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Bank of America

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5.2

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: March 22nd, 2024

Bank of America, founded in San Francisco in 1998, is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, offering a variety of banking solutions to individuals and businesses. 

In addition to traditional banking services, the bank offers a variety of different credit cards. Offering a variety of rewards cards, and other credit card products, including a student credit card and secured credit card option, consumers can find the card that best fits their needs.

Continue reading for a full review of Bank of America credit cards, as well as reviews from real customers.

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The Good

  • Variety of Credit Cards
  • Co-branded Rewards Cards
  • Secured Credit Card Options
  • Student Credit Card Options
  • Benefits for Existing Bank of America Customers
  • Preferred Rewards Program
  • Free Credit Score Monitoring
  • Positive Customer Reviews

Variety of Credit Cards

In addition to its traditional banking services, Bank of America offers a variety of credit cards. You don’t need to be an existing Bank of America customer to qualify for a credit card, but there are some additional benefits, such as preferred rewards, that are available to those who already bank with the institution.

Bank of America offers both company-branded and co-branded rewards cards, allowing you to earn points or cash back on purchases. In addition, Bank of America offers a secured credit card, as well as a variety of student credit cards.

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Highlight: Bank of America® Cash Rewards Card

One of Bank of America’s most popular cards, the Cash Rewards card offers 3% and 2% cash back in a category of your choice, and grocery stores/wholesale clubs on the first $2,500 each quarter. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. There is no annual fee, and you can earn $200 in online cash rewards for a limited time after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of opening your account.

Co-branded Rewards Cards

Bank of America offers a variety of co-branded credit cards, allowing you to gain rewards on specific purchases that can be used towards travel, for example. Bank of America offers co-branded options with the following companies:

  • Alaska Airlines
  • Allegiant Airlines
  • Amtrak
  • Air France
  • Sonesta International Hotels Corporation
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Susan G. Komen (Breast Cancer Foundation)
  • Major League Baseball (MLB)

Secured Credit Card Options

If you are looking to build or rebuild credit, Bank of America offers two secured credit card options:

  • Bank of America® Cash Rewards Secured
  • BankAmericard® Secured

Both cards offer a convenient way to build credit with no annual fee and a refundable security deposit of $300 to $4,900. 

Many companies do not offer this added benefit to credit building. The Bank of America Cash Rewards Secured card offers 3% and 2% cash back in a category of your choice and at grocery stores/wholesale clubs on the first $2,500 each quarter; 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Student Credit Card Options

Bank of America offers three student credit card options:

  • Bank of America® Cash Rewards for Students
  • BankAmericard® for Students
  • Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students

Most other credit card companies only offer one student credit card option that generally has some sort of cash back reward. 

Benefits for Existing Bank of America Customers

You do not need to be an existing Bank of America customer to apply for a credit card, but if you are an existing customer, some cards offer additional benefits for keeping all your accounts with the bank.

For example, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® card allows Bank of America checking account or savings account holders to redeem cash back as a deposit into either type of account. In addition, existing Bank of America customers are eligible for Preferred Rewards, allowing you to earn 25 percent to 75 percent more points on purchases.

Preferred Rewards Program

Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program is designed to give back to loyal bank customers, offering exclusive benefits. The program includes three tiers — Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Honors — allowing you access to certain rewards and savings.

To enroll in Preferred Rewards you must meet the following criteria:

  • Have an active, eligible Bank of America checking account
  • Have a three-month combined average daily balance of $20,000+ in Bank of America deposit accounts and/or Merrill® investment accounts

If you meet these criteria you are welcome to enroll through online banking, but approval is not guaranteed.

Free Credit Score Monitoring

Available to all Bank of America credit card holders, you can check your FICO® score for free either online or through the Bank of America mobile app. 

Through this service you can check your FICO score monthly with no impact to your credit score, see what factors are impacting your score, and receive tips for maintaining healthy credit with Better Money Habits.

Positive Customer Reviews

Bank of America reviews are currently limited, but the majority of these reviews give the company 4 or 5 stars. These positive reviews frequently mention excellent customer service and low interest rates.

On the other hand, negative reviews frequently mention high fees.

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The Bad

  • Annual Fees
  • Foreign Transaction Fees

Annual Fees

Many Bank of America credit cards don’t charge an annual fee, but some cards do charge this fee:

  • Bank of America® Premium Rewards® — $95 annual fee
  • Alaska Airlines Visa® — $75 annual fee
  • Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard® — $0 introductory annual fee. After the first year, $79 annual fee.
  • Allegiant World Mastercard® — $59 annual fee
  • Amtrak Guest Rewards® World Mastercard® — $79 annual fee
  • Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard® — $89 annual fee
  • Sonesta World Mastercard® — $0 introductory annual fee. After the first year, $75 annual fee.
  • Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard® — $90 annual fee

It is important to note that rewards cards often charge this fee, and Bank of America’s annual fees are significantly low in comparison to other credit card issuers, such as American Express.

Foreign Transaction Fees 

Many Bank of America credit cards don’t charge a foreign transaction fee, including its co-branded travel rewards cards, but some company-branded cards will charge this fee. 

Bank of America’s foreign transaction fee is 3 percent U.S. dollar amount on each purchase made in a foreign currency or on transactions made/processed outside of the United States.

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The Bottom Line

Bank of America is a trusted financial institution both nationally and internationally, and serves a variety of needs through its personal banking products and services, as well as its array of 22 credit card options.

From generous cash back rewards to travel points, Bank of America has a credit card for everyone. It is an added bonus that the company offers a cash back rewards secured credit card option, as well as a travel rewards card for students, allowing more flexibility and benefits for those who are building credit.

Most credit cards do not charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fee, but for cards that do charge an annual fee, you might pay less than you would with other credit card issuers. Although, higher annual fees generally mean that there are more generous rewards involved.

Based on a currently limited number of Bank of America credit card reviews, the majority of customers award the company 4 or 5 stars, most frequently praising the company’s low interest rates and excellent customer service.

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Star Rating

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3.7

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348 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

52%

4 grade

22%

3 grade

9%

2 grade

5%

1 grade

13%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Stephanie Bloniarz

I have used Bofa credit cards for 20+ years! My favorite is my Royal Caribbean card. I have earned a lot of points, to get great discounts on my upcoming cruises. I have several accounts and I appreciate that I can manage all of them on my online profile. I always feel safe and protected having Bank of America credit card accounts. A+++++

6 days ago

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Bisi Oyewusi Minneapolis, MN

BOA will forever remain my number one bank. Aside the name that sounds so sweet, they help a lot off their customers. However, they should help people more with credit cards.

2 months ago

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Robert Horn II Pahrump, NV

My Bank of America credit card is my primary card. Customer service is always good at notifying me when possible fraudulent charges are posted to my account. The purchase rebates I get from using my card is an added benefit.

7 months ago

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Sonya Parker Mesa, AZ

Bank of America is by far the biggest bank aside from Wells Fargo, but I believe Bank of America has Wells Fargo beat. I like the fact Bank of America is located in 50 states, which is why I changed a lot of my accounts to Bank of America. Very convenient.

4 months ago

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Michelle Thomas Anaheim, CA

B of A has been a great creditor. I have a low interest rate and the rewards pay bak are great. The service I have received has been exceptional. I really like that the California Teachers Association teamed up with them.

4 months ago

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Bunny Garlington Weatherford, TX

I had a Bank of America credit card for years. I acted responsible with it and never had a problem. This a well known name in the financial arena. I have not used their actual banking products. Customer service is there to assist if needed.

7 months ago

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Sherran Nutson Atlanta, GA

I once had a Bank of America Checking and Savings account and credit card a few years ago but eventually closed them all because of too many fees. The credit card had an annual fee which I did like because I don't have a balance and barely use the credit card, I was still responsible for paying the annual fee. I also wasn't happy with walk-in customer service when I went into the bank to withdraw cash, purchase cashier checks or ask questions about fees on my credit card.

8 months ago Edited July 18, 2023

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George

The type of credit card I got from Bank of America was a secured credit card meaning that I had to put a deposit before being granted the card. This type of technique and program works well in order to build credit history since the credit world Dynamics have changed to ridiculous situations over the years. When nobody else trusted me just because I had no credit history; Bank of America trusted in me.

4 years ago

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Frank Herbert Portland, OR

I have used the Bank of America Visa card for at least 30 years. My main concern is identity theft and they have been very vigilant in guarding my card and identifying suspicious transactions. They notify me immediately when a charge appears amiss, and they have even frozen my card on some overseas transactions, but they are easy to contact 24 hours a day via phone or internet to clear up any questions. I also use their Travel Rewards card exclusively when overseas to avoid pesky foreign currency conversion fees. I used to work for the US Government and their card was accepted by all US embassies for staff employees which was extremely convenient.

2 years ago

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JimS. Cathedral City, CA

I have an Alaska Airlines Visa card through Bank of America. This gives me Alaska Airlines mileage as well as other benefits, like a free checked bag for every flight. It cost me $75 per year. What can you say about a Visa card? Pretty much everyone takes it. User interface for the Bank of America credit card app is pretty easy to use. I make my credit card payments on the app, and it works quickly and easily. They also give you your FICO score free every month which is nice. What’s not to like? I don’t have all my banking services with Bank of America, but if I did I’m sure they would be fine.

2 years ago Edited January 3, 2022

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Ricardo Ortiz Fredericksburg, VA

I have been a member of Bank of America for over 20 years. I use their banking and credit cards with confident because Bank of America uses monitoring system like no other. Their team of specialist on fraud is the best.

11 months ago

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Melissa Castillo Baytown, TX

I have a Bank of America card through an eductors source and find it to be of great value. The interest rate I was offered was unbeatable. I like the ease of online banking and the services the credit card offers me. Great value.

2 years ago

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Patricia Miller Preston, ID

I have had a credit card with Bank of America for 17 years. The service is great and the staff is always available to help you. I wanted to make a large purchase in November but I did not have enough available credit left on my card and the woman at Bank of America made it work! She was wonderful.

4 years ago

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Beverly Schacher Long Beach, MS

My husband has a Bank of America credit card that he uses for his small business. He has been very happy with the terms and the customer service. He uses the card for gas and equipment purchases and pays it off each month to avoid interest charges.

4 years ago

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Tiffany I Elkridge, MD

I’ve been a loyal customer with BOA since college. They’ve notified me of miscellaneous charges, rushed debit cards, and helped with any customer service request I’ve needed. The online system is super easy to use. I’ve never needed to switch banks.

4 years ago

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Anthony Cashin

Boa charges $5 to replace worn out cards. They classify as "damaged". My point is I did not damage the card. It's too flimsy, and I am having to get a new one more than once a year. Should last until expiration. They called and explained and refunded my $5

6 years ago

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cindy g Victorville, CA

I’ve been a Bank of America credit card holder for a few years with them. I’ve never had any issues offers that they have are really great and they’re building and apps. I’ve never had any problems with an easy to manage.

10 months ago Edited May 24, 2023

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Emma Morrill

BofA does a really great job of keeping your money up to date. There are little to no pending charges as everything gets through to your account quickly. This is very helpful to have an accurate view of your money in real time. The only drawback is the limitation on savings accounts. They will charge you an arm and a leg to have one if you don't have enough money in your other accounts or aren't able to deposit enough into your savings each month. If you are looking for an easy savings account I would look elsewhere unless you already have an account with BofA.

10 months ago

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Meagan Diemer Hopewell, VA

Going on +11 years of banking with Bank of America. Never had an issue and customer service has always been great. Wait times are not extreme like other banking institutes I have used in the past. Usually receive immediate resolutions with issues. If not possible, they are at least timely. Their app is convenient and easy to use. Which is a huge plus. Just wish I could go further back in transactions to view. But still overall very happy with their services!

2 years ago

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Kaye Columbia, MO

The Bank of America Mobile App is my favorite! The mobile banking app is so easy to use and it really helps in managing my credit card spending. It shows you a breakdown of all your spending and your income, as well as showing you your monthly credit score free of charge. And, because I'm a student, a lot of the normal credit card fees are waived, which I love.

2 years ago

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Abril Hunter Tallahassee, FL

Bank of America is a great company to have a credit card through. My Bank of America card is always reliable and the bank itself is always super helpful whenever I have any problems. I mostly appreciate the banking app and online banking system that allow for ease of access to my account information wherever I am. The applications interface is very nice and easy to use as well as constantly updated and accurate. I most enjoy that it logs you out of your banking session if you are in active. It makes the whole process you much safer.

2 years ago

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Vicki H. Poolesville, MD

Although I don't currently use my Bank of America card because I am retired and only need my debit card (tied to my credit union account) and my Amazon card now, I would still recommend using Bank of America as good credit card to use. I always handled transactions via mail or phone but I never had any problems and they were always pleasant and helpful when I needed their help.

3 years ago

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JStel Grand Junction, CO

Never a problem with BOA credit card! If you are a single card user for most purchases...go no further. I've not once had an unresolved problem in many years of use! Customer service excellent and expedient, online access safe and convenient, and point building opportunities (with cash option) are excellent! Finally, security is of utmost importance to BOA...and they will go to bat for you when needed. Most times they catch problems before they ever occur!

4 years ago

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Reese Pleasant Grove, UT

I have had a Bank of America credit card and they stand apart from other credit cards in my rate being lower, lower fees, and some great options for rewards. I especially like the cash back program. I had a Bank of America credit card in the 1980's and it was good then and it is even better now with all of the safeguard options and online services.

4 years ago

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Joseph Tempe, AZ

B of A has one of the best credit cards, I use it for everything and pay it off monthly. Its my favorite credit card because the customer support is strong

9 months ago

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Maya My McDonough, GA

So, I had a free bank account with them and they always let me take out more than I had, which confused me because I expected to be alerted that my balance was lower than what I requested at the ATM. So I ended up with overdraft fees and it left a bad taste in my mouth. Moving forward to give them a chance at a different product, I looked into credit cards and ones with a 0% intro APR said it would be for 18-21 months but only applied to transactions within the first 2 month's of having the card. That (among others I know who had a credit card with them as well) made me never want to open a credit card with them.

8 months ago Edited July 27, 2023

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Shelly Wright

I got an interest free for 18 month's credit card. It seems to make it easier to pay it off faster. I have been banking with them for 10 years. They were the only credit card to give 18 months and no transfer fees.

4 years ago

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Dominique Caballero

I have a good experience. There is one minor issue is that there customer service is not great. When I realize I made an early payment for my credit card, they did not like to waive the fee when I meant to make the payment on the next cycle.

4 years ago

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Eddie Rios Ogden, UT

Bank of America has one of my lowest interest rate credit cards. They offer simplified billing with online options to reduce paper billing. I get all the standard customer service but I also get sustained low rates. I can't be happier with any other card.

4 years ago

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Hannah Pleasant Grove, UT

We use the Alaska Airlines bank of america card. I like the card itself. But I usually don't look forward to trying to get done anything on their website. It is a pretty poor user experience. However, the mileage plan is great and we build up miles so fast. We have gotten quite a few free flights. Great deal!

6 years ago

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Robert Joros

Just a few issues. Alwaysmling lines at the actual bank itself. And if I transfer $$ from savings to checking to much I get charged. Other than that I really have no issues. The online banking app is easy to use and a good tool for tending to $$.

6 years ago

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Hope Miami, FL

I like it because it's interest are not so high

1 month ago

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G.J. Boise, ID

We have had are Bank of American credit card for many years. When we opened our account they didn’t have the (get cash back) program. We only use it for are Netflix so it wouldn’t benefit us anyway. We have had no problems with this company so I would recommend it.

1 year ago

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K Andres Purcellville, VA

Bank of America provides a good credit card that is reliable and can be counted on. Recently there was a compromise and Bank of America had my back the entire way canceling and reissuing the credit card within moments of the breach. Very impressive.

1 year ago

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Jewelleah Kempers Los Angeles, CA

B of A is a great company for checking and savings but their credit card is not my favorite as I recently had them increase my interest rate to the default rate when I was never in default with them. They said that because I had a late payment with another company's card it was within their terms and conditions to raise my interest rate to the default amount! That's just greedy and unnecessary!

1 year ago

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Karen Bach Mount Airy, GA

Did business with Bank of America in Tampa for more than 20 years. Best bank I ever dealt with for savings, checking and mortgage accounts. Responsive to needs in a timely fashion. Unfortunately, there are no branches near enough to where I live now to make it feasible. If a branch opens close to me I will be there in a heartbeat.

1 year ago

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Luke Swierczynski Waterford, MI

Got their Travel rewards card before a trip since I'd rather have a travel card that can be used with any flight service. Decent sign on bonus seeing as there is no annual fee and 1.5% back isn't terrible, but does pale compared to the new 2% cards offered.

2 years ago

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Steve Harris Gonzales, LA

I have had 2 Bank of America credit cards for a number of years. They've always been great. Never a single negative issue. One of many examples of positive responses I've asked on more than one occasion if they would increase my credit limit. Each time they increased it substantially and quickly.

2 years ago Edited January 24, 2022

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J B Sandy, UT

My parents used Bank of America for as long as I can remember, and the have been a great financial partner as they have gotten older and had to look at options for getting equity out of their home. B of A found an option that allowed them to retire in comfort.

2 years ago Edited January 24, 2022

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Moses F. Chandler, AZ

We are proud to be Bank of America customers. They offer a wide range of services & support. The staff is very Professional & very helpful. We highly recommend Bank of America, they have a long standing commitment of satisfaction, for it's customer's

2 years ago Edited January 21, 2022

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Erinmarie Xian Seffner, FL

I have 2 credit cards and a mtg with Bank of America - they have the BEST customer service. In the 20 years I've been doing business with them they have resolved any and every issue I have ever had. I realize there are those that do not like BOA but I have always been very happy with the service provided.

2 years ago

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Gavin Jones Columbus, OH

Had great customer service and very swift assistance. I have found BOA to be very reliable and also the card I have has given me some great rewards and offers. Also the app itself is super friendly and easy to use on the fly.

2 years ago Edited January 3, 2022

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Sirdriz77 Fairfield, CT

I love Bank of America for their banking and investing, and their customer service is awesome, but I don't use my BoA credit card very often, because the rewards don't compare to my other credit cards. I haven't looked to see what card benefits they are offering lately, but if they had a benefit that I wanted I wouldn't hesitate to use my card more often.

2 years ago

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Cece Valentine San Antonio, TX

Bank of America protects you card information very well. They will lock your card if there's any suspicious activity happening in your account. It's also really easy to create an account and set up an appointment in the mobile app. You can really trust this bank with your money and credit.

2 years ago

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Ashlyn Elwood Roswell, GA

In my opinion, Bank of America is revolutionizing the credit card industry. You can pick which area you want to earn the most cash back on based on your spending habits! This has allowed me to earn more cash back on gas since I have fairly long commutes and also love road trips (plus gas is expensive!!!).

2 years ago

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Victor Olaore Omoshehin Brooklyn, NY

The Bank of America have been a customer friendly bank to me. At least, It was my first ever bank to open in the country. The experience have been overwhelming with their online chat and other banking services which I can get online. The Bank of America responded to my debit card replacement on time without stress. Some times my credit card arrived fore the 7 business days expectation.

2 years ago

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Brianna Sutherland Tallahassee, FL

I have been a member of Bank of America since I was in high school and I have no complaints thus far. Starting out, i had a joint account with my mom but now I have my own account and I truly trust BOA . Their customer service has always been helpful and understanding when I have an issue with my account.

2 years ago Edited November 8, 2021

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roberto arcia Columbia, MO

My experience with Bank of America has been great. They have to get credit rewards and are always attentive when it comes to customer concerns. Additionally, they have to get card styles, which I love because it makes it more personal.

2 years ago

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Destini Ferguson Tallahassee, FL

The BOA app allows you to see all of your transactions, and it is easy to use. When I have fraudulent activity BOA shuts off my card until i have verified the purchases. This is very helpful and reassures me that my money is safe. They also sent my new card quickly when i had lost it at work.

2 years ago

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Brianna S Tallahassee, FL

I have been with Bank of America since I received my first debit card, which has been for almost 6 years. I have never had any issues with money going missing and whenever I had to dispute a charge, their customer service was very helpful and efficient!

3 years ago