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Skip Interest for 15 Billing Cycles and Earn Travel Rewards? This Bank of America Card Does Both

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 10:58 GMT by The Motley Fool
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Bank of America’s New Travel‑Rewards Card Lets You Skip Interest While Earning Points

If you’re looking for a credit card that gives you a solid travel‑rewards program without the headache of an annual fee, Bank of America’s newest offering may be worth a closer look. According to a recent piece on The Motley Fool, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards® credit card combines an attractive introductory 0 % APR on purchases with a simple, flat‑rate cash‑back rewards system that can be converted into travel. The card is positioned as a “no‑fuss, all‑purpose” option for consumers who want to earn points on every swipe while still keeping their credit‑card debt under control.

What the Card Looks Like

The card’s “cash‑back” is actually a flat 1.5 % that accrues as points. These points can be redeemed for travel vouchers, or you can use the points to book travel directly through the Bank of America travel portal.

Skip the Interest—Pay in Full

One of the most compelling aspects of the card is the 0 % introductory APR on purchases for 12 months. While many cards in the market offer a 0 % intro period, Bank of America’s card pairs that benefit with a clear, “skip‑interest” strategy: simply pay your balance in full every month and you never accrue interest at all. This is a common approach for people who want a low‑cost way to finance larger purchases (for example, a big home renovation or a vacation) without carrying a balance that accrues high interest.

If you do carry a balance after the introductory period, the standard variable APR applies—between 15.74 % and 24.74 %, depending on your creditworthiness. The card’s “no‑interest” promise is not a permanent feature; it’s a one‑time benefit that’s designed to give you flexibility early on.

Rewards That Matter

The card’s flat 1.5 % cash‑back rewards are simple but effective. Unlike many “category” rewards cards that change their bonus categories each quarter, the Bank of America Travel Rewards card pays the same rate on every purchase, making it easier to track and redeem. For every $100 you spend, you earn $1.50 in points.

Bonus 25 000 Points

The first purchase of at least $500 within 60 days of account opening earns you 25 000 points—worth $250 in travel vouchers. The article notes that, while this is a decent bonus, it’s modest compared to the 50 000–100 000 point bonuses offered by premium travel cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Capital One Venture Explore. For the average consumer, the bonus is enough to offset the cost of a weekend getaway or to get a head start on a longer trip.

Redeeming for Travel

Points can be redeemed in two primary ways:

1. Direct Travel Portal – Use the points as a travel credit on the Bank of America travel booking site. Each point is worth $0.01, so 25 000 points is $250 toward a flight, hotel, or rental car.
2. Transfer to Airline Partners – While the card does not currently support transfers to frequent‑flyer programs, points can be used in conjunction with airline partners on the portal. If you plan to fly frequently, you may want to compare the value of redeeming the points directly versus converting them to airline miles through a partner.

The article also notes that 1.5 % cash‑back can be converted to a statement credit at a 1:1 ratio, which can be used toward everyday expenses if you prefer not to book travel immediately.

Extra Perks (and Limitations)

Foreign‑Transaction Fees – 0 %, which is a strong selling point for international travelers. Many cards impose a 3 % fee on overseas purchases; Bank of America eliminates that cost.

No Credit‑Card‑Specific Fees – The card does not charge balance‑transfer fees, foreign‑transaction fees, or penalty APRs (outside the normal variable APR).

Travel & Purchase Protection – The card includes basic purchase protection and extended warranty on items bought with the card, but the level of coverage is modest compared to premium cards.

Limited Bonus Categories – Unlike cards that rotate or offer higher rates on dining, gas, or groceries, this card offers a flat rate. That’s both a benefit (no need to keep track of categories) and a limitation (you miss out on higher payouts in specific spending categories).

No “Points for a Fee” Options – Some cards allow you to pay a fee to earn extra points (e.g., $50 to get 1 000 bonus points). The Bank of America card does not have such a program.

Who Should Consider This Card?

The card is designed for consumers who:

• Prefer Simplicity – The flat 1.5 % reward rate means you never have to worry about rotating categories.
• Want an Introductory 0 % APR – Ideal for those who might finance a big purchase (car, appliance, or even a short-term loan) and can pay it off within 12 months.
• Travel Occasionally – While not a “premium” travel card, the ability to earn points toward travel vouchers makes it a decent choice for occasional flyers.
• Need No Annual Fee – Great for people who don’t want to pay a fee for a travel‑focused card.

Conversely, if you’re a frequent flyer who wants higher rewards on dining, gas, or flights, you might find this card underwhelming. If you’re looking for elite status or a high-tier travel card (Sapphire Reserve, Venture Explore, or Amex Platinum), the points are less valuable relative to the benefits offered.

How to Apply

The application process is straightforward:

1. Check Your Credit – Good to excellent credit (generally 670+). You can check your credit score for free through Bank of America’s online portal or by using a third‑party credit monitoring service.
2. Apply Online – Visit the Bank of America credit‑card page (https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-cards/) and fill out the online form. The application will run a soft inquiry to preview your eligibility.
3. Get Approved – If you’re approved, you’ll receive the card in the mail within 5–10 business days. Activation is immediate via the online portal or by calling the phone number on the back of the card.

The article cautions that applying for multiple cards in a short span can temporarily dip your credit score due to hard inquiries. It’s wise to wait a few weeks between applications.

Bottom Line

Bank of America’s Travel Rewards card offers a compelling combination of an introductory 0 % APR, a flat 1.5 % cash‑back rewards rate, and no annual fee—making it an attractive option for consumers who want a “set it and forget it” card that still pays out on travel. While it may not compete with premium travel cards in terms of rewards depth or elite perks, it’s a solid all‑purpose choice for those who value simplicity, travel flexibility, and the ability to skip interest by paying off the balance in full each month.

If you’re a U.S. resident with a good credit score, looking to earn travel points without a high annual fee, and willing to pay off your balance promptly to avoid interest, this card could be a useful addition to your wallet. As always, compare it to your current card and other offers in the market to ensure you’re getting the best fit for your spending habits and travel goals.