BAC vs KEY: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 25, 2026, BAC (Bank of America Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. KEY offers the higher yield at 3.89%, BAC has the higher dividend-safety score, and KEY looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 42% above its share price).
Key facts: BAC vs KEY
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 25, 2026, KeyCorp (KEY) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.89%, versus 2.53% for Bank of America Corporation (BAC).
- As of Oct 25, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BAC's dividend safety A (87/100) and KEY's A (85/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 25, 2026, BAC has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and KEY for 0.
- As of Oct 25, 2026, BAC pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and KEY pays out 48%.
- As of Oct 25, 2026, BAC's fair-value estimate is 25% above its share price and KEY's fair-value estimate is 42% above its share price, so KEY looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BAC vs KEY: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 25, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bac-vs-key
| Metric | BAC | KEY |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.53% | 3.89% |
| Annual dividend | $1.28 | $0.82 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 48% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.4% | 2.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 14% | -6% |
| Dividend safety score | 87 (A) | 85 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $63.43 | $30.01 |
| Upside to fair value | +25% | +42% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $350.0B | $22.5B |
| P/E ratio | 12.1 | 12.3 |
Higher yield
KEY
3.89%
Safer dividend
BAC
Grade A
Faster growth
BAC
8.4%
Better value
KEY
+42% upside
BAC vs KEY — FAQ
Is BAC or KEY a better dividend stock?
On the data, BAC wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). KEY offers the higher yield (3.89%), while BAC has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, BAC or KEY?
KEY has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.89%, versus 2.53% for BAC.
Is BAC or KEY safer?
BAC has the higher dividend-safety score (87/100 vs 85/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BAC or KEY better value right now?
As of Oct 25, 2026, KEY looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 42% above its share price (undervalued). For BAC, its fair-value estimate is 25% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.