5 Things to Do When You Get the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card

Rachel is a writer and ghostwriter within the personal finance community, a FinCon 2018 scholarship recipient and the creator of the website Budgets & Kale.

Lead Assigning Editor Mary M. Flory
Lead Assigning Editor

Mary Flory leads NerdWallet's growing team of assigning editors at large. Before joining NerdWallet's content team, she had spent more than 12 years developing content strategies, managing newsrooms and mentoring writers and editors. Her previous experience includes being an executive editor at the American Marketing Association and an editor at news and feature syndicate Content That Works.

Fact Checked

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a great $0 -annual-fee option that rewards users with an unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on everything.

The rewards system is simple: Points are worth 1 cent each toward travel. Here are five things to do when you get the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card .

What to do after getting a Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Bank of America Travel Rewards® Credit Card

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

Learn More

1. Mark your calendar

That’s right, mark your calendar so you know when your bonus spending requirements are due. Here's the offer: 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

Be sure to have the minimum spend deadline on a calendar or as an appointment reminder in your phone so you don’t risk missing out on the sign-up bonus.

2. Start earning

Start using the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for purchases. Think about switching any auto-pay bills you have to this card so you can meet the minimum spending requirement without many changes to your other personal expenses. And remember, from here on out, those bills also get you 1.5 points per $1 toward future travel.

3. Link the card to electronic payment accounts

Bank of America makes it easy to use contactless payment via the Digital Wallet option. This works with digital payment platforms including the following:

Google Pay. Samsung Pay. FitBit Pay. Garmin Pay.

So if you’re out on a run or forget your wallet, you can still earn travel rewards with the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card .

4. Sign up for paperless statements

Create less waste and help keep your account information more secure — sign up for paperless statements to receive all statement information electronically. This is a feel-good option that also means you don’t have to worry about shredding files to protect your account information.

5. Start planning a trip

Hey, you got this travel card for a reason, right? Start thinking about where you want to visit and how this credit card can help you achieve that goal. Imagine yourself on your next adventure, and have some fun thinking ahead. If you’ve got a partner or travel buddy, get them in on the ideation too. It’ll be easier to work on the financial side together if you have the shared travel bug.

Your Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card will help get you on your next trip. Be sure to do all of these steps to maximize your rewards and get the most out of your card.

Maximize your Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card from the get-go

Now that you have a smart travel credit card in your wallet, be mindful of your early spending to secure the bonus. Sync your automated payments to be paid for with the card, and start planning that dream vacation. The points back will help take the sting out of that first class splurge.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve® Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card About the author

You’re following Rachel Smith
Visit your My NerdWallet Settings page to see all the writers you're following.

Follow for more nerdy know-how Keep up with your favorite financial topics on NerdWallet.

Rachel Smith is a writer and ghostwriter within the personal finance community and is a FinCon 2018 scholarship recipient. See full bio.

On a similar note.

NerdWallet Home Page Finance Smarter Credit Cards Financial Planning Financial News Small Business

Download the app

QR code for downloading the app

Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific product’s site. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institution’s Terms and Conditions. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion® directly.

NerdUp by NerdWallet credit card: NerdWallet is not a bank. Bank services provided by Evolve Bank & Trust, member FDIC. The NerdUp by NerdWallet Credit Card is issued by Evolve Bank & Trust pursuant to a license from MasterCard International Inc.

Impact on your credit may vary, as credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539

California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #60DBO-74812

Insurance Services offered through NerdWallet Insurance Services, Inc. (CA resident license no.OK92033) Insurance Licenses

NerdWallet™ | 55 Hawthorne St. - 10th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105