Bank of America Advantage Checking Overview

Bank of America’s Advantage Checking suite offers a tailored approach to personal banking, with three distinct account types designed for different customer needs. From digital-first simplicity for younger users to interest-bearing options for more established account holders, Advantage Banking delivers flexibility, strong digital tools, and access to one of the largest ATM and branch networks in the U.S. Each account under the Advantage umbrella comes with mobile banking, debit card access, and the potential for fee waivers. Whether you're looking to avoid overdraft fees, write checks, or earn interest on your balance, there's an account option that can align with your financial behavior.

Pros & Cons

Bank of America Advantage at a Glance

Fees:

• SafeBalance: $4.95/month (waived for <25 years)
• Plus: $12/month (waived with $250 DD or $1,500 min. balance)
• Relationship: $25/month (waived with $10,000 balance)

Security: FDIC insured, SSL encryption, biometric login, and 2FA options

Online Experience: Full online banking capabilities, user-friendly layout, rates and fees disclosed transparently

Mobile App: Available on iOS/Android, includes mobile check deposit, Zelle, Erica® assistant, alerts, budgeting

Customer Support: Live chat, phone, secure message, and in-branch help; extended hours including weekends

Suitable For?

Bank of America Advantage Checking is well-suited for:

• Students & young adults seeking low-fee, digital-first banking (SafeBalance)
• Professionals wanting check-writing and online bill pay (Advantage Plus)
• Affluent users with linked BofA accounts or investment products who can benefit from fee waivers and interest (Advantage Relationship)

It's also ideal for individuals who value access to physical branches and a wide ATM network, while also benefiting from comprehensive digital tools.

Features / Highlights

Advantages Over Traditional Banks

Unlike many traditional accounts, SafeBalance prevents overdraft fees by declining transactions that exceed available funds.

Cutting-Edge Banking Services

The mobile app includes features like real-time balance updates, mobile check deposits, transfers, and bill pay. Erica®, the bank’s AI virtual assistant, provides smart alerts, spending insights, and automated savings tips. Customers can link checking with savings and credit accounts to track finances holistically.

Traditional Banking Services

Bank of America offers access to over 16,000 ATMs and 3,900+ financial centers nationwide. Account holders can access mortgages, auto loans, IRAs, and credit cards within the same platform. Check-writing is available with Advantage Plus and Relationship accounts.

Interest Rates and Fees

*Rates current as of November 2025. Subject to change and based on balance tiers.

Customer Service and Online Experience

Customer service is available through multiple channels: online chat, phone, secure messaging, or in-branch visits. The site provides robust FAQs, fee schedules, and financial education resources. Account setup can be completed online in minutes.

• Phone: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. ET (Mon–Fri), 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET (Sat), 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET (Sun)
• Live Chat: Available during support hours via online banking and mobile app
• Secure Email: Accessible 24/7 through the online banking portal (responses during support hours)

Mobile App

The Bank of America mobile app (iOS & Android) offers advanced functionality. Features include:

• Erica® virtual assistant
• Mobile check deposit
• Transaction alerts
• Budgeting and tracking tools
• In-app Zelle transfers

Security

All Advantage Checking accounts come with multi-layer security: SSL encryption, biometric login support, two-factor authentication, and optional fraud alerts. Bank of America maintains a dedicated fraud protection team.

Application Process

1. Apply online or in-branch
2. Provide Social Security number and U.S. address
3. Fund with a minimum opening deposit (usually $25+)
4. Select account type (SafeBalance, Plus, Relationship)
5. Set up online and mobile banking access

Bank of America Advantage Summary

Bank of America Advantage Checking delivers flexibility, security, and accessibility across three account options. Whether you're a student seeking simplicity, or a customer looking for interest and advanced features, there's a tailored solution available. While monthly fees can apply, the variety of waiver options make this a strong contender for everyday banking. Digital tools, a well-rated mobile app, and access to an extensive national branch and ATM network further enhance its appeal.

Physical Address

Bank of America Corporation

100 N Tryon St

Charlotte, NC 28255

United States

Disclaimers

UP TO $500 OFFER FOR ADVANTAGE PLUS AND ADVANTAGE RELATIONSHIP ACCOUNTS

Offer is limited to individuals who have not owned or co-owned a Bank of America personal checking account within the last twelve (12) months. Fiduciary accounts (e.g., trusts), Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking®, Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts, and business accounts are not eligible for this offer. Bonus is only valid for one new Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking® account or one new Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking® account. Offer cannot be combined with any other checking bonus offer and is limited to one bonus per account and per customer. Offer expires on September 30, 2026. Bank of America may change or discontinue this offer at any time before this date without notice.

You may receive different Bank of America promotional checking offers by various methods, i.e., mail, in person or email/online. These promotional checking offers may have different eligibility, enrollment, and bonus requirements.

Requirements to Receive a Checking Bonus:

1. Enroll in this offer through a Bank of America or Merrill associate or online through this offer’s webpage.

2. Open a new Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking® account or a new Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking® account by September 30, 2026.

Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® and Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.

3. Set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits into that new Advantage Plus or Advantage Relationship account within ninety (90) days of account opening (“Deposit Period”).

At the end of the 90-day Deposit Period, all Qualifying Direct Deposits will be totaled to determine the bonus amount you may earn (see Bonus Chart).

“Bonus Chart”

After the Deposit Period ends, and once you satisfy all the requirements, we will attempt to deposit the earned bonus directly into your new Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking® or Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking® account within sixty (60) days. Offer is not valid if you or we convert your account to a different account type during the Deposit Period and/or up to and including the date any earned bonus would have been paid. Your new account must be open and in good standing up to and including the date any earned bonus is paid.

A “Qualifying Direct Deposit” is a direct deposit of regular monthly income (such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer) using account and routing numbers that you provide to them. Examples of non-qualifying transfers and deposits include the following: teller deposits, wire transfers, debit card transfers, ATM transfers or deposits, Online and Mobile Banking transfers or deposits, or transfers from a bank or brokerage account or Merrill investment account.

Your receipt of any bonus is subject to validation that you have provided all the information we require in connection with maintaining the account. This includes information needed to identify each account owner and to report the bonus to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), including a validly completed IRS Form W-9 or Form W-8 (as applicable). The value of this bonus may constitute taxable income to you. To the extent required by law, Bank of America may withhold tax or other amounts from the payment. Bank of America may issue an IRS Form 1099 (or other appropriate form) to you that reflects the value of such bonus. Please consult your tax advisor, as neither Bank of America, its affiliates, nor their employees provide tax advice.

Additional Terms and Conditions: All account applications are subject to approval. The minimum deposit required to open a Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking® account is $100. The minimum deposit required to open a Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking® account is $100, and the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is as follows: less than $50,000, 0.01%; $50,000 and over, 0.02%. APYs are accurate as of 06/01/2026. For today’s rates, select the applicable account at bankofamerica.com/depositsrates. Rates may change at any time without prior notice, before or after the account is opened, and may vary by location. Fees may reduce earnings. Accounts, product terms, and fees may vary by location, and we may discontinue and/or add new account types at any time. Please consult a financial center, visit bankofamerica.com or see the Personal Schedule of Fees (found at bankofamerica.com/fees) for account fees and additional information about accounts.

Reproduction, purchase, sale, transfer or trade of this offer is prohibited.

Zelle® should only be used to send money to friends, family or others you trust. We recommend that you do not use Zelle® to send money to those you do not know. Transfers require enrollment in the service with a Zelle® eligible U.S. checking or savings account. Bank of America transfers must be made from an eligible consumer or business deposit account. Transactions between enrolled users typically occur in minutes and Bank of America does not charge a transfer fee. We will send you an email alert with transaction details after you send money using Zelle®. Dollar and frequency limits apply. See the Online Banking Service Agreement at bankofamerica.com/serviceagreement for further details. Data connection required. Message and data rates may apply. Neither Bank of America nor Zelle® offers purchase protection for payments made with Zelle®. Please treat Zelle® payments like cash, once you send the money, you are unlikely to get it back – for example, you do not receive the item you paid for using Zelle® or the item received is not as described. Regular account fees apply.

Fiduciary accounts, including trust and estate accounts, do not qualify for the under the age of 25 requirement to waive the monthly maintenance fee. Additionally, accounts do not qualify for the under the age of 25 requirement to waive the monthly fee based on the age of the Payable on Death beneficiary. When you add an owner under the age of 25 to an existing Advantage SafeBalance Banking® account, it may take 3 business days before your account meets the requirement to have the monthly maintenance fee waived. Please refer to the Personal Schedule of Fees for more information.

SafeBalance Banking® and SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are automatically set to the Decline All overdraft setting. Transactions are declined or returned unpaid when they exceed your available balance. While this account prevents you from overdrawing in most cases, there may still be times when your account could have a negative balance. This could happen when the final amount of a transaction differs from the amount that was originally authorized, such as when a tip is added to a restaurant charge. If this happens, we won’t charge you an Overdraft Item Fee.

Balance Connect® for overdraft protection allows you to link your eligible checking account with up to 5 eligible Bank of America accounts for overdraft protection. This optional service can help you cover your payments and purchases and help avoid overdrafts and Overdraft Item Fees by automatically transferring available funds from your linked backup account(s) when needed. If your linked backup account does not have enough available funds to cover the necessary amount, we may decline to make the transfer.

Transfers from a linked (1) brokerage account with Merrill Lynch that is enrolled in margin lending, (2) Loan Management Account (LMA®), (3) credit card, or (4) HELOC are subject to interest charges. Please see your account agreement(s) for additional details. Balance Connect® is not available with SafeBalance Banking® or SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking as a covered or linked backup account. Balance Connect® is available on Advantage Savings as a linked backup account, but not eligible to be enrolled as a covered account.

No fee for incoming domestic wire transfers, stop payments and other services. Please refer to the Personal Schedule of Fees for details.

BofA Rewards exclusive deals. BofA Rewards™ members will be eligible for exclusive deal offers. All such offers are subject to the standard terms and conditions of the deals program. Refer to the Deals homepage for details.

BofA Rewards™ Eligibility. Customers can enroll and maintain their membership in BofA Rewards™ if they have an open, qualifying Bank of America® checking account. BofA Rewards tiers are based on each customer’s combined average balance in qualifying deposit and investment accounts. The minimum balance for each tier is: Member, no minimum balance; Preferred Plus, $30,000; Preferred Honors, $100,000; and Premier, $1,000,000. When you enroll, you’ll be placed in the appropriate tier for your combined average balance and then moved to the highest tier you’re eligible for based on one of the following:

1. for the 30 calendar days following your first enrollment, the combined end-of-day collected balance of your qualifying accounts (“Daily Balance”), provided that your Daily Balance remains above the required amount for a minimum of three business days; or

2. subsequently, the combined average balance of your qualifying accounts calculated on the third business day of each month.

Eligible customers will be moved to the higher tier within 3 business days. New tier benefits may take up to 30 days to become effective. For full terms, including qualifying accounts and the method of calculation of average balances, refer to your Personal Schedule of Fees.

Additional Eligibility. Employees and retirees of Bank of America may be eligible for BofA Rewards membership on customized terms. For details, please call Employee Financial Services or refer to the Bank of America intranet site. Bank of America Private Bank clients qualify to enroll in the Premier tier regardless of balances. Employees of companies participating in the Bank of America Employee Banking and Investing Program may be eligible for BofA Rewards on customized terms. Refer to CEBI Program for details.

To participate, you just need an eligible Bank of America checking account. Checking accounts may have a monthly maintenance fee if waiver requirements are not met.

Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking, Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking, Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking, Bank of America and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of the Bank of America Corporation.

BofA Rewards is a trademark of Bank of America Corporation.

The Contactless Symbol and Contactless Indicator are trademarks owned by and used with permission of EMVCo, LLC.

This content is for informational purposes only. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official Bank of America website. Account terms, conditions, and fees are subject to change.

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AI was used in the creation of this content, along with human validation and proofreading.