BankAmericard
The BankAmericard offers one of the longest 0% intro periods available — 21 billing cycles on purchases and on balance transfers made within 60 days — with no annual fee. For paying down existing debt interest-free, it's a standout, from Bank of America, N.A.
Is the BankAmericard worth it?
The BankAmericard exists for one job — paying down debt without interest — and it does it about as well as any card on the market. It offers 0% intro APR for 21 billing cycles on purchases and on balance transfers made within the first 60 days, with no annual fee. Twenty-one cycles is among the longest interest-free runways available anywhere.
It’s issued by Bank of America, N.A., which we confirmed is an active FDIC institution (cert #3510, Charlotte, NC). After the intro period ends, the variable APR is 14.99%–25.99% (as of 05/30/2026).
The trade-offs are the ones every balance-transfer card carries: a 5% transfer fee applies, transfers must be completed within 60 days, and there are no rewards — this is a payoff tool, not a spending card. But if you have a balance to clear and want the maximum interest-free window, the BankAmericard is hard to beat. Rates, fees, and offers are variable and can change; this is not financial advice; confirm current terms on Bank of America’s site before applying.
How does a rewards credit card work?
A rewards credit card earns a percentage back on what you spend, which the issuer credits as cash back, points, or miles. You pay no interest if you clear the statement balance each month; carry a balance and the variable APR applies. The card reports your payment history to the credit bureaus.
What does the BankAmericard cost if you carry a balance?
Carrying a $1,000 balance at the 14.99% minimum APR costs roughly $150 a year in interest. That is why a rewards card only pays off if you clear the statement balance every month — interest at this rate quickly outruns any rewards.
Illustrative estimate based on the figures on this page, not an offer. Your results will differ.
What are the pros and cons of the BankAmericard?
The BankAmericard stands out for 0% intro APR for 21 billing cycles (purchases and balance transfers), though 5% balance transfer fee applies.
- 0% intro APR for 21 billing cycles (purchases and balance transfers)
- $0 annual fee
- Long runway to pay down debt interest-free
- 5% balance transfer fee applies
- Transfers must be made within 60 days of opening
- No rewards; regular APR is 14.99%–25.99% variable after the intro period
Who should get the BankAmericard?
The BankAmericard is best for people paying down existing credit-card debt over a long runway.
- People paying down existing credit-card debt over a long runway
- Anyone who wants the longest possible 0% intro window
- Cardholders who value no annual fee over rewards
How does the BankAmericard compare?
Among the 7 balance transfer credit cards we track, the BankAmericard ranks #2 with a money8020 score of 93/100.
| Product | Score | Tier | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card | 94 | Essential | U.S. Bank |
| BankAmericard | 93 | Essential | Bank of America |
| Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card | 93 | Essential | Citibank |
| Wells Fargo Reflect® Card | 93 | Essential | Wells Fargo |
| Citi Simplicity® Card | 81 | Strong | Citibank |
See all balance transfer credit cards, ranked →
Common mistakes to avoid with a rewards credit card
- Carrying a balance — interest at the regular APR quickly erases any rewards.
- Chasing a sign-up bonus with spending you cannot pay off in full.
- Missing the intro-APR deadline and getting hit with the full variable rate.
- Overlooking an annual fee that outweighs the rewards for your spending.
Key takeaways
- BankAmericard earns a money8020 score of 93/100, ranking #2 of 7 balance transfer credit cards.
- 0% intro APR for 21 billing cycles (purchases and balance transfers)
- Carrying a $1,000 balance at the 14.99% minimum APR costs roughly $150 a year in interest.
- Best for people paying down existing credit-card debt over a long runway.
- Rate and FDIC status fetched from Bank of America and corroborated against a regulator.
Frequently asked questions about the BankAmericard
How long is the BankAmericard 0% intro period?
Per Bank of America, the BankAmericard offers 0% intro APR for 21 billing cycles on purchases and on any balance transfers made within 60 days of opening. After that, a variable APR of 14.99%–25.99% applies (as of 05/30/2026). A 5% fee applies to balance transfers.
Does the BankAmericard have an annual fee?
No. Per Bank of America, the BankAmericard has no annual fee. It is built for paying down balances rather than earning rewards, so it carries no rewards program — the value is the long interest-free runway and the absence of an annual fee.
Will applying for the BankAmericard hurt my credit score?
Applying triggers a hard inquiry, which can dip your score a few points temporarily. Used responsibly — paying on time and keeping balances low — the card builds your credit over time.
Do the rewards on the BankAmericard expire?
On most cards, rewards do not expire while the account is open and in good standing, though terms vary. Redeem regularly and check the issuer's rewards policy.
Sources
We fetched these figures from the provider and corroborated them against a regulator, last checked May 30, 2026. Primary sources: