The basic steps to open a Bank of America credit card
You can open a Bank of America credit card online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Most people start online at bankofamerica.com/creditcards, where you pick a card, enter your personal information, and get a decision in minutes. Bank of America will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, income, and employment status. If you are approved, your card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
You do not need to be a Bank of America customer already. If you are not, you will also set up a checking or savings account during the process, though you can close it later if you want only the credit card. If you are already a customer, the process is faster because Bank of America has your information on file.
Phone applications take longer — you call 1-800-435-7000 and speak to a representative who walks you through the same questions. In-branch applications let you speak to someone face-to-face, which can help if you have questions about which card fits your situation, but branches have limited hours and you may wait.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America approves or denies most credit card applications within minutes of submitting online, and your card ships within 7 to 10 business days.
- You will need your Social Security number, proof of income or employment, and a valid address to complete an application.
- Bank of America has multiple cards with different rewards and annual fees, so comparing them before you apply saves you from opening the wrong one.
- If you are denied, you can ask why and reapply after addressing the reason — usually a thin credit history or recent missed payments.
What Bank of America looks for when you apply
Bank of America checks your credit score, credit history, and income. A higher credit score (generally 670 or above) makes approval more likely, but Bank of America also has cards for people with fair or limited credit. If you have no credit history, a recent bankruptcy, or recent late payments, you may be denied for premium cards but approved for a starter card like the Bank of America Cash Rewards for Students.
Your income does not have to be high, but you must have some. Bank of America counts employment income, self-employment income, Social Security, disability payments, and investment income. If you live with someone and share expenses, you can count their income too — you do not have to be married. Be honest about your income; Bank of America may verify it later, and lying on a credit application is fraud.
Bank of America also looks at how much debt you already carry and how many credit cards you have opened recently. If you opened three cards in the last six months, a new application may be denied even if your credit score is good. Wait at least 30 days between applications.
Comparing Bank of America credit cards before you apply
Bank of America offers cards for different purposes: cash back, travel rewards, no annual fee, and low introductory rates. The wrong card for your situation costs you money in unused rewards or annual fees. Spend five minutes on bankofamerica.com/creditcards comparing the cards that interest you.
The Bank of America Cash Rewards card has no annual fee and gives you 1% to 3% cash back depending on your spending category. It is a good starting point if you want simplicity. The Bank of America Premium Rewards card charges $95 per year but gives higher rewards and travel protections — only worth it if you spend enough to earn back the fee. The Bank of America Travel Rewards card charges $0 annually and gives 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, which you redeem for travel.
If you have limited credit history, the Bank of America Cash Rewards for Students or Bank of America Secured Credit Card are easier to open. The student card requires proof of enrollment; the secured card requires a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit. Both help you build credit if you pay on time.
What happens after you are approved
Once approved, Bank of America mails your physical card to the address you provided. You can use your card number online or in apps before the physical card arrives — Bank of America adds it to your account immediately. Your credit limit is set by Bank of America based on your credit score and income; you cannot negotiate it at the time of approval, but you can request an increase after six months of on-time payments.
Your first statement closes 20 to 25 days after your card arrives. You then have a grace period (usually 21 days) to pay your balance in full without interest. If you carry a balance, interest charges begin immediately. Your due date is the same each month and appears on your statement.
Set up autopay in the Bank of America app or website to avoid late payments. You can pay the full balance, a fixed amount, or the minimum — but only paying the minimum means you pay interest on the rest. Late payments hurt your credit score and trigger a late fee ($25 to $35 depending on how late you are).
If you are denied for a Bank of America credit card
Bank of America sends you a letter explaining why you were denied. Common reasons are a low credit score, recent late payments, too much existing debt, or too many recent credit inquiries. The letter includes a phone number to call if you want more details.
You can reapply after addressing the reason. If your score is low, wait six months and pay all bills on time. If you have recent late payments, wait until they are older (they matter less after two years). If you have too much debt, pay down balances before reapplying. If you opened too many cards recently, wait at least 90 days.
If you are denied because of information in your credit report, you can check your report free at annualcreditreport.com and dispute errors. Errors on your report can be fixed, which may improve your score enough to be approved on a second try.
Online versus in-person applications
Online applications are fastest and available 24/7. You get a decision in minutes and can start using your card number the same day. You need a computer or phone and a valid email address. The downside is you cannot ask questions about which card is right for you.
In-person applications at a Bank of America branch let you talk to someone who knows the cards and can answer questions about rewards, fees, and which card matches your spending. Branches are open during business hours (usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, shorter hours on weekends). You still need your Social Security number and proof of income, so bring a recent pay stub or tax return.
Phone applications (1-800-435-7000) fall between the two. You speak to a representative but cannot see the card options side by side. Wait times vary; call during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to reach someone faster.
Documents and information you need to have ready
Before you start an application, gather these items: your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, phone number, and email address. You also need proof of income — a recent pay stub, tax return, or letter from your employer stating your annual income. If you are self-employed, a recent tax return or profit-and-loss statement works.
Have your employment information ready: employer name, job title, and how long you have worked there. If you are retired, disabled, or a student, have documentation of your income source. If you live with a spouse or partner and want to count their income, have their information too.
You do not need to upload documents during an online application — Bank of America may ask for them later if they need to verify your income. Keep them handy in case you receive a follow-up email or call.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for a Bank of America credit card?
Most online applications get a decision within minutes. If Bank of America needs to verify your income or identity, approval may take 24 to 48 hours. Once approved, your physical card ships in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use the card number online immediately.
Can I open a Bank of America credit card if I have no credit history?
Yes. Bank of America offers the Cash Rewards for Students card (requires proof of enrollment) and the Secured Credit Card (requires a cash deposit). Both are designed for people building credit. After 12 to 18 months of on-time payments, you may be able to move to an unsecured card.
What is the difference between a credit card and a debit card at Bank of America?
A credit card borrows money from Bank of America that you pay back later, building your credit history. A debit card draws from money you already have in a checking account and does not build credit. Credit cards offer fraud protection and rewards; debit cards do not.
Can I have multiple Bank of America credit cards?
Yes. Many people have two or three Bank of America cards for different purposes — one for cash back, one for travel rewards. Wait at least 30 days between applications. Having multiple cards can help your credit score if you keep balances low, but it can hurt your score if you max them out.
What happens if I miss a payment on my Bank of America credit card?
A late fee ($25 to $35) appears on your next statement. If you are 30 days late, Bank of America reports it to credit bureaus, which damages your credit score. If you are 60 days late, your interest rate may increase. If you are 180 days late, the account may be closed and sent to collections. Pay as soon as you realize you are late.