BAC vs SLM: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC (Bank of America Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. BAC offers the higher yield at 2.50%, BAC has the higher dividend-safety score, and BAC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price).
Key facts: BAC vs SLM
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Bank of America Corporation (BAC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.50%, versus 2.39% for SLM Corporation (SLM).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BAC's dividend safety A (87/100) and SLM's B (68/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, BAC has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and SLM for 2.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and SLM pays out 14%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC's fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price and SLM's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so BAC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BAC vs SLM: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bac-vs-slm
| Metric | BAC | SLM |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.50% | 2.39% |
| Annual dividend | $1.28 | $0.52 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 14% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 2 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.4% | 34.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 15% | 23% |
| Dividend safety score | 87 (A) | 68 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $63.43 | $16.49 |
| Upside to fair value | +24% | -24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $358.2B | $4.1B |
| P/E ratio | 12.2 | 6.1 |
Higher yield
BAC
2.50%
Safer dividend
BAC
Grade A
Faster growth
SLM
34.1%
Better value
BAC
+24% upside
BAC vs SLM — FAQ
Is BAC or SLM a better dividend stock?
On the data, BAC wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). BAC offers the higher yield (2.50%), 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 SLM?
BAC has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.50%, versus 2.39% for SLM.
Is BAC or SLM safer?
BAC has the higher dividend-safety score (87/100 vs 68/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BAC or SLM better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price (undervalued). For SLM, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.