What? No Rewards!? The idea of a credit card absent of rewards probably seems ludicrous to most people. However, the Bank AmeriCard credit card from the Bank of America has a streamlined focus and some attractive features. But can it hold its own in a competitive market? Let’s take a look at what Bank AmeriCard has to offer.
Plain and Simple
The most noticeable feature of the Bank AmeriCard credit card is the lengthy 0% introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers. In the past, this period lasted as long as 18 months. The current offer is only slightly less at 15 billing cycles. This is one of the longest introductory offers, making the Bank AmeriCard an attractive prospect for people wanting to make a large purchase, interest free. Even more alluring is the ability to transfer a balance from a high interest rate card to the Bank AmeriCard and enjoy paying down debt and stop accruing it. Balance transfers must be made in the first 60 days of opening the card and cost 3% with a $10 minimum fee. After the introductory period, a reasonable 12.99% - 22.99% variable APR will apply.
What else attracts customers to the Bank AmeriCard? It has no annual fee -- an appealing feature for a lot of people. Another great feature is the fact that making a late payment won’t automatically raise your interest rate. You will, however, be assessed a $40 late fee. Other fees you might be charged are a $29 returned payment fee and a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Security Features
Customers can be confident that Bank of America is on the lookout for any type of suspicious activity on your Bank AmeriCard credit card. When abnormalities in spending are detected, Bank of America blocks the activity. Likewise, if purchases are made fraudulently, customers can be sure they are protected with $0 fraud liability.
Also considered a security feature is Digital Wallet Technology. By adding your card number to your mobile device, you can safely shop in stores, online, or in apps using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Android Pay. Digital Wallet Technology allows you to pay in the store without taking your wallet out. Digital pay may not be accessible at all businesses but can be identified by a symbol on the card reader. Instead of putting your card in the chip reader, you simply hold your phone over the symbol. Having Digital Wallet Technology makes online and in-app purchases easier and safer as well. Setting up your phone for this convenience is a breeze when you go to the simple instructions on the Bank AmeriCard website.
Convenience Features
Bank AmeriCard also has some accessibility features some cardholders could not live without. Our fast-paced, on-the-go lives often demand the convenience of having our finances close at hand. The following are some attractive convenience features of the Bank AmeriCard credit card.
Online Mobile Banking: With the Bank AmeriCard credit card, customers have access to banking on-the-go. They can pay a bill, transfer funds, check available credit, and much more. Online mobile banking also gives you access to your FICO score which is updated monthly. Bank AmeriCard customers can also get reports and other information regarding what factors are affecting their score if it is changing.
Account Notifications: Need a reminder to make a payment? Bank of America lets you choose from several types of notifications including the most popular -- text messages and e-mails.
Who Needs This Card?
If you have a balance on a higher interest rate card and need a plan to pay it down, the Bank AmeriCard can be a start. The 0% APR for 15 billing cycles on balance transfers made within 60 days of opening the account gives you ample time to start paying down your debt.
If you want to make a large purchase and not pay interest, the 0% APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles helps you make that purchase more affordable.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The GOOD
APR rates: Even after the 0% introductory rate, the Bank AmeriCard has a competitive 12.99% - 22.99% variable APR.
Convenience Features: Whether it’s online banking, mobile features, or Digital Wallet Technology, this card puts your finances right in the palm of your hand.
Access to Credit Education: Bank of America provides Bank AmeriCard owners access to Credit Education, a free service with credit tips and advice to help customers utilize the debt reduction and other money saving aspects of the card.
No Annual Fee: For some people, this feature is a huge benefit and cards that do charge an annual fee are not even considered.
The BAD
No Rewards
No Perks
The UGLY
The bottom line is that after the first 15 months of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers is over, the Bank AmeriCard has little to offer. Most people get a credit card for the long-term, so one that loses its value in 15 months is just so-so. It’s not a travel card or a rewards card, so the average customer will wonder: What am I getting out of this partnership? A short search for other prospects will lead most people away from this option when they discover they can get almost everything they need in another card that also offers rewards and perks.
