergency purchase. If you always pay in full, the intro APR benefit is wasted—you'd be paying the same $0 in interest either way. The real value is the no annual fee, flat 1.5x rewards, and no foreign transaction fees.
Reviewed by YoungerFinance Editorial · Last updated August 10, 2026