Bank of America vs Citigroup (BAC vs C)
Bank of America (BAC) vs Citigroup (C) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Bank of America (BAC) and Citigroup (C) compete in banking. Here are Bank of America and Citigroup side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Bank of America or Citigroup.
Bank of America vs Citigroup: the figures
| Figure | Bank of America | Citigroup |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $51.63 (November 4, 2026) | $124.74 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $356.3 billion | $206.5 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 12.3x | 12.2x |
| Forward P/E | 10.0x | 9.5x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +3.4% | +8.0% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 28.1% | 23.2% |
| ROE | 10.7% | 9.4% |
| Dividend yield | 2.58% | 2.18% |
| Beta | 1.19 | 1.15 |
Bank of America and Citigroup figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Bank of America or Citigroup figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Bank of America and Citigroup
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Bank of America keeps 28.1 as net profit and Citigroup keeps 23.2.
- Growth: Citigroup grew sales +8.0% year on year in its latest quarter, against +3.4% for Bank of America.
- Size: Bank of America is worth $356.3 billion on the stock market, about 1.7 times Citigroup ($206.5 billion).
Bank of America or Citigroup: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Citigroup is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Bank of America pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Citigroup has a less volatile share price, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Citigroup trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Bank of America nor Citigroup wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Bank of America and Citigroup make money
Bank of America (BAC)
Bank of America earns most of its money from the spread between loan interest and deposit costs, plus fees. It reports Consumer Banking, its largest segment, Global Wealth & Investment Management with Merrill and the Private Bank, Global Banking for corporate clients, and Global Markets for sales and trading. Full Bank of America analysis.
Citigroup (C)
Citigroup is a global bank focused on large corporations and institutions. It reports five segments: Services, covering treasury, trade and securities services; Markets, for fixed income and equities trading; Banking, for investment and corporate banking; U.S. Personal Banking, including Citi credit cards and retail branches; and Wealth. Full Citigroup analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Bank of America vs Citigroup
Is Bank of America or Citigroup the better stock?
Choosing between Bank of America and Citigroup depends on what you are looking for. Citigroup is growing faster right now, and Citigroup trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Bank of America or Citigroup: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Bank of America or Citigroup?
As of November 4, 2026, Bank of America yields 2.58% and Citigroup yields 2.18%. Also check how much of their profit Bank of America and Citigroup pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Bank of America or Citigroup?
On P/E, Bank of America (12.3x) is more expensive than Citigroup (12.2x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Bank of America and Citigroup?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Bank of America and Citigroup, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Bank of America or Citigroup.
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- Citigroup vs Goldman Sachs
More companies like Bank of America and Citigroup: banking stocks. Educational content about Bank of America and Citigroup, not investment advice.