
Bank of America matches 50% of employee contributions to their 401(k) plan, up to 6% of their pay, which is a generous match that can significantly boost retirement savings.
If you're a Bank of America employee, you can contribute to your 401(k) plan through payroll deductions, making it easy to set aside money for retirement.
The company's 401(k) match is a great incentive to save for the future, and it's a benefit that's available to all eligible employees.
By contributing to your 401(k) and taking advantage of the match, you can potentially save thousands of dollars over the course of your career.
What is a 401(k)?
A 401(k) plan is a powerful retirement savings tool provided by employers in the United States.
It allows you to set aside a portion of your earnings before taxes are deducted, leading to immediate tax savings.
With a 401(k), you can invest a percentage of your income before income taxes are calculated, reducing your taxable income.

This can result in lower tax bills during your working years.
Many employers match a percentage of your contributions, effectively adding free money to your retirement fund.
This is like getting a bonus for saving.
Your 401(k) investments grow tax-deferred until you decide to withdraw the funds in retirement.
This means you won't pay taxes on the gains or dividends your investments earn within the account.
A 401(k) retirement savings plan belongs to the category of defined contribution plans.
Your retirement income depends on your contributions, investment choices, and market performance.
It's a crucial tool for building a secure financial future, providing both immediate tax advantages and long-term growth potential.
Your 401(k) is your ally in securing your financial well-being.
Bank of America 401(k) Plans
Bank of America 401(k) Plans offer matching contributions, with a 100% match on the first 5% of compensation. This means if you contribute 5% of your salary, Bank of America will match it with another 5%.

The plan also includes an annual contribution, which is the greater of 2% of compensation or 3% after 10 years of service. However, employer contributions only begin after 1 year of service.
The plan allows participants to choose from various investments, with the Stable Value Fund being the top choice, accounting for 14% of total plan assets. The Vanguard S&P 500 Index Fund is also a popular option, holding 13% of total assets.
Here's a breakdown of the top 10 investments in the Bank of America 401(k) plan, based on the 2022 Form 5500 filing:
Bank of America Employees Play It Safe
Bank of America employees are known to play it safe when it comes to investing for retirement. They favor low-risk options, which is reflected in their investment choices.
The Stable Value Fund is the top holding in the Bank of America 401(k) plan, making up 14% of total plan assets. This fund is a clear favorite among B of A's employees, showcasing their cautious approach to retirement investing.

The Vanguard S&P 500 Index Fund is another popular choice, holding 13% of total assets. This fund tracks the performance of the 500 largest publicly traded companies in the US, ensuring a diversified and well-rounded approach to wealth accumulation.
Bank of America employees also demonstrate loyalty by holding 12% of their retirement assets in Bank of America stock. This investment represents almost $6 billion and was even the largest holding in the previous year.
Here's a breakdown of the top 10 investments in the Bank of America 401(k) plan:
These investment choices reveal a preference for stability and diversification among Bank of America employees.
Vesting Schedules
Vesting schedules determine how quickly you own the company match in your 401(k) plan.
Federal rules require full vesting within six years.
About a third of 401(k) plans use a graded five- or six-year schedule for the company match.
A saver with a five-year graded schedule owns 20% after year one, 40% after year two, and so on until reaching 100% after the fifth year.
You get to keep the match if you leave the company, but you'll only own a portion of it until it's fully vested.
For example, someone who gets 40% of a $5,000 match can walk away with $2,000 plus 40% of any investment earnings on the match.
Bank of America 401(k) Matching

The Bank of America 401(k) plan allows for matching contributions, which is a great perk for employees. This means that Bank of America will contribute to your retirement fund based on your own contributions.
The match is equal to 100% of the first 5% of your compensation. That's a significant amount of money that can really add up over time.
Employer contributions only begin after 1 year of service, so make sure you're taking advantage of the plan from the start. This means you'll get a head start on building your retirement savings.
The annual contribution is the greater of 2% of your compensation, or 3% after 10 years of service. This means that the more years you're with Bank of America, the more you'll benefit from the plan.
If you're participating in a Roth 401(k) plan, be aware that employer matching contributions can be taxable if they go into a Roth account. However, if they go into a traditional account, they're not taxable.
Tax Implications

The tax implications of the BofA 401(k) match are straightforward. Contributions to the plan are made with pre-tax dollars, which reduces your taxable income for the year.
As a result, you'll pay less in taxes upfront. This can be a significant advantage, especially for high-income earners.
The BofA 401(k) match is considered taxable income when it's received. This means you'll pay taxes on the employer contributions when you withdraw the funds in retirement.
You'll need to report the employer contributions as income on your tax return.
Sources
- https://wealth45.com/bank-america-employees-401k-investing-2022/
- https://www.theretirementgroup.com/featured-article/5448073/for-bank-of-america-employees-how-to-rollover-a-401k-in-five-simple-steps
- https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/19/heres-why-your-401k-employer-match-may-not-be-yours-just-yet.html
- https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/102714/are-roth-401k-plans-matched-employers.asp
- https://www.aol.com/finance/employer-doesnt-match-401-k-140021676.html
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