Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students Review: A Starter Card with Travel Perks
Earn travel rewards with no annual fee & build credit.
Features
- APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then a Variable APR of 18.24% - 28.24%.
- Annual Fee: $0, making it budget-friendly for students.
- Rewards Rate: Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on all purchases, allowing flexible earning without categories.
- Sign-up Bonus: Earn 25,000 online bonus points after $1,000 purchases within the first 90 days, equivalent to a $250 statement credit for travel purchases.
Benefits
- Travel and Dining Redemption: Points can be redeemed for a statement credit to cover travel or dining purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, baggage fees, and dining out.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for students studying abroad or traveling internationally.
- Intro APR Offer: Helps manage large purchases or balance transfers with a 0% Intro APR, then a competitive Variable APR.
- FICO® Score Access: Free access to your FICO® Score, supporting financial literacy and credit-building for students.
Drawbacks
- Good Credit Requirement: Not suitable for students with limited or no credit history.
- Limited Bonus Utility: Best rewards and bonuses are unattainable for most students due to high account balance requirements.
- Competitive Alternatives: Other student cards offer easier qualification and potentially better rewards for specific spending categories.
Product Summary
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is designed to allow students to earn and redeem points for travel and dining without the burden of an annual fee. With its generous sign-up bonus and straightforward rewards program, it stands out as an accessible option for students beginning their credit journey. The 0% Intro APR period provides a manageable window for new purchases or balance transfers, making it a smart choice for students planning larger expenses. Its absence of foreign transaction fees further enhances its appeal for international use, underscoring its value for students studying abroad. Overall, this card balances the perks of a travel rewards card with the practicalities students need, supporting their financial growth and travel aspirations.