Updated: 02/17/2017

What is FIA Credit Card Services?

FIA Card Services by Bank of America

To get the best understanding of who and what FIA Card Services provides, it might help to get a brief history. In 2006, Bank of America acquired Maryland Bank National Association, otherwise known as MBNA, which was a major cardholder. In fact, it was one of the largest in the world. After being acquired by Bank of America, it was taken over once again by Lloyd's Banking Group in late 2016.

But, while in the hands of Bank of America, the MBNA credit card portion became what is known today as FIA card services, the credit card portion of Bank of America. Today, Bank of America still holds a credit card division that has several excellent options for those looking for a line of credit with perks and benefits without some of the excessive fees you find with other credit card issuers.

Credit Cards for Travelers

Frequent flyer miles aren't the only kind of perks you can get when you travel throughout the United States or across the border. While many banks and other financial institutions charge outrageous fees to use their cards outside of the United States, Bank of America creates cards made specifically for travel outside of the U.S.

That doesn't mean you can't use these cards for domestic purchases, but you don't have to worry about extra fees when you travel abroad. For example, the BankAmericard Travel Rewards awards 1.5 points for every dollar spent. If you have a Bank of America checking or savings account, you can get 10% extra points when you redeem. As if that's not enough, the Preferred Rewards program offers a bonus as high as 75% more points.  With no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees, it's almost like you're getting paid to travel.

intro purchase APR 0% for 12 monthsregular APR15.49 - 23.49% (V)
intro BT APR 15.24-23.24% 3% min $10
rewards 1.5 points/$1 +20,000 intro bonus
  • earn 1.5 points for every $1 on all purchases
  • get 20,000 signup bonus after spending $1000 in the first 3 months
  • redeem points as a statement credit to offset your travel spending balance 
excellent required

no annual fee

1.5% rewards rate on all purchases

20,000 intro bonus

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Savvy Shoppers

Are you a couponer or someone who is always looking for the best deal? If so, you're just like millions of Americans who are tired of paying full price and getting nothing in return. But, you don't have to clip coupons or limit your shopping to sales days to get the most for your money. Another FIA Card Services card, the BankAmericard Cash Rewards and Cash Rewards for Students is set up to get you cash back on just about any purchase.

intro purchase APR 0% for 12 monthsregular APR13.49 - 23.49% (V)
intro BT APR 0% for 12 months 3% min $10
rewards 1-3% per $1 +$100 intro bonus
  • earn 2% on grocery store and wholesale club purchases
  • earn 3% on gas
  • quarterly limit of $2,500 apply to gas and groceries combined purchases
  • get $100 after spending $500 on the card in the first 3 months
no credit required

no annual fee

2-3% cash back on gas, groceries, and wholesale club purchases

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You can get 2% when you shop at grocery stores and wholesale stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Is the price of gas burning a hole in your bank account? The best part about this car is that it awards 3% cash back on gas purchases, taking a bit of the sting out of filling your tank.

Further, you can redeem your rewards straight into your Bank of America checking or savings account and to get the 10% customer bonus on your rewards. Use the Preferred Program, and you can cash in up to 75% more on your earnings.

Pay Down Debt with a Low-Interest Card

If you're someone who is looking for the best way to pay down your debt, there's an FIA Card Services card for you, too. Do you have your budget lined up like a finely tuned piano? Or maybe you're just squeaking by and want to go beyond coupons, good deals, and unnecessary expenses. Why not put your credit to work for you? The BankAmericard Better Balance Rewards may be exactly what you need.

intro purchase APR 0% for 12 monthsregular APR12.49 - 22.49% (V)
intro BT APR 0% for 12 months 3% min $10
rewards $25 every quarter +$5 per quarter for checking account
  • get $25 every quarter if you pay your balance faster than just minimum payments
  • plus get additional $5 if you have a checking account with BoA
  • cashback is posted to your account automatically
good credit required

no annual fee

good 0% intro APR offer

up to $30 cashback every quarter

read review

Sure, you want to pay your balance down quickly, but it can be hard to get motivated to do that when you don't see a new purchase in your hand. After all, when you pay something out, you want to get something back. Further, it can seem like your balance never decreases no matter how much you pay.

This card was made just for helping to keep you going after your dreams. Pay a bit extra on your balance, and you'll automatically get $25 per quarter credited to your balance. With one of the lowest APRs and cash back credited straight to your balance, it's like earning money just for being you. You can even earn some extra cash back if you open a checking or savings account with Bank of America.

Using Your Card to Support a Good Cause

For some people, making sure they get the best deal isn't enough. They want to do something bigger, while having a positive impact on the world. The more awareness that is spread, the easier it is to help the causes you care about. Bank of America recognizes that effort and knows just how to help out. You can reap rewards of your own while supporting the cause you care about most. You can even support more than one.

For those who have the drive to support breast cancer research and treatment, there is a Pink Ribbon card. If you enjoy team sports and all the benefits that team playing brings to the youth, an MBA card might be best. Maybe you're feeling patriotic and want it to show with every purchase. The U.S. Pride card would be perfect for you. Like to live on the wild side? Show your support with the World Wildlife Fund card.

Getting the Most Out of FIA Card Services

Whether you want to support your favorite cause, save a few dollars, or get some motivation to pay down your balance, there is an FIA card for you. There is even a card for you if you aren’t sure which card you want, but you do know that you need to get started on the process of building your credit. FIA card services has a long history of providing credit services that meet the needs of just about every financial situation. If you like the idea of mixing your own credit with a company that has paved the way for the credit card industry, you might want to consider FIA.

When it comes to managing your card or trying to decide which one is right for you, you can always contact Bank of America and speak with someone about your financial goals. You don't even have to have a checking or savings account with them. However, you might want to consider some of the perks of having a credit card with FIA and an account with Bank of America, because it can earn you rewards and cash, and it can simplify the entire process of developing a sound credit history with healthy spending habits.

FIA Card Services Fidelity Card Transition

In July 2016, one of the very popular FIA card services credit card - Fidelity card with 2% cashback was transitioned from FIA services to Elan Financial services. Currently, all Fidelity AmEx card holders were transitioned to the new Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card.

intro purchase APR no intro offerregular APR13.99% (V)
intro BT APR 0% for 12 months 3% BT fee min $10
rewards 2% per dollar 
  • get 2% on all purchases 
  • need to have Fidelity account - free, no minimum, no maintenance fee
excellent required

no annual fee

2% flat rate cash back

need to open Fidelity account (free)

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