Capital One Platinum Secured vs Bank of America Travel Rewards: Which Is Better In 2026?

Bank of America Travel Rewards Breakdown

‍

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "190", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Occasional Travelers", "headerHint": "Decent Choice"} ]]

‍

Why We Like It

‍

This section highlights the key reasons we recommend the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card.

‍

• It offers a simple rewards structure, allowing you to earn points on every purchase without worrying about bonus categories.
• Points can be redeemed for a statement credit against a broad variety of travel and dining expenses, offering great flexibility.
• The card is a cost-effective choice for international trips as it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.

‍

‍

Pros

‍

• A straightforward rewards structure lets you earn points on every purchase, with no need to track spending categories.
• Redeem points flexibly as a statement credit against a wide range of travel and dining purchases, with no need to book through a specific portal.
• The card is a cost-effective choice for international travel, as it has no foreign transaction fees.

‍

Cons

‍

• The card's flat-rate rewards structure means you won't earn extra points in popular spending categories like travel or dining.
• It lacks premium travel benefits like airport lounge access, and points cannot be transferred to airline or hotel loyalty programs.
• The highest reward rates are reserved for Bank of America customers with significant balances in qualifying accounts.

Bank of America Travel Rewards vs Capital One Platinum Secured

‍

Categories

‍

Deciding which is better, the Capital One Platinum Secured or Bank of America Travel Rewards, depends entirely on your financial goals and current credit situation.

‍

• Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card - This card is best for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit history. It serves as a valuable tool for those with limited or poor credit who need to establish a positive payment record.
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card - This card is ideal for occasional travelers and those who prefer a straightforward rewards card for all their spending. It's a great option for beginners in the travel rewards space or anyone seeking a simple, one-card setup.

‍

Redemption

‍

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: This card is designed for building credit, so it does not offer a traditional rewards program. The primary "redemption" comes from responsible use, which can lead to getting your security deposit back and potentially upgrading to an unsecured card.

‍

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card: With this card, you earn points on every purchase that can be redeemed as a flexible statement credit to cover travel and dining expenses.

‍

Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

‍

For a more personalized comparison, you can use a tool like Kudos, a data-driven platform designed to help you find the optimal card for your unique spending habits by evaluating nearly 3,000 options.

‍

• ‘Test drive’ credit cards to see personalized earnings projections based on your real spending data before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.
• Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds for different cards based on your credit report.
• Get personalized card recommendations matched to your spending history.
• Earn extra rewards through Kudos Boost on top of your regular card rewards when shopping at partner stores.
• Take advantage of a welcome offer guarantee, which matches any better public offer you find within three months of being approved for a card through the platform.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Platinum Secured?

‍

The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is an excellent choice for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit history, such as students, recent immigrants, or anyone recovering from past financial difficulties. It serves as a valuable stepping stone by reporting to all three major credit bureaus and offering an automatic credit line review after just six months of responsible use. Additionally, cardholders gain access to helpful digital tools like CreditWise, which allows them to monitor their credit health and track their progress toward a better score.

Who Should Choose the Bank of America Travel Rewards?

‍

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is an excellent choice for beginners and casual travelers who want a straightforward way to earn rewards without an annual fee. It's particularly valuable for existing Bank of America customers, as those enrolled in the Preferred Rewards program can earn a bonus of 25%–75% on every purchase. This card also suits anyone who prefers a single-card strategy for all their spending, and a student version is available for those just starting to build their credit history.

Alternatives to Consider

‍

If the Capital One Platinum Secured vs Bank of America Travel Rewards comparison didn't result in a clear choice for you, don't fret. Several other cards offer compelling benefits that might be a better fit for your financial situation.

‍

[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "118"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["Exceptional Value", "Generous Travel Rewards"]} ]]

‍

_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

‍

Tips for Application Success

‍

Before You Apply

‍

• Check Your Credit Score: You will generally need good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan Your Spending: Make sure you can meet the minimum spend for the welcome offer organically.
• Research Redemption Options: Know how you plan to use your points to ensure you get the most value.

‍

Application Strategy

‍

• Time Your Application: Apply before a large planned purchase to help meet the spending requirement.
• Consider the Issuer: Leverage existing banking relationships for better offers, like those available to Bank of America customers.
• Match Your Profile: Choose a card that fits your credit history, like a secured card for building credit.

Our Methodology

‍

We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

‍

Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

‍

What is a secured credit card?

‍

A secured credit card requires a cash security deposit when you open the account, which typically sets your credit limit. This deposit makes it easier to get approved with a limited or damaged credit history because it reduces the lender's risk.

‍

Will I get my security deposit back for the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card?

‍

Yes, your security deposit is refundable. Capital One will return your deposit if you close your account in good standing or if you are upgraded to an unsecured credit card.

‍

What credit score do I need for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card?

‍

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is generally designed for users with good to excellent credit. This typically means having a FICO score of 670 or higher, though other factors are also considered in your application.

‍

Can I earn rewards with the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card?

‍

No, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card does not offer a rewards program. Its primary purpose is to help you build or rebuild your credit history through responsible use.

‍

‍