How To Get a Bank of America Internship (From Someone Who's Done It)

Getting a Bank of America internship was one of the most competitive but rewarding steps in my career. With programs across banking markets, finance, corporate functions, and global operations, Bank of America offers real-world experience that connects interns to full-time roles in one of the most recognized financial institutions in the world.

In this guide, we’ll walk through a practical breakdown of each step – everything you need to know to secure an offer.

Why Intern at Bank of America?

A Look at the Company

Bank of America Corporation is one of the largest and most influential financial institutions in the world. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, the bank serves clients across 35+ countries, with major U.S. hubs in New York (NY), New Jersey (NJ), North Carolina (NC), Virginia (VA), Chicago, and Richmond, along with international offices in locations like Australia and the UK. The company supports a full spectrum of services, ranging from retail banking to investment banking, wealth management, and technology-driven solutions. BofA Securities, the investment banking arm of Bank of America, is a registered broker dealer authorized to engage in securities trading and investment banking activities. Interns don’t just observe; they’re placed directly on teams that work with real clients, including governments, corporations, and global institutions. Whether you’re analyzing risk, improving liquidity strategies, or contributing to a product solution, you’re expected to add value from day one.

During your internship, you’ll experience how Bank of America gives interns real exposure to global markets. You’ll work on projects that connect teams across Charlotte, New York, and London, and see how global operations coordinate on complex transactions. That level of cross-border collaboration isn’t something you get at most firms as a student. If you’re preparing to apply, this guide will help you understand what the process looks like, how to position your resume, and what interview strategies actually work.

Internship Program Areas

Bank of America offers a wide variety of internship programs across different business areas, each designed to match specific interests and skill sets. These are the main program tracks available to undergraduate and graduate students:

Note: Each program is structured to expose interns to real business problems while offering continuous learning through formal training, speaker events, mentorship, and feedback loops.

Benefits of the Internship

The Bank of America internship is highly competitive for good reason. It combines real-world experience with access to a professional network that spans industries, regions, and client types. Here are the key benefits:

• Paid internships: Interns earn competitive hourly pay, often around $40–$50 per hour, depending on location and role. Many locations, such as New York and Charlotte, also offer housing stipends or relocation support.
• Return offers: Most interns are evaluated for full-time offers through structured performance reviews. Bank of America uses the internship as its primary pipeline for analyst and associate hiring.
• Resume credibility: The brand recognition of Bank of America, a member of the Fortune 100 and a major player in global markets, strengthens your resume for future roles in finance, consulting, or graduate school.
• Exit opportunities: Former interns often go on to full-time roles at firms like JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, or BlackRock, or pursue MBA programs at schools like Wharton or Booth.
• Skill development: Interns gain hands-on experience in financial analysis, client communication, internal tools, and project execution. Most interns leave with a stronger understanding of how banks operate across multiple business areas.
• Professional network: From your intern class to your assigned mentor and team lead, you’ll join a network that spans global divisions and alumni who have stayed with the bank for years.

Read: Management Consulting Internships: How to Land One (With Timeline & Tips)

Internship Roles & Eligibility

Program Options

Note: These internships are designed to lead directly into full-time roles. In most cases, the summer internship is the primary way candidates are evaluated for full-time offers.

Featured Internship Programs

Bank of America has structured internship tracks tied to specific business areas. These tracks give interns the chance to work with real clients, build professional skills, and contribute to live projects.

Note: Each program is location-specific, with availability varying by region (NY, Charlotte, Chicago, Richmond, Australia, and more).

Who They're Looking For

Bank of America considers candidates from all academic backgrounds, but certain majors align more closely with available roles:

Common Academic Backgrounds:

• Finance
• Accounting
• Economics
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Business Administration
• Mathematics

Additional Requirements:

• Strong academic record (usually 3.5 GPA or higher)
• Demonstrated interest in financial services and client-focused work
• Ability to work effectively in team environments that are strategic, efficient, and successful
• Legally authorized to work in the country where the application is submitted
• Willingness to work in core offices such as New York, Charlotte, Chicago, NJ, or VA

Expert Tip: Candidates who demonstrate strong support skills, communication, and initiative tend to perform well in interviews and on the job.

Timeline and Deadlines

Dates to Know

If you’re planning to apply for a Bank of America internship, timing matters. Applications for summer internships typically open a full year in advance, often in July or August. Bank of America runs recruiting on a rolling basis, so early submission is critical.

Note: Each step of the process happens fast, and many top candidates receive interview invites within the past week of their application date. If you wait too long to apply, some roles may already be filled.

Early Application Advice

Bank of America does not wait until the deadline to fill spots. Once a business area has interviewed enough strong applicants, they begin extending offers immediately.

Here’s how to stay ahead:

• Apply within the first 1–2 weeks of applications opening.
• Set up job alerts on the official Bank of America careers site.
• Check the site weekly for new postings, especially for region-specific roles in NY, Charlotte, Richmond, and Chicago.
• Track different programs by location. Some international or off-cycle internship roles (in Australia or EMEA regions) have separate deadlines.

What the Interview Process Looks Like

Format

1. Online Application: Submit your application through the official Bank of America site. This includes uploading your resume and, in some cases, a cover letter. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so timing matters.
2. HireVue Video Interview: If selected, you’ll receive a HireVue link. This is a one-way recorded video interview where you respond to timed prompts. Your answers are evaluated for communication skills, confidence, and alignment with the bank’s core values.
3. Superday (Final-Round Interviews): Candidates who pass HireVue are invited to a Superday, which may be held virtually or in person. It typically includes 3–4 back-to-back interviews with team members across different levels (Analyst, VP, MD).Depending on the business area, you may also be asked to complete:
   • Technical assessments
   • Group case exercises
   • Market discussion or role-play scenarios

Common Interview Questions

Behavioral Questions:

• Why do you want to work at Bank of America?
• Tell me about a time you led a team.
• Give an example of a time you failed and what you learned.
• How do you handle feedback or difficult coworkers?
• What business news has caught your attention recently?

Technical Questions (finance roles):

• Walk me through a DCF.
• What is working capital?
• How would you assess a company’s credit risk?
• How do interest rates impact equity valuation?
• What are the three main financial statements, and how do they connect?

For roles in technology & operations or global technology, expect questions on:

• Programming fundamentals
• System design
• Data structures and algorithms
• Cybersecurity concepts

Note: For corporate functions roles, you may be asked about project planning, regulatory compliance, or internal process efficiency.

Interview Tips

• Practice with a coach or mentor: Leland offers 1:1 interview prep with former BofA interns who can help you prepare specifically for your program and role.
• Use mock HireVue platforms: Familiarize yourself with timed prompts and recording under pressure.
• Study recent deals or trends in your target business area: If you're applying to global markets, understand current market events, bond yields, or Fed decisions. If you're targeting global banking, know which large companies the bank has worked with and how those deals were structured.
• Use the STAR method for behavioral answers: Be specific. Avoid generic examples.
• Be clear on your “Why BofA?”: Focus on your interest in a particular business area, and how it aligns with your experience or future career goals.

Read: Consulting Interview Questions: Behavioral, Fit, and MBB Examples

Resume Tips

Your resume should be results-focused and easy to scan. Recruiters may spend less than 30 seconds reviewing it. Here’s what matters:

• Strong GPA: A 3.5 or higher is preferred for most programs.
• Leadership: Include club leadership, volunteer work, or team captain roles.
• Relevant experience: Part-time work, research, class projects, or case competitions tied to analysis, support, or business problem-solving.
• Clear bullet points: Use action verbs and quantify impact whenever possible (e.g., “Built financial model to evaluate $50M acquisition target for class project”).

What to Avoid:

• Overloading with coursework unless it’s directly relevant to the internship.
• Passive language or long paragraphs, recruiters want clear results.

Example Bullet Point:

• Conducted market research and presented liquidity strategy recommendations for a nonprofit as part of a 6-week case competition.

Read: Consulting Resume Guide – Examples & Template

Cover Letter Advice

How to Write a Useful Cover Letter:

• Mention the exact business area you’re applying to (e.g., Global Markets, Enterprise Credit).
• Briefly explain why you’re interested in that area and how your background supports it.
• Share one relevant example from school, work, or leadership experience that shows transferable skills.
• Keep it under 300 words. Don’t repeat your resume.

Read: How to Write a Consulting Cover Letter (Template + Examples from MBB Admits)

Networking and Outreach

Where to Start:

• Attend career events, finance club meetings, and info sessions hosted by Bank of America.
• Look for regional or campus-based events listed on the official site.
• Use LinkedIn to find and connect with recent interns or analysts. Search for phrases like “Bank of America Summer Analyst” and filter by school or location (NY, Charlotte, Chicago, etc.).

Tips:

• Always send a short, specific message when reaching out.
• Ask questions about their role or what helped them succeed.
• If a rep offers help, follow up with your resume and thank them.

Partner Programs That Help

If You Don’t Get It, What’s Next?

Other Opportunities

You can still apply to:

• JPMorgan, Citi, Morgan Stanley
• Boutique investment banks
• Fintech or consulting internships

Off-Cycle Roles

Apply for an off-cycle internship in regions like Europe, Asia-Pacific, or Australia. These are open year-round and often less competitive.

Reapplying

Many successful interns get the offer on their second or third try. Build your resume, gain experience, and try again in the next class.

The Bottom Line

Landing a Bank of America internship takes early preparation, strong materials, and a clear understanding of what the firm looks for. Whether you're applying to Global Banking, Markets, or Technology, focus on building relevant experience, networking intentionally, and submitting your application early in the cycle. With the right approach, and guidance from someone who's done it, you can put yourself in a strong position to succeed.

Work With a Coach to Land a BofA Internship

Want to improve your chances? Work with a Leland coach who’s interned at Bank of America. You’ll get real feedback on your resume, cover letter, and interview prep. Many coaches are former interns who have been through the application process and know what it takes to get hired in banking, markets, finance, corporate functions, and global technology. View all finance internship coaches here.

Read Next:

• The Top 10 Investment Banks – By Size & Tier
• An Expert’s Guide to Resumes: Five Tips to Make You Stand Out
• How to Land a College Internship
• 10 Finance Internships for Freshmen in College
• The Importance of Internships in Undergrad: How to Land Your Dream Opportunity

FAQs

Does Bank of America offer internships?

• Yes. Bank of America offers a wide range of internships across business areas like Global Banking, Global Markets, Global Corporate Investment Banking, Corporate Functions, Global Technology & Operations, Global Payments Solutions, Enterprise Credit, Sustainability, and Research. Programs include traditional summer internships, off-cycle internships, as well as full-time analyst and associate programs for graduating students and MBA candidates.

Do Bank of America interns get paid?

• Yes. Interns at Bank of America receive competitive hourly pay, typically between $40–50/hr, and many locations like NY, Charlotte, and Chicago offer housing stipends. Payments begin once you join the program (summer or off-cycle), and compensation is part of the overall value proposition behind these internship opportunities.

Is a Bank of America internship competitive?

• Absolutely. Programs at Bank of America attract thousands of candidates globally. Competition is especially strong for banking markets, finance, global banking, and global corporate investment banking tracks. The application and interview process moves quickly, often filling spots within the past week, so early application and strong networking can give you a real advantage.

What is the acceptance rate for Bank of America internships?

• While the bank does not publish an official acceptance rate, industry estimates suggest success rates between 5–10% in highly selective business areas. If programs post 300+ openings, they may get over 5,000 applications. Your chances improve with early application, relevant experience, polished analysis, and practical industry connections.