Bank of AmericaTravel Rewards Secured
$0 plus refundable depositPeople building credit who travel internationally
Deposit required; fixed-value rewards
Check current offer This link goes to Bank of America’s site. Dean earns nothing if you apply.Bank of America Travel Rewards Secured
Annual fee $0 plus refundable deposit. Unlimited 1.5 points per dollar.
See if it fits my walletDean’s short answer
Best fit: People building credit who travel internationally.
SecuredTravel rewards
This card and its closest alternatives
The 3 reviewed personal cards that share the most card types and features with the Travel Rewards Secured.
When a link pays Dean a commission, the card says so right there. Paid or not, the ranking never changes, and no issuer sponsors or endorses Dean. Approval, rates, and terms are controlled by the card issuer.
U.S. BankAltitude Go Secured
$0 plus refundable depositU.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured
Same annual fee: $0 plus refundable deposit. Best fit: People building credit with dining spend. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Secured, Dining rewards.
Read Dean’s reviewCapital OneQuicksilver Secured Rewards
$0 plus refundable depositCapital One Quicksilver Secured Rewards
Same annual fee: $0 plus refundable deposit. Best fit: People building credit who want simple rewards. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Secured, Cash back.
Read Dean’s reviewCitiCiti Secured Mastercard
$0 plus refundable depositCiti Secured Mastercard
Same annual fee: $0 plus refundable deposit. Best fit: People establishing credit. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Secured, Credit building.
Read Dean’s review| Card | Annual fee | Rewards and benefit summary | Best fit | Main drawback | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Rewards SecuredBank of America | $0 plus refundable deposit | Unlimited 1.5 points per dollarNo foreign transaction fee; credit-building path | People building credit who travel internationally | Deposit required; fixed-value rewards | Bank of America Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Altitude Go SecuredU.S. Bank | $0 plus refundable deposit | 4X dining up to cap; bonus grocery, gas, EV, and streaming; 1X otherNo foreign transaction fee; credit-building path | People building credit with dining spend | Deposit and category cap | U.S. Bank Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Quicksilver Secured RewardsCapital One | $0 plus refundable deposit | 1.5% cash back on every purchaseRefundable deposit; potential review for higher line; credit reporting | People building credit who want simple rewards | Deposit required | Capital One Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Citi Secured MastercardCiti | $0 plus refundable deposit | No rewardsReports activity; online FICO access; customizable due date | People establishing credit | Deposit required and no rewards | Citi Checked 2026-07-22 |
What it earns
Unlimited 1.5 points per dollar.
What comes with it
No foreign transaction fee; credit-building path.
Dean treats these as the reasons to hold the Travel Rewards Secured. If you would not use them, the card is worth less to you than its marketing says.
- No foreign transaction fee
- credit-building path
Who can get it
Dean lists the Travel Rewards Secured for limited, fair, good 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.
The catch
Deposit required; fixed-value rewards.
Annual fee: $0 plus refundable deposit. 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.
How a fixed-value travel rewards card works
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.
How a premium travel card works
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.
How a secured credit card card works
Refundable deposit generally establishes the credit line. Credit reporting, controlled limit, possible graduation, sometimes rewards.
Best for: People building or rebuilding credit. Watch for: Deposit, fees, graduation policy, and reporting to all bureaus vary.
How a rent or mortgage rewards card works
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.
How a investment-linked rewards card works
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.
How a business travel card works
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.
How a relationship rewards card works
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.
Flat rewards: how to value it
Same rate on most eligible purchases.
Conditions to check: Excluded cash-like transactions and redemption value. Best for simplicity and uncategorized spend.
Travel portal multiplier: how to value it
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.
Annual travel credit: how to value it
Statement credit or instant discount for eligible travel.
Conditions to check: Calendar versus cardmember year, portal or merchant restrictions, exclusions. Value it at face value only if you would use it naturally.
Sources and scope
Check the evidence, then check the live offer.
Dean links directly to the issuer. Card terms and eligibility can change after the review date.