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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Registration No. 333-97197

$1,000,000,000

3 ³/8% Senior Notes, due 2009

This global prospectus supplement and the attached prospectus describe our $1,000,000,000 Bank of 

America Corporation 3 ³/8% Senior Notes, due 2009. We will pay interest on the notes on February 17 and August 17 of each year with the first interest payment on August 17, 2004. The notes mature on February 17, 2009 and normally are not redeemable prior to maturity.

The notes are unsecured and rank equally with all of our other senior indebtedness from time to time outstanding. The notes are issued in denominations of $10,000.

We have applied to list the notes on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange in accordance with the rules of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. We do not intend to list the notes on any other securities exchange.

Our notes are unsecured and are not savings accounts, deposits, or other obligations of a bank. Our notes are not guaranteed by Bank of America, N.A. or any other bank and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.

None of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission, or the Luxembourg Stock Exchange has approved or disapproved of these notes or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this global prospectus supplement or the attached prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

We will deliver the notes in book-entry only form through The Depository Trust Company, Clearstream Banking, société anonyme, and Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System, on or about January 29, 2004, against payment in immediately available funds. Purchasers will pay accrued interest from January 29, 2004 if settlement occurs after that date.

Sole Book-Runner

Banc of America Securities LLC

Banc One Capital Markets, Inc.

Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.

Credit Suisse First Boston

Fleet Securities, Inc.

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Blaylock & Partners, L.P.

Loop Capital Markets, LLC

Ramirez & Co., Inc.

The Williams Capital Group, L.P.

Global Prospectus Supplement to Prospectus dated August 20, 2002

January 22, 2004

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ABOUT THIS GLOBAL PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

This global prospectus supplement describes the specific terms of the notes and supplements the description of the debt securities included in the attached prospectus. In considering an investment in the notes, you should rely only on the information included or incorporated by reference in this global prospectus supplement and the attached prospectus. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. If information in this global prospectus supplement is inconsistent with the attached prospectus, the information in this global prospectus supplement supersedes the information in the attached prospectus. The delivery of this global prospectus supplement, at any time, does not create any implication that there has been no change in our affairs since the date of this global prospectus supplement or that the information in this global prospectus supplement or the attached prospectus is correct as of any time subsequent to such date.

This global prospectus supplement and the attached prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. The distribution of this global prospectus supplement and the attached prospectus and the offering of the notes in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. If you have received this global prospectus supplement and the attached prospectus, you should find out about and observe these restrictions. See “Underwriting.”

This global prospectus supplement and the attached prospectus include information provided in order to comply with the rules governing the listing of the notes on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. We are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained or incorporated by reference in this global prospectus supplement and the attached prospectus. We confirm, after reasonable inquiry, that to the best of our knowledge and belief, we have not omitted any other fact that would make any statement contained or incorporated by reference in this global prospectus supplement and the attached prospectus misleading in any material respect.

THE LUXEMBOURG STOCK EXCHANGE TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONTENTS OF THIS GLOBAL PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ATTACHED PROSPECTUS, MAKES NO REPRESENTATION AS TO ITS ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY WHATSOEVER FOR ANY LOSS HOWSOEVER ARISING FROM OR IN RELIANCE UPON THE WHOLE OR ANY PART OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS GLOBAL PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ATTACHED PROSPECTUS.

Capitalized terms used, but not defined, in this global prospectus supplement are defined in the attached prospectus.

BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION

General

Bank of America Corporation is a Delaware corporation, a bank holding company, and a financial holding company. Bank of America Corporation was incorporated in 1998 as part of the merger of BankAmerica Corporation with NationsBank Corporation. Our principal assets are our shares of stock of Bank of America, N.A. and our other banking and nonbanking subsidiaries.

Business Segment Operations

We provide a diversified range of banking and certain nonbanking financial services and products both domestically and internationally through four business segments: (1) Consumer and Commercial Banking, (2) Asset Management, (3) Global Corporate and Investment Banking, and (4) Equity Investments. Certain operating segments have been aggregated into a single business segment.

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Consumer and Commercial Banking provides a wide range of products and services to individuals, small businesses, and middle market companies through multiple delivery channels. The major components of Consumer and Commercial Banking are Banking Regions, Consumer Products, and Commercial Banking. In the first quarter of 2002, certain commercial lending businesses in the process of liquidation were transferred from Consumer and Commercial Banking to Corporate Other, and in the third quarter of 2001, certain finance businesses in the process of liquidation (subprime real estate, auto leasing, and manufactured housing) were transferred from Consumer and Commercial Banking to Corporate Other.

Banking Regions serves consumer households and small businesses in 21 states and the District of Columbia through our network of over 4,200 banking centers, over 13,000 ATMs, telephone, and Internet channels on www.bankofamerica.com. Banking Regions provides a wide range of products and services, including deposit products such as checking, money market savings accounts, time deposits and IRAs, debit card products, and credit products such as home equity, mortgage, and personal auto loans. Banking Regions also provides treasury management, credit services, community investment, check card, e-commerce, and brokerage services to nearly two million small business relationships across the franchise. Banking Regions also includes Premier Banking, which provides high-touch banking and investment solutions to affluent clients with balances up to $3 million.

Consumer Products provides specialized services such as the origination, fulfillment, and servicing of residential mortgage loans, issuance and servicing of credit cards, direct banking via the telephone and the Internet, student lending, and certain insurance services. Consumer Products also provides retail finance and floorplan programs to marine, RV, and auto dealerships.

Commercial Banking provides commercial lending and treasury management services primarily to middle market companies with annual revenue between $10 million and $500 million. These services are available through relationship manager teams as well as through alternative channels such as the telephone via the commercial service center and the Internet by accessing Bank of America Direct. Commercial Banking also includes the Real Estate Banking Group, which provides project financing and treasury management to private developers, homebuilders, and commercial real estate firms across the United States. Commercial Banking also provides lending and investing services to develop low- and moderate- income communities.

Asset Management includes the Private Bank, Banc of America Investments, and Banc of America Capital Management. The Private Bank’s goal is to assist individuals and families in building and preserving their wealth by providing investment, fiduciary, and comprehensive credit and banking expertise to high-net-worth clients. Banc of America Investments provides investment, securities, and financial planning services and includes both the full-service network of investment advisors and an extensive on-line investor service. Banc of America Capital Management is an asset management organization serving the needs of institutional clients, high-net-worth individuals, and retail customers. Banc of America Capital Management manages money and distribution channels, provides investment solutions, offers institutional separate accounts and wrap programs, and provides advice to clients through asset allocation expertise and software.

Global Corporate and Investment Banking provides a broad range of financial services such as investment banking, capital markets, trade finance, treasury management, lending, leasing, and financial advisory services to domestic and international corporations, financial institutions, and government entities. Clients are supported through offices in 30 countries in four distinct geographic regions: United States and Canada; Asia; Europe, Middle East, and Africa; and Latin America. Products and services provided include loan origination, merger and acquisition advisory services, debt and equity underwriting and trading, cash

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management, derivatives, foreign exchange, leasing, leveraged finance, structured finance, and trade  services.

Global Corporate and Investment Banking offers clients a comprehensive range of global capabilities through three components: Global Investment Banking, Global Credit Products, and Global Treasury  Services.

Global Investment Banking includes our investment banking activities and risk management products. Global Investment Banking underwrites and makes markets in equity securities, high-grade and high-yield corporate debt securities, commercial paper, and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities as well as provides correspondent clearing services for other securities broker/dealers and prime-brokerage services. Debt and equity securities research, loan syndications, merger and acquisition advisory services, and private placements are also provided through Global Investment Banking.

In addition, Global Investment Banking provides risk management solutions for our global customer base using interest rate, equity, credit and commodity derivatives, foreign exchange, fixed income, and mortgage-related products. In support of these activities, the businesses will take positions in these products and capitalize on market-making activities. The Global Investment Banking business also takes an active role in the trading of fixed income securities and is a primary dealer in the United States as well as in several international locations.

Global Credit Products provides credit and lending services for clients with our corporate industry-focused portfolio, which includes leasing. Global Credit Products is also responsible for actively managing loan and counterparty risk in our portfolios using available risk mitigation techniques, including credit default swaps.

Global Treasury Services provides the technology, strategies, and integrated solutions to help financial institutions, government agencies, and our corporate clients manage their operations and cash flows on a local, regional, national, and global level.

Equity Investments includes Principal Investing, which is comprised of a diversified portfolio of investments in privately held and publicly traded companies at all stages, from start-up to buyout. Investments are made on both a direct and indirect basis in the United States and overseas. Direct investing activity focuses on advising portfolio companies on strategic directions and providing access to our global resources. Indirect investments represent passive limited partnership commitments to funds managed by experienced third party private equity investors who act as general partners. Equity Investments also includes our strategic alliances and investment portfolio.

Corporate Other consists primarily of certain amounts associated with managing our balance sheet, certain consumer finance and commercial lending businesses being liquidated, and certain residential mortgages originated by the mortgage group or otherwise acquired and held for asset/liability management purposes.

Acquisitions and Sales

As part of our operations, we regularly evaluate the potential acquisition of, and hold discussions with, various financial institutions and other businesses of a type eligible for financial holding company ownership or control. In addition, we regularly analyze the values of, and submit bids for, the acquisition of customer-based funds and other liabilities and assets of such financial institutions and other businesses. We also regularly consider the potential disposition of certain of our assets, branches, subsidiaries, or lines of businesses. As a general rule, we publicly announce any material acquisitions or dispositions when a definitive agreement has been reached.

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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Recent Financial Information

On January 15, 2004, we reported earnings for the year ended December 31, 2003. The press release containing that unaudited financial information was filed with the SEC in our current report on Form 8-K dated January 15, 2004, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement.

Merger Agreement with FleetBoston Financial Corporation

On October 27, 2003, we announced that we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of October 27, 2003 with FleetBoston Financial Corporation, or “FleetBoston”, providing for the merger of FleetBoston with and into us. Subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory and shareholder approvals, the merger is expected to close in the second quarter of 2004.

RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following are our consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2002, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2003.

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our actual capitalization as of September 30, 2003, and our capitalization as adjusted for (1) the issuance of the notes and (2) the issuance and the maturity of certain of our other debt securities during the period beginning October 1, 2003 through the date of this global prospectus supplement. Since September 30, 2003, the date of our latest interim financial statements incorporated into this global prospectus supplement by reference, there has been no material adverse change in our financial position.

As of September 30, 2003, there was approximately $286 million of Bank of America Corporation commercial paper and other short term notes payable outstanding.

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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected financial data as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 and for the three years ended December 31, 2002 are derived from our financial statements, which were audited by  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants. The financial data as of September 30, 2002 and 2003 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2003 are derived from our unaudited financial statements. The unaudited financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, that we consider necessary for a fair statement of our financial position and the results of our operations as of such dates and for such periods. Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for any other interim period or for the year as a whole. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year classifications, including as set forth in footnote (1) below.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

General

You should read the following description of the 3 ³/8% Senior Notes, due 2009 along with the “Description of Debt Securities” in the attached prospectus. The notes are our direct unsecured obligations. We will issue initially $1,000,000,000 of the notes in denominations of $10,000 as a single series of senior debt securities under the Senior Indenture.

The Senior Indenture allows us to “re-open” or later increase the total principal amount of this series of notes without notice to, or consent of, the existing noteholders by selling additional notes. We do not plan to inform existing noteholders if we re-open this series of notes. If, at the time of a re-opening, this series of notes is listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, then at the time of that re-opening, we will submit an application to list the additional notes to the Luxembourg Stock Exchange in accordance with its rules.

The notes will begin to accrue interest on January 29, 2004, at an annual rate of 3 ³/8%. Interest will be payable semi-annually in arrears on the interest payment dates shown below, commencing August 17, 2004. On each interest payment date, we will make payments to those holders of the notes on the designated record date.

Interest is payable on the outstanding principal amount of notes from (and including) the issue date or the last interest payment date, to (but excluding) the interest payment date or maturity date. If the maturity date or an interest payment date for the notes falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the applicable payment will be made on the next Business Day as if it were the date that payment was due and no interest will accrue from and after the original payment date. The term “Business Day” means any weekday that is not a legal holiday in New York, New York, Charlotte, North Carolina, or Luxembourg and is not a day on which banking institutions in those cities are authorized or required by law or regulation to be closed. Initially, we will make principal and interest payments at the office of The Bank of New York, as trustee, 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286. The Bank of New York is the authenticating and paying agent, registrar, and transfer agent for the notes. We will calculate interest payments on the notes utilizing a day count fraction of 30-day months and 360-day years.

The notes mature on February 17, 2009 and normally are not redeemable prior to maturity except as described under “Redemption for Tax Reasons.” At maturity, the notes will be payable at 100% of their face amount. We may at any time purchase notes at any price or prices in the open market or otherwise. If we purchase notes in this manner, we have the discretion to hold, resell, or surrender the notes to the trustee for cancellation. The notes are not subject to any sinking fund. The Senior Indenture does not limit the amount of senior indebtedness or other obligations which we may issue.

Payment of Additional Amounts

Subject to the exemptions and limitations set forth below, we will pay additional amounts to the beneficial owner of any note that is a non-United States person to ensure that every net payment on such note will not be less, due to the payment of United States withholding tax, than the amount then otherwise due and payable. For this purpose, a “net payment” on a note means a payment by us or any paying agent, including payment of principal and interest, after deduction for any present or future tax, assessment, or other governmental charge of the United States. These additional amounts will constitute additional interest on the note.

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We will not be required to pay additional amounts, however, in any of the circumstances described in items (1) through (13) below.

For purposes of items (1) through (5) above, “beneficial owner” includes a fiduciary, settlor, partner, member, shareholder, or beneficiary of the holder if the holder is an estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, or other entity, or a person holding a power over an estate or trust administered by a fiduciary holder.

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However, this exception to the obligation to pay additional amounts will apply only to the extent that a beneficiary or settlor in relation to the fiduciary, or a beneficial owner, partner, or member of the partnership, limited liability company, or other fiscally transparent entity, would not have been entitled to the payment of an additional amount had the beneficiary, settlor, partner, beneficial owner, or member received directly its beneficial or distributive share of the payment.

Except as specifically provided under “Payment of Additional Amounts” and under “Redemption for Tax Reasons,” we will not be required to make any payment of any tax, assessment, or other governmental charge imposed by any government, political subdivision, or taxing authority of such government.

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As used in this global prospectus supplement, “United States person” means:

Additionally, “non-United States person” means a person who is not a United States person, and “United States” means the United States of America, including the States and the District of Columbia, its territories, its possessions, and other areas within its jurisdiction.

Redemption for Tax Reasons

We may redeem the notes in whole, but not in part, at any time after giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 calendar days’ notice to the trustee and the holders of the notes, if we have or will become obligated to pay additional amounts as a result of any change in, or amendment to, the laws or regulations of the United States or any political subdivision or any authority of the United States having power to tax, or any change in the application or official interpretation of such laws or regulations, which change or amendment becomes effective on or after the date of this global prospectus supplement.

Before we publish any notice of redemption we will deliver to the trustee a certificate signed by our Chief Financial Officer or a Senior Vice President stating that we are entitled to redeem the notes and that the conditions precedent to redemption have occurred.

We will redeem any notes at 100% of their principal amount together with interest accrued up to (but excluding) the redemption date.

Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

In general, we expect the following provisions for full defeasance and covenant defeasance described below to apply to the notes if certain conditions are satisfied.

Full Defeasance. If there is a change in U.S. federal tax law, as described below, we can legally release ourselves from all payment and other obligations on the notes. This is called full defeasance. For us to do so, each of the following must occur:

If we ever fully defeased your note, you would have to rely solely on the trust deposit for payments on your note. You would not be able to look to us for payment in the event of any shortfall.

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Covenant Defeasance. Under current U.S. federal tax law, we can make the same type of deposit described above and be released from any restrictive covenants relating to your note. This is called covenant defeasance. In that event, you would lose the protection of those restrictive covenants. In order to achieve covenant defeasance for the notes, we must do both of the following:

If we accomplish covenant defeasance on your note, you can still look to us for repayment of your note in the event of any shortfall in the trust deposit. You should note, however, that if one of the remaining events of default occurred, such as our bankruptcy, and your note became immediately due and payable, there may be a shortfall. Depending on the event causing the default, you may not be able to obtain payment of the shortfall.

REGISTRATION AND SETTLEMENT

Book-Entry System

The notes are issued in book-entry only form. This means that we will not issue actual notes or certificates to each holder, except in limited circumstances. Instead, the notes will be in the form of a global security held in the name of DTC or its nominee. In order to own a beneficial interest in a note, you must be an institution that has an account with DTC or have a direct or individual account with such an institution. We have applied to list the notes on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. If the notes are so listed, we will maintain an intermediary agent in Luxembourg to act as intermediary between you and us. The initial intermediary agent is The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A.

No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of notes issued in certificated form, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any related tax or other governmental charge. If the notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and are subsequently issued in certificated form, we will appoint a paying and transfer agent in Luxembourg and publish its name in a leading Luxembourg newspaper. Any notes in certificated form may be presented for payment and/or transfer at the paying and transfer agent’s office while they are outstanding. In addition, upon redemption of the notes, any notes in certificated form and listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange may be presented for payment at the offices of the Luxembourg paying and transfer agent for up to two years after the redemption date.

Same Day Settlement and Payment

We will settle the notes in immediately available funds. As long as the notes are represented by global securities, we will make all principal and interest payments in immediately available funds.

Secondary trading in notes and debentures of corporate issuers generally is settled in clearing house or next day funds. In contrast, as long as the notes are represented by global securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, the notes will trade in DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System. DTC requires secondary market trading activity in the notes to settle in immediately available funds. This requirement may affect trading activity in the notes.

Except as described in the attached prospectus, owners of beneficial interests in the notes will not be entitled to have the notes registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the notes in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the notes under the indenture governing the notes, including for purposes of receiving any reports delivered by us or the trustee pursuant to the Senior Indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in the notes

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must rely on the procedures of the depositary and, if such person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest, in order to exercise any rights of a holder of notes.

Payment of Principal and Interest

Principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on notes in book-entry form are paid in accordance with the arrangements then in place between the paying agent and DTC or its nominee, as holder. Interest on notes in certificated form generally is paid by check mailed to the holders of the notes on the applicable record date at the address appearing on the security register. Interest is payable on the outstanding principal amount of the notes from (and including) the issue date or last interest payment date, to (but excluding) the interest payment date or maturity date. Principal (and premium, if any) and interest payable at the maturity date of a note in certificated form are paid by wire transfer of immediately available funds upon surrender of the note at the corporate trust office of the trustee or paying agent.

Notices

Any notices required to be delivered to the holders of the notes will be given to DTC and to Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg for communication to their participants. In addition, if the notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, and the rules of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange so require, notices will be published in a leading daily newspaper in Luxembourg, which is expected to be the Luxemburger Wort.

If notes are issued in certificated form, notices to holders of the notes will be given by mail to the addresses of the holders as they appear on the security register. Until any notes are issued in certificated form, notice by publication in a newspaper may be given to Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg for communication to their participants. However, if the notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and the rules of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange so require, in addition to any other newspaper publication, the notice also will be published in a leading daily Luxembourg newspaper, which is expected to be the Luxemburger Wort.

Any notice published in the Luxemburger Wort or any other leading Luxembourg newspaper shall be deemed to have been given on the date of publication or, if published more than once, on the date of the first publication. Any notice to Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg shall be deemed to have been delivered to their participants on the seventh day after the day on which the notice was given to Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg. If approved for listing, as long as the notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, any change in the Luxembourg paying and transfer agent or intermediary agent will be published in the Luxemburger Wort or any other leading Luxembourg newspaper.

Paying Agent, Security Registrar, and Transfer Agent

Until the notes are paid, we will maintain a paying agent, security registrar, and transfer agent for the notes. Initially, The Bank of New York will serve in each of those capacities. We will appoint and maintain a Luxembourg paying and transfer agent so long as the notes are represented by notes in certificated form and are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. While the notes are held as global securities, The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A. is our intermediary agent in Luxembourg.

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CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a brief summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences associated with the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of the notes applicable to initial purchasers of notes. The summary is based upon the relevant laws and rules which are now in effect and as they are currently interpreted. However, these laws and rules may be changed at any time, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion does not deal with the federal tax consequences applicable to all categories of investors. In particular, the discussion does not deal with those of you who may be in special tax situations, such as dealers in securities, insurance companies, financial institutions, or tax-exempt entities. It does not include any description of the tax laws of any state or local governments or any foreign government that may be applicable to the notes or to you as holders of the notes.

Prospective purchasers of the notes are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of acquiring, owning, and disposing of the notes as well as the application of state, local, and foreign income and other tax laws.

United States Persons

Interest payable on the notes generally will be includable as ordinary income in the income of a United States person as received or accrued, in accordance with that holder’s regular method of accounting. If a note is sold or otherwise disposed of, a United States person generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the disposition (except to the extent attributable to accrued but unpaid interest) and the holder’s tax basis in the note. Such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the note had been held for more than one year at the time of its disposition.

Non-United States Persons

Principal (and premium, if any) and interest payments that you receive from us or our agent generally will not be subject to U.S. federal tax. However, interest may be subject to a 30% withholding tax (or less under any applicable treaty) if (1) either (a) you do not certify on IRS Form W-8BEN or a successor form to us or our agent, under penalties of perjury, that you are a non-United States person or (b) a securities clearing organization, bank, or other financial institution that holds customer securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business and holds the notes does not certify on IRS Form W-8IMY or a successor form to us or our agent under penalties of perjury that either it or a financial institution has received the required statement from you certifying that you are a non-United States person and furnishes us with a copy of the statement, (2) you actually or constructively owned 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote, (3) you are a controlled foreign corporation for U.S. tax purposes that is related to us (directly or indirectly) through stock ownership, or (4) you are a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of your trade or business. If you are claiming benefits under an income tax treaty, you may be required to obtain a taxpayer identification number and to certify your eligibility under the applicable treaty’s limitations on benefits articles. Because the rules may apply differently to different holders, you are urged to consult your own tax advisor regarding the application of the rules to you.

If you are in a trade or business in the United States and interest on a note is effectively connected with the conduct of your trade or business, you may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on that interest in the same manner as if you were a United States person. If you are a foreign corporation, you may also be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% of your effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, subject to certain adjustments. Instead of the certification described in the preceding paragraph, if you have effectively connected interest income you must provide the payor with a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI to claim an exemption from U.S. federal withholding tax.

Except as provided below with respect to backup withholding, you will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding taxes on any capital gain you realize upon retirement or disposition of a note if (1) the gain is not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business carried on by you, and (2) you are an individual, and you are not present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the retirement or disposition.

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Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

The payment of principal (and premium, if any) and interest are generally subject to information reporting and possibly to “backup withholding.” Information reporting means that the payment is required to be reported to you and to the IRS. Backup withholding means that we (or any paying agent) are required to collect and deposit a portion of your payment with the IRS as a tax payment on your behalf. If applicable, backup withholding will be imposed at a rate of 28%.

If you are a United States person (other than a corporation or certain exempt organizations), you may be subject to backup withholding if you do not supply an accurate taxpayer identification number and certify that your taxpayer identification number is correct. You may also be subject to backup withholding if the United States Secretary of the Treasury determines that you have not reported all interest and dividend income required to be shown on your federal income tax return or if you do not certify that you have not underreported your interest and dividend income.

If you are a non-United States person, backup withholding and information reporting will not apply to payments made to you if you have provided the required certification that you are a non-United States person as set forth above, or you otherwise establish an exemption (provided that the payor does not have actual knowledge that you are a United States person or that the conditions of any exemption are not in fact satisfied).

Payments of the proceeds from the sale of notes to or through a foreign office of a broker or the foreign office of a custodian, nominee or other dealer acting on your behalf generally will not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding, unless the broker, custodian, nominee, or other dealer is (1) a United States person, (2) the government of the United States or the government of any State or political subdivision of any State (or any agency or instrumentality of any of these governmental units), (3) a controlled foreign corporation for U.S. tax purposes, (4) a foreign partnership that is either engaged in a U.S. trade or business or whose U.S. partners in the aggregate hold more than 50% of the income or capital interests in the partnership, (5) a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income for a certain period is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, or (6) a U.S. branch of a foreign bank or insurance company. If your broker falls into one of the preceding categories, information reporting (but not backup withholding) generally will be required for payments made to you unless the broker has documentation of your foreign status and the broker has no actual knowledge to the contrary of your status (or you otherwise establish an exemption from information reporting).

Payment of the proceeds from a sale of notes to or through the U.S. office of a broker is subject to information reporting and backup withholding, unless you certify as to your non-United States status or otherwise establish an exemption from information reporting and backup withholding.

Any amounts withheld from your payment under the backup withholding rules would be refundable or allowable as a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability.

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EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT

A fiduciary of a pension plan or other employee benefit plan (including a governmental plan, an individual retirement account, or a Keogh plan) subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (commonly referred as “ERISA”) should consider fiduciary standards under ERISA in the context of the particular circumstances of such plan before authorizing an investment in the notes. A fiduciary also should consider whether the investment is authorized by, and in accordance with, the documents and instruments governing the plan.

In addition, ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code, or the “Code,” prohibit certain transactions (referred to as “prohibited transactions”) involving the assets of a plan subject to ERISA or the assets of an individual retirement account or plan subject to Section 4975 of the Code (referred to as an “ERISA plan”), on the one hand, and persons who have certain specified relationships with the plan (“parties in interest” within the meaning of ERISA or “disqualified persons” within the meaning of the Code), on the other. If we (or an affiliate) are considered a party in interest or disqualified person with respect to an ERISA plan, then the investment in notes by the ERISA plan may give rise to a prohibited transaction unless the notes are acquired under an exemption for transactions effected on behalf of that plan by a “qualified professional asset manager” or an “in-house asset manager,” for transactions involving insurance company general accounts, for transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts, for transactions involving bank collective trusts, or under another available exemption. There are several ways by which we or our affiliates may be considered a party in interest or a disqualified person with respect to an ERISA plan. For example, if we provide banking or financial advisory services to an ERISA plan, or act as a trustee or in a similar fiduciary role for ERISA plan assets, we may be considered a party in interest or a disqualified person with respect to that ERISA plan.

If an ERISA plan engages in a prohibited transaction, the transaction may require “correction” and may cause the ERISA plan fiduciary to incur certain liabilities and the parties in interest or disqualified persons to be subject to excise taxes. Therefore, an ERISA plan should not invest in the notes unless the plan fiduciary or other person acquiring notes on behalf of the ERISA plan determines that neither we nor an affiliate is a party in interest or a disqualified person or, alternatively, that an exemption from the prohibited  transaction rules is available. By purchasing and holding the notes, the person making the decision to invest on behalf of an ERISA plan is representing that the purchase and holding of the notes is consistent with the terms of the plan and will not result in a prohibited transaction under ERISA or the Code.

If you are the fiduciary of a pension plan or other ERISA plan, or an insurance company that is providing investment advice or other features to a pension plan or other ERISA plan, and you propose to invest in the notes with the assets of the ERISA plan, you should consult your own legal counsel for further guidance.

EU DIRECTIVE ON THE TAXATION OF SAVINGS INCOME

On June 3, 2003, the European Union Council of Economic and Finance Ministers adopted a new directive regarding the taxation of savings income. The directive is scheduled to be applied by member states of the European Union (the “EU”) from January 1, 2005, provided that certain non-EU countries adopt similar measures from the same date. Under the directive, each EU member state will be required to provide to the tax authorities of another EU member state details of payments of interest or other similar income paid by a person within its jurisdiction to an individual resident in that other EU member state; however, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg may instead apply a withholding system for a transitional period in relation to such payments, deducting tax at rates rising over time to 35%. The transitional period will begin on the date from which the directive is to be applied by EU member states, and will terminate at the end of the first fiscal year following agreement by certain non-EU countries to the exchange of information relating to these payments.

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UNDERWRITING

We entered into an underwriting agreement dated January 22, 2004 with the underwriters named below. In the underwriting agreement, we agreed to sell to each of the underwriters and each of the underwriters agreed to purchase from us the principal amount of the notes shown opposite its name in the following table at the public offering price on the cover page of this global prospectus supplement.

The obligations of the underwriters under the underwriting agreement, including their agreement to purchase the notes from us, are several and not joint. Those obligations are also subject to the satisfaction of conditions described in the underwriting agreement. The underwriters have agreed to purchase all of the notes if any of them are purchased.

We expect to receive $991,250,000 as proceeds from the sale of notes, before deducting estimated offering expenses of $215,000. The underwriters may sell the notes to certain dealers at the public offering price, less a concession which will not exceed 0.20% of the principal amount of the notes. The underwriters and such dealers may resell the notes to other dealers at a reallowance discount which will not exceed 0.15% of the principal amount of the notes. After the initial offering of the notes, these concessions and reallowance discounts may change.

The maximum commission or discount to be received by any member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or independent broker dealer will not be greater than 8% of the initial gross proceeds from the sale of the notes.

The notes will be offered simultaneously in the United States and outside the United States.

Each of the underwriters, severally and not jointly, has represented and agreed that it has not and will not offer, sell, or deliver any of the notes, directly or indirectly, or distribute this global prospectus supplement or the attached prospectus or any other offering material relating to the notes, in any jurisdiction except under circumstances that will result in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and that will not impose any obligations on us except as set forth in the underwriting agreement.

In particular, each underwriter has represented and agreed that:

(1)  it has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell any notes to persons in the United Kingdom prior to the expiration of the period of six months from the issue date of the notes except to persons whose ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing, or disposing of investments (as principal or agent) for the purpose of their businesses or otherwise in circumstances which have not resulted and will not result in an offer to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of the Public Offers of Securities Regulations 1995 (as amended);

(2)  it will only communicate or cause to be communicated any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the “FSMA”)) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of the notes in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to us; and

(3)  it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to any notes in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

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Each underwriter has represented and agreed that it will not offer, sell, transfer, or deliver the notes in or from The Netherlands, as part of their initial distribution or as part of any re-offering, and will not distribute or circulate this global prospectus supplement, the attached prospectus, or any other document in respect of the offering in The Netherlands, other than to individuals or legal entities which include, but are not limited to, banks, brokers, dealers, institutional investors, and undertakings with a treasury department, who or which trade or invest in securities in the conduct of a business or profession.

The notes are a new issue of securities and have no established trading market. We have applied to list the notes on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange in accordance with the rules of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. We do not intend to list the notes on any other securities exchange. We have been informed by the underwriters that they intend to purchase and sell the notes in the secondary market from time to time. However, the underwriters are not obligated to do so and may discontinue making a market for the notes at any time without giving us notice. There is no assurance that there will be a secondary market for the notes.

In connection with the offering of the notes, the underwriters may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, and syndicate covering transactions in accordance with Regulation M under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position for the underwriters. The underwriters may enter bids for, and purchase, notes in the open market in order to stabilize the price of the notes. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the notes in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions. Stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions may cause the price of the notes to be higher than it would otherwise be. Those activities, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

The offer and sale of any notes by Banc of America Securities LLC or any of our other affiliates will comply with the requirements of Rule 2720 of the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. regarding a member firm’s underwriting securities of an affiliate. As required by Rule 2720, any such offer and sale will not be made to any discretionary account without the prior approval of the  customer.

Banc of America Securities LLC will make the notes available for distribution on the Internet through a proprietary Web site and/or a third-party system operated by Market Axess Inc., an Internet-based communications technology provider. Market Axess Inc. is providing the system as a conduit for communications for Banc of America Securities LLC and its customers and is not a party to any transactions. Market Axess Inc., a registered broker-dealer, will receive compensation from Banc of America Securities LLC based on transactions Banc of America Securities LLC conducts through the system. Banc of America Securities LLC will make the notes available to their customers through the Internet distributions, whether made through a proprietary or third-party system, on the same terms as distributions made through other  channels.

We expect that delivery of the notes will be made against payment therefor on or about January 29, 2004, which is the fifth business day following the date of this prospectus supplement. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in three business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the notes on the date hereof or the next succeeding business day will be required, by virtue of the fact that the notes initially will settle in T+5, to specify an alternative settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement, and should consult their own advisor in connection with such elec-tion.

Banc of America Securities LLC is a broker-dealer and one of our subsidiaries. Following the initial distribution of the notes, our affiliates, including Banc of America Securities LLC, may buy and sell the notes in secondary market transactions as part of their business as broker-dealers. Any sale will be at negotiated prices relating to prevailing prices at the time of sale. The information as at the original issue date, original issue price, and net proceeds to us on the front cover page relates only to the initial sale of the notes. If you have purchased a note in a market-making transaction after the initial sale, information about the price and date of sale to you will be provided in a separate confirmation of sale. This global prospectus supplement and attached prospectus may be used by one or more of our affiliates in connection with offers and sales related to secondary market transactions in the notes to the extent permitted by applicable law. Our affiliates may act as principal or agent in such transactions.

Each of the underwriters or its affiliates provides or has provided investment or commercial banking services to us from time to time in the ordinary course of business.

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LISTING OF THE NOTES AND

GENERAL INFORMATION

Listing

We have applied to list the notes on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange in accordance with the rules of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. We do not intend to list the notes on any other securities exchange. Prior to listing, a legal notice relating to the issuance of the notes, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, the Senior Indenture, and the underwriting agreement will be deposited with the Trade and Companies Register (Registre de Commence et des Sociétés) in Luxembourg, where those documents may be inspected and copies obtained upon request.

As long as any of the notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, copies of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, the Senior Indenture, the underwriting agreement, and copies of this global prospectus supplement and attached prospectus, and copies of documents referenced under the section “Where You Can Find More Information” in the attached prospectus will be available, free of charge, at the offices of our Luxembourg listing agent, The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A. in the City of Luxembourg.

Incorporation by Reference

We incorporate by reference the documents listed below which were filed with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

We also incorporate by reference into this global prospectus supplement reports we will file with the SEC prior to the termination of this offering under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (except any information furnished pursuant to Item 9 or Item 12 of Form 8-K).

As long as the notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, copies of those reports, as well as all future annual, quarterly, and current reports, will be available, free of charge, at the offices of our Luxembourg listing agent, The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A. in the City of Luxembourg.

You may request a copy of any filings referred to above (excluding exhibits), at no cost, by contacting us at the following address:

Bank of America Corporation

Corporate Treasury Division

NC1-007-07-06

100 North Tryon Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28255

(704) 386-5972

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Independent Accountants

The consolidated financial statements contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, as stated in their report.

Authorization

The notes are issued under authority granted by our Board of Directors on July 24, 2002 and by a committee appointed by our Board of Directors effective January 22, 2004.

Material Changes

There has been no material adverse change in our financial position on a consolidated basis since the date of our latest audited financial statements incorporated herein by reference, except as disclosed in this global prospectus supplement or in the documents incorporated by reference.

We are not a party to any legal proceeding which, if determined adversely, would affect materially and adversely our financial position or results of operations or would affect materially and adversely our ability to perform our obligations under the notes or the Senior Indenture.

Governing Law

The notes, the Senior Indenture and the underwriting agreement are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, United States of America.

Clearing Systems

The notes have been accepted for clearance through Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg and assigned Common Code No.: 018503441; International Security Identification No. (ISIN): US 060505 BH61; and CUSIP No.: 060505 BH 6.

LEGAL OPINIONS

The legality of the notes will be passed upon for us by Helms Mulliss & Wicker, PLLC, Charlotte, North Carolina and certain other matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by Morrison & Foerster LLP, New York, New York.

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PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION

Bank of America Corporation

Bank of America Corporate Center

100 North Tryon Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28255-0065

U.S.A.

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS OF THE CORPORATION

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

214 North Tryon Street

Suite 3600

Charlotte, North Carolina 28202

U.S.A.

TRUSTEE AND

UNITED STATES PAYING

AND TRANSFER AGENT

The Bank of New York

101 Barclay Street

New York, New York 10286

U.S.A.

LEGAL ADVISORS

To the Underwriters:

Morrison & Foerster LLP

1290 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10104

U.S.A.

LISTING AGENT AND INTERMEDIARY AGENT

The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A.

Aerogolf Centre

1A, Hoehenhof

L-1736 Senningerberg

Luxembourg

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PROSPECTUS

$20,000,000,000

Debt Securities, Warrants, Units, Preferred Stock,

Depositary Shares, and Common Stock

We may offer to sell up to $20,000,000,000 (or the United States dollar equivalent) of:

Our securities may be denominated in United States dollars or a foreign currency, currency unit or composite currency. We also may issue common stock upon conversion, exchange, or exercise of any of the other securities listed above.

When we sell a particular series of securities, we will prepare a prospectus supplement describing the offering and terms of that series of securities. You should read this prospectus and that prospectus supplement carefully before you invest.

We may use this prospectus in the initial sale of the securities listed above. In addition, Banc of America Securities LLC, or any of our other affiliates, may use this prospectus in a market-making transaction in any of the securities listed above or similar securities after their initial sale. Unless you are informed otherwise in the confirmation of sale, this prospectus is being used in a market-making transaction.

Our debt securities are unsecured and are not savings accounts, deposits, or other obligations of a bank. Our securities are not guaranteed by Bank of America, N.A. or any other bank and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.

None of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission, or any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of the securities to be issued under this prospectus or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Prospectus dated August 20, 2002

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary includes questions and answers intended to help you understand the securities described in this prospectus. You should read carefully this prospectus and any prospectus supplement to understand fully the terms of the securities that may be sold under this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $20,000,000,000 or the equivalent of this amount in foreign currencies, currency units, or composite currencies.

You should rely only on the information provided in this prospectus and in any supplement to this prospectus including the information incorporated by reference. Neither we, nor any underwriters or agents, have authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not offering the securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, or any supplement to this prospectus, is accurate at any date other than the date indicated on the cover page of those documents.

Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus to “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references are to Bank of America Corporation.

Who is selling the securities?

Bank of America Corporation is selling the securities. We are a Delaware corporation, a bank holding company, and a financial holding company. We provide a diversified range of banking and nonbanking financial services and products through our subsidiaries in the United States and internationally. Our headquarters are located at Bank of America Corporate Center, 100 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255, and our telephone number is (704) 386-5972.

What securities are being offered?

We may offer the following securities from time to time:

When we use the term “securities” in this prospectus, we are referring to any of the securities we may offer with this prospectus, unless we specifically state otherwise. This prospectus, including this summary, provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide you with a prospectus supplement. Each prospectus supplement will contain specific information about the terms of the securities being offered and will include a discussion of certain United States federal income tax consequences and any risk factors or other special considerations applicable to those securities. The prospectus supplement may also add, update, or change information in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 41 of this prospectus.

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What are the terms of the “debt securities” that may be offered?

Our debt securities may be either senior or subordinated obligations, which will be issued under separate indentures, or contracts, that we have with The Bank of New York, as trustee. The particular terms of each series of debt securities will be described in a prospectus supplement.

What are the terms of the “warrants” that may be offered?

We may offer two types of warrants:

We will describe in a prospectus supplement the underlying property, the expiration date, the exercise price or the manner of determining the exercise price, the amount and kind, or the manner of determining the amount and kind, of property to be delivered by you or us upon exercise, and any other specific terms. We will issue warrants under warrant agreements that we enter into with one or more warrant agents.

What are the terms of the “units” that may be offered?

We may offer units consisting of two or more securities. We will describe in a prospectus supplement the particular securities that comprise each unit, whether or not the particular securities will be separable and, if they will be separable, the terms on which they will be separable, a description of the provisions for the payment, settlement, transfer, or exchange of units, and any other specific terms of the units. We will issue units under unit agreements that we enter into with one or more unit agents.

What are the terms of the “preferred stock” and “depositary shares” that may be offered?

Our preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, may be offered in one or more series. We will describe in a prospectus supplement the specific designation, the aggregate number of shares offered, the dividend rate, if any, and periods or manner of calculating the dividend rate and periods, the terms on which the preferred stock are convertible into shares of our common stock, preferred stock of another series, or other securities, if any, the redemption terms, if any, and any other specific terms of our preferred stock.

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We also may issue depositary receipts evidencing depositary shares, each of which will represent fractional shares of preferred stock, rather than full shares of preferred stock. We will describe in a prospectus supplement any specific terms of the depositary shares. We may issue the depositary shares under deposit agreements between us and one or more depositories.

How will the securities be issued?

We will issue the securities in book-entry only form through one or more depositories, such as The Depository Trust Company, Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., or Clearstream Banking, société anonyme, Luxembourg, named in the applicable prospectus supplement. The securities will be represented by a global security rather than a certificate in the name of each individual investor. We will issue the securities in registered form without coupons. Unless stated otherwise, each sale will settle in immediately available funds through the depository.

A global security may be exchanged for actual notes or certificates registered in the names of the beneficial owners only if:

In what currencies will the securities be issued?

Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, all amounts payable in respect of the securities, including the purchase price, will be payable in U.S. dollars.

Will the securities be listed on an exchange?

We will state in the prospectus supplement whether the particular offered securities will be listed or quoted on a securities exchange or quotation system.

How will the securities be offered?

We may offer the securities in four ways:

Banc of America Securities LLC, or any of our other affiliates, may be an underwriter, dealer, or agent for us. These securities will be offered in connection with their initial issuance or in market-making transactions by our affiliates after their initial issuance and sale. The aggregate offering price specified on the cover of this prospectus relates only to the securities that we have not yet issued.

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BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION

General

Bank of America Corporation is a Delaware corporation, a bank holding company, and a financial holding company. Our principal assets are our shares of stock of Bank of America, N.A. and our other banking and nonbanking subsidiaries. We operate in 21 states and the District of Columbia and have offices located in 34 countries.

Business Segment Operations

We provide a diversified range of banking and nonbanking financial services and products through our various subsidiaries. We manage our operations through four business segments: (1) Consumer and Commercial Banking, (2) Asset Management, (3) Global Corporate and Investment Banking, and (4) Equity Investments. Certain operating segments have been aggregated into a single business segment. A customer-centered strategic approach is changing the way we focus on our business. In addition to traditional financial reporting, we have begun using customer segment-based financial operating information.

•  Consumer and Commercial Banking

Consumer and Commercial Banking provides a wide array of products and services to individuals, small businesses, and middle market companies through multiple delivery channels. The major components of Consumer and Commercial Banking are Banking Regions, Consumer Products, and Commercial Banking.

Banking Regions serves consumer households in 21 states and the District of Columbia and overseas through our network of over 4,200 banking centers, over 12,800 ATMs, telephone, and Internet channels on www.bankofamerica.com. Banking Regions provides a wide array of products and services, including deposit products such as checking, money market savings accounts, time deposits and IRAs, debit card products, and credit products such as home equity, mortgage, and personal auto loans. Banking Regions also includes small business banking providing treasury management, credit services, community investment, check card, e-commerce, and brokerage services to nearly two million small business relationships across the franchise.

Consumer Products provides specialized services such as the origination and servicing of residential mortgage loans, issuance and servicing of credit cards, direct banking via the telephone and the Internet, lending and investing to develop low- and moderate-income communities, student lending, and certain insurance services. Consumer Products also provides retail finance and floorplan programs to marine, RV, and auto dealerships.

Commercial Banking provides commercial lending and treasury management services to middle market companies with annual revenue between $10 million and $500 million. These services are available through relationship manager teams as well as through alternative channels such as the telephone via the commercial service center and the Internet by accessing Bank of America Direct. In the first quarter of 2002, certain commercial lending businesses being liquidated were transferred from Commercial Banking to Corporate Other.

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•  Asset Management

Asset Management includes the Private Bank, Banc of America Capital Management, and the Individual Investor Group. The Private Bank’s goal is to assist individuals and families in building and preserving their wealth by providing investment, fiduciary, and comprehensive credit expertise to high-net-worth clients. Banc of America Capital Management is an asset-gathering and asset management organization serving the needs of institutional clients, high-net-worth individuals, and retail customers. Banc of America Capital Management manages money and distribution channels, manufactures investment products, offers institutional separate accounts and wrap programs, and provides advice to clients through asset allocation expertise and software. The Individual Investor Group, which is comprised of Private Client Services and Banc of America Investment Services, Inc., provides investment, securities, and financial planning services to affluent and high-net-worth individuals. Private Client Services focuses on high-net-worth individuals. Banc of America Investment Services, Inc. includes both the full-service network of investment professionals and an extensive on-line investor service.

One of our strategies is to focus on and grow the asset management business. Recent initiatives include new investment platforms that broaden our capabilities to maximize market opportunity for our clients. We continue to enhance the financial planning tools used to assist clients with their financial goals.

•  Global Corporate and Investment Banking

Global Corporate and Investment Banking provides a broad array of financial services such as investment banking, capital markets, trade finance, treasury management, lending, leasing, and financial advisory services to domestic and international corporations, financial institutions, and government entities. Clients are supported through offices in 34 countries in four distinct geographic regions: United States and Canada; Asia; Europe, Middle East, and Africa; and Latin America. Products and services provided include loan origination, merger and acquisition advisory services, debt and equity underwriting and trading, cash management, derivatives, foreign exchange, leasing, leveraged finance, project finance, structured finance, and trade services.

Global Corporate and Investment Banking offers clients a comprehensive range of global capabilities through three components: Global Investment Banking, Global Credit Products, and Global Treasury Services.

Global Investment Banking includes our investment banking activities and risk management products. Through a separate subsidiary, Banc of America Securities LLC, Global Investment Banking underwrites and makes markets in equity securities, high-grade and high-yield corporate debt securities, commercial paper, and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. Banc of America Securities LLC also provides correspondent clearing services for other securities broker/dealers and prime-brokerage services. Debt and equity securities research, loan syndications, merger and acquisition advisory services, and private placements are also provided through Banc of America Securities LLC.

In addition, Global Investment Banking provides risk management solutions for our global customer base using interest rate, equity, credit and commodity derivatives, foreign exchange, fixed income, and mortgage-related products. In support of these activities, the businesses will take positions in these products and capitalize on market-making activities. The Global Investment Banking business also takes an active role in the trading of fixed income securities in all of the regions in which Global Corporate and Investment Banking transacts business and is a primary dealer in the United States, as well as in several international locations.

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Global Credit Products provides credit and lending services and includes the corporate industry-focused portfolio, leasing, and project finance.

Global Treasury Services provides the technology, strategies, and integrated solutions to help financial institutions, government agencies, and public and private companies manage their operations and cash flows on a local, regional, national, and global level.

Equity Investments includes Principal Investing, which is comprised of a diversified portfolio of investments in companies at all stages of the business cycle, from start up to buyout. Investments are made on both a direct and indirect basis in the United States and overseas. Direct investing activity focuses on playing an active role in the strategic and financial direction of the portfolio company as well as providing broad business experience and access to our global resources. Indirect investments represent passive limited partnership stakes in funds managed by experienced third-party private equity investors who act as general partners. Equity Investments also includes our strategic technology and alliances investment portfolio.

Corporate Other consists primarily of gains and losses associated with managing our balance sheet, certain consumer finance and commercial lending businesses being liquidated and certain residential mortgages originated by the mortgage group or otherwise acquired and held for asset/liability management purposes.

Acquisitions and Sales

As part of our operations, we regularly evaluate the potential acquisition of, and hold discussions with, various financial institutions and other businesses of a type eligible for financial holding company ownership or control. In addition, we regularly analyze the values of, and submit bids for, the acquisition of customer-based funds and other liabilities and assets of such financial institutions and other businesses. We also regularly consider the potential disposition of certain of our assets, branches, subsidiaries, or lines of business. As a general rule, we publicly announce any material acquisitions or dispositions when a definitive agreement has been reached.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless we describe a different use in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for general corporate purposes. General corporate purposes include:

Until we designate the use of these net proceeds, we will temporarily invest them. We may, from time to time, engage in additional capital financings as we determine appropriate based on our needs and prevailing market conditions. These additional capital financings may include the sale of other securities.

RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

Our consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges and our ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements for each of the years in the five-year period ended  December 31, 2001 and for the six months ended June 30, 2002 are as follows:

(net income before taxes and fixed charges – equity in undistributed earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries)

fixed charges

(net income before taxes and fixed charges – equity in undistributed earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries)

(fixed charges + preferred stock dividend requirements)

Fixed charges consist of:

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Preferred stock dividend requirements represent dividend requirements on our outstanding preferred stock adjusted to reflect the pre-tax earnings that would be required to cover such dividend requirements.

REGULATORY MATTERS

The following discussion describes elements of an extensive regulatory framework applicable to bank holding companies, financial holding companies, and banks and specific information about us and our subsidiaries. Federal regulation of banks, bank holding companies, and financial holding companies is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the Bank Insurance Fund rather than for the protection of securityholders and creditors.

General

As a registered bank holding company and a financial holding company, we are subject to the supervision of, and to regular inspection by, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or the “Federal Reserve Board.” Our banking subsidiaries are organized predominantly as national banking associations, which are subject to regulation, supervision, and examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, or the “Comptroller,” the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the “FDIC,” the Federal Reserve Board, and other federal and state regulatory agencies. In addition to banking laws, regulations, and regulatory agencies, we and our subsidiaries and affiliates are subject to various other laws and regulations and supervision and examination by other regulatory agencies, all of which directly or indirectly affect our operations and management and our ability to make distributions to stockholders.

A financial holding company, and the non-bank companies under its control, are permitted to engage in activities considered “financial in nature” as defined by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and Federal Reserve Board interpretations (including, without limitation, insurance and securities activities), and therefore may engage in a broader range of activities than permitted for bank holding companies and their subsidiaries. A financial holding company may engage directly or indirectly in activities considered financial in nature, either de novo or by acquisition, provided the financial holding company gives the Federal Reserve Board after-the-fact notice of the new activities. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act also permits national banks, such as our banking subsidiaries, to engage in activities considered financial in nature through a financial subsidiary, subject to certain conditions and limitations and with the approval of the Comptroller.

Interstate Banking

Bank holding companies (including bank holding companies that also are financial holding companies) also are required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board before acquiring more than 5% of any class of voting stock of any bank which is not already majority-owned by the bank holding company. Pursuant to the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994, a bank holding company may acquire banks in states other than its home state without regard to the permissibility of such acquisitions under state law, but subject to any state requirement that the bank has been organized and operating for a minimum period of time, not to exceed five years, and the requirement that the bank holding company, after the proposed acquisition, controls no more than 10% of the total amount of deposits of insured depository institutions in the United States and no more than 30% or such lesser or greater amount set by state law of such deposits in that state.

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Subject to certain restrictions, the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 also authorizes banks to merge across state lines to create interstate branches. This act also permits a bank to open new branches in a state in which it does not already have banking operations if such state enacts a law permitting de novo branching. We have consolidated our retail subsidiary banks into a single interstate bank (Bank of America, N.A.), headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, with full service branch offices in 21 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, we operate a limited purpose nationally chartered credit card bank (Bank of America, N.A. (USA)), headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, and three nationally chartered banker’s banks: Bank of America Oregon, N.A., headquartered in Portland, Oregon; Bank of America California, N.A., headquartered in San Francisco, California; and Bank of America Georgia, N.A., headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

Changes in Regulations

Proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the banking industry are frequently introduced in Congress, in the state legislatures, and before the various bank regulatory agencies. The likelihood and timing of any proposals or legislation and the impact they might have on us and our subsidiaries cannot be determined at this time.

Capital and Operational Requirements

The Federal Reserve Board, the Comptroller, and the FDIC have issued substantially similar risk-based and leverage capital guidelines applicable to United States banking organizations. In addition, these regulatory agencies from time to time may require that a banking organization maintain capital above the minimum levels, whether because of its financial condition or actual or anticipated growth. The Federal Reserve Board risk-based guidelines define a three-tier capital framework. Tier 1 capital includes common shareholders’ equity and qualifying preferred stock, less goodwill and other adjustments. Tier 2 capital consists of preferred stock not qualifying as Tier 1 capital, mandatory convertible debt, limited amounts of subordinated debt, other qualifying term debt, and the allowance for credit losses up to 1.25% of risk-weighted assets. Tier 3 capital includes subordinated debt that is unsecured, fully paid, has an original maturity of at least two years, is not redeemable before maturity without prior approval by the Federal Reserve Board and includes a lock-in clause precluding payment of either interest or principal if the payment would cause the issuing bank’s risk-based capital ratio to fall or remain below the required minimum. The sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital less investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries represents our qualifying total capital. Risk-based capital ratios are calculated by dividing Tier 1 and total capital by risk-weighted assets. Assets and off-balance sheet exposures are assigned to one of four categories of risk-weights, based primarily on relative credit risk. The minimum Tier 1 capital ratio is 4% and the minimum total capital ratio is 8%. Our Tier 1 and total risk-based capital ratios under these guidelines at June 30, 2002 were 8.09% and 12.42%, respectively. At June 30, 2002, we did not have any subordinated debt that qualified as Tier 3 capital.

The leverage ratio is determined by dividing Tier 1 capital by adjusted average total assets. Although the stated minimum ratio is 100 to 200 basis points above 3%, banking organizations are required to maintain a ratio of at least 5% to be classified as well capitalized. Our leverage ratio at June 30, 2002 was 6.47%. We meet our leverage ratio requirement.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, among other things, identifies five capital categories for insured depository institutions (well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized) and requires the respective federal regulatory agencies to implement systems for “prompt corrective action” for insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements within

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such categories. This act imposes progressively more restrictive constraints on operations, management, and capital distributions, depending on the category in which an institution is classified. Failure to meet the capital guidelines could also subject a banking institution to capital raising requirements. An “undercapitalized” bank must develop a capital restoration plan and its parent holding company must guarantee that bank’s compliance with the plan. The liability of the parent holding company under any such guarantee is limited to the lesser of 5% of the bank’s assets at the time it became “undercapitalized” or the amount needed to comply with the plan. Furthermore, in the event of the bankruptcy of the parent holding company, such guarantee would take priority over the parent’s general unsecured creditors. In addition, this act requires the various regulatory agencies to prescribe certain non-capital standards for safety and soundness relating generally to operations and management, asset quality, and executive compensation and permits regulatory action against a financial institution that does not meet such standards.

The various regulatory agencies have adopted substantially similar regulations that define the five capital categories identified by this act, using the total risk-based capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital and leverage capital ratios as the relevant capital measures. Such regulations establish various degrees of corrective action to be taken when an institution is considered undercapitalized. Under the regulations, a “well capitalized” institution must have a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6%, a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10% and a leverage ratio of at least 5% and not be subject to a capital directive order. Under these guidelines, each of our banking subsidiaries is considered well capitalized as of June 30, 2002.

Regulators also must take into consideration (a) concentrations of credit risk; (b) interest rate risk (when the interest rate sensitivity of an institution’s assets does not match the sensitivity of its liabilities or its off-balance-sheet position); and (c) risks from non-traditional activities, as well as an institution’s ability to manage those risks, when determining the adequacy of an institution’s capital. This evaluation will be made as a part of the institution’s regular safety and soundness examination. In addition, we and any of our banking subsidiaries with significant trading activity must incorporate a measure for market risk in our regulatory capital calculations.

Distributions

Our funds for payment of our indebtedness, including the debt securities, are derived from a variety of sources, including cash and temporary investments. However, the primary source of these funds is dividends received from our banking subsidiaries. Each of our banking subsidiaries is subject to various regulatory policies and requirements relating to the payment of dividends, including requirements to maintain capital above regulatory minimums. The appropriate federal regulatory authority is authorized to determine under certain circumstances relating to the financial condition of a bank or bank holding company that the payment of dividends would be an unsafe or unsound practice and to prohibit payment thereof.

In addition, the ability of our banking subsidiaries to pay dividends may be affected by the various minimum capital requirements and the capital and non-capital standards established under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, as described above. Our right, and the right of our stockholders and creditors, to participate in any distribution of the assets or earnings of our subsidiaries is further subject to the prior claims of creditors of the respective subsidiaries.

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Source of Strength

According to Federal Reserve Board policy, bank holding companies are expected to act as a source of financial strength to each subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support each such subsidiary. This support may be required at times when a bank holding company may not be able to provide such support. Similarly, under the cross-guarantee provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, in the event of a loss suffered or anticipated by the FDIC—either as a result of default of a banking subsidiary or related to FDIC assistance provided to a subsidiary in danger of default—the other banking subsidiaries may be assessed for the FDIC’s loss, subject to certain exceptions.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

We will issue any senior debt securities under an Indenture dated as of January 1, 1995 (the “Senior Indenture”) between us and The Bank of New York, as successor trustee to U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as successor trustee to BankAmerica National Trust Company. We will issue any subordinated debt securities under an Indenture dated as of January 1, 1995 (the “Subordinated Indenture”) between us and The Bank of New York, as trustee. We refer to the Senior Indenture and the Subordinated Indenture collectively as the “Indentures.” The trustee under each of the Indentures has two principal functions:

The following summaries of the Indentures are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by the specific provisions of the applicable Indentures, which are exhibits to the registration statement and are incorporated herein by reference. Whenever defined terms are used, but not defined in this prospectus, the terms have the meanings given to them in the Indentures.

General

The total amount of securities that we may offer and sell using this prospectus is limited to the aggregate initial offering price of the securities registered under the registration statement. Neither Indenture limits the amount of debt securities that we may issue.

Any debt securities we issue will be our direct unsecured obligations and will not be obligations of our subsidiaries. Each series of our senior debt securities will rank equally with all of our other unsecured senior indebtedness that is outstanding from time to time. Each series of our subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of our senior indebtedness that is outstanding from time to time.

We will issue our debt securities in fully registered form without coupons. Our debt securities may be denominated in United States dollars or in another currency or currency unit. Any debt securities that are denominated in United States dollars will be issued in denominations of $1,000 or a multiple of $1,000 unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement. If any of the debt securities are denominated in a foreign currency, currency unit, or composite currency, or if principal or any premium or interest on any of the debt securities is payable in any foreign currency, currency unit, or composite currency, the authorized denominations, as well as any investment considerations, restrictions, tax consequences, specific terms, and other information relating to that issue of debt securities and the particular foreign currency, currency unit, or composite currency will be stated in a prospectus supplement.

We may issue our debt securities in one or more series with the same or different maturities. We may issue our debt securities at a price lower than their stated principal amount or lower than

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their minimum guaranteed repayment amount at maturity (each, an “Original Issue Discount Security”). Original Issue Discount Securities may bear no interest or may bear interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates. Certain debt securities may be deemed to be issued with original issue discount for United States federal income tax purposes. If we issue debt securities with original issue discount, we will discuss the federal tax implications in a prospectus supplement.

Each prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any debt securities we issue, which may include the following:

Our ability to make payments of principal and any premium and interest on the debt securities may be affected by the ability of our banking and nonbanking subsidiaries to pay dividends.

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Their ability, as well as our ability, to pay dividends in the future is and could be influenced by bank regulatory requirements and capital guidelines. See “Regulatory Matters.”

Neither Indenture contains provisions protecting holders against a decline in our credit quality resulting from takeovers, recapitalizations, the incurrence of additional indebtedness, or restructuring. If our credit quality declines as a result of such an event, or otherwise, the ratings of any debt securities then outstanding may be withdrawn or downgraded.

Redemption and Repayment

Unless stated otherwise in a prospectus supplement, our debt securities will not be entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund, which means we will not deposit money on a regular basis into any separate custodial account to repay the debt securities. The prospectus supplement will indicate whether we may redeem the debt securities prior to their stated maturity date. If we may redeem the debt securities prior to their stated maturity date, the prospectus supplement will describe the redemption price and the method for redemption. The prospectus supplement also will indicate whether the debt securities can be repaid at the holder’s option prior to their stated maturity date. If the debt securities may be repaid prior to maturity, the prospectus supplement will indicate the cost to repay the notes and the procedure for repayment.

We, or our affiliates, may repurchase debt securities from investors who are willing to sell them from time to time, either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. We, or our affiliates, have the discretion to hold, resell, or cancel any repurchased debt securities.

Reopenings

We have the ability to “reopen,” or later increase, the principal amount of a series of our debt securities without notice to the existing holders of securities of that series by selling additional debt securities with the same terms except that any new securities may begin to bear interest at a different date.

Conversion

We may issue debt securities that are convertible, at either our or the holder’s option, into our preferred stock, depositary shares, common stock, or other debt securities. The prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any conversion features including:

Exchange, Registration, and Transfer

Subject to the terms of the applicable Indenture, debt securities of any series, other than debt securities issued in book-entry form, may be exchanged at the option of the holder for other debt securities of the same series and of an equal aggregate principal amount and type in any authorized denominations.

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Debt securities may be presented for registration of transfer at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated and maintained by us. The prospectus supplement will include the name of the transfer agent. The security registrar or transfer agent will make the transfer or registration only if it is satisfied with the documents of title and identity of the person making the request. There will not be a service charge for any exchange or registration of transfer of debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with the exchange. We may change transfer agents or approve a change in the location through which any transfer agent acts at any time, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for each series of debt securities. At any time, we may designate additional transfer agents for any series of debt securities.

We will not be required to (1) issue, exchange, or register the transfer of any debt security of any series to be redeemed for a period of 15 days before those debt securities were selected for redemption or (2) exchange or register the transfer of any debt security that was selected, called, or is being called for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any debt security being redeemed in part.

For a discussion of restrictions on the exchange, registration, and transfer of global securities, see “Registration and Settlement.”

Payment and Paying Agents

The principal and any premium and interest, or other payments on our debt securities will be paid at the offices of the paying agents we designate from time to time. In addition, at our option, payment of any interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the holder as recorded in the security register. On any interest payment date, interest on a debt security generally will be paid to the person in whose name the debt security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for that payment. For a discussion of payment of principal, premium, interest, or other payment on global securities, see “Registration and Settlement.”

We have initially designated the principal corporate trust offices of the trustees in the City of New York as the places where the debt securities may be presented for payment. We may change paying agents or the designated payment office at any time. Any other paying agents for our debt securities of each series will be named in the prospectus supplement.

Subordination

Our subordinated debt securities are subordinated in right of payment to all of our senior indebtedness. The Subordinated Indenture defines “senior indebtedness” as any indebtedness for money borrowed, including all of our indebtedness for borrowed and purchased money, all of our obligations arising from off-balance sheet guarantees and direct credit substitutes, and our obligations associated with derivative products such as interest and foreign exchange rate contracts and commodity contracts, that were outstanding on the date we executed the Subordinated Indenture, or were created, incurred, or assumed after that date and all deferrals, renewals, extensions, and refundings of that indebtedness or obligations unless the instrument creating or evidencing the indebtedness provides that the indebtedness is subordinate in right of payment to any of our other indebtedness. Each prospectus supplement for a series of subordinated debt securities will indicate the aggregate amount of our senior indebtedness outstanding at that time and any limitation on the issuance of additional senior indebtedness.

If there is a default or event of default on any senior indebtedness that is not remedied and we and the trustee of the Subordinated Indenture receive notice of this default from the holders of at least 10% in principal amount of any kind or category of any senior indebtedness or if the trustee of the Subordinated Indenture receives notice from us, we will not be able to make any

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principal, premium, interest, or other payments on the subordinated debt securities or repurchase our subordinated debt securities.

If we repay any subordinated debt security before the required date or in connection with a distribution of our assets to creditors pursuant to a dissolution, winding up, liquidation, or reorganization, any principal, and any premium and interest, or other payment will be paid to holders of senior indebtedness before any holders of subordinated indebtedness are paid. In addition, if such amounts were previously paid to the holders of subordinated debt or the trustee of the Subordinated Indenture, the holders of senior debt shall have first rights to such amounts previously paid.

Upon payment in full of all our senior indebtedness, the holders of our subordinated debt securities will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of our senior indebtedness to receive payments or distributions of our assets.

Sale or Issuance of Capital Stock of Banks

The Senior Indenture prohibits the issuance, sale, or other disposition of capital stock, or securities convertible into or options, warrants, or rights to acquire capital stock, of any Principal Subsidiary Bank (as defined below) or of any subsidiary which owns shares of capital stock, or securities convertible into or options, warrants, or rights to acquire capital stock, of any Principal Subsidiary Bank, with the following exceptions:

A “Principal Subsidiary Bank” is defined in the Senior Indenture as any bank with total assets equal to more than 10% of our total consolidated assets. At present, Bank of America, N.A. is our only Principal Subsidiary Bank.

Waiver of Covenants

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of all affected series then outstanding under the Indenture may waive compliance with certain covenants or conditions of the Indentures.

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Modification of the Indentures

We and the applicable trustee may modify the Indenture with the consent of the holders of at least 66 ²/3% of the aggregate principal amount of all series of debt securities under that Indenture affected by the modification. However, no modification may extend the fixed maturity of, reduce the principal amount or redemption premium of, or reduce the rate of or extend the time of payment of interest on, any debt security without the consent of each holder affected by the modification. No modification may reduce the percentage of debt securities which is required to consent to modification without the consent of all holders of the debt securities outstanding.

In addition, we and the trustee may execute supplemental indentures in some circumstances without the consent of any holders of outstanding debt securities.

For purposes of determining the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities outstanding at any time in connection with any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, or waiver under the applicable Indenture, (a) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security is that amount that would be due and payable at such time upon an event of default, and (b) the principal amount of a debt security denominated in a foreign currency or currency unit is the U.S. dollar equivalent on the date of original issuance of the debt security.

Meetings and Action by Securityholders

The trustee may call a meeting in its discretion or upon request by us or the holders of at least 10% in principal amount of a series of outstanding debt securities by giving notice. If a meeting of holders is duly held, any resolution raised or decision taken will be binding on all holders of debt securities of that series.

Defaults and Rights of Acceleration

The Senior Indenture defines an event of default for a series of senior debt securities as any one of the following events:

The Subordinated Indenture defines an event of default only as our bankruptcy under federal bankruptcy laws.

If an event of default occurs and is continuing, either the trustee or the holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount, or if the debt securities are Original Issue Discount Securities, a specified portion of the principal amount, of all debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities then outstanding or of such series affected may in certain circumstances annul the declaration of acceleration and waive past defaults.

Payment of principal of the subordinated debt securities may not be accelerated in the case of a default in the payment of principal, or any premium or interest, or any other amounts or the performance of any of our other covenants.

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Collection of Indebtedness

If we fail to pay principal of or premium on any debt securities or if we are over 30 days late on an interest payment on the debt securities, the appropriate trustee can demand that we pay to it, for the benefit of the holders of those debt securities, the amount which is due and payable on those debt securities including any interest incurred because of our failure to make that payment. If we fail to pay the required amount on demand, the trustee may take appropriate action, including instituting judicial proceedings against us. In addition, a holder may also file suit to enforce our obligation to make payment of principal, any premium or interest, or any other amounts due on any debt security regardless of the actions taken by the trustee.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities then outstanding under an Indenture may direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee under that Indenture, but the trustee will be entitled to receive from the holders a reasonable indemnity against expenses and liabilities.

Periodically, we are required to file with the trustees a certificate stating that we are not in default under any of the terms of the Indentures.

Notices

We will provide the holders with any required notices by first-class mail to the addresses of the holders as they appear in the security register.

Concerning the Trustees

We and our subsidiaries have from time to time maintained deposit accounts and conducted other banking transactions with The Bank of New York and its affiliated entities in the ordinary course of business. The Bank of New York also serves as trustee for certain series of our outstanding indebtedness under other indentures.

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

General

We may issue warrants that are either debt warrants or universal warrants. We may offer warrants separately or together with any of our other securities, including other warrants and units, consisting of two or more securities in any combination, as described in the section “Description of Units.”

We may issue warrants in such amounts or in as many distinct series as we wish. We will issue each series of warrants under a warrant agreement with a warrant agent designated in the prospectus supplement. We will describe in a prospectus supplement the specific terms of the warrants. When we refer to a series of warrants, we mean all warrants issued as part of the same series under the applicable warrant agreement.

Description of Debt Warrants

Debt warrants are rights for the purchase of debt securities. Debt warrants may be issued independently or together with any of our other securities and may be attached to or separate from such securities. Any debt warrant agreement will be filed as an exhibit to or incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

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If debt warrants are offered, the prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the debt warrants and the warrant agreement relating to the debt warrants, including the following:

Description of Universal Warrants

Universal warrants are rights for the purchase or sale of, or whose cash value is determined by reference to the performance, level, or value of, one or more of the following:

We refer to each property described above as “warrant property.”

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We may satisfy our obligations, if any, and the holder of a universal warrant may satisfy its obligations, if any, with respect to any universal warrants by delivering:

The prospectus supplement will describe what we may deliver to satisfy our obligations, if any, and what the holder of a universal warrant may deliver to satisfy its obligations, if any, with respect to any universal warrants.

Universal warrants may be issued independently or together with other securities offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from the other securities. Any universal warrant agreement will be filed as an exhibit to or incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

If universal warrants are offered, the prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the universal warrants and the warrant agreement, including the following:

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Modification

We and the warrant agent may amend the terms of any warrant agreement and the warrants without the consent of the holders to cure any ambiguity or correct any inconsistent provision or in any other manner we deem necessary or desirable and which will not adversely affect the interests of the holders. In addition, we may amend the warrant agreement and the terms of the warrants with the consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding unexercised warrants affected. However, any modification to the warrants cannot change the exercise price, reduce the amounts receivable upon exercise, cancellation or expiration, shorten the time period during which the warrants may be exercised, or otherwise materially and adversely affect the rights of the holders of the warrants or reduce the percentage of outstanding warrants required to modify or amend the warrant agreement or the terms of the warrants, without the consent of the affected holders.

Enforceability of Rights of Warrantholders; Governing Law

The warrant agent will act solely as our agent and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with the holders of the warrants. Any record holder or beneficial owner of a warrant, without anyone else’s consent, may enforce by appropriate legal action, on his or her own behalf, his or her right to exercise the warrant in accordance with its terms. A holder of a warrant will not be entitled to any of the rights of a holder of the debt securities or other securities or warrant property purchasable upon the exercise of the warrant, including any right to receive payments on those securities or warrant property or to enforce any covenants or rights in the relevant indenture or any other agreement, before exercising the warrant.

No warrant agreement will be qualified as an indenture, and no warrant agent will be required to qualify as a trustee under the Trust Indenture Act. Therefore, holders of warrants issued under a warrant agreement will not have the protection of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to their warrants.

Unsecured Obligations

Any warrants we issue will be our unsecured contractual obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured contractual obligations. Since most of our assets are owned by our subsidiaries, our rights and the rights of our creditors, including holders of warrants, to participate in the distribution of assets of any subsidiary upon that subsidiary’s liquidation or recapitalization will be subject to the prior claims of that subsidiary’s creditors.

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

General

We may issue units consisting of one or more securities. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.

If units are offered, the prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the units, including the following:

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Modification

We and the unit agent may amend the terms of any unit agreement and the units without the consent of the holders to cure any ambiguity or correct any inconsistent provision or in any other manner we deem necessary or desirable and which will not adversely affect the interests of the holders. In addition, we may amend the unit agreement and the terms of the units with the consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding unexpired units affected. However, any modification to the units that materially and adversely affects the rights of the holders of the units or reduces the percentage of outstanding units required to modify or amend the unit agreement or the terms of the units, requires the consent of the affected holders.

Enforceability of Rights of Unitholders; Governing Law

The unit agent will act solely as our agent and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with the holders of the units. Except as described below, any record holder of a unit, without anyone else’s consent, may enforce his or her rights as holder under any security included in the unit, in accordance with the terms of the included security and the Indenture, warrant agreement, or unit agreement under which that security is issued. Those terms are described in other sections of this prospectus relating to debt securities and warrants.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a unit agreement may limit or otherwise affect the ability of a holder of units issued under that agreement to enforce his or her rights, including any right to bring legal action, with respect to those units or any included securities, other than debt securities. Limitations of this kind will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

No unit agreement will be qualified as an indenture, and no unit agent will be required to qualify as a trustee under the Trust Indenture Act. Therefore, holders of units issued under a unit agreement will not have the protection of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to their units.

Unsecured Obligations

The units are our unsecured contractual obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured contractual obligations. Since most of our assets are owned by our subsidiaries, our rights and the rights of our creditors, including holders of units, to participate in the distribution of assets of any subsidiary upon that subsidiary’s liquidation or recapitalization will be subject to the prior claims of that subsidiary’s creditors.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

General

We have 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, authorized and may issue such preferred stock in one or more series, each with such preferences, designations, limitations, conversion rights, and other rights as we may determine. We have designated:

(a) 3,000,000 shares of ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock, Series C (the “ESOP Preferred Stock”), of which 1,506,553 shares were issued and outstanding at December 31, 2001;

(b) 35,045 shares of 7% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series B (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), of which 7,926 shares were issued and outstanding at December 31, 2001; and