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Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students Review
What Is the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students?
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students is a no-annual-fee travel rewards card designed specifically for college students building their credit history. With flat-rate rewards and flexible redemption options, this card offers students an opportunity to earn travel rewards while developing responsible credit habits.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases within 90 days of account opening
- 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases
- Points don't expire
Cons:
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Limited student-specific benefits compared to other student cards
- Higher APR after intro period
- No bonus categories for increased earnings
Who Is the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students For?
This card is ideally suited for college students who:
- Travel frequently during school breaks or study abroad programs
- Prefer simple, flat-rate rewards without tracking bonus categories
- Want to build credit while earning travel rewards
- Are Bank of America® Preferred Rewards members (eligible for up to 75% rewards bonus)
- Seek a card with no foreign transaction fees for international travel
Comparing the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students with Other Cards
When considering the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the mid-tier travel card category:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:
- Annual fee: $95
- Sign-up bonus: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 2X points on travel and dining, 1X on other purchases
- Standout feature: 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase TravelSM
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card [rates & fees]:
- Annual fee: $95
- Sign-up bonus: Large miles bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 2X miles on all purchases, 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Standout feature: Miles transferable to travel partners
American Express® Gold Card [rates & fees]:
- Annual fee: $325
- Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 4X points at restaurants (up to $50,000 per year, then 1X) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X) and 3X on booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com
- Standout feature: Up to $120 dining credit and up to $120 Uber Cash annually. An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students excels in helping college students building their credit history
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® offers versatile travel rewards
- Capital One Venture provides simple, flat-rate miles earning
- American Express® Gold Card features strong dining and groceries rewards
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Consider Using Kudos
To maximize your rewards with the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students, consider using Kudos, a free AI-powered browser extension. Kudos can help you:
- Track your rewards earnings automatically
- Identify opportunities to earn bonus points
- Stack rewards with other programs
- Find the best travel redemption options
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Our Expert Takeaway
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students offers solid long-term value for students seeking travel rewards without complexity. While it may not have the highest rewards rates, its combination of no annual fee, flexible redemption options, and travel benefits makes it a strong contender in the student credit card market.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students FAQ
What credit score do I need for approval?
Most successful applicants have a credit score of 670 or higher, though students with limited credit history may still be considered.
Can I use my points for non-travel purchases?
Yes, though you'll get the best redemption value (1 cent per point) when using points for travel statement credits.
Does the card offer travel insurance?
Yes, cardholders receive auto rental collision damage waiver insurance and travel accident insurance.
How do I qualify for the welcome offer?
Spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening to earn 25,000 bonus points.
Are there any student-specific benefits?
While the card has limited student-specific perks, it offers credit education tools and resources through Bank of America's Better Money Habits program.
Can I earn additional rewards through Bank of America?
Yes, Preferred Rewards members can earn up to 75% more points on purchases, significantly boosting the card's base rewards rate.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
