BAC vs WAFD: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC and WAFD are closely matched. WAFD offers the higher yield at 3.71%, WAFD has the higher dividend-safety score, and WAFD looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 80% above its share price).
Key facts: BAC vs WAFD
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, WaFd, Inc. (WAFD) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.71%, versus 2.50% for Bank of America Corporation (BAC).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BAC's dividend safety A (87/100) and WAFD's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, BAC has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and WAFD for 16.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and WAFD pays out 34%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, BAC's fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price and WAFD's fair-value estimate is 80% above its share price, so WAFD looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BAC vs WAFD: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bac-vs-wafd
| Metric | BAC | WAFD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.50% | 3.71% |
| Annual dividend | $1.28 | $1.08 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 34% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.4% | 4.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 15% | -10% |
| Dividend safety score | 87 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $63.43 | $52.56 |
| Upside to fair value | +24% | +80% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $358.2B | $2.2B |
| P/E ratio | 12.2 | 9.2 |
Higher yield
WAFD
3.71%
Safer dividend
WAFD
Grade A
Faster growth
BAC
8.4%
Better value
WAFD
+80% upside
BAC vs WAFD — FAQ
Is BAC or WAFD a better dividend stock?
BAC and WAFD are closely matched. WAFD has the higher yield; WAFD scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, BAC or WAFD?
WAFD has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.71%, versus 2.50% for BAC.
Is BAC or WAFD safer?
WAFD has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 87/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BAC or WAFD better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, WAFD looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 80% above its share price (undervalued). For BAC, its fair-value estimate is 24% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.