Already a Bank of America customer? See our review of BofA personal loans. Get $5K-$50K with a $0 origination fee from the bank you trust. Check your offer online.
Let’s be honest. When you need a loan, the internet can feel like the Wild West.
There are dozens of new “fintech” apps, all promising low rates, but it means giving your Social Security Number and bank details to a company you’ve never heard of. It feels risky.
What if you could skip all of that?
What if you could get a competitive, fixed-rate personal loan directly from the bank you already use every day? No new apps, no new passwords, just the trust and security you already have.
That’s the exact promise of a Bank of America Personal Loan.
This isn’t a loan for everyone—in fact, their online application is designed specifically for their existing clients. It’s a perk, a convenience, and a major advantage of already being a BofA customer.
We’ve done a deep dive into their offer. If you have a BofA checking or savings account, this review is for you.
What Makes a BofA Personal Loan Different?
In a world of flashy apps, Bank of America’s loan is simple, powerful, and built on one thing: Trust.
They compete with SoFi and Marcus by offering a $0 Origination Fee and $0 Prepayment Penalty. This is a massive feature.
But their real difference is convenience for their customers:
Total Security: You’re not sending your data to a third party. You are working inside the secure, encrypted walls of the second-largest bank in America.
The Online Advantage: If you are a BofA customer, you can check your rate and apply 100% online through the app or website you already use. If you’re not a customer, you must schedule an appointment and go to a physical branch.
The Relationship Discount: They reward you for banking with them. You can get an APR discount (0.25% to 0.50%) just for setting up automatic payments from your BofA checking account.
The 3 “Pains” a BofA Loan Solves Immediately
A loan is a tool. It’s only good if it solves a specific problem. Here’s where BofA excels:
1. The Pain: “I’m Drowning in Credit Card Debt.”
The Solution: Simple, Trusted Debt Consolidation This is the most common use. You have $25,000 in high-interest debt. You can get a BofA loan with a fixed rate (that’s likely much lower) and pay it all off. You’re left with one simple, predictable payment to the bank you already know and trust.
2. The Pain: “I Need to Fund a Major Project (Home, Car).”
The Solution: Unsecured, No-Fee Funding You need $30,000 for a kitchen remodel or a major car repair. This is a simple, unsecured term loan. Your house isn’t on the line, and there’s no origination fee. The money is deposited right into your checking account.
3. The Pain: “I Don’t Trust Fintech Apps with My Data.”
The Solution: The “Peace of Mind” Loan This is the core emotional benefit. You’re not applying to a “new” company. You are simply using another service from your existing bank. The peace of mind this provides is a major, intangible benefit.
Bank of America Loan Features: A Deep Dive
Let’s look at the hard numbers from their official site.
- Loan Amounts ($5,000 to $50,000): This is a strong, flexible range for most personal needs.
- APRs (8.74% to 24.99%): This is very competitive, especially for a traditional bank. This rate includes the AutoPay discount from a BofA account.
- Loan Terms (12 to 60 months): This gives you control. You can choose a 1-year term to get out of debt fast or a 5-year term for the lowest possible monthly payment.
- $0 Fees: This is a premium feature. $0 origination fee and $0 prepayment penalty.
- Fast Funding: Once approved, your money can be deposited directly into your BofA account as fast as the next business day.
Who is a BofA Loan For? (And Who Should Skip It?)
Trust is built on honesty. This loan is not for everyone.
✅ This loan is perfect for you if:
- You are an existing Bank of America customer (this is the most important one).
- You have Good-to-Excellent Credit (Typically a FICO score of 680+).
- You HATE fees and want a $0 origination fee loan.
- You value the trust and convenience of your current bank over all else.
❌ You should probably look elsewhere if:
- You are NOT a Bank of America customer (and don’t want to go to a branch).
- You have “Fair” or “Bad” Credit (a score below 680). You will almost certainly be denied. (A lender like Upgrade or Upstart is your best bet).
- You need to borrow less than $5,000.
How to Apply: The 3-Step Process (For Customers)
For BofA customers, this is the easiest application on the market.
- Log In: This is the first step. You click our link and log in to your existing BofA account (in the App or Online Banking).
- Check Your Rate (The “Soft Pull”): You’ll find the “Personal Loan” or “Check Your Rate” option. Because they are your bank, they can pre-populate most of your info. This initial check is a “soft pull” and does not affect your credit score.
- Accept & Get Funded: If you like your offer, you’ll proceed to e-sign the documents. The money can be in your BofA checking account as fast as the next business day.
FAQs
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What credit score do I need for a Bank of America loan?+
BofA is a traditional bank and favors borrowers with good to excellent credit. To be competitive, you should have a FICO score of 680 or higher.
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Can I apply if I’m not a Bank of America customer?+
Yes, but you must go to a physical branch. The fast, simple online application is a perk reserved for existing customers. You cannot complete the process online if you are a new customer.
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Does Bank of America really have no fees?+
Yes. Like some of its top competitors, BofA offers $0 origination fees and $0 prepayment penalties. This is a huge value.
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Will checking my rate affect my credit score?+
No. When you log in to your account to check your pre-qualified offer, BofA uses a “soft credit pull” (soft inquiry). This has zero impact on your credit score.
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How long does it take to get my money?+
It’s very fast for customers. Once you are approved and e-sign your loan, the funds can be deposited directly into your BofA account as fast as the next business day.
Our Final Verdict
For the millions of Americans who already bank with Bank of America, this is a no-brainer.
It’s not a flashy fintech app. It is a solid, secure, and convenient loan from the bank you already trust. The fact that it has $0 origination fees makes it not only convenient but also highly competitive.
If you have good credit and a BofA account, your first and last stop for a personal loan should be your own bank.
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