Minimum balance for savings account bank of america

$100

Minimum deposit to open

Details

  • Features

Annual percentage yield (APY)0.01%
Fee$8 per month
To waive the fee· Maintain a minimum daily balance of at least $500
· OR link your account to your Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking
· OR become a Bank of America Preferred Rewards client
Minimum deposit to open$100
Minimum balance to earn interest$0
Interest compoundingDaily
Monthly transaction limit6
Fee per transaction over the limit$10

Review by

Peter Carleton


Peter Carleton is a writer that covers banking and investing, breaking down what you need to know about where you put your money. When Peter's not thinking about cutting-edge banking apps and robo-advisors, he runs a creative agency and spends his spare time cooking or reading.

Expert review

The Bank of America Advantage Savings account gives you the safety and security of one of the largest US banks, along with the convenience of its comprehensive branch and ATM networks. You also get rewarded with a higher APY, extra cashback perks and discounts on BOA products if you keep a high account balance.

But it has an $8 monthly fee that you’ll need to avoid and an initial 0.01% APY, which means you’ll only earn $0.10 for every $1,000 you keep in the account — and that’s before fees. Unless you’re set on opening a BOA account, your money will grow faster with a high-yield savings account from another bank.

Open a Bank of America Advantage Savings account online, by phone or at a branch in about ten minutes, either solo or as a joint account.

Online

  1. Go to the provider’s site and follow the steps to apply.
  2. Choose Savings on Bank of America’s website, then Bank of America Advantage Savings.
  3. Hit Open now.
  4. Check any relevant boxes, then choose Go to Application.
  5. Enter your personal information, then Continue.
  6. Fund your account and adjust any account options, then Continue.
  7. Read and agree to the terms and conditions, then Continue.
  8. Review and Submit your application.

By phone
If you’d prefer to speak with a representative to open this account, call 844-375-7031 at any time.

At a branch
Visit a customer service agent or make an appointment at your local Bank of America branch.

Eligibility

To open this account, you’ll need to meet a few eligibility requirements. Non-US citizens can also open an account as long as you have a permanent US address and valid passport.

  • At least 18 years old
  • Permanent US address
  • Social Security number for all account holders
  • Deposit at least $100
  • Valid passport for non-US citizens

For Preferred Rewards:
Earn a higher APY if you qualify as a Preferred Rewards member. Keep the average amount in all your BOA deposit or Merrill Edge investment accounts at these qualifying levels.

  • Gold members: $20,000
  • Platinum members: $50,000
  • Platinum Honors members: $100,000

Required information

Whether you apply online or at a branch, you’ll need to provide the following information to open an account:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Employment information
  • Contact information
  • Social Security number — or passport for foreign applicants

The main benefits of Bank of America’s savings account is that you get higher rewards the more money you save and you get access to one of the largest US bank networks. You can also take advantage of programs available to many BOA customers, like automated savings or its savings account for kids.

  • APY grows with your account balance. Qualify for an APY up to 0.04% if you’re a Preferred Rewards member. Members also get discounts on other BOA products, earn more cash back on credit card purchases than non-rewards members and more.
  • Wide network of branches and ATMs. BOA offers over 4,000 branches for in-person banking and over 16,000 ATMs, offering convenience and accessibility that competitors don’t.
  • Automatic savings. BOA’s Keep the Change program lets you round up debit card purchases and deposit the difference in your savings account. Otherwise, you can set up automatic transfers to grow your savings quickly.
  • Earn rewards. Get up to 10% cash back at participating retailers through BOA’s Bank Amerideals. Sign into your account to choose which deals you want to redeem, and then use your qualifying debit or credit card.
  • Overdraft protection. Overdraft protection keeps your transactions from getting declined so that you can keep up with financial needs.

This Bank of America savings account won’t grow your money as fast as accounts from other banks, and you have to keep a high balance to earn its best APY. Consider all of the drawbacks to this account before making a final decision.

  • Low interest rate. You start with a 0.01% APY, which is low but common for brick-and-mortar banks.
  • Monthly service fee. This account has an $8 monthly service fee. But BOA offers several ways to avoid it, such as maintaining a minimum balance of $500, linking qualifying accounts or becoming a Preferred Rewards member.
  • Opening deposit requirement. You need at least $100 minimum deposit to open. This requirement is low compared to some savings accounts, but not committment free.
  • Withdrawal limits. Every withdrawal past the six monthly maximum is subject to a $10 fee. This is the usual policy, but this federal requirement is currently suspended. Contact BOA to see if this fee is temporarily waived.
  • Overdraft fee. You’ll be charged a $35 overdraft fee every time you use overdraft protection, up to four times daily.
  • Branches not in every state. Bank of America operates in all 50 states but has no retail branches in AK, AL, HI, LA, MS, MT, ND, NE, SD, VT, WI, WV or WY.

Grow your money faster with the socially conscious Aspiration or fee-free Quontic Bank’s High Yield Savings. If you prefer big brands, consider Discover’s Online Savings, which offers a recognizable brand and many financial products for your convenience.

Check the Compare box to see accounts that fit your savings style, and select Go to site to apply for your preferred choice.

Bank of America makes it easy to deposit and withdraw money with this savings account. Routing numbers vary depending on your state, so check the Bank of America website to find the one that applies to you.

Deposits

  • At a branch or ATM
  • Direct deposit
  • Online transfer and wire transfer
  • By mail
  • With Bank of America mobile deposit
  • Keep the change rewards program

Withdrawals:

  • At a branch or ATM
  • Online transfer and wire transfer
  • Bill pay

What if I make more than six withdrawals per month from my Bank of America savings account?

BOA usually charges a $10 fee each time you make more than six outgoing transactions and you risk having your account closed. But this policy may be temporarily suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. Contact BOA for information regarding its current policy.

There are four ways you can get in touch with a Bank of America representative:

  1. By phone: 315-724-4022.
  2. By email: Sign in to your online banking account, navigate to the Help & Support menu and hit Contact Us.
  3. Live chat: Visit the BOA website and click the chat icon to start live chat.
  4. In person: Visit a branch or set up an appointment.

Social media

  • Facebook: Bank of America
  • Instagram: @BankofAmerica
  • Twitter:@BankofAmerica

Savings account ratings

★★★★★ — Excellent

★★★★★ — Good

★★★★★ — Average

★★★★★ — Subpar

★★★★★ — Poor

We analyze top savings accounts and rate them one to five stars based on factors that are most important to you. These factors include: interest rates, monthly fees, minimum deposits, customer service and account features.

Read the full methodology of how we rate savings accounts.

What is the minimum balance in Bank of America savings account?

You can avoid the Monthly Maintenance Fee when you meet ONE of the following requirements during each statement cycle: • Maintain a minimum daily balance of $500 or more, OR • Link your account to your Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking®, Bank of America Advantage® with Tiered Interest Checking or Bank of ...

How do I avoid a Bank of America savings account fee?

Monthly Fee.
No monthly maintenance fee for each statement cycle that you:.
Maintain a minimum daily balance of at least $500..
Link your Bank of America Advantage Savings account to your Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking® account (waiver applies to first 4 savings accounts).

What is the minimum balance to avoid fees for Bank of America?

When you maintain a combined balance of at least $10,000 or more each statement cycle on your Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking® account, the monthly maintenance fee is waived. Combined balances include: The average daily balance in eligible linked checking and savings accounts for the statement cycle.

Is Bank of America savings account free?

Fees. The Bank of America Advantage Savings account requires a $100 opening deposit, which is on the higher end for brick-and-mortar savings accounts. There is an $8-per-month maintenance fee that is waived for the first six months for new account holders.