You can apply for a Bank of America credit card online in about 10 minutes through the bank’s website, by phone, or at a local branch. The online route is the fastest and most common, and you’ll get a decision within 60 seconds in many cases. Here’s what you need to know before, during, and after the application.
Choose a Card Before You Apply
Bank of America offers dozens of credit cards across several categories: cash back, travel rewards, low interest, secured, and student. Picking the right card before you apply matters because each application triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points. You don’t want to waste that on a card that isn’t a good fit.
If you’re not sure which card you’d qualify for, Bank of America has a pre-qualification tool that checks for personalized offers using a soft inquiry, which does not affect your credit score. You’ll enter your name, date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your residential address. The tool then shows you cards you’re likely to be approved for, along with the specific terms you’d receive. This is worth doing before submitting a formal application.
Information You’ll Need to Apply
The full application asks for more detail than the pre-qualification check. Have the following ready:
- Personal details: Full legal name, date of birth, and full Social Security number.
- Contact information: Email address and phone number.
- Residential address: Your physical home address (P.O. boxes are not accepted). If you’ve lived there less than two years, you may be asked for your previous address as well.
- Housing costs: Whether you rent, own, or have another arrangement, and your monthly payment.
- Employment and income: Your employment status, employer name, and total annual income. The income figure can include wages, salary, self-employment income, investment returns, retirement distributions, and any other money you regularly receive. You’re legally allowed to include a spouse’s or partner’s income if you have reasonable access to it.
You won’t need to upload pay stubs or tax returns during the application itself. Bank of America may request documentation later to verify income, but this is uncommon for most applicants.
Three Ways to Apply
Online
Go to the Bank of America credit cards page, select the card you want, and click “Apply now.” Fill in the required fields, review the terms and pricing summary (pay attention to the APR, which is the annual interest rate you’ll be charged on balances you carry), and submit. Most online applications return an instant decision. Some are flagged for further review, which can take 7 to 10 business days.
By Phone
Call the number listed on the Bank of America credit card page for the card you’re interested in. A representative will walk you through the same questions. This is a good option if you have questions about card features or want help deciding between two cards while you apply.
In a Branch
Visit any Bank of America financial center and a banker can help you apply on the spot. Bring a government-issued photo ID. This option is useful if you prefer face-to-face interaction or if you’re also opening a checking or savings account, since some cards offer better rewards for existing Bank of America banking customers.
What Bank of America Looks At
Like all major issuers, Bank of America pulls your credit report and evaluates your creditworthiness based on several factors: your credit score, payment history, how much of your available credit you’re currently using (called credit utilization), the length of your credit history, and your income relative to your existing debts.
Bank of America also has an internal limit on how many new cards it will approve you for in a given timeframe. The general pattern, sometimes called the “2/3/4 rule,” means you’re unlikely to be approved for more than two new Bank of America cards in any rolling two-month period, three in any 12-month period, or four in any 24-month period. This only applies to Bank of America cards specifically, not cards from other issuers. If you’ve recently opened several Bank of America accounts, it may be worth spacing out your next application.
Existing customers with a Bank of America checking or savings account, or investment accounts through Merrill, sometimes have an easier path to approval. The bank can see your deposit history and overall relationship, which can work in your favor.
After You Submit Your Application
If you’re approved instantly, you’ll see your new account details on screen and can often start using the card for online purchases right away through a temporary digital card number. The physical card typically arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your application goes to review, you can check its status anytime using the Application Status Center on the Bank of America website. You’ll need the reference number from your submission and your Social Security number to look it up.
If you’re denied, Bank of America is required to send you a letter explaining the specific reasons. Common reasons include too many recent credit inquiries, high credit utilization, limited credit history, or insufficient income. Once you know the reason, you can call the reconsideration line and ask a credit analyst to take another look. This is a real conversation where you can explain circumstances the automated system didn’t account for, like a recent income increase or a paid-off balance that hasn’t yet been reported to the credit bureaus. Reconsideration calls don’t always work, but they succeed often enough to be worth the effort.
Tips for a Stronger Application
Pay down existing credit card balances before applying. Utilization below 30% of your total credit limit is a common benchmark, but lower is better. If you have a credit report error dragging down your score, dispute it with the credit bureau before you apply.
Make sure the income you report is accurate and complete. Many applicants undercount by forgetting to include side income, investment dividends, or a partner’s earnings they have access to. A higher reported income improves your debt-to-income ratio, which directly affects approval odds and the credit limit you’re offered.
If you’re new to credit or rebuilding after a setback, consider starting with the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured card. Secured cards require a refundable security deposit (typically equal to your credit limit), but they’re much easier to qualify for. After several months of on-time payments, you may be upgraded to an unsecured card and get your deposit back.