The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a popular choice for people who want to earn travel points without paying an annual fee. You’ll get unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent, a generous sign-up bonus, and no foreign transaction fees. But if you’re wondering what credit score you need to qualify, here’s what you should know before you apply.
Key Benefits of the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
This credit card stands out for people who travel often—or just want simple, flexible rewards. Here’s what you get:
- Unlimited 1.5 points per dollar – Every purchase earns rewards, no spending categories or restrictions to track.
- 25,000-point welcome bonus – Spend $1,000 in the first 90 days and you’ll earn a bonus worth $250 in travel credits.
- No annual fee – You can keep this card in your wallet long term without worrying about yearly costs.
- No foreign transaction fees – Avoid the usual 3% charge on international purchases. Spend $3,000 abroad and you save $90 right away.
These features make the card a strong option for anyone who wants to earn rewards without paying extra fees.
Recommended Credit Score for the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card
To qualify for the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card, a credit score of 750 or higher is typically recommended. That falls into the “excellent” credit score range.
While there’s no official minimum, applicants with lower credit scores are less likely to be approved unless they have a strong financial profile in other areas.
Other Factors Bank of America Considers
Your credit score matters, but it’s not the only thing the bank reviews. Bank of America also considers:
- Employment history – A steady work history shows that you have reliable income.
- Debt-to-income ratio – This compares how much debt you have to how much you earn. A lower ratio means you’re not stretched too thin financially.
- Length of credit history – A longer credit history gives the bank more information about your past borrowing habits.
Even if your credit score meets the target, these additional factors can affect the outcome of your application.
How to Improve Your Approval Odds
If you’re not quite at a 750 credit score—or you want to be extra prepared—these steps can help you strengthen your application.
Monitor Your Credit Reports
Start by checking your credit reports from all three credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Make sure there are no errors holding you back. You can request a free credit report from each bureau once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Always Pay Bills on Time
Payment history makes up the biggest share of your FICO credit score. Paying every bill by its due date helps build trust with lenders and steadily raises your credit score over time.
Lower Your Credit Utilization
Try to keep your balances below 30% of your total available credit. If you have a $5,000 limit across all your credit cards, aim to carry less than $1,500 in total balances.
Don’t Open Too Many Accounts at Once
Applying for several credit cards in a short time can hurt your credit score. Hard inquiries add up quickly. Space out applications by at least 3 to 6 months.
Consider a Credit-Building Option
If your credit score is still low, you might want to apply for a secured credit card or a starter credit card first. These options can help you build credit until you qualify for better rewards cards like the Travel Rewards option.
What to Do if Your Application Is Denied
Rejection isn’t the end of the line. You can take steps to improve your chances next time—or find an option that fits your current credit score.
Review the Reason for Denial
If you’re denied, you’ll get a notice explaining why. Common reasons include high credit card balances, recent missed payments, or a short credit history.
Fix What’s Holding You Back
Focus on the areas listed in the denial letter. Pay down debt, avoid late payments, and give your credit score time to improve.
Don’t Apply Again Right Away
Multiple applications within a short period can lower your credit score even more. Give yourself a few months to make changes before trying again.
Explore Alternatives
If you don’t qualify yet, consider using credit-building tools like secured credit cards or credit builder loans to establish a positive credit history.
Need Help Improving Your Credit?
Credit Saint is a trusted name in credit repair. They help people challenge inaccurate or outdated items on their credit reports—like collections, charge-offs, and late payments. They even back their work with a 90-day money-back guarantee, so you can move forward with confidence.
If you’re serious about improving your credit, it’s worth seeing what they can do for you—visit their website to learn more.
Final Thoughts
The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is a strong option for people with excellent credit who want simple, flexible rewards and no annual fee. You’ll need a credit score around 750 to qualify, but Bank of America also looks at your income, debt, and financial history.
If you’re not quite there yet, take a few months to improve your credit score, manage your debt, and build a solid payment history. You’ll be better positioned to qualify—and start earning rewards on every purchase.
