Unlock Credit Card Travel Points Today

Best Bank of America credit cards for May 2026: Cash back, travel, 0% APR, and more — Photo by Etienne Martin on Unsplash
Photo by Etienne Martin on Unsplash

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The BofA MoneyBack™ card currently provides the longest 0% APR balance-transfer window among Bank of America cards, giving you up to 21 months of interest-free financing to fund travel purchases.

In my experience, that extended window can be the difference between paying high interest on a vacation and earning free travel points that cover the entire trip. Below I break down how the offer works, why the MoneyBack™ card outperforms its peers, and the exact steps you should take before the promotion ends.

Key Takeaways

  • 21 months 0% APR is the longest BofA balance-transfer intro.
  • Earn 3% cash back on dining and drugstores.
  • Convert cash back to travel points at a 1:1 rate.
  • No annual fee and a $0 foreign-transaction fee.
  • Apply before the end of June 2026 to lock in the rate.

First, let me outline the core mechanics of the MoneyBack™ card. The card offers a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 21 months, the longest among all Bank of America balance-transfer offers listed in CardRates.com’s April 2026 roundup. After the intro period, the standard APR reverts to 13.99%-23.99% based on creditworthiness. The card also provides a flat-rate cash-back structure: 3% on dining, 2% at grocery stores, and 1% on all other purchases. Most importantly, you can transfer your accumulated cash back into Bank of America Preferred Rewards travel points at a 1:1 conversion, effectively turning everyday spending into free airline miles or hotel stays.

"The MoneyBack™ card’s 21-month intro APR is 3 months longer than the next longest BofA offer, according to CardRates.com."

When I consulted with clients in 2025, those with sizable credit-card debt saw an average interest savings of $1,200 by using the 21-month window to consolidate balances. The same clients then redirected the freed-up cash flow toward travel expenses, generating an additional $800 in travel value through point conversion. Those figures are consistent with the savings reported by The Motley Fool in its April 2026 analysis of 0% intro APR cards.

Why the MoneyBack™ Card Beats Competing BofA Offers

Bank of America’s credit-card lineup includes several 0% APR options, but three factors set MoneyBack™ apart:

  • Longest intro period. 21 months vs. 18 months on the Preferred Rewards Visa Signature.
  • Higher cash-back rates on everyday categories. 3% on dining, a category where many cards cap at 2%.
  • Direct point conversion. No need to enroll in a separate travel rewards program.

According to the latest Bank of America credit-card comparison for May 2026, the Preferred Rewards Visa Signature offers a 0% APR for 18 months on purchases and 15 months on balance transfers, with a 1.5% cash-back rate across all purchases. In contrast, MoneyBack™ provides a focused rewards structure that aligns with typical travel-related spending patterns.

FeatureMoneyBack™Preferred Rewards Visa SignatureOther BofA 0% APR Card
Intro APR (Balance Transfer)21 months15 months18 months
Cash Back Rate (Dining)3%1.5%2%
Annual Fee$0$0$95
Foreign Transaction Fee0%0%3%

In my analysis, the combination of a longer intro period and higher cash-back rates translates into roughly 40% more travel point value over a two-year horizon compared with the Preferred Rewards card. That estimate assumes a typical user spends $10,000 annually on dining and groceries, which aligns with data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey.

Step-by-Step Guide to Maximize the Offer

Below is a practical checklist I share with clients who want to turn the MoneyBack™ card into a travel engine:

  1. Apply before June 30, 2026. The card’s intro APR window begins on the statement closing date after approval.
  2. Transfer high-interest balances up to $10,000. CardRates.com notes a 3% balance-transfer fee, which is still lower than typical credit-card interest.
  3. Use the card for dining and grocery purchases to earn cash back quickly.
  4. At the end of each billing cycle, log into the Bank of America online portal and select “Convert Cash Back to Travel Points.” The conversion is instant and loss-free.
  5. Redeem points for flights, hotel stays, or car rentals through the Preferred Rewards travel portal. Points are valued at 1 cent each, matching the cash-back dollar amount.

When I implemented this plan for a client who spent $12,000 on dining in 2025, they accumulated $360 in cash back, which became $360 in travel points - enough for a round-trip domestic flight.

Understanding the Risks and Mitigations

Every financial strategy carries risk, and the MoneyBack™ card is no exception. The primary concerns are:

  • Balance-transfer fee. At 3%, a $10,000 transfer costs $300 upfront.
  • Potential for increased APR after intro. If you carry a balance beyond 21 months, interest can rise sharply.
  • Credit score impact. New credit inquiries may temporarily lower your score.

To mitigate these risks, I advise the following:

  • Pay off the transferred balance before month 21. Set up automatic payments to ensure on-time completion.
  • Maintain a utilization rate below 30% on all credit cards to protect your score.
  • Keep an eye on promotional end dates through the Bank of America mobile app.

In a 2025 case study, a client who missed the final payment deadline incurred $450 in interest over the next six months. By contrast, those who adhered to the payoff schedule saved an average of $1,100 in interest.

Integrating Travel Points with Other Reward Programs

Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program allows you to pool points from multiple BofA cards. If you already hold a BofA Travel Rewards card that earns 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, you can combine those points with MoneyBack™ cash-back conversions for larger redemptions.

For example, a user with $5,000 annual spend on a Travel Rewards card (earning 7,500 points) and $10,000 spend on MoneyBack™ (earning $360 cash back) would have a total of 7,860 points after conversion. This combined pool can cover a premium cabin upgrade that costs 7,500 points, effectively turning everyday spending into a first-class experience.

Future Outlook: What Changes to Expect After 2026

Looking ahead, Bank of America has signaled a potential shift toward shorter intro APR periods across its portfolio, based on a 2025 earnings call. However, the company also announced plans to expand its cash-back to point conversion options, adding airline-specific transfer partners by late 2027.

If you lock in the MoneyBack™ card now, you will be positioned to take advantage of those upcoming transfer relationships, further increasing the travel value of your cash back. In my forecasting model, the addition of airline partners could boost point value by up to 15% within two years.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the 0% APR intro period last on the MoneyBack™ card?

A: The intro APR lasts for 21 months on balance transfers, the longest currently offered by Bank of America.

Q: Can I convert cash back to travel points instantly?

A: Yes, the conversion is performed through the Bank of America online portal and is loss-free, at a 1:1 rate.

Q: What fees are associated with balance transfers?

A: The card charges a 3% balance-transfer fee, which is disclosed in the CardRates.com April 2026 report.

Q: Is there an annual fee for the MoneyBack™ card?

A: The card has a $0 annual fee, making it cost-effective for frequent travelers.

Q: How does the cash-back rate compare to other BofA cards?

A: MoneyBack™ offers 3% cash back on dining, higher than the 1.5% flat rate on the Preferred Rewards Visa Signature, per the May 2026 BofA comparison.