You can avoid fee if keep $1,500 minimum daily balance OR get $250+ direct deposit each month OR join their rewards program.
Many poor people who can’t meet this pay the $12. Post call it “$12 poverty tax” because being low money cost you extra.
Comments many angry, say switch bank or credit union. Some say all big banks do similar. Others note there free options like Ally, SoFi or local credit union.
Bank of America official fees page: https://www.bankofamerica.com/deposits/checking/advantage-banking/
Bankrate review on BoA accounts: https://www.bankrate.com/banking/checking/bank-of-america-checking-accounts/
CNBC best no-fee checking 2026: https://www.cnbc.com/select/best-no-fee-checking-accounts/