When it comes to travel credit cards, some are tied to a favorite booking site while others keep things flexible. Booking.com’s card is built for loyal site users, while Bank of America® Travel Rewards aims to keep your options open. Let’s take a closer look.

Booking.com Genius Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card (No Annual Fee)

Overall Value Proposition

The Booking.com Genius Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card is a no-annual-fee travel rewards card that simplifies how users earn and redeem travel credits on the Booking.com platform. Cardholders earn Travel Credits, where $1 Travel Credit always equals $1 towards future Booking.com reservations, with no minimums to redeem and no blackout dates. It combines automatic elevated loyalty status immediately upon signup with cardholder-exclusive elevated rewards in key categories. Plus, for travelers, the card provides a suite of valuable insurance benefits and has no foreign transaction fees.

What is Genius Level 3 Status and What’s the Genius Loyalty Program?

The Genius loyalty program is a free Booking.com rewards program that unlocks travel perks when you create an account and make bookings. There are three Genius levels, and once you unlock a level, you keep it for life. To reach Genius Level 3 without becoming a Genius Rewards Visa Signature cardholder, you need to complete 15 bookings within two years. At Level 3, members enjoy 10–20% discounts, free breakfast and room upgrades at select properties, rental car discounts, and priority customer support.

Welcome Bonus

New cardholders receive $150 in Travel Credits after spending $1,500 in eligible purchases on the card within the first 90 days of account opening.

Annual Spend Bonus

If you spend $15,000 or more on the card within a year from account creation, you earn an additional $100 in Travel Credits.

Application & First Purchase Experience

The Booking.com Card offers a streamlined, modern application process with soft-check pre-approval before a hard credit inquiry, and applications are linked directly to your existing Booking.com account. Upon approval and acceptance of the offer, the card is automatically added to your Booking.com account wallet, allowing you to use it right away to make reservations on the platform without waiting for the physical card to arrive. In addition, approved applicants can instantly add the virtual card to Apple Pay or Google Pay for everyday spending, giving immediate access to rewards from the day cardholders accept their offer.

Value Proposition Details

  • 6% in Travel Credits on stays booked in the Booking.com app.

  • 5% in Travel Credits on flights, car rentals, attractions, cruises, airport taxis via Booking.com.

  • 3% in Travel Credits on dining, gas, groceries.

  • 2% in Travel Credits elsewhere

  • In-Trip Acceleration: an extra +1% in Travel Credits for in-person purchases at/near your Booking.com accommodation (within ~50 miles), up to $10k annually — great for resort incidentals, cabana rentals, shopping, and more.

  • No foreign transaction fees.

Rewards Redemption

With the Booking.com Card, rewards are straightforward — $1 in Travel Credits always equals $1 towards future Booking reservations. There is no minimum to redeem. Because redemption happens right in the app or site, travelers can use rewards instantly at checkout, and credits stay valid for two years.

Servicing Experience

The Booking.com Card is serviced by Imprint. Cardholders can view balances, make payments, and track rewards through Imprint’s mobile and web servicing platforms. Travel Credits also live in the Booking.com Wallet, and from there are automatically applied to reservations on the Booking.com site or app during checkout, keeping the earning and redemption experience simple. Booking.com handles support for travel reservations and loyalty perks.

Network Benefits

The card is issued as a Visa Signature card, which means it carries the network benefits offered by Visa Signature. Cardholders gain access to benefits around concierge services, Sofar Sounds, Troon Golf, and more, subject to Visa Signature’s benefit guide.

Third-Party Insurance

The Booking.com Genius Rewards card includes several cardholder protection features administered by a third-party insurer:

  • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
    Save money by renting a vehicle with your Booking.com Genius Rewards Visa and you can receive built-in Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver coverage.*

  • Trip Cancellation / Interruption Insurance
    Prepare for the unexpected when you purchase a common carrier ticket with your Booking.com Genius Rewards Visa. With Trip Cancellation and Interruption, you can be reimbursed up to $2,000 per insured person for the non-refundable common carrier ticket in the event your trip is canceled or interrupted due to a covered reason.*

  • Travel and Emergency Assistance Services Insurance
    Call anytime for travel or emergency assistance, available for covered Booking.com Genius Rewards Visa cardholders from anywhere in the world.**

  • Travel Accident Insurance
    Add peace of mind to your itinerary. Purchase your airline ticket with your Booking.com Genius Rewards Visa and you can receive up to $250,000 of accidental death and dismemberment coverage.*

  • Extended Warranty Protection
    Extend your warranty’s time period when you use your Booking.com Genius Rewards Visa for your eligible purchase. Extended Warranty Protection will double the time period of coverage to your existing manufacturer’s U.S. warranty up to one additional year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less. The maximum coverage limit is $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder.*

  • Purchase Security
    Safeguard your new item against theft or damage within the first 90 days from the date of purchase with Purchase Security, available when you pay for your eligible item with your Booking.com Genius Rewards Visa.*

Additional Perks

  • Instant Genius Level 3 Status
    Cardholders reach Booking.com’s highest loyalty tier (Genius Level 3) from the moment they get the card, unlocking perks like room upgrades (when available), complimentary breakfast at participating properties, priority support, and discounts on stays and rental cars.

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

Overall Value Proposition

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a no annual fee card designed for flexible travelers who want simple, unlimited rewards and easy redemption. Cardholders earn an unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on every purchase, without category restrictions. There are no blackout dates or airline or hotel restrictions, and points can be redeemed as statement credits for travel and dining purchases.

What is the Bank of America Preferred Rewards Program?

Bank of America Preferred Rewards is a tiered program that rewards customers based on combined balances across eligible Bank of America and Merrill accounts. To qualify, you need an active checking account and a three-month average balance of $20,000 or more. The five tiers are Gold through Diamond Honors, and they offer perks like 25%–75% bonus rewards on credit cards, savings rate boosts, loan discounts, waived fees, and ATM benefits. Enrollment is automatic once you qualify, and benefits last at least a year even if your balance dips.

Welcome Bonus

New cardholders can earn 25,000 bonus points by spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening, which is equivalent to a $250 statement credit redeemable for travel or dining purchases. The bonus posts after qualifying purchases are met. In addition, the card offers a 0% introductory APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days, after which the APR reverts to a variable rate.

Annual Spend Bonus

Cardmembers who are in the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program may receive up to a 75% rewards bonus, meaning your points earning rate can increase to as much as 2.625 points per dollar spent depending on your eligible banking or investment balances. There is no explicit standard annual spend bonus for non-Preferred Rewards clients, but eligible program members automatically receive their bonus tier when requirements are met.

Application Experience

Applying is straightforward and can be completed online, with immediate application status in many cases. Applicants provide personal and financial information and, if approved, the card is typically mailed in 5–7 business days. Some applicants may be eligible for an instant virtual card number to begin making purchases right away. Lastly, confirmation and activation are handled through online banking or the Bank of America mobile app.

First Purchase Experience

After activating the card, either physical or instant virtual, cardholders can start earning rewards on purchases. If eligible for the virtual card feature, purchases can be made immediately online and via mobile wallets, even before the physical card arrives in the mail. All reward earning starts from the first transaction made on the account.

Value Proposition Details

  • 9x points on Hyatt stays (4x with the card + 5x as a Hyatt member)

  • 2x points on dining, airfare purchased directly from airlines, local transit, and gym memberships

  • 1x point everywhere else

  • No foreign transaction fees

Breakdown of Full Value Proposition

Cardholders earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases with no limit or expiration as long as the account remains open and in good standing. Points can be redeemed for statement credits toward eligible travel and dining expenses such as airfare, hotels, vacation packages, rental cars, cruises, baggage fees, and restaurants. No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees make it well-suited for global travel.

Rewards Redemption

Points are redeemed through online banking or the Bank of America mobile app. A minimum of 2,500 points is required, and redemption is processed as a statement credit against eligible travel or dining purchases. Rewards aren’t restricted to bookings made in any specific travel portal; users enjoy broad flexibility to book travel how they prefer and redeem points afterward.

Servicing / Customer Service

Account management, payments, rewards, and customer service are provided directly by Bank of America. Cardholders may access support online, via secure messaging, or by phone 24/7. Bank of America’s security features and fraud monitoring are integrated into every account for traveling.

Network Benefits

Issued as either a Visa Signature or Mastercard, the Travel Rewards Credit Card provides network benefits like purchase protection, zero liability for unauthorized transactions, and access to emergency travel assistance. International transactions are converted to USD per network procedures, with no added fees from Bank of America.

Third-Party Insurance Benefits

Cardholders receive auto rental collision damage waiver coverage and lost luggage reimbursement when travel is purchased using the card, subject to terms and limitations. However, there are no travel accident or trip cancellation benefits. Thus, the travel protections are more limited than those on premium travel cards.

Additional Perks

The card offers contactless payments, digital wallet compatibility, and a streamlined rewards redemption process through the app or online banking portal.

Overall Value Proposition

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a no annual fee card designed for flexible travelers who want simple, unlimited rewards and easy redemption. Cardholders earn an unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on every purchase, without category restrictions. There are no blackout dates or airline or hotel restrictions, and points can be redeemed as statement credits for travel and dining purchases.

What is the Bank of America Preferred Rewards Program?

Bank of America Preferred Rewards is a tiered program that rewards customers based on combined balances across eligible Bank of America and Merrill accounts. To qualify, you need an active checking account and a three-month average balance of $20,000 or more. The five tiers are Gold through Diamond Honors, and they offer perks like 25%–75% bonus rewards on credit cards, savings rate boosts, loan discounts, waived fees, and ATM benefits. Enrollment is automatic once you qualify, and benefits last at least a year even if your balance dips.

Welcome Bonus

New cardholders can earn 25,000 bonus points by spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening, which is equivalent to a $250 statement credit redeemable for travel or dining purchases. The bonus posts after qualifying purchases are met. In addition, the card offers a 0% introductory APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days, after which the APR reverts to a variable rate.

Annual Spend Bonus

Cardmembers who are in the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program may receive up to a 75% rewards bonus, meaning your points earning rate can increase to as much as 2.625 points per dollar spent depending on your eligible banking or investment balances. There is no explicit standard annual spend bonus for non-Preferred Rewards clients, but eligible program members automatically receive their bonus tier when requirements are met.

Application Experience

Applying is straightforward and can be completed online, with immediate application status in many cases. Applicants provide personal and financial information and, if approved, the card is typically mailed in 5–7 business days. Some applicants may be eligible for an instant virtual card number to begin making purchases right away. Lastly, confirmation and activation are handled through online banking or the Bank of America mobile app.

First Purchase Experience

After activating the card, either physical or instant virtual, cardholders can start earning rewards on purchases. If eligible for the virtual card feature, purchases can be made immediately online and via mobile wallets, even before the physical card arrives in the mail. All reward earning starts from the first transaction made on the account.

Value Proposition Details

  • 9x points on Hyatt stays (4x with the card + 5x as a Hyatt member)

  • 2x points on dining, airfare purchased directly from airlines, local transit, and gym memberships

  • 1x point everywhere else

  • No foreign transaction fees

Breakdown of Full Value Proposition

Cardholders earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases with no limit or expiration as long as the account remains open and in good standing. Points can be redeemed for statement credits toward eligible travel and dining expenses such as airfare, hotels, vacation packages, rental cars, cruises, baggage fees, and restaurants. No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees make it well-suited for global travel.

Rewards Redemption

Points are redeemed through online banking or the Bank of America mobile app. A minimum of 2,500 points is required, and redemption is processed as a statement credit against eligible travel or dining purchases. Rewards aren’t restricted to bookings made in any specific travel portal; users enjoy broad flexibility to book travel how they prefer and redeem points afterward.

Servicing / Customer Service

Account management, payments, rewards, and customer service are provided directly by Bank of America. Cardholders may access support online, via secure messaging, or by phone 24/7. Bank of America’s security features and fraud monitoring are integrated into every account for traveling.

Network Benefits

Issued as either a Visa Signature or Mastercard, the Travel Rewards Credit Card provides network benefits like purchase protection, zero liability for unauthorized transactions, and access to emergency travel assistance. International transactions are converted to USD per network procedures, with no added fees from Bank of America.

Third-Party Insurance Benefits

Cardholders receive auto rental collision damage waiver coverage and lost luggage reimbursement when travel is purchased using the card, subject to terms and limitations. However, there are no travel accident or trip cancellation benefits. Thus, the travel protections are more limited than those on premium travel cards.

Additional Perks

The card offers contactless payments, digital wallet compatibility, and a streamlined rewards redemption process through the app or online banking portal.

Overall Value Proposition

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a no annual fee card designed for flexible travelers who want simple, unlimited rewards and easy redemption. Cardholders earn an unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on every purchase, without category restrictions. There are no blackout dates or airline or hotel restrictions, and points can be redeemed as statement credits for travel and dining purchases.

What is the Bank of America Preferred Rewards Program?

Bank of America Preferred Rewards is a tiered program that rewards customers based on combined balances across eligible Bank of America and Merrill accounts. To qualify, you need an active checking account and a three-month average balance of $20,000 or more. The five tiers are Gold through Diamond Honors, and they offer perks like 25%–75% bonus rewards on credit cards, savings rate boosts, loan discounts, waived fees, and ATM benefits. Enrollment is automatic once you qualify, and benefits last at least a year even if your balance dips.

Welcome Bonus

New cardholders can earn 25,000 bonus points by spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening, which is equivalent to a $250 statement credit redeemable for travel or dining purchases. The bonus posts after qualifying purchases are met. In addition, the card offers a 0% introductory APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days, after which the APR reverts to a variable rate.

Annual Spend Bonus

Cardmembers who are in the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program may receive up to a 75% rewards bonus, meaning your points earning rate can increase to as much as 2.625 points per dollar spent depending on your eligible banking or investment balances. There is no explicit standard annual spend bonus for non-Preferred Rewards clients, but eligible program members automatically receive their bonus tier when requirements are met.

Application Experience

Applying is straightforward and can be completed online, with immediate application status in many cases. Applicants provide personal and financial information and, if approved, the card is typically mailed in 5–7 business days. Some applicants may be eligible for an instant virtual card number to begin making purchases right away. Lastly, confirmation and activation are handled through online banking or the Bank of America mobile app.

First Purchase Experience

After activating the card, either physical or instant virtual, cardholders can start earning rewards on purchases. If eligible for the virtual card feature, purchases can be made immediately online and via mobile wallets, even before the physical card arrives in the mail. All reward earning starts from the first transaction made on the account.

Value Proposition Details

  • 9x points on Hyatt stays (4x with the card + 5x as a Hyatt member)

  • 2x points on dining, airfare purchased directly from airlines, local transit, and gym memberships

  • 1x point everywhere else

  • No foreign transaction fees

Breakdown of Full Value Proposition

Cardholders earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases with no limit or expiration as long as the account remains open and in good standing. Points can be redeemed for statement credits toward eligible travel and dining expenses such as airfare, hotels, vacation packages, rental cars, cruises, baggage fees, and restaurants. No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees make it well-suited for global travel.

Rewards Redemption

Points are redeemed through online banking or the Bank of America mobile app. A minimum of 2,500 points is required, and redemption is processed as a statement credit against eligible travel or dining purchases. Rewards aren’t restricted to bookings made in any specific travel portal; users enjoy broad flexibility to book travel how they prefer and redeem points afterward.

Servicing / Customer Service

Account management, payments, rewards, and customer service are provided directly by Bank of America. Cardholders may access support online, via secure messaging, or by phone 24/7. Bank of America’s security features and fraud monitoring are integrated into every account for traveling.

Network Benefits

Issued as either a Visa Signature or Mastercard, the Travel Rewards Credit Card provides network benefits like purchase protection, zero liability for unauthorized transactions, and access to emergency travel assistance. International transactions are converted to USD per network procedures, with no added fees from Bank of America.

Third-Party Insurance Benefits

Cardholders receive auto rental collision damage waiver coverage and lost luggage reimbursement when travel is purchased using the card, subject to terms and limitations. However, there are no travel accident or trip cancellation benefits. Thus, the travel protections are more limited than those on premium travel cards.

Additional Perks

The card offers contactless payments, digital wallet compatibility, and a streamlined rewards redemption process through the app or online banking portal.

Comparison

Booking.com Genius Rewards Visa Signature®

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

Value Proposition Details

  • No Annual Fee

  • 6% Travel Credits on Booking.com stays (app)

  • 5% on flights, cars attractions

  • 3% on dining, gas groceries

  • 2% elsewhere

  • +1% in-trip acceleration near stays (up to $10k annually)

  • No Foreign Transaction Fee

  • No Annual Fee

  • Unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on all purchases

  • No Foreign Transaction Fee

Loyalty Program / Status

  • Instant Genius Level 3, which includes discounts, upgrades, free breakfast, and priority support

  • Eligible for Bank of America Preferred Rewards (25%–75% bonus points)

Welcome Bonus

  • $150 Travel Credits after $1,500 spend in 90 days

  • 25,000 points after $1,000 spend in 90 days

  • 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases & balance transfers (first 60 days)

Spend Bonus

  • $100 Travel Credits after $15,000 annual spend

  • No standard spend bonus outside of program

Application Process

  • Soft pull for pre-approval

  • Hard pull only if you accept offer

  • Bank of America standard application

  • Hard pull at application

First Purchase Experience

  • Virtual card instantly added to Booking.com wallet

  • Immediate use via app + Apple/Google Pay

  • Card arrives in 5–7 days

  • Some applicants may get instant virtual card for immediate use (online + mobile wallets)

Rewards Redemption

  • $1 Travel Credit = $1 Booking.com credit

  • No minimums, no blackout dates

  • Redeem points as statement credits against travel or dining purchases

  • 2,500-point minimum; flexible redemption outside of travel portals

Servicing / Customer Service

  • Serviced by Imprint

  • Booking.com handles reservations and loyalty perks

  • Managed directly by Bank of America (online, app, phone)

  • 24/7 support with integrated fraud monitoring

Network Benefits

  • Visa Signature perks

  • Issued as Visa Signature or Mastercard

Insurance, Protections, & Other Perks

  • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Trip Cancellation / Interruption Insurance, Travel and Emergency Assistance Services Insurance, Travel Accident Insurance, Extended Warranty Protection, and Purchase Security

  • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver + lost luggage reimbursement

  • No trip cancellation or travel accident insurance

Sources

  1. https://www.creditcards.com/card-advice/bank-of-america-travel-rewards-worth-it

  2. https://www.bankofamerica.com/content/documents/creditcard/visa-mastercard-secured-en.pdf

  3. https://www.bankofamerica.com/content/documents/visa-signature-en.pdf

  4. https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-cards/products/travel-rewards-credit-card

  5. https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards

  6. https://www.bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness/credit-cards/products/travel-rewards-business-credit-card

  7. https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-cards/products/premium-rewards-elite-credit-card

  8. https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-cards/cash-back-credit-cards

  9. https://info.bankofamerica.com/en/digital-banking/manage-your-credit-card-account

  10. https://promotions.bankofamerica.com/preferredrewards/en

  11. https://www.bankofamerica.com/preferred-rewards

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Product visual representations may vary from current or future product experience.

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Visa Signature Card, H-E-B Visa Signature Card, Booking.com Genius Rewards Visa Signature Card, and Horizon Hobby Visa Card are issued by First Electronic Bank pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations World Mastercard, World of Westgate World Mastercard, Brooks Brothers World Mastercard, and Eddie Bauer World Mastercard are issued by First Electronic Bank, pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.

The Rakuten American Express® Card and Fetch American Express® Card are issued by First Electronic Bank, pursuant to a license from American Express. American Express is a registered trademark of American Express. The Rakuten American Express® Card and Fetch American Express® Card are powered by Imprint Payments, Inc.

†If an applicant accepts an offer, we will conduct a hard credit pull which may impact the applicant’s credit score.

© Imprint Payments 2025

Company

Home

Products

Technology

Partners

About

News & Press

Careers

LinkedIn

Blog

Resources

Status

Support

Resources

Cardholder login

Cardholder support

Card programs

Privacy Policy

Legal

Product visual representations may vary from current or future product experience.

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Visa Signature Card, H-E-B Visa Signature Card, Booking.com Genius Rewards Visa Signature Card, and Horizon Hobby Visa Card are issued by First Electronic Bank pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations World Mastercard, World of Westgate World Mastercard, Brooks Brothers World Mastercard, and Eddie Bauer World Mastercard are issued by First Electronic Bank, pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.

The Rakuten American Express® Card and Fetch American Express® Card are issued by First Electronic Bank, pursuant to a license from American Express. American Express is a registered trademark of American Express. The Rakuten American Express® Card and Fetch American Express® Card are powered by Imprint Payments, Inc.

†If an applicant accepts an offer, we will conduct a hard credit pull which may impact the applicant’s credit score.

© Imprint Payments 2025

Company

Home

Products

Technology

Partners

About

News & Press

Careers

LinkedIn

Blog

Resources

Status

Support

Resources

Cardholder login

Cardholder support

Card programs

Privacy Policy

Legal

Product visual representations may vary from current or future product experience.

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Visa Signature Card, H-E-B Visa Signature Card, Booking.com Genius Rewards Visa Signature Card, and Horizon Hobby Visa Card are issued by First Electronic Bank pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations World Mastercard, World of Westgate World Mastercard, Brooks Brothers World Mastercard, and Eddie Bauer World Mastercard are issued by First Electronic Bank, pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.

The Rakuten American Express® Card and Fetch American Express® Card are issued by First Electronic Bank, pursuant to a license from American Express. American Express is a registered trademark of American Express. The Rakuten American Express® Card and Fetch American Express® Card are powered by Imprint Payments, Inc.

†If an applicant accepts an offer, we will conduct a hard credit pull which may impact the applicant’s credit score.

© Imprint Payments 2025