Bank of America cardholders enjoy benefits like retail protection, travel protection, and unique cultural perks like the award-winning Museums on Us® program, all just because they have the right credit card.
Museum visits and similar experiences are open for the most part, with some outstanding COVID-19 policies, so Bank of America cardholders can get even more out of their cards with these enriching experiences.
What are museums on us?
Museums on Us is a program that has been in existence for 25 years. It offers free general admission during the first full weekend of each month to Bank of America credit and debit card holders to attend some of the country’s greatest cultural events.
This free access to U.S. arts and cultural events includes not only world-renowned museums and institutions ranging from history, art, and children’s museums, but also select aquariums, botanical gardens, zoos, and science centers.
“Bank of America’s ongoing support for the arts reflects our continued belief in the power of art, perhaps more now than ever. While the way we support our partners evolves based on needs and current circumstances, the health and safety of our customers remains a top priority,” said Rena De Sisto, Head of Global Arts and Culture at Bank of America.
“Our longstanding Museums on Us program is a powerful way to provide our communities with access to the arts, promoting cultural recognition and driving economic growth.”
Who is eligible?
Active Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank (US Trust) credit or debit card holders with photo ID receive one free general admission to a participating cultural institution during program weekends. Guests do not receive free admission.
You do not need to register to take advantage of this; the program is open to all cardholders. And usually you don’t need to make a reservation. However, we suggest that those interested should check with the museum as program partners have different health and safety protocols in place and reservations may be required at some institutions.
While all Bank of America cards qualify, there are several outstanding cards that offer “Museums on Us” perks, including Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card, Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card as well as Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card.
A tip to boost your Bank of America rewards a bit is to add family members as an authorized user. Each person must have their name on a credit or debit card with an appropriate photo ID in order to enjoy free admission to Museums on Us participating sites, therefore authorized users are entitled to their own entrance.
Just be aware that while adding authorized users to your account may bring rewards such as this feature, there are risks involved. The primary cardholder is solely responsible for any purchases made by an authorized user with a card, including cash advances and related fees.
Be sure to discuss costs and expected charges with anyone you add as an authorized user to your credit card.
How museums work for us
Active Bank of America cardholders receive one free general admission to a participating cultural institution during the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of each month. Generally, you just need to show your card and photo ID to gain access.
During the coronavirus pandemic, several Bank of America Museums on Us partners have adjusted their admissions procedures. Adjusted Museums on Us admission procedures, if applicable, can be found by searching and selecting a partner’s name here. The information will be updated on an ongoing basis.
Also, great tip: On the Museums on Us website, cardholders can sign up to receive email reminders ahead of the program weekend.
Museums today
Bank of America will continue to provide credit and debit card holders with free general admission to major cultural attractions through its Museums on Us program every first full weekend of each month.
Here are the program dates until December 2022:
- March 5, 2022 and March 6, 2022
- April 2, 2022 and April 3, 2022
- May 7, 2022 and May 8, 2022
- June 4, 2022 and June 5, 2022
- July 2, 2022 and July 3, 2022
- August 6, 2022 and August 7, 2022
- September 3, 2022 and September 4, 2022
- October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2022
- November 5, 2022 and November 6, 2022
- December 3, 2022 and December 4, 2022
Because partners may adjust reopening plans to reflect the health and safety conditions in their communities, you should probably first check with participating properties for current plans, safety procedures, and hours of operation. If you choose to visit a museum or attraction, a face covering may be required in addition to maintaining physical distancing.
It is also important to note that the Museums on Us program does not include fundraising events, special exhibitions or ticketed shows, and cannot be combined with other offers.
Which places participate in Museums on Us
The Museums on Us program includes more than 225 of the country’s renowned cultural institutions in 123 cities in 35 states. Bank of America’s membership list includes local public museums and world-famous cultural institutions.
Participants include the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the South Florida Science Center and West Palm Beach Aquarium, the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan, the Museum of History and Maryland African American Culture by Reginald F. Lewis in Baltimore, the Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, and the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, among many others.
Not all institutions are open during the pandemic, so before planning your trip, consider searching for a venue by city and state on the Bank of America website.
bottom line
Through the Bank of America Museums on Us program, cardholders have free admission to over 225 museums, zoos, and botanical gardens across the US during the first full weekend of each month.
Cardholder-only entry – there is no free entry for guests – but consider adding a family member to your account as an authorized user. This way, they will have their own credit card with their name on it, and they will be able to get free admission to the program.
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