Rules · Bank of America · Approval
Bank of America: The 7/12 and 3/12 rules
Bank of America usually declines applicants who opened 7 or more cards with any bank in the last 12 months, or 3 or more if they don't bank with Bank of America.
Reported by applicants The issuer has never stated this. It is a pattern many applicants have reported, consistent enough to plan around, but not a guarantee.
What counts, and what doesn't
Applies to: Bank of America cards
- Unlike 2/3/4, these count cards from every issuer.
Sources
- Doctor of Credit: Bank of America 7/12 rule and 3/12 rule
- Thrifty Traveler: Credit card application rules, bank by bank (Jan 2026)
Issuers can approve, decline or withhold a bonus for any reason. These rules describe what usually happens, not a promise of what will. Last verified September 26, 2026.
More Bank of America rules
The 2/3/4 ruleReported by applicants
Bank of America usually approves at most 2 of its cards in 2 months, 3 in 12 months and 4 in 24 months.
24 months on the same cardReported by applicants
Bank of America usually won't pay a card's bonus again within 24 months of the last one on that card.