Bank of America Cards to Hike First-Year Rewards for New Holders

Here’s what you can expect if you’re applying for one of these cards.

Both credit cards will continue to offer the chance to earn a standard sign-up bonus as a new cardholder. What’s changed is that you’ll also be able to snag elevated reward rates during the first year.

Introductory offers will break down this way:

• Standard sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

• The first year: Earn 6% cash back on a category of your choice from a list of eligible options and 2% back on grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 of combined bonus category/ grocery store/wholesale club spending per quarter; after hitting that threshold, you’ll earn 1% back on these purchases.

• After the first year: Earn 3% cash back on a category of your choice from a list of eligible options and 2% back on grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 of combined bonus category/ grocery store/wholesale club spending per quarter; after hitting that threshold, you’ll earn 1% back on these purchases.

Eligible categories that can earn the higher rewards rate include gas and EV charging stations, online shopping (including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming), dining, travel, drugstores, and home improvement and furnishings. You can switch your category once per month.

• Standard sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. (This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America® financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.)

• The first year: Earn 2% cash back on all purchases for the first year from account opening. 

• After the first year: Earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.