BAC vs RFI: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, BAC (Bank of America Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. RFI offers the higher yield at 8.88%, BAC has the higher dividend-safety score, and BAC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 29% above its share price).
Key facts: BAC vs RFI
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund, Inc. (RFI) has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.88%, versus 2.59% for Bank of America Corporation (BAC).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BAC's dividend safety A (85/100) and RFI's B (71/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, BAC has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and RFI for 0.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, BAC pays out 28% of its earnings as dividends and RFI pays out 82%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, BAC's fair-value estimate is 29% above its share price and RFI's fair-value estimate is 8% above its share price, so BAC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BAC vs RFI: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bac-vs-rfi
| Metric | BAC | RFI |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.59% | 8.88% |
| Annual dividend | $1.28 | $0.96 |
| Payout ratio | 28% | 82% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.4% | 0.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 11% | -34% |
| Dividend safety score | 85 (A) | 71 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $63.64 | $11.66 |
| Upside to fair value | +29% | +8% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $341.0B | $289.3M |
| P/E ratio | 11.8 | 9.2 |
Higher yield
RFI
8.88%
Safer dividend
BAC
Grade A
Faster growth
BAC
8.4%
Better value
BAC
+29% upside
BAC vs RFI — FAQ
Is BAC or RFI a better dividend stock?
On the data, BAC wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). RFI offers the higher yield (8.88%), 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 RFI?
RFI has the higher forward dividend yield at 8.88%, versus 2.59% for BAC.
Is BAC or RFI safer?
BAC has the higher dividend-safety score (85/100 vs 71/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BAC or RFI better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, BAC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 29% above its share price (undervalued). For RFI, its fair-value estimate is 8% above its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.