Honestly, the name of this card is a bit of a lie. When you hear "travel rewards," you probably think of fancy airport lounges or free international flights to Tokyo. But the Bank of America travel rewards credit card for students is actually a "everything" card in disguise. It’s basically a flat-rate cash back card that just happens to be better if you use it for a plane ticket or a burger.
If you're a college student trying to build credit, you've probably seen a dozen offers. Most are junk. This one is different because it treats you like an adult. It doesn't have the training wheels that make other student cards feel like a toy.
Why the "Travel" Label is Sorta Misleading
Most students think they shouldn't apply for this if they aren't jet-setting every weekend. That's a mistake. The card gives you 1.5 points for every dollar you spend. Anywhere. Buying a $4 latte at the campus cafe? 1.5 points. Spending $300 on a textbook you’ll never open? 1.5 points.
Here is the kicker: you can redeem those points to "erase" travel purchases, but Bank of America’s definition of travel is insanely broad. We aren't just talking about United Airlines. They count:
- Passenger trains (Amtrak, anyone?)
- Buses and taxis
- Amusement parks and circuses
- Zoos and art galleries
- Even some parking lots
If you spend money on "travel or dining" (which includes takeout), you can use your points to pay yourself back at a rate of 1 cent per point. If you try to take it as straight cash into a non-BofA account, the value drops to 0.6 cents. Don't do that. It's a waste.
The Math of the Sign-Up Bonus
Right now, the offer is 25,000 online bonus points if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days.
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Let's be real—$1,000 in three months is a lot for a student. But if you're buying a new laptop for class or paying for a Greek life event, you'll hit it. That 25k is worth **$250 in travel statement credits**. That’s basically a free flight home for Thanksgiving or a couple of weeks of grocery runs if you "wash" the points through dining purchases.
Getting Approved Isn't a Slam Dunk
You’ve probably heard student cards are easy to get. While that’s generally true, the Bank of America travel rewards credit card for students is a bit pickier. According to data from analysts like NerdWallet and WalletHub, you generally need "good" credit. Usually, that means a score in the 690 to 850 range.
Wait. How are you supposed to have a 700 score if you’ve never had a card?
It’s a paradox. If you have zero credit history, you might be better off starting with the Bank of America Secured card. But if you’ve been an authorized user on your parents' card for a few years, you might have the "ghost" of a credit score that gets you through the door here.
The Income Requirement (The Law Part)
Because of the CARD Act, if you're under 21, you have to prove you have your own independent income. You can't just list your parents' salary. You can, however, include:
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- Part-time job wages.
- Scholarship money or grants that are left over after tuition.
- Regular allowances or "gifts" from family that you have reasonable expectation of receiving.
The Secret Sauce: Preferred Rewards
Most students won't qualify for this yet, but it’s why people keep this card for ten years. If you happen to have $20,000 sitting in a Bank of America or Merrill account (maybe from a high-yield savings or an inheritance), you get a 25% to 75% bonus on your points.
Suddenly, that 1.5 points per dollar becomes 2.62 points per dollar. That's better than almost any "premium" card that costs $500 a year. It’s a long-game play.
Using It Overseas: The Real Perk
If you’re planning a semester in Spain or a spring break in Mexico, this is your best friend. Why? No foreign transaction fees. Most basic student cards (like the standard BankAmericard for Students) charge a 3% fee on every single thing you buy outside the U.S. Buy a €10 sandwich? You're actually paying €10.30. It adds up. This card skips that entirely. It’s a Visa, so it works basically everywhere from a London pub to a street market in Tokyo.
Things That Kinda Suck
It's not all free money. There are downsides:
- High APR: Once the 15-month 0% intro period ends, the interest rate jumps to somewhere between 17.49% and 27.49%. If you carry a balance, the rewards are meaningless. You’re losing money.
- Redemption Minimums: You need at least 2,500 points ($25) to cash out. If you only spend $100 a month, it’ll take you a while to see any actual benefit.
Comparisons: The Student Card Field
Is it better than the Discover it® Student Cash Back?
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Discover doubles all your cash back at the end of the first year, which is huge. But Discover isn't accepted in half the places in Europe or Asia. If you’re staying on campus, get the Discover. If you have a passport, get the Bank of America travel rewards.
What about the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students?
That one lets you pick a 3% category (like online shopping). It’s great if you’re a big Amazon spender. But it has a 3% foreign transaction fee. Again, it comes back to whether you plan on leaving the country.
Actionable Steps for Your Application
Don't just click apply and hope for the best.
- Check your "pre-approval" status. Bank of America has a tool on their site that lets you see if you're likely to get it without a hard hit to your credit score.
- Update your address. Make sure the address on your application matches exactly what the DMV or your bank has. A tiny typo can trigger a manual review and a weeks-long delay.
- Plan your spending. Don't apply for this card unless you have a plan to spend that $1,000 in the first 90 days. If you're $10 short, you lose the $250 bonus. Buy a gift card for your grocery store or prepay your phone bill if you're close to the deadline.
- Use the 0% APR period wisely. You get 15 billing cycles of 0% interest. This is a one-time "loan" from the bank. Use it to buy your books or a laptop, but make sure you have a plan to pay it off by month 14.
This card is basically a bridge. It takes you from "student with no credit" to "adult with a travel card" without the annoying annual fees that usually come with the territory. Just don't let the points sit there forever—they don't expire, but inflation does make them less valuable over time. Use 'em for a trip and move on.