Is Bank of America a good or bad bank?
Overview. Bank of America could be a good fit for consumers who want access to a local branch, plenty of ATMs and a highly rated app. But, like many big banks, it generally offers low rates of return compared with what other financial institutions are paying out.
BofA business checking is best for small-business owners who: Want a full-service business bank with business loans, business credit cards and merchant services. Operate a cash-heavy business and make frequent currency deposits. Can meet one of the criteria required to waive the monthly fee.
Type | Moody's | Fitch |
---|---|---|
Outlook | Stable | Stable |
Long-term senior | A1 | AA- |
Short-term | P-1 | F1+ |
Subordinated | A3 | A |
Vast ATM network: Bank of America is one of the largest banks in the US. If you need cash, there are thousands of branch and ATM locations to visit. Digital payment options: Each account gets a chipped debit card, access to Zelle and a digital wallet.
Following one of the most successful years in United's long history, United Bank has been named the Most Trustworthy Bank in America by Newsweek for 2023.
Weaknesses. High Levels of Debt: Despite its strong balance sheet, BAC has high levels of debt, which could pose financial risks. High debt levels can increase the company's interest expenses and reduce its financial flexibility, potentially impacting its profitability and ability to invest in growth opportunities.
Companies Considered Too Big to Fail
Bank of America Corp. The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. Citigroup Inc. The Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
Bank of America is the second-largest commercial bank in the United States following JPMorgan Chase. The company provides financial services to consumers, wealthy investors, institutional clients, and governments. Bank of America's revenue for 2023 was $98.6 billion.
This year's ranking is up four spots from 2022. Bank of America named one of the World's Most Admired Companies - Bank of America again was recognized as one of the most admired companies overall and in the financial services industry.
Bank of America has the Financial Strength Rank of 4.
GuruFocus Financial Strength Rank measures how strong a company's financial situation is.
Is Bank of America or Chase better?
Bank of America pays slightly higher interest on your account balance. It also has a lower monthly fee and more options to have it waived. While the comparison between the two banks' checking accounts stacks up as a draw, the clear winner among savings accounts is Bank of America Advantage Savings.
The Wells Fargo Everyday Checking slightly beats out the Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking® because it requires a lower minimum opening deposit and monthly service fee. It also boasts a higher bank bonus for new customers. However, Bank of America has slightly easier requirements to waive monthly fees.
Deposits in checking accounts, savings accounts, money market savings accounts and Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category under the FDIC's general deposit insurance rules.
Pros | Cons |
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Large bank with 3,900 branches around the US Possible to waive monthly fees Free overdraft protection | Low interest rates on savings and CDs Monthly fees on accounts |
Bank of America pros and cons
Bank of America has approximately 4,300 branch locations and 17,000 ATMs, so you'll always have access to your money. The minimums to open a checking account are relatively low, so it's fairly easy to switch banks. If you can qualify for their Preferred Rewards program, it's worth it.
Bank | Forbes Advisor Rating | Learn More |
---|---|---|
Chase Bank | 5.0 | Learn More Read Our Full Review |
Bank of America | 4.2 | |
Wells Fargo Bank | 4.0 | Learn More Read Our Full Review |
Citi® | 4.0 |
- 1: Wells Fargo. Worst Bank Overall. ...
- 2: Citibank. Worst Bank Runner-up. ...
- 3: Bank of America. Most Complaints Overall. ...
- 4: Capital One. Most Better Business Bureau Complaints. ...
- 5: Discover. Highest Rate of Complaints. ...
- 6: Citizens Bank. Worst Fees Overall. ...
- 7: Flagstar Bank. ...
- 8: Fifth Third Bank.
Capital One received the highest customer satisfaction score among the largest banks in the United States as of 2023, with a score reaching 706 points out of 1,000. JPMorgan Chase, TD Bank, and U.S. Bank followed, while Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Truist received the lowest scores.
Bank of America has the most complaints of any bank in the U.S., and also has more one-star reviews on consumer review websites. Customers consider it one of the banks with worst security and report poor customer service, long wait times, excessive fees, and the bank holding their money for no reason.
CFPB Takes Action Against Bank of America for Illegally Charging Junk Fees, Withholding Credit Card Rewards, and Opening Fake Accounts | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
What happens if Bank of America fails?
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) insures bank accounts up to $250,000 per depositor, per account category. 1 So, unless your bank is not insured by the FDIC or you have deposited more than the FDIC limit, your money is safe if your bank fails.
No one is really expecting BofA to default—it's too big to fail, after all—but its status relative to the others has certainly fallen. BofA isn't catching JPMorgan. Right now, it can't even keep up with Wells and Citi. Its earnings are coming on Tuesday, and the impact of higher rates will show up in BofA's results.
SHFS | SHF Holdings | $0.50 |
---|---|---|
WAL | Western Alliance | $27.32 |
ECBK | ECB Bancorp | $11.24 |
PACW | PacWest Bancorp | $5.97 |
FFWM | First Foundation | $4.35 |
Bank of America's Financial Health
In recent years, Bank of America's financial performance has been relatively stable. In 2022, the bank reported a net income of $20.4 billion, a decrease from the previous year's $27.4 billion.
The ownership structure of Bank of America (BAC) stock is a mix of institutional, retail and individual investors. Approximately 35.39% of the company's stock is owned by Institutional Investors, 27.44% is owned by Insiders and 37.16% is owned by Public Companies and Individual Investors.