Introducing the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students credit card, designed to assist students in establishing responsible financial habits while offering the benefit of unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. With no annual fee, a $200 online cash rewards bonus offer, and access to free FICO® Score updates, this card provides a valuable opportunity for students to earn rewards while managing their finances responsibly.
Features
- Unlimited Cash Back. Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, providing students with a straightforward rewards system without the hassle of rotating categories or earning caps.
- $200 Online Cash Rewards Bonus. Receive a $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening, offering an attractive incentive for new cardholders.
- Low Introductory APR Offer. Benefit from a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days, providing flexibility and potential savings for students managing expenses.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Access to FICO® Score. Monitor your credit health with free access to your FICO® Score updated monthly, empowering students to track their progress and make informed financial decisions.
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No Annual Fee. Enjoy the benefits of cash-back rewards without the burden of an annual fee, making this card a cost-effective option for students looking to maximize their savings.
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Simplicity. The unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases eliminates the need to track spending categories, offering a straightforward rewards structure.
Cons
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Balance Transfer Fee. The introductory balance transfer fee of 3% for the first 60 days may deter some students from utilizing this feature, particularly if they have existing balances on other cards.
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Foreign Transaction Fee. A 3% fee on foreign transactions may add up for students studying or traveling abroad, potentially diminishing the card's value for international use.
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Penalty Fees. Late payments may result in penalty fees of up to $40, emphasizing the importance of responsible account management to avoid additional charges.
How to Apply for a Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students Credit Card
Online
Go to website
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Explore Credit Card Options. Browse through the available credit card options to find the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students Credit Card. Click on the card to access more details.
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Review Card Details. Take your time to review the features, benefits, and terms of the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students Credit Card to ensure it meets your needs.
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Initiate Application. Look for the "Apply Now" button to start the application process. Click on it to proceed.
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Fill Out Application Form. Complete the online application form with accurate personal, financial, and contact information as required. Ensure all fields are filled correctly.
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Submit Application. After filling out the form, review the information provided to avoid any errors. Once satisfied, submit your application.
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Wait for Approval. After submission, the bank will review your application. You may receive an instant decision or have to wait a few days for a response.
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Receive Card. If approved, your Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students Credit Card will be mailed to the address provided during the application process.
Mobile App
Go to AppStore
Go to Google Play
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Log In or Register. Open the Bank of America mobile app and log in to your existing online banking account. If you're a new user, you may need to register for mobile banking by providing your account details and creating login credentials.
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Navigate to Credit Cards. Once logged in, navigate to the section of the app dedicated to credit cards or banking products. This may be accessible from the main menu or homepage.
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Find Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students Card. Look for the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students Credit Card among the available options. Tap on the card to view more details.
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Start Application. Locate the option to apply for the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students Credit Card within the app. It may be labeled as "Apply Now" or something similar. Tap on it to initiate the application process.
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Complete Application Form. Fill out the application form provided in the app with accurate information, including personal, financial, and contact details. Double-check for accuracy before proceeding.
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Submit Application. After completing the form, review the information provided to ensure accuracy. Once verified, submit your application through the mobile app.
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Wait for Response. The bank will review your application. Depending on their process, you may receive an instant decision or have to wait for a few days to receive a response.
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Receive Confirmation. If approved, you'll receive confirmation within the app or via email. Your Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students Credit Card will be mailed to the address provided during the application process.
Branch Application
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Research and Preparation. Begin by researching the various credit cards offered by Bank of America to determine which best suits your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as rewards, interest rates, annual fees, and benefits.
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Gather Necessary Documents. Collect all required documents, such as a valid photo ID (e.g., driver's license or passport), Social Security number, proof of income (e.g., pay stubs or tax returns), and any other relevant financial information.
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Visit a Bank of America Branch. Locate the nearest Bank of America branch by using the Bank of America website or mobile app. Plan your visit during the branch’s operating hours.
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Meet with a Bank of America Representative. Once at the branch, request to speak with a representative about applying for a credit card. The representative will guide you through the process, answer any questions, and provide you with the necessary forms.
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Complete the Application Form. Fill out the application form provided by the representative. Ensure all information is accurate, including personal details, employment information, and financial data.
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Submit Your Application. After completing the form, submit it to the representative along with your supporting documents. The representative will review your application for completeness and accuracy.
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Wait for Approval. The representative will submit your application for processing. Approval times can vary; in some cases, you may receive an instant decision, while others may require further review. You will be notified of the decision by mail or email.
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Receive Your Card. If approved, your new Bank of America credit card will be mailed to you. Upon receiving your card, follow the instructions to activate it and begin using it to earn rewards and manage your finances effectively.
Infographic
Eligibility Requirements
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Age Requirement. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, or 21 years old if a permanent resident of Puerto Rico, to apply for the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students credit card.
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Residential Address. The applicant's residential address must be located in one of the following areas. any of the 50 United States, Washington D.C., APO/FPO/DPO, Guam, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, or U.S. Virgin Islands.
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Credit History. Approval for the card is contingent upon the applicant's creditworthiness, which may require a sufficient credit history and score to meet Bank of America's criteria.
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Application Accuracy. Applicants affirm that all information provided on the application is true and complete, ensuring compliance with Bank of America's application process.
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Previous Account History. Individuals may not be eligible for this offer if they currently hold or have had the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students credit card within the preceding 24-month period.
Reasons You May Be Denied a Card
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Insufficient Credit History. If you have a limited credit history or no credit history at all, the issuer may be unable to assess your creditworthiness, which could result in a denial of your credit card application.
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Low Credit Score. A low credit score, often indicative of past financial difficulties or missed payments, may lead to a denial of your credit card application. Credit scores below a certain threshold may be considered risky by the issuer.
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High Debt-to-Income Ratio. If you have a high debt-to-income ratio, meaning you have significant outstanding debt relative to your income, the issuer may view you as a higher credit risk and deny your application.
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Recent Bankruptcy. If you have filed for bankruptcy recently, you may be denied a credit card as it indicates financial instability and an increased risk for the issuer.
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Delinquent Accounts. If you have a history of late payments, defaults, or delinquent accounts on your credit report, it may signal to the issuer that you are not financially responsible and may lead to a denial of your application.
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Multiple Recent Credit Applications. Applying for multiple credit cards or loans within a short period, especially if accompanied by rejections, may raise concerns for the issuer about your financial stability and lead to a denial.
How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt
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Access Your Account. Sign in to your Bank of America online banking account or mobile app to access your credit card information.
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Review Your Balance. Take a moment to examine your outstanding balance, including any accumulated interest or fees.
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Choose a Payment Method. Determine how you wish to proceed with your payment. Bank of America provides several convenient options, such as online banking, mobile banking, in-person at a financial center or ATM, by phone, or through the mail.
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Online Payment. If you opt for online payment, log in to your account, proceed to the bill pay section, and follow the prompts to initiate a payment. You can select to pay the minimum amount due, the full balance, or a customized amount.
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Mobile Payment. Alternatively, you can utilize the Bank of America mobile banking app to complete a payment. Choose your Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students credit card account and follow the prompts to finalize the payment process.
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In-Person Payment. For those preferring in-person transactions, visit a Bank of America financial center or ATM. You can make a payment using cash, a check, or your debit card at the ATM, or seek assistance from a representative at the financial center.
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Phone Payment. To make a payment over the phone, dial the Bank of America customer service number and follow the automated instructions to navigate to the payment section. From there, you can complete the payment using your checking account or debit card.
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Mail Payment. Lastly, if mailing your payment suits your preference, utilize the payment address provided on your billing statement. Ensure to include your Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students credit card account number on the check or money order and allow adequate time for delivery.
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Confirm Payment. Following your payment submission, verify that it has been successfully processed. You can check your account balance online or via the mobile app to confirm the payment's application to your Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students credit card debt.
Editorial Opinion
Determining the value of the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students Credit Card hinges on individual financial objectives and spending patterns. This card offers a straightforward rewards program with no annual fee, 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases, and a $200 online cash rewards bonus, making it attractive for students. Added benefits include free FICO® Score updates and a low introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers. However, the card's foreign transaction fees and higher standard APR may be less appealing to those who frequently make international purchases or plan to carry a balance after the introductory period. Ultimately, it suits students looking for simplicity and cost-effectiveness in their credit card choice.
Additional Resources
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