Bank of America is a traditional full-service bank with 4,300+ branches and comprehensive banking products, while Capital One is primarily a credit card and online banking specialist with lower fees and higher savings rates but limited branch access. BofA serves customers seeking in-person banking; Capital One appeals to those prioritizing competitive rates and digital-first banking.
Bank of America vs Capital One — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Bank of America if you value comprehensive financial services, extensive branch access for in-person transactions, and integrated wealth management tools. Choose Capital One if you prioritize competitive interest rates, zero monthly fees, and a streamlined digital-first banking experience focused on credit cards and savings accounts.
Full-service retail and commercial bank with extensive branch network and integrated investment services.
Major US credit card issuer focused on accessibility and rebuilding credit with diverse product offerings.
Bank of America vs Capital One — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Bank of America vs Capital One with 118 attributes.
Major Regulatory Enforcement Actions (2020-2025)
Average APY on Savings (High-Yield Savings)
Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2025)
Customer Satisfaction Score (JD Power 2024)
Top-Tier Card Rewards Rate (Select Category)
Customer Satisfaction Score (J.D. Power 2024)
Bank of America vs Capital One — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Bank of America vs Capital One.
Capital One significantly outperforms with 4.20%-4.35% APY versus Bank of America's 0.01%-0.04% APY. On a $10,000 deposit, Capital One customers earn ~$428 annually while BofA customers earn $2.50—a difference of $425.50 per year.
Can I access my money in person at Bank of America or Capital One?
Bank of America has 4,300+ branches for in-person deposits and withdrawals. Capital One operates online-only with no branches, but provides surcharge-free access to 30,000+ ATMs nationally and accepts deposits via mobile app or mail.
Capital One's Quicksilver One card offers 5% cash back on rotating categories versus Bank of America's BankAmericard at 2% flat-rate. However, Capital One cards may carry annual fees ($39-$95), while BofA's top cards typically waive fees for premium customers.
Does Bank of America or Capital One charge monthly fees?
Bank of America charges $12-$25 monthly maintenance fees on most checking accounts (waived with $1,500+ balance or direct deposits). Capital One charges $0 monthly fees on all accounts regardless of balance.
Which is safer: Bank of America or Capital One?
Both are equally safe. Both are FDIC-insured institutions protecting deposits up to $250,000 per account. Bank of America is larger (ranked #1 by assets), while Capital One is the 8th-largest U.S. bank. Both carry top credit ratings from S&P, Moody's, and Fitch.