The Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students is designed to be easy to apply for, even for people with limited or no credit history. The process can be completed entirely online and usually takes only a few minutes. Below is a complete step-by-step guide, along with information on who this card is best for, how to cancel it if needed, and common questions.
Step-by-step: How to apply
1. Check basic eligibility
Before applying, make sure you meet the typical requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old (or the legal age in your state).
- Be currently enrolled as a student (college, university, or eligible educational institution).
- Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Have a U.S. address.
- Be able to show some form of income (from a job, allowance, scholarship, or family support).
You do not need a long credit history, but having no negative records helps your chances.
2. Gather your information
Prepare the following details:
- Full legal name and date of birth
- SSN or ITIN
- Current address and contact information
- School name and enrollment status
- Estimated annual income
- Employment details (if applicable)
Having this ready will make the application faster.
3. Go to Bank of America’s official website
Visit the official Bank of America credit card section and find the Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students card. Always apply directly through the bank’s website to avoid scams or unofficial offers.
4. Complete the online application for
Fill in the form carefully:
- Enter your personal and financial information accurately.
- Select “student” when asked about employment or status (if applicable).
- Review all details before submitting.
Mistakes or missing information can delay approval.
5. Submit and wait for a decision
After submitting:
- Some applicants receive instant approval.
- Others may get a “pending” status, meaning the bank needs to review more details.
- You might be asked to provide documents such as proof of income or identity.
This review can take from a few hours to several days.
6. Receive your card
If approved:
- Your card will usually arrive by mail within 7–10 business days.
- You can often add it to your mobile wallet (Apple Pay / Google Pay) before the physical card arrives.
Activate the card through the app or website once you receive it.
Who is this card recommended for?
This card is especially suitable for:
- College and university students who are opening their first or second credit card.
- Students who want a simple cashback system without tracking categories.
- People who plan to pay their balance in full every month.
- Students who already have or want to open a Bank of America checking or savings account for easy cashback redemption.
- Beginners who want to build credit slowly and responsibly.
It is not ideal for:
- Students looking for high travel rewards, airline miles, or lounge access.
- People who frequently carry balances and are sensitive to interest costs.
- Users who want high limits or premium benefits quickly.
How to cancel the card
If you ever decide the card no longer fits your needs, you can cancel it safely by following these steps:
1. Pay off your balance
Before canceling, make sure your balance is $0. This avoids interest charges or complications.
2. Redeem your cashback
Use or transfer any remaining cashback rewards, since they may be lost after closure.
3. Contact Bank of America
You can cancel by:
- Calling customer service (number on the back of your card), or
- Using secure messaging inside the Bank of America mobile app or website.
Tell them clearly that you want to close the account.
4. Ask for confirmation
Request confirmation that the account is closed and check your credit report later to ensure it shows as “closed by customer.”
5. Keep records
Save the confirmation email or message in case of future issues.
Tip: If this is your first credit card, consider keeping it open with no balance instead of canceling, as older accounts help your credit history length.
Additional tips for approval and smart use
- Apply only once to avoid multiple credit inquiries.
- Start with small purchases and pay in full every month.
- Enable autopay to avoid late payments.
- Keep your usage below 30% of your credit limit to protect your credit score.
- Check your credit score regularly using free tools.
Small FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Does this card require a credit history?
No. It is designed for students, including those with little or no credit history.
Is there an annual fee?
No, the card has no annual fee.
How long does approval take?
Some users get instant approval, while others may wait a few days if verification is required.
Can international students apply?
Yes, in some cases, if they have an ITIN and meet other requirements, but approval is not guaranteed.
Does canceling the card hurt my credit score?
It can slightly affect your score, especially if it is your oldest card, due to reduced credit history length and available credit.
Final notes
Applying for the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students is a straightforward process that can be completed online in minutes. The card works best as a learning tool: helping students practice responsible credit use, earn simple rewards, and build a solid financial foundation.
If your goal is simplicity, predictable cashback, and credit building without annual costs, this card is a strong starting point. Over time, as your income and credit profile grow, you can upgrade to cards with higher rewards or premium benefits.
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