BofA Rewards Program 2026: Complete Guide to Bank of America's New Rewards System
Quick Summary: Bank of America is launching BofA Rewards on May 26, 2026, replacing the Preferred Rewards program. The new system features 4 tiers (Member, Preferred Plus, Preferred Honors, Premier), credit card bonuses up to 75%, subscription credits up to $15/month, and enhanced lifestyle benefits. Current Preferred Rewards members transition automatically.
- Launch Date: May 26, 2026
- 4 Tiers: Member (no minimum), Preferred Plus ($30K-$100K), Preferred Honors ($100K-$1MM), Premier ($1MM+)
- Credit Card Bonus: 10% (Member) to 75% (Premier) on eligible cards
- Subscription Credits: $8/month (Preferred Honors), $15/month (Premier)
- No Enrollment Fee: Free to join, just need a Bank of America checking account
Major changes are coming to Bank of America's rewards program. On May 26, 2026, the long-running Preferred Rewards program will officially become BofA Rewards, bringing a redesigned tier structure, new benefits, and enhanced rewards for credit card holders. Whether you are a current Preferred Rewards member or considering a banking relationship with Bank of America, understanding these changes is essential for maximizing your rewards.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about BofA Rewards: how the new tier system works, what benefits you can expect at each level, how credit card rewards are changing, and most importantly, what steps you need to take (if any) to maintain or improve your rewards status.
What Is BofA Rewards?
BofA Rewards is Bank of America's new comprehensive rewards program launching May 26, 2026, designed to replace the existing Preferred Rewards program. Unlike the current system, BofA Rewards expands eligibility to all Bank of America customers with a personal checking account—removing the minimum balance requirements that previously prevented many customers from participating.
The program is built around four distinct membership tiers, each offering progressively richer benefits based on your combined balances across Bank of America deposit accounts and Merrill investment accounts. The key philosophy remains relationship banking: the more you entrust to Bank of America and Merrill, the more valuable your rewards become.
What makes BofA Rewards different from its predecessor is the addition of new benefit categories beyond the traditional credit card bonuses and banking fee waivers. The program now includes subscription service credits, lifestyle benefits and experiences, cash back deals on popular brands, and enhanced fraud monitoring services.
The Four BofA Rewards Tiers Explained
BofA Rewards introduces a streamlined four-tier system with clear balance requirements. Here is exactly what each tier offers and what you need to qualify:
Member Tier: No Minimum Balance Required
The Member tier is the foundation of BofA Rewards and represents the biggest change from the previous program. For the first time, any Bank of America customer with a personal checking account can participate in the rewards program, regardless of account balances.
Qualification: Open a Bank of America personal checking account (no minimum balance required)
Key Benefits:
- 10% credit card rewards bonus on eligible Bank of America cards
- Cash back deals on everyday purchases from popular brands
- Home loan origination fee reduction ($100)
- Fraud and identity monitoring through My Credit service
- No monthly maintenance fees on checking and savings accounts
Who This Benefits: The Member tier democratizes access to Bank of America's rewards ecosystem. If you have been excluded from Preferred Rewards due to balance requirements, you can now earn meaningful credit card bonuses and banking benefits starting May 26, 2026.
Preferred Plus Tier: $30,000 to $99,999 Combined Balances
The Preferred Plus tier replaces the former Gold and Platinum tiers from Preferred Rewards, consolidating them into a single level. Important: Current Platinum members (who enjoyed 50% bonuses) will see their credit card rewards bonus reduced to 25% in the new program, matching the Gold tier rate.
Qualification: $30,000 to $99,999 in three-month combined average daily balance across qualifying Bank of America deposit and Merrill investment accounts
Key Benefits:
- 25% credit card rewards bonus on eligible Bank of America cards
- Waived monthly maintenance fees on additional checking and savings accounts
- Home loan origination fee reduction ($300)
- All Member tier benefits included
Who This Benefits: Customers with moderate savings and investment balances who want meaningful banking fee relief and enhanced credit card rewards. The 25% bonus significantly boosts earnings on cards like the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards or Premium Rewards cards.
Preferred Honors Tier: $100,000 to $999,999 Combined Balances
The Preferred Honors tier represents the sweet spot for affluent customers who maintain substantial deposits and investments with Bank of America but do not qualify for the ultra-high-net-worth Premier level.
Qualification: $100,000 to $999,999 in three-month combined average daily balance across qualifying accounts
Key Benefits:
- 50% credit card rewards bonus on eligible Bank of America cards
- $8 monthly subscription credit (up to $96 annually) for eligible streaming and subscription services
- Home loan origination fee reduction ($600) plus interest rate reduction
- Lifestyle benefits and exclusive experiences
- Waived monthly maintenance fees on checking and savings accounts
- All Member and Preferred Plus benefits included
Who This Benefits: High-net-worth individuals and families who want premium benefits without maintaining million-dollar balances. The 50% credit card bonus is particularly valuable—turning a 3% cash back rate into an effective 4.5% return on purchases.
Premier Tier: $1,000,000+ Combined Balances
The Premier tier is Bank of America's ultra-premium offering, designed for clients with substantial wealth who expect white-glove service and maximum rewards.
Qualification: $1,000,000 or more in three-month combined average daily balance across qualifying accounts
Key Benefits:
- 75% credit card rewards bonus on eligible Bank of America cards
- $15 monthly subscription credit (up to $180 annually) for eligible services
- Maximum home loan benefits including 0.375% interest rate reduction (with PayPlan enrollment)
- Premium lifestyle benefits and exclusive experiences
- Priority customer service and dedicated relationship management
- All benefits from lower tiers included
Who This Benefits: Ultra-high-net-worth individuals who can maximize the 75% credit card bonus and value premium banking services. The subscription credits alone provide $180 in annual value, while the mortgage rate reduction can save thousands over the life of a loan.
Credit Card Rewards Bonus: The Power Multiplier
The credit card rewards bonus remains the centerpiece of BofA Rewards, but the percentages and tiers have been adjusted. Understanding how these bonuses work is crucial for maximizing your earnings.
How the Bonus Works
For eligible cash rewards credit cards (like the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards), the BofA Rewards bonus applies after all base and bonus cash rewards have been calculated on a purchase. Here is the math:
Example with 3% Category Spending:
- Member (10% bonus): $100 purchase earns $3.00 base + $0.30 bonus = $3.30 total (3.3% effective)
- Preferred Plus (25% bonus): $3.00 base + $0.75 bonus = $3.75 total (3.75% effective)
- Preferred Honors (50% bonus): $3.00 base + $1.50 bonus = $4.50 total (4.5% effective)
- Premier (75% bonus): $3.00 base + $2.25 bonus = $5.25 total (5.25% effective)
For Points-Based Cards:
A purchase earning 100 base points will actually earn:
- Member: 110 points
- Preferred Plus: 125 points
- Preferred Honors: 150 points
- Premier: 175 points
Eligible Cards for BofA Rewards Bonus
Most Bank of America consumer credit cards are eligible for the BofA Rewards bonus, including:
- Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
- Bank of America Premium Rewards
- Bank of America Travel Rewards
- Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards
- Most co-branded Bank of America cards
Important: Some cards may be ineligible, particularly certain promotional or non-standard products. Check your specific card's Program Rules for confirmation. The bonus does not apply to account opening bonuses, special promotional offers, or certain partner program earnings.
Replacing the 10% Customer Bonus
If you currently receive the 10% customer bonus on certain Bank of America cards, the BofA Rewards bonus will replace it. For Member tier customers, this is a neutral change (both offer 10%). For higher tiers, this represents a significant upgrade from the previous flat 10% rate.
New Benefits: What Is Actually New in BofA Rewards
Beyond the tier restructuring and enhanced credit card bonuses, BofA Rewards introduces several entirely new benefit categories:
Subscription Credits ($8-$15 Monthly)
Preferred Honors and Premier tier members can receive monthly statement credits for eligible subscription services. This is a brand-new benefit not available in the previous Preferred Rewards program.
How It Works:
- Preferred Honors: Up to $8 per month ($96 annually)
- Premier: Up to $15 per month ($180 annually)
- Pay for eligible subscriptions using your Bank of America debit card
- Credits appear as statement credits on your checking account
Eligible Services: Bank of America has not published the complete list of eligible merchants, but expect major streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, Hulu), cloud storage, and other popular subscription-based services to qualify. The merchant list is subject to change.
Cash Back Deals on Popular Brands
All BofA Rewards members gain access to cash back deals from brands and retailers. This benefit, similar to programs offered by other credit card issuers, provides statement credits when you make qualifying purchases at participating merchants.
This represents a shift toward more everyday, lifestyle-focused rewards that complement the existing banking and investment benefits.
Fraud and Identity Monitoring
BofA Rewards members receive enhanced fraud and identity monitoring services through the My Credit platform. This includes:
- Credit score tracking and monitoring
- Identity theft alerts
- Credit report monitoring
While many banks offer free credit scores, the integration with a comprehensive rewards program adds value, particularly for customers focused on building and maintaining excellent credit.
Lifestyle Benefits and Experiences
Preferred Honors and Premier members gain access to lifestyle benefits and exclusive experiences. While Bank of America has not provided exhaustive details, these typically include:
- Exclusive event access
- Travel and lifestyle partnerships
- Special offers and discounts from partner brands
Bank of America has also announced partnerships with soccer leagues and FIFA World Cup 26, suggesting sports and entertainment experiences will feature prominently.
Transition Timeline: What Happens on May 26, 2026
If you are currently a Preferred Rewards member, you do not need to take any action to join BofA Rewards. The transition is automatic, but understanding the timeline helps you prepare for changes.
For Current Preferred Rewards Members
Automatic Enrollment: On or about May 26, 2026, your Preferred Rewards membership will automatically convert to BofA Rewards. Your tier assignment will change as follows:
- Gold members → Preferred Plus (25% bonus remains unchanged)
- Platinum members → Preferred Plus (50% bonus reduced to 25%)
- Platinum Honors members → Preferred Honors (75% bonus reduced to 50%, but gains subscription credits)
- Diamond Honors members → Premier (75% bonus unchanged, enhanced benefits)
Benefit Continuity: You will retain your current Preferred Rewards benefits for at least 6 months after the transition (through approximately November 2026). This grace period ensures you do not immediately lose valuable benefits if the new program's offerings differ from what you currently enjoy.
New Benefits Available Immediately: Some new BofA Rewards benefits (like subscription credits) will become available immediately upon transition if you qualify for the Preferred Honors or Premier tiers.
For Bank of America Customers (Not Currently in Preferred Rewards)
If you have a Bank of America personal checking account but were not enrolled in Preferred Rewards (perhaps due to balance requirements), you will automatically become a BofA Rewards Member tier participant on May 26, 2026.
This is significant: millions of Bank of America customers who were previously excluded from rewards will now earn at least a 10% credit card bonus on eligible cards.
For New Bank of America Customers
To join BofA Rewards after the May 26, 2026 launch:
- Open a Bank of America personal checking account
- No minimum balance required for Member tier
- No fees to join the program
- You can open an account with as little as $25
Maintaining and Moving Up Tiers
Understanding how tier maintenance works helps you plan your banking and investment strategy.
How Balances Are Calculated
Your BofA Rewards tier is based on your three-month combined average daily balance in qualifying Bank of America deposit and Merrill investment accounts.
Qualifying Accounts Include:
- Bank of America checking and savings accounts
- Bank of America CDs
- Merrill investment accounts (taxable and retirement)
Exclusions: Business accounts, certain trust accounts, and non-Merrill investment accounts do not count toward your balance calculation.
Moving Up Tiers
Bank of America reviews your balances monthly. If you qualify for a higher tier:
- You will be moved up automatically within 3 business days
- New tier benefits may take up to 30 days to become fully effective
- During the first 30 days of enrollment, balances are reviewed daily, allowing faster tier upgrades
Strategy Tip: If you are close to a tier threshold, consider consolidating external accounts (401(k) rollovers, IRAs, emergency funds) into Merrill or Bank of America to boost your qualifying balance.
What Happens If Your Balance Drops?
Bank of America provides protection against temporary balance fluctuations:
- You retain your current tier until your next anniversary date, even if your balance drops below the threshold
- At your annual review, if you no longer meet the balance requirement, you receive a 3-month grace period to increase balances
- Only after the 3-month grace period expires will you be moved to a lower tier
This means a temporary market downturn or large withdrawal will not immediately downgrade your status.
Maximizing BofA Rewards: Strategies by Tier
Here is how to extract maximum value from BofA Rewards at each membership level:
Member Tier Strategy
Primary Goal: Earn the 10% credit card bonus while building toward higher tiers
Best Cards to Pair:
- Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards: Select your highest spending category for 3% cash back (becomes 3.3% with bonus), 2% at grocery stores (becomes 2.2%), 1% elsewhere (becomes 1.1%)
- Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards: Simple 1.5% everywhere (becomes 1.65% with bonus)
Action Items:
- Use the cash back deals feature to earn on everyday brand purchases
- Monitor your My Credit dashboard for fraud alerts and credit building tips
- If you have a home loan with Bank of America, ensure you receive the $100 origination fee reduction on future refinancing
Preferred Plus Tier Strategy
Primary Goal: Maximize the 25% bonus and eliminate banking fees
Best Cards to Pair:
- Bank of America Premium Rewards: 2X points on travel and dining becomes 2.5X with the bonus
- Customized Cash Rewards: 3% category becomes 3.75%
Action Items:
- Open additional checking or savings accounts if needed—monthly fees are waived
- If considering a mortgage, the $300 origination fee reduction plus potential rate reductions provide substantial savings
- Consider whether consolidating additional assets from other institutions could push you to Preferred Honors tier
Preferred Honors Tier Strategy
Primary Goal: Leverage the 50% bonus and subscription credits
Best Cards to Pair:
- Premium Rewards: 2X travel/dining becomes 3X—competitive with premium travel cards costing $400+ annually
- Customized Cash Rewards: 3% category becomes 4.5%, rivaling the best category-specific cards on the market
Action Items:
- Enroll in subscription credits immediately upon transition—set up eligible subscription payments with your Bank of America debit card
- Maximize the $8 monthly credit ($96 annually) on services you already use
- Explore lifestyle benefits and exclusive experiences as they become available
- If you have a mortgage, the $600 origination fee reduction plus interest rate reductions can save thousands
Premier Tier Strategy
Primary Goal: Extract maximum value from the 75% bonus and premium benefits
Best Cards to Pair:
- Any eligible Bank of America card: The 75% bonus makes even basic cards competitive with premium offerings
- Premium Rewards Elite: If available, pair with this ultra-premium card for maximum earning potential
Action Items:
- Enroll in subscription credits and maximize the $15 monthly benefit ($180 annually)
- Work with your relationship manager to access exclusive lifestyle benefits and experiences
- Enroll in PayPlan for automatic mortgage payments to receive the full 0.375% interest rate reduction
- Consider whether the enhanced benefits justify consolidating additional assets with Merrill
BofA Rewards vs. Preferred Rewards: What Is Changing
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the old and new programs:
Tier Structure Changes
| Preferred Rewards (Old) | BofA Rewards (New) | Balance Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Preferred Plus | $30,000 - $99,999 |
| Platinum | ||
| Platinum Honors | Preferred Honors | $100,000 - $999,999 |
| Diamond | Premier | $1,000,000+ |
| Diamond Honors |
Key Changes: Gold and Platinum tiers merge into Preferred Plus, but Platinum members see their credit card bonus reduced from 50% to 25%. Platinum Honors members see their bonus reduced from 75% to 50% (though they gain subscription credits). Diamond and Diamond Honors merge into the new Premier tier with no bonus change.
Credit Card Bonus Changes
| Tier | Old Bonus | New Bonus | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member (new tier) | N/A (not available) | 10% | New benefit |
| Gold → Preferred Plus | 25% | 25% | No change |
| Platinum → Preferred Plus | 50% | 25% | 25% reduction |
| Platinum Honors → Preferred Honors | 75% | 50% | 25% reduction |
| Diamond Honors → Premier | 75% | 75% | No change |
New Benefits Not Available in Preferred Rewards
- Subscription Credits: $8-$15 monthly for Preferred Honors and Premier members
- Cash Back Deals: Brand-specific cash back offers for all tiers
- Lifestyle Benefits: Exclusive experiences and offers for Preferred Honors and Premier
- Expanded Eligibility: Member tier opens rewards to all checking account holders
Benefits That May Change
Bank of America has indicated that some benefits may be adjusted during the transition:
- Specific home loan discount amounts (origination fees and interest rate reductions)
- Auto loan discount structures
- Safe deposit box fee waivers
The 6-month grace period ensures you keep current benefits while adjusting to any new structures.
Who Benefits Most From BofA Rewards?
Different customer profiles will experience varying levels of impact from the BofA Rewards transition.
Biggest Winners
Current Bank of America Customers Without Preferred Rewards:
If you have a Bank of America checking account but never qualified for Preferred Rewards due to balance requirements, you are now eligible for the Member tier. The 10% credit card bonus provides meaningful value—even a modest $500 monthly spend on a 3% category card earns an extra $18 annually in bonuses.
Current Gold Members:
Your 25% bonus remains unchanged, and you gain access to new benefits like cash back deals and fraud monitoring. However, you are now in the same tier as former Platinum members.
Current Platinum Members:
Your credit card bonus will be reduced from 50% to 25%, matching the Gold tier rate. You gain access to new benefits like cash back deals, but this represents a significant reduction in credit card rewards earning power. Consider whether consolidating additional assets to reach Preferred Honors tier ($100K+) makes sense to maintain higher bonus rates.
Heavy Credit Card Users at Higher Tiers:
If you spend significantly on Bank of America credit cards, the enhanced earning rates combined with subscription credits create compelling value. A Preferred Honors member spending $2,000 monthly on a 3% category card earns an extra $360 annually from the 50% bonus alone.
Neutral Impact
Current Platinum Honors Members:
Your tier name stays the same, but your credit card bonus decreases from 75% to 50%. However, you gain subscription credits ($8/month) and lifestyle benefits that may offset the reduced bonus for many customers. Evaluate whether the new benefits compensate for the 25% reduction in credit card rewards.
Current Diamond Honors Members:
You transition to the Premier tier with the same 75% bonus and enhanced benefits including higher subscription credits ($15/month). No negative changes to your credit card rewards.
Who Should Pay Attention
Customers Near Tier Thresholds:
If your balances hover near tier boundaries ($30,000, $100,000, or $1,000,000), monitor your accounts carefully. The three-month average calculation means temporary dips will not immediately downgrade you, but sustained lower balances eventually will.
Customers Who Value Specific Preferred Rewards Benefits:
If you rely on specific benefits that may change (certain fee waivers, specific loan discounts), review the new benefit structures when they are published to ensure BofA Rewards still meets your needs.
Common Questions About BofA Rewards
Do I need to do anything to transition to BofA Rewards?
No. Current Preferred Rewards members transition automatically on May 26, 2026. New customers simply need a Bank of America personal checking account to join the Member tier.
Will my credit card rewards bonus change immediately?
Your tier assignment will change on May 26, 2026, based on your current Preferred Rewards tier. Credit card bonuses will update accordingly. The bonus percentage itself (10%, 25%, 50%, or 75%) depends on your new tier assignment.
What happens to my existing Preferred Rewards benefits during the transition?
You retain your current Preferred Rewards benefits for at least 6 months after May 26, 2026. This ensures continuity while you adjust to any new benefit structures.
Can I enroll in BofA Rewards before May 26, 2026?
No. BofA Rewards launches on May 26, 2026. Until then, the existing Preferred Rewards program remains active.
Do I need to maintain a minimum balance to stay in BofA Rewards?
Only for tiers above Member. The Member tier has no minimum balance requirement. Preferred Plus requires $30,000, Preferred Honors requires $100,000, and Premier requires $1,000,000 in qualifying balances.
How do I know which tier I will be in after the transition?
Current Gold → Preferred Plus (25% bonus unchanged). Current Platinum → Preferred Plus (bonus reduced from 50% to 25%). Current Platinum Honors → Preferred Honors (bonus reduced from 75% to 50%, but gains subscription credits). Current Diamond/Diamond Honors → Premier (75% bonus unchanged). Bank of America will communicate your specific tier assignment before the transition.
Can business accounts qualify for BofA Rewards?
No. BofA Rewards is for personal banking relationships only. Business customers should explore Preferred Rewards for Business, which remains a separate program.
Will the subscription credits apply automatically?
No. You must enroll in the subscription credit benefit and designate a checking account for eligible payments. Credits apply when you use your Bank of America debit card for qualifying subscription services.
What if I have multiple Bank of America credit cards?
The BofA Rewards bonus applies to all eligible cards in your name. You do not need to enroll each card separately.
Are there fees to join BofA Rewards?
No. There is no enrollment fee and no ongoing membership fee for any tier.
Comparing BofA Rewards to Competitors
While this guide focuses on Bank of America's program, understanding how BofA Rewards compares to similar offerings helps you evaluate whether it fits your overall financial strategy.
vs. Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase Ultimate Rewards focuses on travel redemption flexibility and transfer partners, while BofA Rewards emphasizes relationship-based banking benefits. Chase offers more airline and hotel transfer partners, but BofA Rewards provides substantial cash back bonuses (up to 75%) that Chase cannot match for high-balance customers.
Best for: BofA Rewards favors customers who maintain substantial deposits and want straightforward cash back bonuses. Chase Ultimate Rewards appeals to travelers who value transfer flexibility.
vs. Amex Membership Rewards
American Express Membership Rewards offers extensive travel benefits and transfer options, but typically requires premium card annual fees ($250-$695). BofA Rewards has no membership fees and provides benefits based on banking relationships rather than card annual fees.
Best for: BofA Rewards works well for customers who want rewards without high annual fees. Amex Membership Rewards suits frequent travelers who utilize premium benefits.
vs. Citi ThankYou Rewards
Citi ThankYou Points offer travel transfer options similar to Chase, but with fewer domestic airline partners. BofA Rewards does not offer point transfers but provides higher cash back earning rates for qualifying customers.
Best for: BofA Rewards excels for customers who prefer cash back and banking benefits. Citi ThankYou appeals to those who want international travel redemption options.
Action Plan: What To Do Now
Here is your step-by-step action plan for preparing for BofA Rewards:
Before May 26, 2026
- Review Your Current Preferred Rewards Status:
- Log into your Bank of America account and confirm your current tier
- Calculate your three-month average daily balance across all qualifying accounts
- Determine which BofA Rewards tier you will transition to
- Evaluate Your Credit Card Strategy:
- If you are a Member tier (new enrollee), consider opening a Bank of America credit card to start earning the 10% bonus
- If you are a Gold member transitioning to Preferred Plus, your 25% bonus remains the same. If you are a Platinum member, be aware your bonus decreases from 50% to 25%—consider consolidating assets to reach Preferred Honors tier ($100K+) to maintain higher rewards
- If you are at Preferred Honors or Premier, calculate how the 50-75% bonus impacts your annual rewards earnings
- Consider Consolidating Assets:
- If you are close to a tier threshold ($30K, $100K, or $1MM), evaluate whether moving external assets to Merrill makes sense
- Remember that the first 30 days after enrollment features daily balance reviews, allowing faster tier upgrades
On and After May 26, 2026
- Enroll in New Benefits (Preferred Honors and Premier):
- Log into BofA Rewards and enroll in subscription credits
- Designate your checking account and set up eligible subscription payments with your debit card
- Explore lifestyle benefits and experiences as they become available
- Verify Credit Card Bonuses:
- Check that your credit card rewards bonus updated correctly based on your new tier
- Review statements to confirm bonus points are posting correctly
- Monitor Cash Back Deals:
- Check the BofA Rewards portal regularly for new cash back deals
- Activate offers for brands you already shop with
- Review Banking Benefits:
- Confirm fee waivers are applied correctly to your accounts
- If you have loans, verify that interest rate reductions and origination fee discounts are applied
Bottom Line: Is BofA Rewards Worth It?
BofA Rewards represents a meaningful evolution of Bank of America's relationship banking program. By opening the Member tier to all checking account holders and introducing new benefits like subscription credits and lifestyle experiences, Bank of America is making its rewards program more accessible and valuable.
The program excels for:
- Customers who maintain substantial deposits and investments with Bank of America and Merrill
- Credit card users who want straightforward cash back bonuses without managing transfer partners
- Homeowners who can take advantage of mortgage origination fee reductions and interest rate discounts
- Current Preferred Rewards members who will automatically receive enhanced benefits
Considerations:
- BofA Rewards does not offer travel transfer partners like Chase or Amex—if you want to transfer points to airlines or hotels, this program will not meet that need
- The highest benefits require substantial balances ($100K+ for meaningful advantages)
- Some specific benefits from Preferred Rewards may change during the transition
Final Recommendation:
If you are already a Bank of America customer, BofA Rewards is a no-brainer upgrade. You pay nothing to participate, and you will likely receive enhanced benefits compared to the current Preferred Rewards program.
If you are not currently a Bank of America customer but have substantial assets to deposit or invest, BofA Rewards is worth considering alongside other banking relationships. The credit card bonuses (up to 75%) are among the most generous in the industry for high-balance customers, and the new subscription credits add tangible value at the Preferred Honors and Premier tiers.
The May 26, 2026 launch date gives you time to evaluate your options and potentially position yourself for the best possible tier assignment. Whether you are a current Preferred Rewards member or new to Bank of America entirely, BofA Rewards offers a compelling combination of banking benefits, credit card rewards, and lifestyle perks that can significantly enhance your financial relationship.
Your Next Steps:
- Review your current Bank of America and Merrill balances to determine your likely tier
- Calculate how credit card bonuses at your tier level would impact your annual rewards
- Consider whether consolidating external assets could qualify you for a higher tier
- Mark May 26, 2026 on your calendar for the transition
- Prepare to enroll in subscription credits and new benefits immediately after launch