How to Maintain a Bofa Saving Account Without Fee

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To maintain a Bank of America (BoFA) savings account without a fee, you'll want to keep an eye on your account balance. Aim to keep at least $300 in your account to avoid the monthly maintenance fee.

You can also set up overdraft protection to avoid fees associated with overdrafts. This way, if you accidentally spend more than you have, the bank will transfer funds from another account to cover the difference.

To avoid ATM fees, use Bank of America's extensive network of over 17,000 ATMs nationwide. This will save you money on fees associated with out-of-network ATM withdrawals.

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Maintaining a Savings Account

To maintain a Bank of America Savings account without incurring fees, you'll want to keep a close eye on your withdrawals and account balance.

The Advantage Savings account comes with a monthly maintenance fee of $8, so you'll need to meet certain conditions to avoid this fee. The minimum balance to avoid the monthly fee is $500.

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One way to avoid the monthly fee is to keep a balance of at least $500 in your account. This will ensure you don't get hit with the $8 fee.

Bank of America also imposes a withdrawal fee of $10 if you go over the six savings withdrawals it permits per month. This means you'll want to limit your withdrawals to six or less per month.

Here are the details on the minimum balance requirements to avoid the monthly fee:

By keeping your withdrawals in check and maintaining a balance of at least $500, you can avoid the monthly maintenance fee and other charges associated with your Bank of America Savings account.

Qualifying for Fee-Free Status

To maintain a fee-free Bank of America savings account, you need to understand what it means to have a qualifying direct deposit. Just one account allows you to avoid paying the monthly maintenance fee by receiving qualifying direct deposits.

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A qualifying direct deposit is a regular monthly income made by your employer or other payer using your Bank of America account and routing numbers. This can include salary, pension, or Social Security benefits.

For the Advantage Plus account, a minimum of one qualifying direct deposit of $250 or more is required to waive the monthly maintenance fee.

Qualifying direct deposits may also include incoming funds transfers from another bank, but this is not always the case. To test this out, you can set an alert for a direct deposit and then initiate an incoming transfer from another one of your bank accounts.

The following types of transactions do not qualify you for the monthly fee waiver: teller deposits, wire transfers, online and mobile banking transfers, transfers from one account to another, and ATM transfers and deposits.

For more insights, see: Payee Does Not Match Account

Avoiding Additional Fees

To avoid additional fees on your Bank of America savings account, it's essential to understand the different types of fees you might incur. Monthly maintenance fees can be waived by maintaining minimum balances or making qualifying direct deposits.

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Bank of America's overdraft fees can add up quickly, but you can avoid them by keeping a healthy account balance or signing up for Balance Connect overdraft protection service. This service will cover transactions using funds from a linked account.

If you need to withdraw cash, be aware that Bank of America's ATM fees are $2.50 for non-Bank of America ATMs inside the U.S. and $5 outside of the U.S. You can avoid these fees by using Bank of America ATMs or enrolling in the Preferred Rewards program, which may waive ATM fees depending on your tier.

Check this out: Bofa Overdraft Fee

Avoiding Monthly Maintenance Fee

You can avoid Bank of America's monthly maintenance fee by maintaining minimum balances. This varies from account to account, so be sure to check the fee waiver information for your specific account.

Keeping a certain amount on deposit at the bank can also help waive the monthly maintenance fee. For example, if you have a Bank of America account, you may be able to waive the fee by keeping a minimum balance.

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Making a certain number of debit card transactions can also qualify you for a fee waiver. This is a great option if you use your debit card frequently.

Direct deposits are another way to avoid the monthly maintenance fee. You don't need to deposit a lot of money, even a small transfer from an online savings account can qualify.

Bank of America's computer system recognizes ACH credits as direct deposits, which means you can use an external bank account to transfer a small amount and qualify for the fee waiver.

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Avoiding Overdraft Charges

Bank of America's overdraft fee can add up to a huge chunk of change if you're not careful, reaching up to $20 per day.

To avoid this fee, remain vigilant in keeping a healthy account balance. Overdrafts only kick in when you're attempting to use more funds than you have in your account.

You can sign up for Balance Connect overdraft protection service, which will cover a transaction using funds from a linked account, like a savings account.

Comparing Options

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To maintain a Bank of America savings account without fees, you'll want to be aware of the minimum balance requirements. The minimum balance to avoid a monthly fee is $500.

To avoid ATM fees, you can use Bank of America ATMs, which come with no additional fees. This is a convenient option for those who frequently use ATMs.

To keep your account in good standing, make sure to fund it with at least $100 to open the account, and maintain a balance of at least $500 to avoid monthly fees. This will help you avoid unnecessary charges and keep your account active.

Comparison of Other Banks

If you're not sold on Bank of America's savings account options, there are other banks worth considering. Bank of America's fees are comparable to those of Chase, with both banks charging up to $25 for monthly maintenance fees.

Chase and Bank of America also charge similar fees for out-of-network ATM withdrawals, with Bank of America charging $2.50 in the US and $5 outside the US, and Chase charging $3 in the US and $5 outside the US.

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However, Citi has a different approach to fees. They don't charge a monthly maintenance fee, and they also don't charge a fee for excess transactions.

Here's a quick comparison of the fees you can expect from Bank of America, Chase, and Citi:

– Outside of U.S.: $5– In U.S.: $3

– Outside of U.S.: $5$2.50Overdraft$10$34No fee — transactions will be declinedExcess transactions$10$5No feeWire transferVaries$0-$50$15-$35International debit purchase3%3%3%

Keep in mind that rates and fees are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check with the bank for the most up-to-date information.

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Savings Account Options

If you're not sold on the Bank of America Advantage Savings account, there are other options to consider. You can compare Bank of America's savings account to other options to find the best fit for your needs.

One option to consider is the minimum balance requirement. The Bank of America Advantage Savings account requires a minimum balance of $100 to open, but to avoid the monthly maintenance fee, you'll need to keep at least $500 in the account.

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Here are some key features to compare:

Bank of America's Advantage Savings account comes with some perks, like no ATM fee at Bank of America ATMs, but it also has some fees to consider, like the $8 monthly maintenance fee and a $10 withdrawal fee for excessive withdrawals.

You can also consider the rewards program offered by Bank of America. The Advantage Savings account is part of the Preferred Rewards program, which offers rewards depending on your tier.

SafeBalance vs. Advantage Plus

If you're a student looking for a checking account, you've likely come across the Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance and Advantage Plus options. The main difference between these two accounts is that Advantage SafeBalance doesn't offer checks, but you do get a debit card to use.

With Advantage SafeBalance, you'll never be charged an overdraft fee because the bank won't honor purchases or withdrawals in excess of your balance. If you don't have enough money in your account to cover the transaction, they will simply decline payment.

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Advantage Plus, on the other hand, is a traditional checking account that allows you to purchase paper checks. However, you will be charged an overdraft fee if you overdraw the account.

Here's a quick summary of the main differences between these two accounts:

Ultimately, the choice between these two accounts depends on your personal preferences and financial needs. If you're looking for a no-frills account with no risk of overdraft fees, Advantage SafeBalance might be the way to go.

Understanding Account Features

To maintain a Bank of America Savings Account without fees, you'll need to meet the minimum balance requirement of $500.

The good news is that with this account, you won't be charged an ATM fee when you use Bank of America ATMs.

To open an Advantage Savings Account, you'll need to deposit a minimum of $100.

Here are the key account features you can expect:

  • No ATM fee at Bank of America ATMs.
  • Automatic Transfers, Custom alerts, Balance Connect for overdraft protection, and FDIC insurance are all included.

Service

Bank of America offers a range of checking accounts with varying service fees.

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The Core Checking account and Advantage Plus checking account come with a $12 monthly fee, unless you have a direct deposit of at least $250 each month or maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500 or more.

The interest checking account has a $25 monthly fee, but it's waived if you have a combined $10,000 balance in all your Bank of America accounts.

The SafeBalance banking account has a $4.95 monthly fee.

Here's a breakdown of the checking service fees:

Good for You?

Considering the features of a student checking account, it's essential to think about whether the benefits outweigh any potential problems for you. This is especially true for Bank of America, as having a branch nearby can be a big plus, but you could end up incurring a lot in ATM fees if you're studying in a state without one.

Having a BofA branch nearby is not a guarantee, as some states may not have a BofA branch. If you do have a BofA branch nearby, you'll need to choose between the Advantage Plus or SafeBalance account. Advantage Plus comes with paper checks, which may be necessary if you'll be doing a lot of check-writing.

Bank of America's overdraft fees can be steep, so it's crucial to be extremely careful with your account management if you choose Advantage Plus. On the other hand, SafeBalance may be a better option if you never write checks and don't want to risk incurring overdraft fees.

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Account Management

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To maintain your Bank of America Savings Account without fees, it's essential to understand account management. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed, or endorsed by this issuer, so it's crucial to rely on official information.

You can manage your account online or through the Bank of America mobile app. Please keep in mind that it is not a financial institution’s responsibility to ensure all posts and questions are answered. This means you can access your account information, transfer funds, and update your account settings with ease.

If you have any questions or concerns about your account, it's best to reach out to Bank of America directly for assistance.

Linking your accounts can help you meet the balance requirement to avoid the monthly maintenance fee.

To link your accounts, you can start by linking your eligible Bank of America accounts.

Linking your Advantage Savings account to your Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking account can help you meet the balance requirement.

Here are some specific accounts you can link:

  • Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking account (for Advantage Savings)

Access to Cash

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Access to cash is a breeze with Bank of America's extensive branch and ATM network, making it easy to withdraw and deposit money whenever you need to.

With over 4,300 ATMs and 16,000 ATMs in the Allpoint network, you're never far from a convenient cash access point.

You can also use Bank of America's mobile app for 24/7 digital banking needs, giving you complete control over your account at your fingertips.

This feature allows you to access your account information, transfer funds, and pay bills on the go, all from the palm of your hand.

Bank of America allows customers six fee-free withdrawals or deposits per month, making it easy to manage your finances without incurring unnecessary fees.

Choosing the Right Account

To avoid fees on your Bank of America savings account, you'll want to maintain a minimum balance of $500.

The good news is that if you can keep your balance above this threshold, you won't have to worry about any monthly fees.

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To give you a better idea of what to expect, let's take a look at the minimum balance requirements for Bank of America's checking accounts, which are similar to their savings accounts.

As you can see, the Advantage Relationship account is the only one that earns interest, but it comes with a higher monthly service fee of $25.

Advantage Plus

The Advantage Plus Banking account is a great option for those who want to avoid monthly fees. It has a $12 monthly fee, but you can opt-out of it if you meet certain requirements.

To qualify for the fee waiver, you'll need to make one qualifying direct deposit of $250. This is a great way to get your money flowing in and out of your account.

Another way to avoid the monthly fee is to maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500 or more. This will not only save you money but also earn you interest on your savings.

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If you're a student under age 24 while enrolled in high school, college, university, or a vocational program, you're also eligible for the fee waiver. This is a great perk for students who need a reliable bank account.

Here are the requirements to opt-out of the monthly fee for the Advantage Plus Banking account:

  • Make one qualifying direct deposit of $250
  • Maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500 or more
  • Be a student under age 24 while enrolled in high school, college, university, or a vocational program

Benefits of Checking Accounts

Having a checking account can be a game-changer for managing your finances. Bank of America's checking accounts, for instance, offer a wide range of benefits that make them a great choice.

You can easily find a branch near you, with over 4,300 branches spread out across 37 states and Washington D.C. This means you can pop into a branch on or close to campus to take care of any banking needs.

Bank of America's ATM network is also incredibly convenient, with around 17,000 ATMs where you can check your balance, make deposits, transfer funds, or withdraw cash without incurring a user fee.

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Their award-winning mobile app and online banking system let you do just about everything from your smartphone, including mobile check deposits, setting up bill pay, and transferring funds.

Bank of America's Keep the Change program is a great way to start saving, automatically rolling up purchases to the next whole dollar amount and transferring the excess change to your savings account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bank of America savings account have monthly fees?

Yes, Bank of America savings accounts have a $8 monthly maintenance fee, but it can be waived under certain conditions. To avoid this fee, consider exploring other banks that offer fee-free savings accounts.

Tasha Kautzer

Senior Writer

Tasha Kautzer is a versatile and accomplished writer with a diverse portfolio of articles. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she has successfully covered a wide range of topics, from the lives of notable individuals to the achievements of esteemed institutions. Her work spans the globe, delving into the realms of Norwegian billionaires, the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy, and the experiences of Norwegian emigrants to the United States.

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