How To Upgrade Bank Of America Credit Card

People are currently reading this guide.

Feeling like your current Bank of America credit card isn't quite cutting it anymore? Perhaps your spending habits have shifted, or you're looking for different rewards and benefits. Upgrading your credit card can be a smart financial move, allowing you to maximize your rewards, lower your interest rates, or gain access to premium perks without the hassle of opening a brand new account. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of upgrading your Bank of America credit card, step-by-step, to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

The Art of the Credit Card Upgrade: Why and When to Consider It

Before diving into the "how-to," let's briefly touch on why you might want to upgrade and when it's the right time. An upgrade, also known as a product change, involves switching your existing credit card to a different card within the same issuer's portfolio. The key advantage? You generally maintain your existing account history, which is great for your credit score!

You might consider an upgrade if:

  • Your spending patterns have changed (e.g., more travel, more dining, more online shopping).
  • You want a card with a lower annual fee or no annual fee.
  • You're looking for better rewards or a different rewards structure.
  • You want to consolidate your credit products.
  • You've improved your credit score and now qualify for a more premium card.

Keep in mind that while a product change doesn't usually involve a hard credit inquiry, it also means you typically won't be eligible for new cardholder sign-up bonuses on the upgraded card. Weigh these pros and cons carefully!

How To Upgrade Bank Of America Credit Card
How To Upgrade Bank Of America Credit Card

Step 1: Discover Your "Why" and "What" – Engage and Evaluate!

Alright, let's kick this off! Before you even think about picking up the phone or logging online, take a moment to truly understand why you want to upgrade and what kind of card you're hoping to get.

  • What are your current spending habits like? Do you spend a lot on groceries, gas, dining, or travel? Bank of America offers a variety of cards tailored to different spending categories, like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card where you can choose your 3% cash back category.
  • Are you looking for cash back, travel rewards, or a lower APR? Be specific! Knowing your desired outcome will significantly streamline the process.
  • Do you want to pay an annual fee for premium benefits, or do you prefer a no-annual-fee option? This is a crucial consideration for your long-term financial strategy.
  • Have you checked your credit score recently? While product changes don't usually involve a hard pull, your creditworthiness can influence which cards Bank of America might offer you as an upgrade option. Generally, higher credit scores (740+) open up more premium card possibilities.

Actionable Tip: Take out your current Bank of America credit card and a pen and paper. Jot down its current benefits, annual fee, and APR. Then, list what you'd like in a new card. This clear comparison will be invaluable.

The article you are reading
InsightDetails
TitleHow To Upgrade Bank Of America Credit Card
Word Count2436
Content QualityIn-Depth
Reading Time13 min
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.Help reference icon

Sub-heading: Researching Bank of America's Card Portfolio

Once you have a clear idea of your needs, it's time to explore what Bank of America has to offer. Visit the official Bank of America credit card website. Look at cards like:

  • Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Offers flexibility with a chosen 3% cash back category.
  • Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card: Provides a flat rate of cash back on all purchases.
  • Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card: Geared towards travel points.
  • Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: A more premium option with travel benefits and a higher annual fee.

Pay close attention to the details: rewards rates, annual fees, introductory APR offers (which you likely won't get on an upgrade, but good to know for context), and any other perks like travel credits or insurance benefits.

Step 2: Checking Your Eligibility – The Foundation of Your Upgrade

Before you get too excited about that new card, you need to determine if your existing account is eligible for a product change. Bank of America, like most issuers, has certain criteria.

Sub-heading: Account Age Matters

A common requirement for product changes is that your account must be open for a minimum period. While this can vary, a general guideline is that you should have had your card for at least 6 to 12 months before requesting an upgrade or downgrade. Some data points suggest that 6 months might be sufficient, particularly after the 7th statement has posted.

Sub-heading: Good Standing is Key

This is a no-brainer. Your account must be in good standing. This means:

QuickTip: Pause before scrolling further.Help reference icon
  • You've been making your payments on time.
  • You haven't exceeded your credit limit.
  • You don't have any recent negative marks on your credit report related to this account.

Step 3: Initiating the Upgrade Request – The Direct Approach

Now that you've done your homework and confirmed your eligibility, it's time to contact Bank of America. While some banks offer online product change options, for Bank of America, the most reliable method is typically by phone.

Sub-heading: Calling Bank of America Customer Service

This is where the magic happens.

  1. Gather your information: Have your credit card number, account details, and the name of the card you wish to upgrade to readily available.
  2. Dial the customer service number: The general customer service number for Bank of America credit cards is 1-800-732-9194. You can also find this number on the back of your current credit card. For inquiries related to billing, you might also use 866-266-0212.
  3. State your intention clearly: When you connect with a representative, clearly state that you are looking to product change or upgrade your existing credit card. Avoid using terms like "apply for a new card," as this might lead them down a different path.
    • You might say something like: "Hello, I'd like to inquire about product changing my current [Your Current Card Name] to a different Bank of America credit card. I'm interested in the [Desired Card Name]."
  4. Be prepared for questions: The representative will likely ask why you want to change cards. Be honest and explain how the new card's features align with your spending habits or financial goals.
  5. Confirm eligibility: The representative will check your account for eligibility. They will confirm if you meet the tenure requirements and if your account is in good standing.
  6. Discuss available options: They will inform you which cards your account is eligible to be product changed to. It's important to note that you might not be able to upgrade to every single card in their portfolio. Certain premium cards might require a new application.
  7. Confirm details: Once you've chosen your new card, the representative will confirm the details of the product change, including any changes to your APR, annual fee, or rewards structure.
  8. Ask about the process timeline: Inquire about how long it will take for the change to reflect on your account and when you can expect your new card to arrive. It can take several business days for the change to show up online and a new card to be shipped.

Pro Tip: If the first representative isn't able to help or tells you a product change isn't possible, it's not uncommon to "hang up and call again" (HUCA). Sometimes, different representatives have varying levels of knowledge or authority.

Step 4: The Waiting Game and Confirmation – Patience is a Virtue

After you've initiated the product change, there's a period of waiting.

How To Upgrade Bank Of America Credit Card Image 2

Sub-heading: Monitoring Your Account

  • Online Banking: Regularly log in to your Bank of America online banking account. You should see the changes reflected in your account details within a few business days to a week. The card name and category should update.
  • Mail: Your new physical credit card will be mailed to you. The delivery timeframe can vary, but generally, expect it within 7-10 business days. The card number will typically remain the same, only the card product will change.

Sub-heading: Activating Your New Card

Once your new card arrives, you'll need to activate it. You can usually do this:

Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.Help reference icon
  • Online: Through your Bank of America online banking portal.
  • Via the Mobile App: Using the Bank of America mobile app.
  • By Phone: Calling the activation number provided with your card (often on a sticker on the card itself, or 1-800-276-9939).

Step 5: Understanding the Impact and Maximizing Your New Card

Congratulations! You've successfully upgraded your Bank of America credit card. Now it's time to understand the implications and start enjoying your new benefits.

Sub-heading: Impact on Your Credit Score

  • Positive: Since it's a product change and not a new account opening, your credit history (length of account) remains intact, which is beneficial for your credit score. There's usually no hard inquiry, avoiding a temporary dip in your score.
  • No new sign-up bonus: As mentioned earlier, you typically won't receive a sign-up bonus for a product change.

Sub-heading: Adjusting Your Spending Habits

With your new card, revisit your spending strategy.

  • Understand new reward categories: If you switched to a card with bonus categories (like the Customized Cash Rewards), make sure you're using it for those purchases to maximize your earnings. You may need to select your choice category each month or quarter through online banking or the mobile app.
  • Utilize new benefits: If your upgraded card has travel credits, lounge access, or extended warranty benefits, make sure you understand how to use them.

Sub-heading: Cancelling Your Old Card (Implicit)

Since you've upgraded, your old card product is effectively replaced. You don't need to explicitly cancel it; the product change process handles that for you. However, if you ever consider closing a credit card entirely, be mindful of the impact on your credit utilization and overall credit history.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 Related FAQ Questions

How to check my Bank of America credit card eligibility for an upgrade?

You can't directly check your eligibility for an upgrade online. The best way is to call Bank of America credit card customer service at 1-800-732-9194 and ask about product change options for your account.

How to get a credit limit increase on my Bank of America credit card?

You can request a credit line increase online by signing into Online Banking, selecting your credit card account, and looking for a "Request a credit line increase" link. If not available online, call the number on the back of your card.

Content Highlights
Factor Details
Related Posts Linked27
Reference and Sources5
Video Embeds3
Reading LevelIn-depth
Content Type Guide
QuickTip: Scroll back if you lose track.Help reference icon

How to product change my Bank of America credit card online?

Generally, Bank of America does not offer a direct online option for product changes. You will almost certainly need to call customer service to initiate an upgrade or downgrade.

How to ensure my credit score isn't negatively impacted by an upgrade?

A credit card product change with Bank of America typically does not involve a hard credit inquiry, which means it won't negatively impact your credit score. Your account history remains the same.

How to find the Bank of America credit card customer service number for upgrades?

The primary customer service number for Bank of America credit cards is 1-800-732-9194. This number can also be found on the back of your credit card.

How to change my Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards choice category?

You can change your choice category for the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card by logging into Online Banking or using the Mobile Banking app. You can change it once each calendar month.

How to know if my Bank of America credit card has an annual fee?

Your original credit card agreement and your monthly statements will clearly indicate if your Bank of America credit card has an annual fee. When upgrading, the representative will also confirm the annual fee of the new card.

How to activate my new Bank of America upgraded credit card?

You can activate your new card online through Bank of America's Online Banking, via the Mobile Banking app, or by calling the activation number provided with your new card (often 1-800-276-9939).

How to redeem rewards on my new Bank of America credit card?

You can redeem your credit card rewards through Bank of America's Online Banking, the Mobile Banking app, or by calling the rewards redemption phone number (often 1-800-434-8313).

How to handle a denial for a Bank of America credit card upgrade?

If your upgrade request is denied, politely ask the representative for the reason. It could be due to account age, recent account activity, or other internal policies. You can then work to address the underlying issue and try again later.

How To Upgrade Bank Of America Credit Card Image 3
Quick References
TitleDescription
bbb.orghttps://www.bbb.org
spglobal.comhttps://www.spglobal.com
sec.govhttps://www.sec.gov
occ.govhttps://www.occ.gov
ml.com (Merrill, BofA subsidiary)https://www.ml.com (Merrill, BofA subsidiary)

hows.tech

You have our undying gratitude for your visit!