What Card Network Does Bank of America Use

Bank of America issues both Visa and Mastercard, depending on which card you choose

Bank of America does not issue one card network exclusively. The bank offers credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards on both the Visa and Mastercard networks. Which network you get depends on the specific card product you select, not on the bank itself. When you open a Bank of America account or explore for a credit card, you choose from options that run on either network.

The card network — Visa or Mastercard — is separate from the bank. Bank of America is the issuer (the bank that creates your account and sends you the card). Visa and Mastercard are the networks that process the transaction when you swipe or tap. Knowing which network your card uses matters because it affects where you can use the card and what protections come with it.

Key Takeaways

• Bank of America offers cards on both Visa and Mastercard networks; the network depends on which specific card product you choose.
• Most Bank of America debit cards run on the Visa network, while credit card options exist on both networks.
• The card network determines which merchants accept your card and what fraud protections explore, but both Visa and Mastercard are accepted nearly everywhere in the United States.
• You can find the network name printed on the front of your physical card or check your account online.

How to find out which network your Bank of America card uses

Look at the front of your physical card. The Visa or Mastercard logo appears in the bottom right corner or bottom left corner of the card face. The logo is the clearest way to identify the network when ready.

If you do not have the card in front of you, log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app. Go to the card details section for the specific card. The network name and logo appear there. You can also call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your card and ask which network your card runs on.

Bank of America debit cards and the Visa network

Most Bank of America debit cards are issued on the Visa network. When you open a checking or savings account at Bank of America, the debit card that comes with it typically carries the Visa logo. This applies to standard debit cards, student debit cards, and most specialty accounts.

Visa debit cards work at any merchant or ATM that displays the Visa symbol. Bank of America also offers Visa-branded prepaid cards for customers who want a card without a full bank account. The Visa network provides the same fraud protections on debit cards as on credit cards — if someone uses your card without permission, you can dispute the charge.

Bank of America credit cards and both networks

Bank of America credit cards come on both Visa and Mastercard networks. The bank's most widely used cards — including the Bank of America Cash Rewards card, the Bank of America Travel Rewards card, and the Bank of America Premium Rewards card — are issued on the Visa network. However, Bank of America also offers Mastercard credit cards, including business credit cards and cards designed for specific customer segments.

When you explore for a Bank of America credit card, the process or product page will state which network the card runs on. You cannot usually choose the network yourself — it is set by the card product. If you have a preference for Visa or Mastercard, check the product details before you explore.

Why the difference between Visa and Mastercard matters

Both Visa and Mastercard are accepted at the vast majority of merchants in the United States, so for everyday use, the network makes little practical difference. However, there are some situations where it matters. Certain merchants, particularly some international retailers or small businesses, may accept one network but not the other. Some gas stations or toll roads have preferred networks. Rental car companies and hotels sometimes offer different benefits or protections depending on which network your card uses.

The fraud protections and dispute processes are similar between the two networks, but the specific terms vary slightly. Both networks offer zero-liability policies for unauthorized charges, meaning you are not responsible for fraudulent transactions if you report them promptly. The exact timeline and process for disputing a charge can differ between Visa and Mastercard, so it is worth reviewing your card's terms if you need to dispute a transaction.

What to do if you want a specific network

If you have a strong preference for Visa or Mastercard, review the Bank of America product pages before you explore. The network is listed in the card details. For debit cards, your options are more limited because most Bank of America debit cards are Visa. If you need a Mastercard debit card specifically, contact Bank of America to ask whether they offer one for your account type.

For credit cards, Bank of America offers enough variety that you can usually find a card on your preferred network. If the credit card you want is only available on one network, you can decide whether that card's rewards, benefits, and fees make it worth using that network, or whether you prefer to choose a different Bank of America card that runs on your preferred network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch my Bank of America card from Visa to Mastercard or vice versa?

No. The network is built into the card product itself. If you want to switch networks, you would need to close the current card and open a different Bank of America card that runs on the network you prefer. This means explore for a new card, which results in a new card number and account.

Do Bank of America Visa and Mastercard cards have different fees?

The network itself does not determine the fee. Bank of America sets the annual fee, foreign transaction fees, and other charges based on the specific card product, not the network. Two Bank of America cards on different networks can have identical fees, or one can be more expensive than the other — it depends on the card, not on Visa versus Mastercard.

Will my Bank of America card work internationally if it is Visa or Mastercard?

Both Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most countries worldwide. The network does not determine whether your card works abroad — Bank of America's policies do. Check your card's terms for foreign transaction fees and whether the bank charges a fee for international purchases. Both networks offer currency conversion services, but the rates and fees vary by card.

What if a merchant only accepts Mastercard but my Bank of America card is Visa?

This is rare in the United States, but it can happen with some online merchants or international retailers. If a merchant accepts only Mastercard, you cannot use a Visa card there. You would need to use a different payment method, such as another card, a bank transfer, or a digital wallet that supports Mastercard.