This guide breaks down how to convert Bank of America Travel Rewards points into flights in 2025, with clear details to help you get the best bang for your buck. I’m Brian Kelly, and after years of juggling travel rewards and credit cards, I can say there’s nothing quite like scoring a fancy seat upgrade for less than the price of a stadium hot dog.
Understanding Your Bank of America Travel Rewards Program
The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card offers a simple points system: you earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases, with no extra categories to worry about. Points are generally worth 1 cent each when used for travel. While there are no airline transfer partners, you can redeem points pretty much any way you’d like.
Key Features
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible redemption options
- Points that don’t expire as long as your account stays open
- No blackout dates or travel restrictions
For further details, check the Bank of America Travel Rewards card benefits guide.
Redemption Methods
Using your points for flights can be done two ways: statement credit or the Bank of America Travel Center. I once booked a last-minute trip to Vegas using the Travel Center, then decided I shouldn’t test my luck on the roulette tables.
1. Redeeming Points for Statement Credit
This method lets you book flights on any website or app, then wipe out the purchase with points.
Steps:
- Book your flight using your Bank of America Travel Rewards card.
- Wait for the charge to post to your account (1–3 business days).
- Log in to Online Banking or the mobile app.
- Select your Travel Rewards card, then go to “Rewards.”
- Hit “Redeem Points” and pick “Travel” as your category.
- Pick the flight purchase you want to offset.
- Confirm, and your statement credit will apply.
You need at least 2,500 points ($25 value) to redeem. Eligible travel includes airlines, hotels, car rentals, cruise lines, travel agencies, and more.
2. Booking Flights Through the Bank of America Travel Center
If you book through the Travel Center, you’ll snag 3 points per $1 spent on travel.
Steps:
- Log in to Online Banking, choose your Travel Rewards card, and select “Rewards.”
- Click “Redeem & Earn” or “Bank of America Travel Center.”
- Search for your flights (select departure, destination, dates, and class).
- Pick your flight and review details.
- Pay with your Travel Rewards card.
- Receive 3x points on your booking.
You can also pay part of the cost with points and the rest with your card.
Travel Center Fees and Restrictions
- Third-party booking: Changes or cancellations are handled by Bank of America, not the airline directly.
- Cancellation policies: The airline’s usual rules apply.
- Flight inventory: Over 200 airlines are offered, but availability can vary.
- No booking fees: Bank of America doesn’t add extra fees.
- Elite status benefits: These may not apply when you book via a third-party platform.
Redeeming Rewards via Mobile App or Phone
Mobile App Redemption
- Log in to the Bank of America mobile app.
- Select your Travel Rewards card.
- Tap “Rewards.”
- Pick “Redeem & Earn.”
- Choose your qualifying travel purchase.
- Confirm your redemption.
Phone Redemption
- Call 800.434.8313.
- Select option 2 for rewards redemption.
- Representatives are available Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. ET.
Maximizing Your Points Value
Enroll in Preferred Rewards
Depending on your combined Bank of America and Merrill balances, you can earn a boost of 25%–75%:
- Gold Tier: $20,000–$49,999 balance, 25% bonus
- Platinum Tier: $50,000–$99,999 balance, 50% bonus
- Platinum Honors Tier: $100,000+ balance, 75% bonus
Preferred Rewards Enrollment Process
- Open qualifying accounts: You need a Bank of America checking account.
- Meet balance requirements: Maintain a 3-month average daily balance across linked accounts.
- Enroll: Log in to Online Banking and follow prompts to join.
- Maintain tier: Balances are reviewed quarterly.
Additional Strategies for Points
- Use the Travel Center: Earn 3x points on bookings made through the portal.
- Grab promotions: Sign up when higher welcome bonuses are offered.
- Big purchases: Place major expenses on the card but pay off quickly.
- Combine cards: Pair Travel Rewards with other Bank of America cards that have category bonuses.
- Museums in Us: Bank of America customers can get free admission to over 225 cultural spots on the first full weekend of each month, though I’ve learned the gift shop can be more dangerous to my wallet than blackjack tables.
International Travel
Booking international flights? Same process, book as usual, then offset the cost with points. For more travel ideas, check resources like the Exploring Guidebook.
Travel Protections and Card Benefits
Using this card for flights earns you:
- Travel accident insurance: Up to $500,000 for accidental death or dismemberment.
- No foreign transaction fees: Save 1–3% on international buys.
- Visa Signature benefits: Possible perks like roadside dispatch and lost luggage reimbursement.
What’s missing? Comprehensive benefits such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and rental car collision coverage are not included.
Comparison with Competitor Travel Programs
| Feature | Bank of America Travel Rewards | Capital One Venture | Chase Sapphire Preferred |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $95 | $95 |
| Standard Earning Rate | 1.5X points | 2X miles | 2X points on travel |
| Maximum Rate with Bonuses | 2.62X (Platinum Honors) | 2X | 2X (5X through portal) |
| Point Value for Flights | 1 cent per point | 1 cent per point | 1.25 cents through portal |
| Transfer Partners | None | 15+ airline partners | 14+ airline partners |
| Insurance Coverage | Limited accident coverage | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None | None |
The $0 annual fee is a huge plus, and with Preferred Rewards, your points can stack quickly. However, there are no transfer partners and fewer travel protections.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Points don’t expire as long as the account stays open.
- No blackout dates or travel restrictions.
- You must redeem statement credits within 12 months of the purchase date.
- No airline transfer partners.
Conclusion
Bank of America Travel Rewards is a neat option for flights. Whether you offset purchases through statement credits or book through the Travel Center, you can turn everyday spending into meaningful journeys in 2025. I’ve certainly enjoyed redeeming miles for everything from impromptu weekend getaways to escapes across the Atlantic, just don’t forget your neck pillow.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I use my Bank of America Travel Rewards points for? Flights, hotels, cruises, and more.
- How much are 25,000 Bank of America Travel Rewards points worth? At 1 cent per point, that’s $250 in travel.
- Can I transfer Bank of America points to airlines? No, there are no direct airline transfers.
- How do I redeem my Bank of America reward points? Log in to Online Banking, pick your Travel Rewards card, then choose “Rewards” and follow the prompts. You can also call 800.434.8313.
- Does Bank of America Travel Rewards provide travel insurance? It provides travel accident coverage, but not multiple insurance protections like trip cancellation coverage.