Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® from Bank of America Review
If you’re a frequent traveler or a business owner looking to maximize your spending benefits, the Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® from Bank of America might be a perfect fit. This card offers a compelling mix of travel rewards, no annual fees, and an introductory 0% APR period, making it one of the most attractive options on the market for travel enthusiasts and business professionals alike.
Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Key Takeaways
Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, let’s quickly summarize the key features and benefits that make this card stand out:
– 3x Points: Earn 3x points per dollar spent when booking travel (car, hotel, airline) through the Bank of America® Travel Center.
– 1.5x Points: Earn 1.5x points on all other purchases.
– 30,000 Bonus Points: Receive 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days, which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit toward travel or dining-related purchases.
– 0% Intro APR: Enjoy a 0% introductory APR for the first 9 billing cycles on purchases.
– Variable APR: After the intro period, a variable APR of 18.49% – 28.49% will apply.
– No Annual Fee: Pay no annual fee for the card, making it a cost-effective choice.
– Travel and Emergency Services: Includes $1 million in travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation coverage, and trip delay reimbursement.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Make purchases abroad without incurring additional costs.
Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Pros and Cons
Every credit card has its strengths and weaknesses, and the Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® is no exception. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Pros
1. No Annual Fee: The absence of an annual fee makes this card accessible to a wide range of users, especially small business owners who are budget-conscious.
2. Introductory APR Period: The 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles can be a significant advantage if you plan to make large purchases and pay them off over time.
3. High Reward Rates: Earning 3x points on travel booked through the Bank of America® Travel Center and 1.5x points on all other purchases can help you accumulate rewards quickly.
4. Comprehensive Travel Benefits: The card offers various travel-related benefits, including travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and trip cancellation coverage.
5. No Foreign Transaction Fees: The lack of foreign transaction fees makes it an excellent choice for international business travelers.
Cons
1. No Intro APR on Balance Transfers: While the 0% intro APR on purchases is beneficial, the absence of a similar offer for balance transfers can be a drawback for some users.
2. Variable APR: The post-introductory variable APR ranges from 18.49% to 28.49%, which can be relatively high compared to other cards.
3. Limited High-Reward Categories: While the 3x rewards for travel bookings through the Bank of America® Travel Center are generous, other travel-related purchases not booked through the center only earn 1.5x points.
Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Benefits
The benefits of the Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® go beyond just earning points. Let’s explore the various aspects that make this card a compelling choice:
Reward Points
– 3x Points on Travel: Earn 3x points per dollar spent when booking travel (car rentals, hotels, and flights) through the Bank of America® Travel Center. This can be a significant advantage for businesses with frequent travel needs.
– 1.5x Points on All Purchases: For all other purchases, you’ll earn 1.5x points per dollar spent, ensuring that every expense contributes to your rewards balance.
Bonus Points
– 30,000 Bonus Points: New cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days. These points can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit toward travel or dining-related purchases, providing an excellent upfront value.
Travel and Emergency Services
– Travel Accident Insurance: Enjoy up to $1 million in travel accident insurance, offering peace of mind during your travels.
– Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Get reimbursed for lost luggage, ensuring you’re covered in case of mishaps.
– Trip Cancellation Coverage: Receive compensation for trip cancellations due to covered reasons, helping you recover non-refundable expenses.
– Trip Delay Reimbursement: If your trip is delayed for covered reasons, you can receive reimbursement for additional expenses incurred.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
– International Purchases: With no foreign transaction fees, you can make purchases abroad without worrying about additional costs, making this card ideal for international business trips.
Introductory APR
– 0% Intro APR: Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles. This feature can be particularly beneficial if you plan to make significant purchases and need time to pay them off without incurring interest.
Additional Features
– Fraud Protection: Benefit from robust fraud protection measures, ensuring your transactions are secure.
– Payment Flexibility: Manage your account and pay your bill online, offering convenience and flexibility.
– 24/7 Travel Assistance: Access 24/7 travel assistance for any travel-related emergencies or issues.
Conclusion
The Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® from Bank of America is a powerful tool for business owners and frequent travelers looking to maximize their spending and earn valuable rewards. With no annual fee, a generous introductory APR period, and a host of travel-related benefits, this card offers excellent value and flexibility.
The ability to earn 3x points on travel bookings through the Bank of America® Travel Center and 1.5x points on all other purchases ensures that you can accumulate rewards quickly. The 30,000 bonus points offer for new cardholders further enhances the card’s appeal, providing a substantial upfront value.
While the card’s variable APR can be relatively high compared to other options, the absence of an annual fee and foreign transaction fees makes it a cost-effective choice. Additionally, the comprehensive travel and emergency services provide peace of mind during your travels.
In summary, the Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® is an excellent choice for business owners and frequent travelers who want to maximize their rewards and enjoy a range of travel-related benefits. Its combination of high reward rates, no annual fee, and robust travel protections make it a standout option in the competitive credit card market.