Point Systems Bank of America

Transferable
Get a clear overview of this award program, including earning shortcuts, recommended cards, transfer options, sweet spots, and helpful booking tips.
Bank of America

Bank of America

#5 Among Transferable Points

Point Value

1.00 ¢

Hobby Score

0.0

View Ratings

Sweet Spots

Top Transfers

Booking Tips For This Reward Program

Key Takeaways

Bank of America Travel Rewards is a low tier program in the points and miles hobby:

  • There are one or two cards worth getting, but only in the right situations
  • Having an existing relationship with the bank or needing a break from the big credit card issuers are the main reasons you might want to get into this system
  • Redeeming rewards is simple and straightforward, but you’ll only earn 1 cent per point at best
  • Many cards only offer cash back rewards
  • Its lack of any transfer partners puts this system near the bottom of our rankings

Reward Program Ratings

1.00¢
Point Value
No
Points Expire
No
to Spouse
No
to Friends

Hobby Score

0.0
Brand Footprint 0
Real World Practicality 0
Earn/Redeem Efficiency 0
Policy Fairness 0
Ease of Holding 0
Transfer Partners 0

Travel Partner Transfers

Transfers In

No direct transfers into Bank of America. Bank of America generally cannot receive transfers from other point programs.

Transfers Out

No direct transfers out of Bank of America. Bank of America generally cannot be moved to other point programs.

Points Transfer Guide

5,500 Bank of America Points

Transferable Points

Transfer to
Spouse
5,219,403
19,000
74% Value Retained
No
125,000
45,000
85% Value Retained
Yes
34,950
2,000
12% Value Retained
Yes
Total Points Available Including all transfers
30,480

How to Earn Points

The only way to earn Bank of America Travel Rewards is by opening Bank of America issued credit cards. Outside of co-branded Bank of America cards with Alaska and KLM/Air France, Bank of America has a handful of cards that earn travel rewards and some that only earn cash back.

Our Favorite Cards

Other Cards for this Point System

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
Signup Bonus 20,000
Min. Spend $1,000
Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards
Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards
Signup Bonus 20,000
Min. Spend $1,000
Bank of America Premium Rewards
Bank of America Premium Rewards
Signup Bonus 60,000
Min. Spend $4,000
Bank of America Business Travel
Bank of America Business Travel
Signup Bonus 30,000
Min. Spend $3,000
Bank of America Travel Rewards
Bank of America Travel Rewards
Signup Bonus 25,000
Min. Spend $1,000

How to Redeem Points

There are a few ways to redeem points with Bank of America, and some are better than others.

Bank of America Travel Portal or Covering Travel Purchases

  • You can redeem points earned from Travel Rewards cards for a statement credit to cover travel purchases made through the Bank of America Travel Center.
  • Depending on the card you have, you may also receive a statement credit for any qualifying travel purchase made outside the portal.
  • The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card also allows redemptions for dining purchases.

What You Shouldn’t Do

  • Redeem for cash back or direct deposit: This yields just 0.006 dollars per point. Redeeming toward travel purchases provides nearly double the value.
    • Bank of America has a broad definition of travel, which includes things like zoo tickets, amusement parks, hotels, and airfare.
  • Redeem for gift cards: Gift cards generally offer an even worse redemption value than cash back, so this option is best avoided.

Sweet Spots Finder

Discover your points' highest-value redemption options. Use the filters to find the optimal sweet spot for your next trip.

Booking Tips

Who is it best for?

We don’t recommend this program unless you’ve run into trouble with the major banks and need a breather. Even then, approval with Bank of America can be difficult. The system is simple and could work as an entry point for beginners, but we still suggest thinking bigger and starting with a Chase Sapphire card or a Capital One Venture card.

The real value in this hobby comes from transferable points. You will get far more from your rewards by transferring to airline or hotel partners. While there is a learning curve, the payoff is worth it once you make your first high-value redemption. Since Bank of America doesn’t offer transfer partners, we recommend focusing your efforts elsewhere.

What to Know Before Canceling

If you plan to cancel a Bank of America credit card, make sure you’ve either used all your rewards or have an eligible Bank of America card to transfer those points to. If not, you will also lose any points you have earned.

FAQs

How do I cash in my Bank of America points?
You can redeem points by logging into your account, opening “My Rewards,” and choosing your redemption option. If your card allows travel redemptions through the portal or as credits for eligible purchases, you’ll get better value than redeeming for cash back.
How much are 25,000 Bank of America points worth?
When redeemed for travel purchases through the portal or as a statement credit for eligible travel, 25,000 points are worth $250. If you redeem them for cash back, you’ll only get 0.6 cents per point, which drops the value to $150.
Which credit cards give free TSA?
Only two Bank of America cards offer a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit: the Bank of America Premium Rewards card and the Premium Rewards Elite card. Many other cards from larger credit card systems also offer this perk.
What credit card gives you free airport lounge access?
The only Bank of America card with lounge access is the Premium Rewards Elite card. It includes four complimentary Priority Pass Select memberships, which grant unlimited access to participating Priority Pass lounges.