United Club vs Bank of America Travel Rewards: Which Is Better In 2025?

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a quick look at what makes the Bank of America® Travel Rewards card a solid choice.

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• This card keeps costs low with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it great for budget-conscious domestic and international travelers.
• You'll earn a simple, flat rate of 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase, with no need to track rotating categories or spending caps.
• Since there is no annual fee to offset, you start accumulating net value from your very first swipe (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• Redeem points for statement credits against a wide variety of travel and dining purchases, with no need to use a specific booking portal.
• New cardholders can take advantage of an introductory bonus offer and a promotional APR period on purchases.
• Eligible Bank of America customers can significantly boost their rewards-earning rate through the Preferred Rewards program.

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Cons

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• The rewards structure is straightforward but lacks bonus categories, meaning you won't earn extra points on specific spending like travel or dining.
• It doesn't include premium travel benefits like airport lounge access or the option to transfer points to airline partners for high-value redemptions.
• The card's highest rewards rate is reserved for customers with significant assets in Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards vs United Club

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, United Club or Bank of America Travel Rewards, comes down to your travel habits and loyalty. Each card caters to a very different type of traveler, from the frequent flyer to the occasional vacationer.

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• The United Club℠ Card is designed for frequent United Airlines flyers and international travelers who value premium perks like lounge access and travel protections.
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is ideal for beginners, occasional travelers, or anyone seeking a straightforward travel rewards card without an annual fee.

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Redemption

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United Club℠ Card: Miles are redeemed primarily for United Airlines flights, but can also be used for seat upgrades, hotel stays, and other travel booked through the United portal.

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Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card: Points can be redeemed as a flexible statement credit to pay for any travel or dining purchases, without being tied to a specific airline or booking portal.

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Travel Perks

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• Lounge Access: The United Club℠ Card includes a complimentary United Club membership, granting access to more than 45 United Club locations and participating Star Alliance affiliated lounges worldwide. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card does not offer lounge access.
• Airline-Specific Perks: As a premium airline card, the United Club℠ Card provides benefits on United-operated flights, including free first and second checked bags for the cardmember and a companion, plus Premier Access services like priority check-in, security screening, and boarding. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card does not have these airline-specific benefits.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: Both cards are excellent choices for international travel, as neither charges a foreign transaction fee on purchases made abroad.
• Booking Flexibility: The United Club℠ Card is tied to the United ecosystem, with rewards redeemed through the airline's portal. In contrast, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card offers complete flexibility, allowing you to book travel through any website or vendor and then redeem points for a statement credit against the charge.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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Kudos is a financial companion that helps you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards based on your actual spending data to find the perfect match.

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• Test drive credit cards using your real spending data to see potential earnings before you apply.
• Receive detailed approval odds based on your credit report.
• Track your progress toward credit card sign-up bonuses for free.
• Get a welcome offer guarantee—if you find a better offer within three months, Kudos will match it.
• Unlock special offers, including a $100 Kudos Kickstart+ for adding select approved cards to your Kudos Wallet.
• Monitor your credit score and transactions to stay on top of your finances.

Who Should Choose the United Club?

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The United Club℠ Card is tailor-made for the United Airlines loyalist, particularly business travelers and frequent flyers who prioritize comfort and convenience. These travelers will find immense value in the complimentary United Club membership, which provides access to a global network of lounges, and in the Premier Access® services that streamline the airport experience. While the annual fee is steep, a comprehensive review shows that for those who can maximize these core benefits, the card easily pays for itself.

Who Should Choose the Bank of America® Travel Rewards?

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The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is an excellent choice for those who value simplicity and want to earn travel rewards without paying an annual fee. It's a strong fit for beginners, casual travelers, students, and especially existing Bank of America customers who can earn more through the Preferred Rewards program. This card is ultimately designed for the budget-conscious user who wants a single, straightforward card for all their spending, a strategy detailed in this BofA Travel Rewards review.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our United Club vs Bank of America® Travel Rewards comparison didn't land you on the perfect card, don't worry. There are plenty of other excellent travel rewards cards on the market that might be a better fit for your spending habits and travel goals.

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_{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

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score to see if you meet the typical approval standards for the card you want.
• Plan your spending to ensure you can naturally meet any welcome offer requirements.
• Review the card’s ecosystem to confirm its benefits align with your travel and spending habits.

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Application Strategy

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• Leverage your existing banking relationships to unlock higher reward rates or special offers, such as with Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program.
• Match the card to your travel style, whether you're a loyalist to a specific airline like United or a casual traveler seeking flexibility.
• Apply strategically through different channels if you don't see the best offer right away, such as a browser extension, private browsing, or a referral link.

Our Methodology

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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.

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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

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Can I use Bank of America Travel Rewards points for United flights?

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Yes, you can redeem Bank of America Travel Rewards points for United flights by booking through the Bank of America Travel Center. You can also use your points as a statement credit against any travel purchase, including tickets bought directly from United.

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How flexible are the rewards from each card?

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The Bank of America Travel Rewards card offers highly flexible points that can be redeemed for statement credits against nearly any travel purchase. In contrast, the rewards earned with a United Club card are MileagePlus miles, which provide the most value when redeemed for flights with United and its airline partners.

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Is a United Club card worth it if I don't fly United often?

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If you are not a frequent United Airlines flyer, you may find it difficult to get enough value to offset a United Club card's annual fee. The card's most valuable perks, such as lounge access and free checked bags, are specifically tied to flying with the airline.

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