Bank of America’s Museums on Us program provides a valuable benefit to its customers, offering free general admission to cardholders at hundreds of cultural institutions across the United States. This monthly perk allows eligible individuals to explore museums, zoos, aquariums, science centers, and botanical gardens at no cost during designated weekends. The program is designed to be straightforward, requiring only the presentation of an active Bank of America card and a valid photo ID at a participating venue.
The program is available to anyone with an active Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank (U.S. Trust) credit or debit card. This includes standard cardholders as well as authorized users. There is no limit to the number of participating institutions a cardholder can visit during the free admission weekend, encouraging exploration of multiple cultural sites within a city or travel destination. The offer is valid for one free general admission per cardholder per visit. For families, it is noted that children typically receive free admission when accompanied by an adult cardholder, though specific policies may vary by institution.
Free admission days occur on the first full weekend of every month, specifically on the Saturday and Sunday of that weekend. For the year 2026, the scheduled dates are February 7-8, March 7-8, April 4-5, May 2-3, June 6-7, July 4-5, August 1-2, September 5-6, October 3-4, November 7-8, and December 5-6. For the year 2025, the dates were January 4-5, February 1-2, March 1-2, April 5-6, May 3-4, June 7-8, July 5-6, August 2-3, September 6-7, October 4-5, November 1-2, and December 6-7. Participants are advised to check the official Bank of America website for the most current list of participating institutions and to confirm operating hours and any specific safety protocols before visiting.
Participating institutions number over 225, with some sources citing more than 235. These include a wide range of cultural venues located in dozens of cities across the United States. Examples of participating museums mentioned in the source materials include the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, The Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. The program is not limited to traditional museums; it also encompasses zoos, aquariums, science centers, gardens, and other cultural institutions. However, it is important to note that some special exhibitions, ticketed shows, and fundraising events may be excluded from the free general admission offer.
To take advantage of the Museums on Us benefit, cardholders should follow a simple process. First, they should identify a participating institution near them or at their travel destination using the official Bank of America list. It is recommended to plan ahead by reviewing the museum’s operating hours and any specific entry requirements. On the designated weekend, the cardholder must visit the institution, present their active Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank card along with a valid photo ID, and request free general admission. Arriving early is advisable, as free admission days often attract larger crowds. There is no need for prior registration or sign-up for the program itself; the benefit is automatically available to eligible cardholders.
The financial value of this program can be significant. General admission tickets for popular museums often range from $25 to $36 for an adult. By visiting multiple participating institutions in a single weekend, cardholders can save a considerable amount on cultural outings. For example, visiting three museums with an average admission price of $30 could result in savings of $90. The program offers a consistent, recurring benefit throughout the year, making it a useful tool for budget-conscious consumers and families seeking affordable entertainment and educational experiences.
While the primary benefit is free general admission, the program does not cover costs for special exhibits, tours, or other ticketed events unless explicitly stated by the institution. Cardholders are encouraged to check the specific terms at each venue. Additionally, the program is separate from other Bank of America benefits, such as credit card rewards or cash-back programs. For instance, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card offers cash back on purchases but does not require a cardholder to use the card for purchases to qualify for the Museums on Us benefit; simply presenting the card for admission is sufficient.
Some sources suggest that cardholders can opt-in to receive email alerts from Bank of America to be notified about upcoming free museum weekends, ensuring they do not miss an opportunity. This can be a helpful reminder for planning visits. The program is highlighted as a lesser-known credit card perk that can provide substantial savings for those who take advantage of it regularly.
In summary, the Bank of America Museums on Us program is a straightforward and valuable benefit for eligible cardholders. It provides free general admission to a diverse array of cultural institutions across the country on the first full weekend of each month. By presenting an active Bank of America card and a valid photo ID, cardholders can explore museums, zoos, and other venues at no cost, making cultural experiences more accessible and affordable.
Conclusion
The Bank of America Museums on Us program is a well-structured, recurring benefit that offers free general admission to cardholders at over 225 participating cultural institutions nationwide. Available on the first full weekend of each month, the program requires only the presentation of an active Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank card and a valid photo ID. It covers a wide range of venues, including museums, zoos, aquariums, science centers, and gardens, though special exhibitions may be excluded. The program does not require prior registration and is automatically available to eligible cardholders. By planning visits and arriving early, cardholders can maximize their savings and enjoy diverse cultural experiences throughout the year. This benefit underscores the value of holding a Bank of America card, providing a tangible, no-cost perk for cardholders and their families.