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Banking » Compare Banks » SoFi Money vs Bank of America: Which Is Better For Your Needs?

SoFi Money vs Bank of America: Which Is Better For Your Needs?

SoFi hybrid Spend and Save account offers the best of both worlds in terms of saving and checking. However, if you want to keep most of your financial products with the one bank, you are likely to appreciate the volume of Bank of America products.
Author: Lorraine Smithills
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: Lorraine Smithills
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.

Table Of Content

When SoFi Money Wins?

SoFi’s banking product line has developed a great deal over recent years. In addition to its hybrid checking and savings account, you can access mortgages, loans, and investment products, there is even a selection of SoFi insurance products.

The only thing lacking from SoFi’s line is a conventional savings account and CDs.

SoFi Money can be a better choice than Bank of America if:

  • You want to earn interest on your checking account balance

  • You are happy with a hybrid savings and checking account

  • You want an online only bank

sofi logo

When Bank of America Wins?

Bank of America has an impressive banking product line . There are multiple credit card options, and different savings and checking accounts.

Bank of America also offers home loans, auto loans, and investments. This makes it far easier to switch from a conventional bank, as you won’t need to compromise on your choice of banking products.

Bank of America can be a better choice than SoFi Money if:

  • You are happy to meet the requirements to waive maintenance fees

  • You want multiple credit card options
  • You need a personal service 

 

bank of america logo
SoFi Money
Bank of America
Savings Accounts
Checking Accounts
CDs
Money Market Account
Debit Card
Credit Cards
Personal Loans
Mortgage
Government Mortgage
Business Loans
Investing Capabilities

Savings Account

Bank of America has a more conventional savings account, but it pays far less interest (0.01% – 0.04%)  depending on your Preferred Rewards status compared to the up to 4.20% offered with SoFi.

Additionally, the account has an $8 a month maintenance fee that can be waived by maintaining a balance of $500 or more, or linking your checking account. Linking your account also allows you to avoid accidentally going overdrawn with Balance Connect.

BofA Savings account Details
BofA Savings account (Screenshot from Bank Of America app)

 

SoFi has a hybrid savings and checking account, called Spend and Save. For the purpose of this comparison, we’ll look at the savings features and there are some nice ones. The most obvious is the savings vaults.

These allow you to create separate funds to work towards different savings goals without needing multiple accounts. This helps you to keep your money organized and you can even specify a vault for your round up funds.

There is no comparison in terms of CDs, as SoFi does not currently offer CDs. So, if you are looking for CD products, then Bank of America would be the better option.

SoFi Money
Bank of America
APY
up to 4.20%
0.01% – 0.04%
Fees
$0
$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
Minimum Deposit
$0
$100
Checking Needed?
Yes
No
Main Benefits
  • Savings vaults to have separate funds for each savings goal
  • No account fees
  • Rounds up your debit card purchases into your linked savings account
  • Mobile check deposits
  • Automatic transfers
  • Custom alerts
SoFi savings overview
SoFi Savings Overview On SoFi App (Screenshot taken by our team from SoFi, rates may not be updated)

Checking Account

The hybrid SoFi account also has some nice checking account features including round ups and overdraft protection with no account fee. 

You’ll also earn 0.50% on your checking account balance, making it one of the top interest-bearing accounts, while the Bank of America account is not interest-bearing.

Additionally, the Bank of America checking account requires a minimum deposit to open the account and you need to maintain an account balance, have qualifying deposits or become a Preferred Rewards member to have the $12 maintenance fee waived.

BofA checking cash flow chart
BofA checking cash flow chart (Screenshot from Bank Of America app)

 

Unlike SoFi, Bank Of America offers a variety of checking accounts. For basic use, customers can apply for the BofA SafeBalance account, while those who need more advanced features can choose the Advantage Banking or the Advantage Relationship account.

SoFi Money
Bank of America
APY
0.50%
0.01% – 0.02%
Fees
$0
$12 can be waived by maintaining an account balance of $1,500, qualifying deposit of $250+ per month or enrol in Preferred Rewards
Minimum Deposit
$0
$25 – $100
Main Benefits
  • Overdraft Coverage covers you up to $50, no overdraft fees
  • Early payday – automatically get your paycheck up to two days early every time
  • Remote check deposit using your smartphone
  • cash back when you have recurring $500 monthly deposits.
  • Automated savings feature – set your savings goals
  • $35 return item and overdraft item fee.
  • Virtual banking assistant
  • Multiple payment methods – you can use your debit card, Zelle or digital wallet to make payments from your phone.
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