Annual fee $0. Unlimited 1.5 points per dollar, with potential relationship boost.
See if it fits my walletThe 3 reviewed personal cards that share the most card types and features with the Travel Rewards.
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No transfer partners and best return depends on relationship status
Check current offer This link goes to Bank of America’s site. Dean earns nothing if you apply.Same annual fee: $0. Best fit: People wanting a simple no-fee Chase card. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Cash back, Transferable-points companion.
Read Dean’s reviewSame annual fee: $0. Best fit: Optimizers who will activate categories. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Rotating cash back, Transferable-points companion.
Read Dean’s reviewAnnual fee: $95, against $0 for the Travel Rewards. Best fit: Bank of America or Merrill customers who can use credits. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Travel, Relationship rewards.
Read Dean’s review| Card | Annual fee | Rewards and benefit summary | Best fit | Main drawback | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel RewardsBank of America | $0 | Unlimited 1.5 points per dollar, with potential relationship boostNo foreign transaction fee; flexible travel and dining statement-credit redemption | Travelers wanting no annual fee and simple redemptions | No transfer partners and best return depends on relationship status | Bank of America Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Freedom UnlimitedChase | $0 | 1.5% base plus higher rates on Chase Travel, dining, and drugstoresPurchase protection; extended warranty; can combine rewards with eligible Sapphire or Ink cards | People wanting a simple no-fee Chase card | Foreign transaction fee; travel value improves only when paired with an eligible premium card | Chase Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Freedom FlexChase | $0 | 5% rotating categories after activation up to cap; higher Chase Travel, dining, and drugstore rates; 1% otherCell-phone protection and Mastercard benefits under guide | Optimizers who will activate categories | Quarterly cap and foreign transaction fee | Chase Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Premium RewardsBank of America | $95 | 2X travel and dining; 1.5X other, with potential relationship boostAirline incidental and application-fee credits; travel protections | Bank of America or Merrill customers who can use credits | Best economics depend on relationship boost | Bank of America Checked 2026-07-22 |
Unlimited 1.5 points per dollar, with potential relationship boost.
No foreign transaction fee; flexible travel and dining statement-credit redemption.
Dean treats these as the reasons to hold the Travel Rewards. If you would not use them, the card is worth less to you than its marketing says.
25,000 online bonus points after $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days, redeemable for a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining.
Dean read this offer on Bank of America’s own page on October 24, 2026. A welcome offer is paid once. Judge the card on what it does for you in year 2.
Dean lists the Travel Rewards for good, excellent credit. It is a personal card. Availability: public national.
A listed credit range is a starting point, not an approval promise. Bank of America decides approval, your credit limit, and your rate when you apply.
No transfer partners and best return depends on relationship status.
Annual fee: $0. Dean checked the fee and terms against Bank of America on July 22, 2026. Terms can change after that date, so read the live offer before you apply.
Miles or points offset travel purchases at a defined rate. Simple travel redemptions with fewer blackout concerns.
Best for: Travelers who value ease over award optimization. Watch for: Travel-only redemptions can be less flexible than cash.
High-fee cards bundle lounge access, travel credits, status, and protections. Airport lounges, hotel programs, travel credits, concierge, insurance.
Best for: Frequent travelers who naturally use the credits. Watch for: High fees and fragmented credits create breakage.
Rewards housing payments through a special payment network or card program. Earns value on a large expense that normally has a fee.
Best for: Renters or homeowners who can follow program rules. Watch for: Transaction fees, required non-housing spend, and reward caps can apply.
Cash back deposits into a brokerage, retirement, 529, or investing app. Automatic investing and potentially strong flat rewards.
Best for: People already using the linked financial platform. Watch for: Headline value can require a specific redemption or paid membership.
Business card with points, airline, hotel, or premium travel benefits. Employee cards, travel protections, lounges, category rewards, large-spend bonuses.
Best for: Businesses with recurring travel or advertising, shipping, and software spend. Watch for: High fees and portal requirements must match real company spend.
Rewards or fee value increases with qualifying deposits or investments. Higher earning, fee credits, or exclusive access.
Best for: Customers willing to consolidate assets with one institution. Watch for: Opportunity cost and balance requirements can exceed card value.
Same rate on most eligible purchases.
Conditions to check: Excluded cash-like transactions and redemption value. Best for simplicity and uncategorized spend.
Moves bank points to airline or hotel loyalty programs.
Conditions to check: Transfer ratios, minimums, availability, expiration, and irreversible transfers. Transfer only after confirming an award.
Higher rewards or credits for issuer-portal bookings.
Conditions to check: Portal price, cancellation rules, elite credit, and direct-booking benefits. Compare the total trip terms, not only the multiplier.
Dean links directly to the issuer. Card terms and eligibility can change after the review date.