Bank of America hurt by rising losses in credit cards, office loans (2024)

Bank of America hurt by rising losses in credit cards, office loans (1)

Angus Mordant/Bloomberg

Though Bank of America's profits dipped in the first quarter as it built a larger cushion for bad credit cards and office loans, bank executives are optimistic they've pulled the appropriate levers to manage credit going forward.

The Charlotte, North Carolina-based bank reported that its net charge-offs increased by more than 80% from the same period last year, from $807 million to $1.5 billion, as consumers struggled to pay off their credit card debt and turbulence in the commercial real estate sector continued. To manage the rising credit risk, Bank of America posted a $1.3 billion provision for credit losses, up from $931 million a year earlier.

"All of this is still well within our risk appetite and our expectations, and it's consistent with the normalization of credit we've discussed with you in prior calls," Chief Financial Officer Alastair Borthwick said Tuesday on the bank's quarterly earnings call.

Bank of America reeled in net income of $6.8 billion last quarter, down from $8.2 billion in the first quarter of 2023, dampened in part by the credit-loss provision and a special assessment from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. related to bank failures last spring. The bank's stock price fell Tuesday by 3.5% to $34.68.

The company provided more information about its exposure to office loans, which has been a hot topic among regional banks that tend to have bigger office loan portfolios. Bank of America has about $17 billion in office loans, which is just 1.6% of its loan book. Some 12% of the bank's office loans were classified as nonperforming in the first quarter, while 16 loans were charged off.

Some $7 billion of the company's office loans, or roughly 41% of its portfolio, are slated to mature this year. About half that figure will mature in 2025 and 2026, which implies the losses have been "front-loaded and largely reserved," Borthwick said.

"We're using a continuous and thorough loan-by-loan analysis, and we're quick to recognize impacts in the commercial real estate office space through our risk ratings," Borthwick said on the company's earnings call. "As a result … we've taken appropriate reserves and charge-offs."

Last month, Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan told Bloomberg Television that problems in the commercial real estate sector will be a "slow burn."

Banks' property loans have faced increased scrutiny in recent months, though most of the focus has been on regional lenders. Among the U.S. megabanks, Wells Fargo also reported an annual rise in charge-offs in its commercial real estate portfolio in the first quarter.

Bank of America's bigger credit troubles last quarter, however, were in the consumer sector, which accounted for two-thirds of its credit losses. Credit card charge-offs hit a rate of 3.62%, their highest level since a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, when consumers were buoyed by government assistance.

Over the next few quarters, it appears that BofA's credit card losses may stay at existing levels, or even increase, said David Fanger, senior vice president of the financial institutions group at Moody's Investors Service.

"Credit card losses are above pre-pandemic levels, and that's somewhat unexpected," Fanger said. "It's not unique to Bank of America, but it's certainly something that bears watching. It is a headwind. It is now contributing pretty significantly to their provisions in the quarter."

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Despite the rise in charge-offs, Fanger described the bank's credit performance in the first quarter as "resilient."

During the quarter, Bank of America logged relatively stagnant loan growth. High interest rates have not only tamped down loan demand, but they have also driven up the cost of deposits.

Yet elevated rates will positively impact asset repricing, Borthwick said.

"Generally speaking, a higher-for-longer [rate environment] is probably better for banks," he said. "The question will become, 'Why are rates higher? What's going on in the economy? Are we talking about inflation? Is it under control? Is it coming down?'" He went on to indicate that inflation does now appear to be under control.

Moody's Fanger argued that Bank of America's positive view of the interest rate outlook implies that the company doesn't anticipate significantly more credit losses.

He also said that Bank of America's net interest margin, which increased for the first time in four quarters, implies that the strain of higher rates on deposit costs is starting to steadily abate. The bank's net interest margin of 2.5%, including global markets, was up from 2.47% in the fourth quarter of last year.

Catherine Leffert

Staff Writer, American Banker

Bank of America hurt by rising losses in credit cards, office loans (2024)

FAQs

Bank of America hurt by rising losses in credit cards, office loans? ›

Bank of America's bigger credit troubles last quarter, however, were in the consumer sector, which accounted for two-thirds of its credit losses. Credit card charge-offs hit a rate of 3.62%, their highest level since a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, when consumers were buoyed by government assistance.

What happens to credit card debt when a Bank collapses? ›

When a bank fails, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) acts as the “receiver” of the bank, which means that it assumes the task of selling/collecting the assets of the failed bank and settling its debts, including claims for deposits in excess of the insured limit.

How can credit cards lead to financial downfall? ›

It can help pay current bills but potentially at the cost of future consumption. Use of credit thus poses significant risks for one's long term financial situation. Consumer debt is also typically uncollateralized so that it must be repaid with future income – income yet to be secured.

Why are credit cards considered to be riskier loans? ›

The same is true for commercial loans, which tend to be secured by a company's cash flows. It's for this reason that credit card loans are so risky, as they aren't secured by anything other than a person's promise to pay.

Is my money safe at Bank of America? ›

Is Bank of America FDIC insured? Yes, all Bank of America bank accounts are FDIC insured (FDIC #3510) up to $250,000 per depositor, for each account ownership category, in the event of a bank failure.

Can banks seize your money if the economy fails? ›

It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Your money is safe in a bank, even during an economic decline like a recession. Up to $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership category, is protected by the FDIC or NCUA at a federally insured financial institution.

Will I lose my money if my bank collapses? ›

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) insures bank accounts up to $250,000 per depositor, per account category. 1 So, unless your bank is not insured by the FDIC or you have deposited more than the FDIC limit, your money is safe if your bank fails.

How bad is America's credit card debt? ›

Americans have an absolute mountain of credit card debt — $1.129 trillion, to be exact.

Are credit card companies in trouble? ›

Credit card companies are racking up losses at the fastest pace in almost 30 years, outside of the Great Financial Crisis, according to Goldman Sachs.

What are the four biggest debts in America? ›

Average debt by type of debt
Debt typeAverage balance (2023, Q3)Total Balance (2023, Q4)
Mortgage debt (Excluding HELOCs)$244,498$12.25 trillion
HELOCs$42,139$360 billion
Auto loan$23,792$1.61 trillion
Credit card debt$6,501$1.13 trillion
2 more rows
6 days ago

Why are credit card loans bad? ›

Among their drawbacks, credit cards typically have higher interest rates than personal loans. And some have monthly or annual fees. Most credit cards are unsecured, but borrowers with poor or no credit history may use secured cards, which require a deposit that's used as collateral.

Which one is better, a personal loan or a credit card loan? ›

Personal Loans help you meet bigger expenses and are a better choice as it offers a longer tenure of up to 5 years. In terms of debt consolidation, it is hard to point out a specific option between a Personal Loan and a Credit Card. You will have to calculate to determine the best option.

What is the average credit card debt for an American household? ›

Average credit card debt in 2023
FIGUREAMOUNT
Average credit card debt, Q3 2023$6,501
Average store card balance, Q3 2022$1,110
Average revolving credit card balance, 2022$5,910
Delinquency rate of all credit card loans from commercial banks, Q3 20232.98%
1 more row
Apr 2, 2024

Is Bank of America at risk of failure? ›

Based on the analysis of Bank of America's financial health, risk profile, and regulatory compliance, we can conclude that the bank is relatively safe from any trouble or collapse.

What is the Bank of America controversy? ›

In July 2023, the CFPB and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) ordered Bank of America to pay over $200 million for illegally charging junk fees, withholding credit card rewards, and opening fake accounts.

What is the rule of 60 at Bank of America? ›

Rule of 60 means, for an Associate working in the United States or a United States Associate on global assignment, as of the date of the Associate's termination of employment with the Corporation and its Subsidiaries the Associate has (i) completed at least ten (10) years of “Vesting Service” under the tax-qualified ...

Will banks write off credit card debt? ›

Credit Card Companies Sometimes Write Off the Debt

If you stop paying on your credit card debt and become seriously delinquent, the credit card company will likely write off the debt and consider it uncollectible. At that point, the company takes your debt off its books.

Do you have to pay your loan back if the bank collapses? ›

Either the FDIC sold your loan at closing or the FDIC has retained it temporarily. In either case, your obligation to pay has not changed. Within a few days after the closure, you will be notified by the FDIC, and by the purchaser, as to where to send future payments.

Can your bank account be seized for credit card debt? ›

Can a debt collector access my bank account? Yes, a debt collector can take money that you owe them directly from your bank account, but they have to win a lawsuit first. This is known as garnishing. The debt collector would warn you before they begin a lawsuit.

Will unpaid credit card debt go away? ›

Although the unpaid debt will go on your credit report and have a negative impact on your score, the good news is that it won't last forever. After seven years, unpaid credit card debt falls off your credit report. The debt doesn't vanish completely, but it'll no longer impact your credit score.

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