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Banking » Compare Banks » Bank of America vs. M&T Bank: Which Bank Account Is Better?

Bank of America vs. M&T Bank: Which Bank Account Is Better?

We'll explore Bank of America and M&T Bank savings accounts, checking accounts, CDs, credit cards, and lending products. Here's our winner:
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: November 15, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: November 15, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

This article will explore an in-depth comparison of savings accounts, checking accounts, CDs, credit cards, and lending products offered by Bank of America and M&T Bank.

Checking Accounts

There is no clear winner between M&T Bank and Bank Of America bank accounts. Both banks offer accounts for basic, mid and premium customers, but accounts for special populations such as seniors or kids are limited.

M&T Bank offers  four main types of checking accounts, such as the EZChoice checking for basic needs,  MyChoice Plus for more features and benefits and MyChoice Premium for premium perks such as waived fees for multiple banking activities:

M&T Bank Account
Monthly Fee
Average Day Balance To Waive
M&T Bank EZChoice Checking
$0
N/A
M&T Bank MyChoice Plus
$14.95
$2,500
MyWay Banking from M&T
$4.95
Single monthly deposit/withdrawal/debit payment
M&T Bank MyChoice Premium
$24.95
$7,500

Bank of America has three personal checking account options and two for businesses. Although each has a monthly fee, customers can avoid it through different methods.

BofA Checking Account
Monthly Fee
Average Day Balance To Waive
Safe Balance
$4.95
$500
Advantage Plus
$12
$1,500
Advantage Relationship
$25
$20,000

Bank of America offers some great features for both individuals and businesses.

For personal accounts, you can get paper checks, overdraft protection, and they assure you won't lose money if your card gets stolen. They also provide online banking, allowing you to check your account whenever it suits you.

BofA Checking Account
Main Features
Safe Balance
Digital banking, no overdraft fees, $0 liability guarantee
Advantage Plus
Paper checks, overdraft protection, $0 liability guarantee
Advantage Relationship
Earns interest, no fees on select banking service ,overdraft protection
Business Advantage Fundamentals
QuickBooks® integration, Cash Flow Monitor, Erica, Mobile Check Deposit, Zelle® for business
Business Advantage Relationship
No fees for incoming wires, stop payments, electronic deposits & more
BofA autopay payments and activities
(Screenshot from Bank Of America app)

M&T Bank's Basic Checking Account offers convenient features, including Online and mobile Banking, M&T Alerts, access to 2,000 ATMs and 900 branches, and a debit card. 

On the other hand, the Premium Checking Account takes banking convenience a step further. It includes all the benefits of the Basic account, such as Online and mobile banking and account alerts, but adds more perks.

These include no fees at non-M&T ATMs, interest-bearing capabilities, Mobile Deposit for easy check handling, an M&T Debit Card, no fees for non-M&T ATM use, free standard check orders, and special deposit rates.

M&T Bank
Main Features
M&T Bank EZChoice Checking
Online & mobile banking, alerts, 2,000 ATMs, 900 branches, debit card
M&T Bank MyChoice Plus
No Fee at non-M&T ATMs, Interest-bearing, mobile deposit, debit card
MyWay Banking from M&T
No overdraft fees, online and mobile bill pay, checkless account
M&T Bank MyChoice Premium
No fee at non-M&T ATMs, free check orders, special deposit rates

Savings Accounts

There's no decisive winner in the savings account category, as both banks provide comparable rates, which unfortunately fall below those offered by other savings accounts.

Also, neither Bank Of America nor M&T bank offers or money market account.

M&T Bank Savings
Bank Of America Savings
Savings Rate
0.01%
0.01% – 0.04%
Minimum Deposit
$0
$100
Fees
$7.5 Can be waived if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $500 or more or have a personal checking account with M&T Bank or by making at least one deposit in your Relationship Savings account
$8 per month Can be waived by maintaining a balance of $500+, becoming a Preferred Rewards member or linking to your B of A Advantage Banking account. Fees are also waived for enrolled students aged under 24
BofA Savings
(Screenshot from Bank Of America app)

Certificate Of Deposits (CDs)

When it comes to CDs, Bank Of America is our winner as it offers a bit higher interest rates.

However both banks offer competitive CD rates only on specific terms, so customers can't really make strategies such as CD laddering due to the limited terms with high rates.

CD Term
APY
3 Months
4.00%
6 Months
0.03%
7 Months (Featured)
4.05%
12 Months
0.03%
13 Months (Featured)
3.00%
24 Months
0.03%
25 Months (Featured)
2.00%
36 Months
0.03%
M&T CDs
Select CD 12 Month
3.10%
Select CD 24 Month
3.75%
Regular CD 8 Month
4.75%
Minimum Deposit
$1,000
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Savings Rate: 4.20% APY
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Savings Rate: 4.00% APY

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Advertiser Disclosure

The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. 

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Savings Rate: Up to 4.55% APY
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Savings Rate: 4.00% APY

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Savings Rate: 4.80% APY

Advertiser Disclosure



The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Credit Cards

When it comes to credit cards, Bank of America is our winner due to its various credit cards for any type of customer, including travel, cash back, 0% Intro APR, many redemption options, and a luxury card.

 If you want cash back on everyday purchases, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card is a great option, allowing you to customize bonus categories. For frequent travelers, the Bank of America Travel Rewards card earns points for travel expenses and has no foreign transaction fees.

If you're after premium benefits, consider the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card. It provides significant rewards for travel and dining, along with statement credits for travel expenses.

Card
Rewards
Bonus
Annual Fee

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card

Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards
1.5% unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
$200 $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
$0

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
1-3% 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The 3% and 2% cash back available on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter (then 1%)
$200 $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
$0

Bank of America® travel rewards

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
1.5X 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time and no expiration on points
25,000 points 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
$0

BankAmericard®

BankAmericard
N/A
21 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days
$0

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite
1.5x – 2x 2 points for every dollar you spend on travel or dining purchases, with 1.5 points per dollar on all your other purchases
75,000 points 75,000 bonus points if you spend $5,000 or more within 90 days of opening your account
$550

Bank of America® Premium Rewards®

Bank of America Premium Rewards
1.5X – 2X Unlimited 2X points on travel and dining purchases. Unlimited 1.5X points on all other purchases
60,000 points 60,000 online bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
$95

M&T Bank offers credit cards with varying features, including cash rewards and low introductory APR. The M&T Visa Signature Credit Card is notable for its rewards program and benefits.

However, there is a limited selection of cards and lower rewards compared to BofA.

Card
Rewards
Bonus
Annual Fee

M&T Visa Signature Credit Card

M&T Visa Signature Credit Card
1.5% 1.5% cash back on every purchase
10,000 points 10,000 bonus points after $500 in purchases made in the first 90 days from account opening
$0

M&T Visa Credit Card with Rewards

M&T Visa Credit Card with Rewards
1x 1 point per $1 spent on every purchase
10,000 points 10,000 bonus points after $500 in purchases made in the first 90 days from account opening
$0

M&T Visa Credit Card

M&T Visa Credit Card
N/A
0% Intro APR: 12 billing cycles on balance transfers and purchases
$0

M&T Secured Credit Card

M&T Secured Credit Card
N/A
N/A
$0

Mortgage And Loans

M&T Bank is our winner when it comes to lending options, as it offers more options for borrowers than Bank of America.

M&T Bank, with a strong foothold in the market, excels in mortgage offerings and home equity loans. They provide a variety of mortgage products tailored to individual preferences, including fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. M&T Bank also offers auto loans, personal loans, and student loans, which are not available through Bank of America.

Bank of America lending options include offers mortgages, mortgage refinancing, and home equity loans.  Additionally, they offer auto purchase loans and auto refinancing options.

Which Bank Is Our Winner?

While M&T Bank is our winner when it comes to options for borrowers, Bank of America wins when it comes to credit cards, variety of checking options and a bit better CD rates. Therefore, it's our winner.

However, it is crucial to assess various factors, primarily focusing on those significant for your specific considerations, such as banking services, overdraft assistance, frequent ATM usage, proximity to bank locations, and other elements that vary from person to person.

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