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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)

Registration No. 333-112708

€750,000,000

4% Senior Notes, due 2015

This global prospectus supplement and the attached prospectus describe our €750,000,000 Bank of America Corporation 4% Senior Notes, due 2015. We will pay interest on the notes on March 23 of each year, commencing on March 23, 2006. The notes mature on March 23, 2015 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 €50,000.

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., Fleet National Bank, or any other bank and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency. You should consider the information in the “ Risk Factors” section beginning on page S-4.

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 facilities of Clearstream Banking, société anonyme, and Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System, on or about March 23, 2005, against payment in immediately available funds in euro. Purchasers will pay accrued interest from March 23, 2005 if settlement occurs after that date.

The underwriters expect to offer the notes for sale primarily outside of the United States. Banc of America Securities Limited, acting through Banc of America Securities LLC, as its U.S. selling agent, and the other underwriters, acting through their U.S. affiliates or other U.S. broker-dealers, also may offer the notes in the United States.

Sole Book-Runner

Banc of America Securities Limited

Senior Co-Lead Manager

UBM-UniCredit Banca Mobiliare

Deutsche Bank

HVB Corporates & Markets

ING Financial Markets

Global Prospectus Supplement to Prospectus dated April 14, 2004

March 17, 2005

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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 imply 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 that 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 that 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 is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom, (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 Order 2001 (the “Order”), or (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). The notes are only available to, and any invitation, offer, or agreement to subscribe, purchase, or otherwise acquire such notes will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this global prospectus supplement or any of its contents.

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.

References in this global prospectus supplement to “$” and “dollars” are to the currency of the United States of America; references to “€” and “euro” are to the currency introduced at the start of the third stage of the European Economic and Monetary Union pursuant to Article 109g of the Treaty establishing the European Communities, as amended by the Treaty on European Union, as amended by the Treaty of Amsterdam.

For your convenience, this global prospectus supplement contains translations of euro amounts into U.S. dollars. U.S. dollar amounts have been translated from euro at the rate of €1.00 = $1.3373, the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in euro as announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for customs purposes on March 17, 2005.

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

In connection with the offering, Banc of America Securities Limited, or any person acting for it, may effect transactions which stabilize or maintain the market price of the notes at a level above that which

might otherwise prevail in the open market. These transactions may be effected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. This stabilization, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time and must be brought to an end after a limited period.

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RISK FACTORS

The notes are not denominated in U.S. dollars—that is, the principal and interest are payable in euro, and not U.S. dollars. Your decision to purchase the notes should be made only after carefully considering the currency risks and other risks of an investment in the notes, including those discussed below, with your advisors in light of your particular circumstances. The notes are not an appropriate investment for you if you are not knowledgeable about the significant terms and conditions of the notes or financial matters in general.

The information in this global prospectus supplement and the attached prospectus is directed primarily to investors who are U.S. residents. Investors who are not U.S. residents should consult their own financial and legal advisors about currency-related or other risks particular to their investment.

Exchange Rates and Controls May Affect the Notes’ Value or Return

The notes have significant risks that are not associated with a similar investment in a conventional debt security payable solely in U.S. dollars. These risks include possible significant changes in rates of exchange between the U.S. dollar and the euro and the imposition or modification of foreign exchange controls or other conditions by either the United States or non-U.S. governments. These risks generally are influenced by factors over which we have no control, such as economic and political events and the supply of and demand for the relevant currencies in the global markets.

Changes in Currency Exchange Rates Can Be Volatile and Unpredictable

Rates of exchange between the U.S. dollar and other currencies have been highly volatile. This volatility may continue and could spread to other currencies in the future. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates could affect adversely an investment in these euro-denominated notes. Depreciation of the euro against the U.S. dollar could result in a decrease in the U.S. dollar-equivalent value of payments on the notes, including the principal payable at maturity. That, in turn, could cause the market value of the notes to fall. Depreciation of the euro against the U.S. dollar could result in a loss to you on a U.S. dollar basis.

Government Policy Can Adversely Affect Currency Exchange Rates and an Investment in the Notes

Currency exchange rates either can float or be fixed by sovereign governments. Governments or governmental bodies, including the European Central Bank, may intervene in their economy to alter the exchange rates or exchange characteristics of their currency. For example, a central bank may intervene to devalue or revalue a currency or to replace an existing currency. In addition, a government may impose regulatory controls or taxes to affect the exchange rate of its currency. As a result, the yield or payout of a euro-denominated note could be affected significantly and unpredictably by governmental actions. Changes in exchange rates could affect the value of the notes as participants in the global currency markets move to buy or sell euro or U.S. dollars in reaction to these developments.

If a governmental authority imposes exchange controls or other conditions, such as taxes on the transfer of the euro, there may be limited availability of euro for payment on the notes at their maturity or on any other payment date. In addition, the ability of a holder to move currency freely out of the country in which payment in the currency is received or to convert the currency at a freely determined market rate could be limited by governmental actions.

We Will Make Payments in U.S. Dollars if We Are Unable to Obtain or Make Payment in Euro

Under the terms of the notes, if at or about the time when a payment on the notes comes due, the euro is subject to convertibility, transferability, market disruption, or other conditions affecting its availability because of circumstances beyond our control, we may make the payment in U.S. dollars instead of euro. These circumstances could include the imposition of exchange controls or our inability to obtain euro

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because of a disruption in the currency markets for the euro. The exchange rate used to make payment in U.S. dollars may be based on limited information and would involve significant discretion on the part of our exchange agent. As a result, the value of the payment in U.S. dollars may be less than the value of the payment you would have received in euro if euro had been available.

We Will Not Adjust the Notes to Compensate for Changes in Currency Exchange Rates

Except as described above, we will not make any adjustment in or change to the terms of the notes for changes in the exchange rate for euro, including any devaluation, revaluation, or imposition of exchange, or other regulatory controls or taxes, or for other developments affecting the euro, the U.S. dollar, or any other currency. Consequently, you will bear the risk that your investment may be adversely affected by these types of events.

In a Lawsuit for Payment on a Note, You May Bear Currency Exchange Risk

The notes are governed by New York law. Under Section 27 of the New York Judiciary Law, a state court in the State of New York rendering a judgment on the notes denominated in euro would be required to render the judgment in euro. In turn, the judgment would be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of entry of the judgment. Consequently, in a lawsuit for payment on the notes, you would bear currency exchange risk until judgment is entered, which could be a long time.

In courts outside of New York, you may not be able to obtain judgment in a specified currency other than U.S. dollars. For example, a judgment for money in an action based on the notes in many other U.S. federal or state courts ordinarily would be enforced in the United States only in U.S. dollars. The date used to determine the rate of conversion of the euro into U.S. dollars will depend upon various factors, including which court renders the judgment.

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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. Bank of America Corporation was incorporated in 1998 as part of the merger of BankAmerica Corporation with NationsBank Corporation.

Business Segment Information

We provide a diversified range of banking and nonbanking financial services and products in 29 states and the District of Columbia and in selected international markets. We provide services and products through four business segments: (1) Global Consumer and Small Business Banking, (2) Global Business and Financial Services, (3) Global Capital Markets and Investment Banking, and (4) Global Wealth and Investment Management.

FleetBoston Merger

On October 27, 2003, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with FleetBoston Financial Corporation, or “FleetBoston,” providing for the merger of FleetBoston with and into us (the “FleetBoston Merger”). The FleetBoston Merger closed on April 1, 2004, and we were the surviving corporation in the transaction. Following the FleetBoston Merger, our principal banking subsidiaries are Bank of America, N.A. and Fleet National Bank. Additional financial information in connection with the FleetBoston Merger is included in our current reports on Forms 8-K/A filed with the SEC on April 14, 2004, May 7, 2004, July 14, 2004, October 14, 2004, and January 18, 2005, which are available at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

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.

RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges for Bank of America for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2004, are as follows:

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth: (1) our actual capitalization as of December 31, 2004; and (2) our capitalization as adjusted for the issuance of the notes and the issuance and maturity of some of our debt and capital securities during the period beginning January 1, 2005 through the date of this global prospectus supplement. As of the date of this global prospectus supplement, there has been no material change in our capitalization since December 31, 2004, except as described in the table below and the related notes.

As of December 31, 2004, we had $20.8 billion of commercial paper and other short-term borrowings outstanding.

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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table contains selected financial data (1) for Bank of America as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004 derived from our audited financial statements; (2) for Bank of America and FleetBoston prepared using unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information combining the historical financial information of Bank of America and FleetBoston as of and for the year ended December 31, 2003 as if the closing date of the FleetBoston Merger had been January 1, 2003, in the case of the income statement related items, and December 31, 2003, in the case of the balance sheet related items; and (3) for Bank of America and FleetBoston prepared using unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information combining the historical financial information of Bank of America and FleetBoston for the year ended December 31, 2004 as if the closing date of the FleetBoston Merger had been January 1, 2003. The unaudited financial statements of Bank of America include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, that are considered necessary for a fair statement of Bank of America’s financial position and the results of Bank of America’s operations as of such dates and for such periods. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year classifications.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

General

You should read the following description of the 4% Senior Notes, due 2015 along with the “Description of Debt Securities” in the attached prospectus. The notes are our direct unsecured obligations. We will issue €750,000,000 of the notes in denominations of €50,000 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 March 23, 2005, at 4% annually, payable in arrears. Interest will be payable on March 23 of each year, commencing March 23, 2006, to holders of record of the notes on the previous March 15, which is the designated record date.

Interest is payable on the outstanding principal amount of notes from, and including, the issue date or 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 as a result of the postponement. The term “Business Day” means any weekday that (1) is not a legal holiday in New York, New York, Charlotte, North Carolina, or Luxembourg, (2) is not a day on which banking institutions in those cities are authorized or required by law or regulation to be closed, and (3) is a day on which the Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (“TARGET”) System or any successor system is open for business. Initially, we will make principal and interest payments at the office of The Bank of New York, as trustee, 48th Floor, One Canada Square, London, E14 5AL. 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 the actual number of days in the interest period divided by 365 or 366, as applicable.

Payments of interest and principal on the notes normally will be made in euro. However, if the euro is not available to us due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the imposition of exchange controls or a disruption in the currency markets, we are entitled to satisfy our obligation to make the payment in euro by making the payment in U.S. dollars instead, using an exchange rate determined by Banc of America Securities Limited, as exchange rate agent, in its sole discretion.

The notes will mature on March 23, 2015 and 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 that 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, beneficial owner, partner, 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 that 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 each state of the United 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 under the Senior Indenture 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 under the Senior Indenture 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 United States 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 United States 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 achieve 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.

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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 Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or its nominee. In order to own a beneficial interest in a note, you must be an organization that participates, directly or indirectly, in Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg. The initial common depository for Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg will be The Bank of New York, and The Depository Trust Company will not be the depository for the notes. 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, assessment, 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 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.

The distribution of the notes will be cleared through Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg. Any secondary market trading of book-entry interests in the notes will take place through Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg participants and will settle in same-day funds. Owners of book-entry interests in the notes will receive payments relating to their notes in euro.

Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg have established electronic securities and payment transfer, processing, depository, and custodial links among themselves and others, either directly or through custodians and depositories. These links allow securities to be issued, held, and transferred among the clearing systems without the physical transfer of certificates. Special procedures to facilitate clearance and settlement have been established among these clearing systems to trade securities across borders in the secondary market.

The policies of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg will govern payments, transfers, exchanges, and other matters relating to the investor’s interest in securities held by them. We have no responsibility for any aspect of the records kept by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or any of their direct or indirect participants. We also do not supervise these systems in any way.

Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg and their participants perform these clearance and settlement functions under agreements they have made with one another or with their customers. You should be aware that they are not obligated to perform or continue to perform these procedures and may modify them or discontinue them at any time.

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 Senior Indenture governing the notes, including for purposes of receiving any reports delivered by us or the trustee under the Senior Indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in the notes must rely on the procedures of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg 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.

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Payment in U.S. Dollars

If euro are unavailable for a payment on the notes due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the imposition of exchange controls or a disruption in the currency markets, we will be entitled to satisfy our obligation to make the payment in euro by making the payment in U.S. dollars instead, on the basis of the exchange rate determined by Banc of America Securities Limited, as exchange rate agent, in its sole discretion. We may change the exchange rate agent from time to time after the original issue date of the notes without your consent and without notifying you of the change.

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 Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or a 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 under the Senior Indenture or the paying agent.

Notices

Any notices required to be delivered to the holders of the notes will be given 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 also will be given by mail to the addresses of the holders as they appear on the security register. However, 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. 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 global securities, The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A. is our intermediary agent in Luxembourg.

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UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following summary of some of the United States federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership, and disposition of the notes is based upon laws, regulations, rulings, and decisions now in effect, all of which are subject to change (including changes in effective dates) or possible differing interpretations. It deals only with notes held as capital assets and does not purport to deal with persons in special tax situations, including financial institutions, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, tax-exempt entities, dealers in securities or currencies, persons holding notes in a tax-deferred or tax-advantaged account, persons holding notes as a hedge against currency risks or as a position in a “straddle” or as part of a “conversion” transaction for tax purposes, or persons who are required to mark-to-market for tax purposes. It also does not deal with holders other than original purchasers, except where otherwise specifically noted. Persons considering the purchase of the notes should consult their own tax advisors concerning the application of United States federal income tax laws to their particular situations as well as any consequences of the purchase, ownership, and disposition of the notes arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

As used in this global prospectus supplement, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of a note that is for United States federal income tax purposes:

(1) a citizen or resident of the United States;

(2) a corporation or partnership (including an entity treated as a corporation or partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state or the District of Columbia (other than a partnership that is not treated as a United States person under any applicable Treasury regulations);

(3) an estate whose income is subject to United States federal income tax regardless of its source; or

(4) a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust. To the extent provided in regulations, some types of trusts in existence on August 20, 1996 and treated as United States persons prior to that date which elect to continue to be so treated will also be considered U.S. Holders.

As used in this section, the term “non-U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of a note that is not a U.S. Holder.

We have assumed for purposes of the discussion below that the functional currency of a U.S. Holder is the U.S. dollar. As used in this section, “Foreign Currency” means a currency other than U.S. dollars.

U.S. Holders

Payments of Interest

Cash Method. If you are a U.S. Holder who uses the cash method of accounting for United States federal income tax purposes, when you receive a payment of interest on a note (other than market discount), you will be required to include in income the U.S. dollar value of the Foreign Currency payment (determined on the date such payment is received) regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted to U.S. dollars at that time. This U.S. dollar value will be your tax basis in the Foreign Currency.

Accrual Method. If you are a U.S. Holder who uses the accrual method of accounting for United States federal income tax purposes, or who otherwise is required to accrue interest prior to receipt, you will be required to include in income the U.S. dollar value of the amount of interest income that has accrued and is otherwise required to be taken into account with respect to a note during an accrual period. The U.S. dollar value of that accrued income will be determined by translating that income at the average rate of exchange for the accrual period or, with respect to an accrual period that spans two taxable years, at the average rate for the partial period within the taxable year. You may elect, however, to translate the accrued interest income using the rate of exchange on the last day of the accrual period or, for an accrual period that spans

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two taxable years, using the rate of exchange on the last day of the taxable year. If the last day of an accrual period is within five business days of the date of receipt of the accrued interest, you may translate the interest using the rate of exchange on the date of receipt. This election will apply to all other debt obligations held by you and may not be changed without the consent of the IRS. You should consult a tax advisor before making this election.

In addition to the interest income described above, because the notes are denominated and interest will be paid in a Foreign Currency, you will be required to recognize currency gain or loss. This gain or loss will be treated as ordinary income or loss. The currency gain or loss will be recognized on the date interest is received or the notes are disposed of and will equal the difference, if any, between the U.S. dollar value of the Foreign Currency payment received (determined on the date the payment is received) in respect of the related accrual period and the U.S. dollar value of interest income that has accrued during that accrual period (as determined above).

De Minimis Original Issue Discount

The notes will be issued with de minimis original issue discount (“de minimis OID”) as determined under the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”). De minimis OID generally is treated as gain recognized upon receipt of the payment of principal. Eligible holders may elect to include this discount in gross income as it accrues.

Purchase, Sale, and Retirement of Notes

If you purchase a note with previously owned Foreign Currency, you will recognize currency gain or loss (which will be treated as ordinary income or loss) in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between your tax basis in the Foreign Currency and the U.S. dollar fair market value of the Foreign Currency used to purchase the note, determined on the date of purchase.

Upon the sale, exchange, or retirement of a note, you will recognize taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale, exchange, or retirement and your adjusted tax basis in the note. This gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss (except to the extent of any accrued market discount you did not previously include in income and the amount of any currency gain or loss as described below) and will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of sale, exchange, or retirement you have held the note for more than one year. To the extent the amount realized represents accrued but unpaid interest, however, these amounts must be taken into account as interest income, with currency gain or loss computed as described in “U.S. Holders—Payments of Interest” above. If you receive Foreign Currency on such a sale, exchange, or retirement, the amount realized will be based on the U.S. dollar value of the Foreign Currency on the date the payment is received or the note is disposed of (or deemed disposed of as a result of a material change in the terms of the note). If, however, a note is traded on an established securities market and you are a cash basis taxpayer (or an accrual basis taxpayer that has made an appropriate election), the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized will be determined by translating the Foreign Currency payment at the spot rate of exchange on the settlement date of the sale. Your adjusted tax basis in a note will equal the amount you paid for the note, increased by the amounts of any market discount you previously included in income with respect to such note and reduced by any amortized acquisition or other premium and any principal payments you received in respect of the note. For purposes of the previous sentence, the amount of any payment in or adjustments measured by Foreign Currency will be equal to the U.S. dollar value of that Foreign Currency on the date of the purchase or adjustment.

Gain or loss realized upon the sale, exchange, or retirement of a note that is attributable to fluctuations in currency exchange rates will be ordinary income or loss which will not be treated as interest income or expense. Gain or loss attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates will equal the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the Foreign Currency principal amount of the note, determined on the date the payment is received or the note is disposed of, and the U.S. dollar value of the Foreign Currency principal amount of the note, determined on the date you acquired the note. This Foreign Currency gain or loss will be recognized only to the extent of the total gain or loss you realized on the sale, exchange, or retirement of the note.

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Premium

If you purchase a note at a cost greater than the note’s remaining redemption amount, you will be considered to have purchased the note at a premium, and you may elect to amortize the premium as an offset to interest income, using a constant yield method, over the remaining term of the note. If you make this election, it generally will apply to all debt instruments that you hold at the time of the election, as well as any debt instruments that you subsequently acquire. In addition, you may not revoke the election without the consent of the IRS. If you elect to amortize the premium, you will be required to reduce your tax basis in the note by the amount of the premium amortized during your holding period. Because the notes are denominated in a Foreign Currency, you should calculate the amortization of the premium in the Foreign Currency. Premium amortization deductions attributable to a period reduce interest income in respect of that period, and therefore are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate that you use for interest payments in respect of that period. Currency gain or loss will be realized with respect to amortized premium based on the difference between the exchange rate computed on the date or dates the premium is amortized against interest payments on the note and the exchange rate on the date you acquired the note. If you do not elect to amortize premium, the amount of premium will be included in your tax basis in the note. Therefore, if you do not elect to amortize premium and you hold the note to maturity, you generally will be required to treat the premium as capital loss when the note matures.

Market Discount

If you purchase a note at a price that is lower than the note’s remaining redemption amount by 0.25% or more of the remaining redemption amount, multiplied by the number of remaining whole years to maturity, the note will be considered to bear “market discount” in your hands. In this case, any gain that you realize on the disposition of the note generally will be treated as ordinary interest income to the extent of the market discount that accrued on the note during your holding period. In addition, you may be required to defer the deduction of a portion of the interest paid on any indebtedness that you incurred or maintained to purchase or carry the note. In general, market discount will be treated as accruing ratably over the term of the note, or, at your election, under a constant yield method. You must accrue market discount on a note denominated in a Foreign Currency in the specified currency. The amount that you will be required to include in income in respect of accrued market discount will be the U.S. dollar value of the accrued amount, generally calculated at the exchange rate in effect on the date that you dispose of the note. No part of this accrued market discount will be treated as currency gain or loss.

You may elect to include market discount in gross income currently as it accrues (on either a ratable or constant yield basis), in lieu of treating a portion of any gain realized on a sale of the note as ordinary income. If you elect to include market discount on a current basis, the interest deduction deferral rule described above will not apply. If you do make such an election, it will apply to all market discount debt instruments that you acquire on or after the first day of the first taxable year to which the election applies. The election may not be revoked without the consent of the IRS. Any accrued market discount on a note denominated in a Foreign Currency that is currently includible in income will be translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for the accrual period (or portion of the accrual period within the holder’s taxable year). Currency gain or loss with respect to accrued market discount currently includable in income is determined in the manner described above in “U.S. Holders—Payments of Interest —Accrual Method” with respect to the computation of currency gain or loss on accrued interest.

Exchange of Foreign Currencies

You will have a tax basis in any Foreign Currency received as interest or on the sale, exchange, or retirement of a note equal to the U.S. dollar value of such Foreign Currency, determined at the time the interest is received or at the time of the sale, exchange, or retirement. Any gain or loss that you realize on a sale or other disposition of Foreign Currency (including its exchange for U.S. dollars or its use to purchase notes) will be ordinary income or loss.

Backup Withholding and Reporting

In general, payments of principal, premium (if any), and interest with respect to a note will be subject to reporting and possibly to backup withholding. Reporting means that the payment is required to be reported

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to you and the IRS. Backup withholding means that we (or any paying agent) are required to collect and deposit a portion of the payment with the IRS as a tax payment on your behalf. If applicable, backup withholding will be imposed at a rate of 28%. This rate is scheduled to increase to 31% after 2010.

Generally, payments of principal, premium (if any), and interest with respect to a note will be subject to backup withholding unless you are an exempt recipient, such as a corporation, and you supply us (or any paying agent) with a taxpayer identification number and certify that the taxpayer identification number is correct or you otherwise establish an exemption. In addition, backup withholding will be imposed on any payment of principal, premium (if any), and interest with respect to a note if you have been informed by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury that you have not reported all dividend and interest income required to be shown on your United States federal income tax return or you fail to certify that you have not underreported your interest and dividend income.

Payments of the proceeds from the sale of a note to or through a foreign office of a broker, custodian, nominee, or other foreign agent acting on your behalf generally will not be subject to reporting or backup withholding. If, however, such nominee, custodian, agent, or broker is, for United States federal income tax purposes, (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, (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 that derives 50% or more of its gross income for certain periods from the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, or (6) a U.S. branch of a foreign bank or insurance company, these payments will be subject to reporting, unless you otherwise establish an exemption from reporting.

Payments by the United States office of a broker of proceeds from the sale of a note will be subject to both backup withholding and reporting unless you (1) provide the payor with a taxpayer identification number, or (2) otherwise establish an exemption.

If you are a U.S. Holder and you do not provide the payor with your correct taxpayer identification number, you may be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS.

Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against your United States federal income tax liability provided certain required information is furnished to the IRS.

Reportable Transactions

Applicable Treasury regulations require taxpayers that participate in “reportable transactions” to disclose their participation to the IRS by attaching Form 8886 to their tax returns and to retain a copy of all documents and records related to the transaction. In addition, “material advisors” with respect to such a transaction are required to file returns and maintain records, including lists identifying investors in the transaction, and to furnish those records to the IRS upon demand. A transaction may be a “reportable transaction” based on any of several criteria, one or more of which may be present with respect to an investment in the notes. Whether an investment in the notes constitutes a “reportable transaction” for any investor depends on that investor’s particular circumstances. The regulations provide that, in addition to certain other transactions, a “loss transaction” constitutes a “reportable transaction.” A “loss transaction” is any transaction resulting in the taxpayer claiming a loss under section 165 of the Code in an amount equal to or in excess of certain threshold amounts. The regulations specifically provide that a loss resulting from a “section 988 transaction” will constitute a section 165 loss. In general, a note will be subject to the rules governing foreign currency exchange gain or loss. Therefore, losses realized with respect to a note may constitute a section 988 transaction, and a holder of notes that recognizes exchange loss in an amount that exceeds the loss threshold amount applicable to that holder may be required to file Form 8886. Investors should consult their own tax advisors concerning any possible disclosure obligation they may have with respect to their investment in the notes and should be aware that, should any “material advisor” determine that the return filing or investor list maintenance requirements apply to this transaction, they would comply with these requirements.

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Non-U.S. Holders

Income Tax Withholding

Under current United States federal income tax law, and subject to the discussion below concerning backup withholding, if you are a non-U.S. Holder, payments of principal, premium (if any), or interest on a note that you own will not be subject to withholding of United States federal income tax provided that:

•  You do not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote;

•  You are not a controlled foreign corporation that is related to us through stock ownership;

•  You are not a bank receiving interest on an extension of credit made pursuant to a loan

agreement entered into in the ordinary course of your trade or business; and

•  Either (1) you provide us (or the paying agent) with a statement which sets forth your name and address, and certify, under penalties of perjury, that you are the beneficial owner of the notes and that you are not a United States person, citizen, or resident (which certification may be made on an IRS Form W-8BEN (or successor form)), or (2) a partnership holding the note or a financial institution holding the note on your behalf furnishes us (or the paying agent) with a copy of such statement and certifies, under penalties of perjury (which certification may be made on an IRS Form W-8IMY (or successor form)), that it has or will provide us (or the paying agent) with a withholding statement.

Payments that do not meet the requirements set forth above, and which are therefore subject to withholding of United States federal income tax, may nevertheless be exempt from withholding if you provide us with either (1) a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN (or successor form) claiming an exemption from withholding under the benefit of a tax treaty, or (2) a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI (or successor form) stating that interest paid on the note is not subject to withholding because it is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States. However, any payments received on a note that is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States will be subject to tax in the manner described above with respect to U.S. Holders and, if you are a corporation, under some circumstances, may be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate (or a lower rate if you are eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty that provides for a lower rate). To claim benefits under an income tax treaty, you must obtain a taxpayer identification number and certify as to your eligibility under the appropriate treaty’s provisions relating to limitations on benefits.

You will not be subject to United States federal income tax on any gain realized on the sale, exchange, or retirement of a note if (1) the gain is not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, and (2) if you are an individual, you are not present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale or other disposition.

Backup Withholding and Reporting

Payments of principal, premium (if any), and interest with respect to a note and proceeds from the sale of a note will not be subject to backup withholding so long as you have certified to us (or the paying agent) that you are not a United States person (in the manner described above in “Non-U.S. Holders—Income Tax Withholding”) and we (or the paying agent) do not have actual knowledge that your certification is false (or you otherwise establish an exemption). However, if you do not certify that you are not a United States person or we have actual knowledge that your certification is false (and you have not otherwise established an exemption), you will be subject to backup withholding and reporting in the manner described above in “U.S. Holders—Backup Withholding and Reporting.”

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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 that 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 a number of 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 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 one of our affiliates are considered a party in interest or a disqualified person for an ERISA plan, then an investment in notes by that ERISA plan may give rise to a prohibited transaction unless the notes are acquired under an applicable exemption. Available exemptions include, for example, transactions effected on behalf of a plan by a “qualified professional asset manager” or an “in-house asset manager,” transactions involving insurance company general accounts, and transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts, for transactions involving bank collective trusts. There are several ways by which we or our affiliates may be considered a party in interest or a disqualified person for 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 liabilities and the parties in interest or disqualified persons may 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”) beginning on July 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 each other EU member state, and certain non-EU countries, 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 will instead apply a withholding system for a transitional period in relation to these 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 March 17, 2005 with the underwriters named below. In the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to sell to each of the underwriters, and each of the underwriters have agreed to purchase from us, the principal amount of the notes shown opposite its name 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 also are 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 €745,725,000 (or approximately $997,300,000) as proceeds from the sale of notes, before deducting estimated offering expenses of $400,000. The underwriters will purchase the notes at the public offering price, less a selling concession of 0.15% and a management and underwriting commission of 0.25% of the principal amount of the notes. No underwriter, nor any of their affiliates, may offer or sell the notes at a price that is less than 99.830% of the principal amount of those notes, until the specified time notified to such parties by Banc of America Securities Limited. After the notes are released for sale to the public, the offering price and other selling terms may be varied from time to time by the underwriters.

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.

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 Luxembourg Stock 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.

In connection with the offering, Banc of America Securities Limited, or any person acting for it, may effect transactions which stabilize or maintain the market price of the notes at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. These transactions may be effected in the over-the-counter

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market or otherwise. This stabilization, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time and must be brought to an end after a limited period.

The offer and sale of any notes by Banc of America Securities Limited 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 and Banc of America Securities Limited are broker-dealers and our subsidiaries. Following the initial distribution of the notes, our affiliates, including Banc of America Securities LLC and Banc of America Securities Limited, 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 about 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.

This global prospectus supplement may be used by U.S. affiliates of the underwriters and other U.S. broker-dealers in connection with offers and sales of notes to persons located in the United States. These offers and sales may involve notes initially sold by the underwriters in this offering outside the United States.

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.

Selling Restrictions

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.

Greece

The offering of the notes is addressed only to professional investors, does not constitute a public offer, and has not been authorized by the Greek Capital Market Commission in accordance with Presidential Decree 52/1992.

Each underwriter has represented and agreed that it has not publicly offered or sold and will not publicly offer or sell any notes in, or to persons in, the Hellenic Republic, or engage in advertisements, notices, statements, or other actions in the Hellenic Republic, with a view to attracting resident investors in the Hellenic Republic to acquire notes. All applicable provisions of law 876/1979 and Presidential Decree 52/1992, as now in force, must be complied with in respect of anything done with regard to the public offering of notes in, from, or otherwise involving the Hellenic Republic.

Italy

The offering of the notes has not been registered pursuant to the Italian securities legislation and, accordingly, each of the underwriters has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold, and will not

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offer or sell, any notes in the Republic of Italy in a solicitation to the public, and that sales of the notes in the Republic of Italy shall be effected in accordance with all Italian securities, tax, exchange control, and other applicable laws and regulations.

Each of the underwriters has represented and agreed that it will not offer, sell, or deliver any notes or distribute copies of this global prospectus supplement or the attached prospectus or any other documents relating to the notes in the Republic of Italy except to “professional investors”, as defined in Article 31.2 of Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa (“CONSOB”) Regulation No. 11522 of 1st July 1998 (“Regulation No. 11522”), as amended, pursuant to Articles 30.2 and 100 of Legislative Decree No. 58 of 24th February 1998 (“Decree No. 58”), or in any other circumstances where an express exemption from compliance with the solicitation restrictions provided by Decree No. 58 or CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of 14th May 1999 applies, provided however, that any such offer, sale, or delivery of notes or distribution of copies of this global prospectus supplement or the attached prospectus or any other document relating to the notes in the Republic of Italy must be:

(a)  made by investment firms, banks, or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in the Republic of Italy in accordance with Legislative Decree No. 385 of 1st September 1993 (“Decree No. 385”), Decree No. 58, Regulation No. 11522, and any other applicable laws and regulations;

(b)  in compliance with Article 129 of Decree No. 385 and the implementing instructions of the Bank of Italy, pursuant to which the issue or placement of securities in Italy is subject to prior notification to the Bank of Italy, unless an exemption, depending inter alia, on the amount of the issue and the characteristics of the securities, applies; and

(c)  in compliance with any other applicable notification requirement or limitation which may be imposed by CONSOB or the Bank of Italy.

Japan

The notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan. Each underwriter has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, any notes, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which, for purposes of this global prospectus supplement, means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan) or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Securities and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws, regulations, and ministerial guidelines of Japan.

The Netherlands

Bank of America Corporation is not a credit institution registered with the Dutch Central Bank (De Nederlandsche Bank N.V.) pursuant to Section 52(2) of the Netherlands Credit System Supervision Act 1992 (Wet toezicht kredietwezen 1992).

In respect of the notes, each underwriter has represented and agreed:

(a)  that it has not, directly or indirectly, offered, sold, or transferred and will not, directly or indirectly, offer, sell, or transfer in The Netherlands any notes (including rights representing an interest in any global note) other than to professional market parties as defined in Section 1(e) of the Dutch Exemption Regulation pursuant to the Act on the Supervision of the Credit System (Vrijstellingsregeling Wet toezicht kredietwezen 1992) (which includes, among others, (1) banks, insurance companies, securities firms, pension funds, and investment institutions duly registered with the applicable Dutch supervisory authority; (2) the State of The Netherlands, the Dutch Central Bank, international treaty organizations, or supranational public institutions; (3) enterprises and institutions with consolidated total assets of at least €500,000,000 as at the end of the preceding calendar year; (4) enterprises, institutions or natural persons (A) with net own funds (total equity) of at least €10,000,000 as at the end

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of the preceding calendar year, and (B) which have been active on the financial markets at least twice a month on average during the last two years; and (5) enterprises with a rating (or which have issued securities having a rating) from Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, Fitch, or another rating agency accepted by the Dutch Central Bank; and

(b)  it will have sent to each person to which it sells any notes in The Netherlands (including rights representing an interest in any global note) a confirmation or other notice setting forth the above restrictions and stating that by purchasing any of the notes, each purchaser represents and agrees that it will send to any other person to whom it sells any of the notes a notice containing substantially the same statement as is contained in this sentence.

United Kingdom

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 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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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 Commerce 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, 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 intermediary agent, The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A. in Luxembourg.

Incorporation by Reference

We incorporate by reference into this global prospectus supplement 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, other than those portions furnished on Form 8-K, but not deemed filed.

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 intermediary agent, The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A. in 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

You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this global prospectus supplement. Our business, financial position, and results of operations may have changed since that date.

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Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The consolidated financial statements contained in our 2004 annual report on Form 10-K, incorporated by reference herein, have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report included therein.

Authorization

The notes are issued under authority granted by our Board of Directors on January 28, 2004 and by a committee appointed by our Board of Directors effective March 17, 2005.

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. The notes have been assigned Common Code No.: 021582336 and International Security Identification No. (ISIN): XS0215823369.

LEGAL OPINIONS

The legality of the notes will be passed upon for us by Helms Mulliss & Wicker, PLLC, Charlotte, North Carolina, and for the underwriters by Morrison & Foerster LLP, New York, New York. As of the date of this global prospectus supplement, certain members of Helms Mulliss & Wicker, PLLC beneficially own less than one-tenth of 1% of our outstanding shares of common stock.

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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 REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

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.

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PROSPECTUS

$30,000,000,000

Debt Securities, Warrants, Units, Preferred Stock,

Depositary Shares, and Common Stock

We may offer to sell up to $30,000,000,000, or the U.S. dollar equivalent, of:

Our securities may be denominated in U.S. 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, are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and may involve investment risks.

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

Prospectus dated April 14, 2004

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information from this prospectus. To fully understand the securities we may offer, you should read carefully:

You should rely only on the information provided in this prospectus and in any supplement to this prospectus, including the information we incorporate 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.

Bank of America Corporation

Bank of America Corporation is 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 both domestically and internationally. Our headquarters is located at Bank of America Corporate Center, 100 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255, and our telephone number is (704) 386-5972.

The Securities We May Offer

We may offer the following securities from time to time:

When we use the term “securities” in this prospectus, we mean any of the securities we may offer with this prospectus, unless we specifically state otherwise. This prospectus, including this summary, describes the general terms of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide you with a prospectus supplement that will describe the specific terms of those particular securities being offered, and will include a discussion of some of the United States federal income tax consequences and any risk factors or other special considerations applicable to those particular securities. The prospectus supplement also may 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” before investing in any of the securities we may offer.

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Debt Securities

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.

Warrants

We may offer two types of warrants:

For any warrants we may offer, 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 of the warrants. We will issue warrants under warrant agreements that we will enter into with one or more warrant agents.

Units

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 the units, and any other specific terms of the units. We will issue units under unit agreements that we will enter into with one or more unit agents.

Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares

We may offer preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, 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 will issue the depositary shares under deposit agreements between us and one or more depositories.

Form of Securities

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 prospectus supplement. The securities will be represented by a global security rather than a certificate in the name of each individual investor. Unless stated otherwise, each sale of securities will settle in immediately available funds through the specified depository.

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

Payment Currencies

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.

Listing

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

Distribution

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 as of the date of this prospectus.

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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. Bank of America Corporation was incorporated in 1998 as part of the merger of BankAmerica Corporation with NationsBank Corporation. We provide a diversified range of banking and nonbanking financial services and products in 29 states and the District of Columbia and in selected international markets. We provide services and products through four business segments: (1) Consumer and Small Business, (2) Commercial Banking, (3) Global Corporate and Investment Banking, and (4) Wealth and Investment Management.

On October 27, 2003, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with FleetBoston Financial Corporation, or “FleetBoston,” providing for the merger of FleetBoston with and into us (the “FleetBoston Merger”). The FleetBoston Merger closed on April 1, 2004, and we were the surviving corporation in the transaction. Following the FleetBoston Merger, our principal banking subsidiaries are Bank of America, N.A. and Fleet National Bank (the “Banks”).

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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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 invest them temporarily. From time to time, we may 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

The consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges and the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements for (a) us for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2003; and (b) us and FleetBoston prepared using unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of us and FleetBoston as of December 31, 2003, 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)

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Fixed charges consist of:

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 those dividend requirements.

REGULATORY MATTERS

The following discussion describes elements of an extensive regulatory framework applicable to bank holding companies, financial holding companies, and banks, as well as 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 the laws and regulations of both the federal government and the states and counties in which they conduct business and supervision and examination by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the “SEC,” the New York Stock Exchange, or the “NYSE,” the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and 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

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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.

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.

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 regulatory capital guidelines for United States banking organizations. Failure to meet the capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and discretionary actions by regulators that could have a material effect on our financial statements. At December 31, 2003, we, as well as Bank of America, N.A., were classified as well-capitalized under this regulatory framework.

The regulatory capital guidelines measure capital in relation to the credit and market risks of both on- and off-balance sheet items using various risk weights. Under the regulatory capital guidelines, total capital consists of three tiers of capital. Tier 1 capital includes common shareholders’ equity, trust preferred securities, minority interests, 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, the allowance for credit losses up to 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and other adjustments. 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. Tier 3 capital can only be used to satisfy our market risk capital requirement and may not be used to support our credit risk requirement. At December 31, 2003, we had no subordinated debt that qualified as Tier 3 capital.

The capital treatment of trust preferred securities currently is under review by the Federal Reserve Board due to the issuing trust companies being deconsolidated under Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51” (FIN 46). Depending on the capital treatment resolution, trust preferred securities may no longer qualify for Tier 1 capital treatment, but instead would qualify for Tier 2 capital. On July 2, 2003, the Federal Reserve Board issued a Supervision and Regulation Letter requiring that bank holding companies continue to follow the current instructions for reporting trust preferred securities in their regulatory reports. Accordingly, we will continue to report trust preferred securities in Tier 1 capital until further notice from the Federal Reserve Board. On September 2, 2003, the Federal Reserve Board and other regulatory agencies issued the Interim Final Capital Rule for Consolidated Asset-Backed Commercial Paper Program Assets. This interim rule allows companies to exclude from risk-weighted assets the newly consolidated assets of asset-backed commercial paper programs required by FIN 46, when calculating Tier 1 and total risk-based capital ratios through March 31, 2004.

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To meet minimum, adequately capitalized regulatory requirements, an institution must maintain a Tier 1 capital ratio of 4% and a total capital ratio of 8%. A well-capitalized institution must generally maintain capital ratios 100 to 200 basis points higher than the minimum guidelines. The risk-based capital rules have been further supplemented by a leverage ratio, defined as Tier 1 capital divided by quarterly average total assets, after certain adjustments. The leverage ratio guidelines establish a minimum of 100 to 200 basis points above 3%. Banking organizations must maintain a leverage capital ratio of at least 5% to be classified as well-capitalized. As of December 31, 2003, we were classified as “well-capitalized” for regulatory purposes, the highest classification. As of December 31, 2003, our Tier 1 capital, total risk-based capital, and leverage ratio under these guidelines were 7.85%, 11.87% and 5.73%, respectively.

Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities, net unrealized gains on marketable equity securities and net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives included in shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2003 are excluded from the calculations of Tier 1 capital, total capital, and leverage ratios.

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 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 (1) 5% of the bank’s total assets at the time it became “undercapitalized” or (2) 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 (1) a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6%, (2) a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, (3) a leverage ratio of at least 5%, and (4) not be subject to a capital directive order. Under these guidelines, each of our banking subsidiaries is considered well capitalized as of December 31, 2003. In order for us to continue to qualify as a financial holding company, each of our banking subsidiaries must remain well capitalized.

Regulators also must take into consideration (1) concentrations of credit risk; (2) 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 (3) 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.

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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 when, and under what circumstances, to prohibit a bank or bank holding company from paying dividends under its safety and soundness examination.

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.

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 (as supplemented, 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 (as supplemented, 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 in this prospectus 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

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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 U.S. dollars or in another currency or currency unit. Any debt securities that are denominated in U.S. 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, any premium, interest, or any other amounts payable 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, risk factors, 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 the 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 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. Some of our 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 United States federal income tax implications in the prospectus supplement.

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

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As a holding company, we own most of our assets and conduct substantially all of our operations through subsidiaries. Our ability to make payments of principal, any premium, interest, and any other amounts on the debt securities may be affected by the ability of our banking and nonbanking subsidiaries to pay dividends. 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.”

In addition, claims of holders of debt securities generally will have a junior position to claims of creditors of our subsidiaries including, in the case of our banking subsidiaries, their depositors.

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 an event of this type, or otherwise, the ratings of any debt securities then outstanding may be withdrawn or downgraded.

No Sinking Fund

Unless stated otherwise in the prospectus supplement, our debt securities will not be entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund. This means that we will not deposit money on a regular basis into any separate custodial account to repay the debt securities.

Redemption

The prospectus supplement will indicate whether we may redeem the debt securities prior to their maturity date. If we may redeem the debt securities prior to maturity, the prospectus supplement will indicate the redemption price and the method for redemption.

Repayment

The prospectus supplement will indicate whether the debt securities can be repaid at the holder’s option prior to their maturity date. If the debt securities may be repaid prior to maturity, the prospectus supplement will indicate our cost to repay the debt securities and the procedure for repayment.

Repurchase

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 or resell any repurchased debt securities. We also have the discretion to cancel any repurchased debt securities.

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Reopenings

We have the ability to “reopen” a series of our debt securities. This means that we can increase the principal amount of a series of our debt securities by selling additional debt securities with the same terms. We may do so without notice to the existing holders of securities of that series. However, any new securities of this kind may begin to bear interest at a different date.

Conversion

We may issue debt securities that are convertible, at either our option 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.

Debt securities may be presented for registration of transfer at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent that we designate and maintain. The prospectus supplement will include the name of the security registrar and the transfer agent. The security registrar or the 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 the security registrar or the transfer agent or approve a change in the location through which any security registrar or transfer agent acts at any time, except that we will be required to maintain a security registrar and 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, any premium, interest, and any other amounts payable 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, any premium, interest, or other payment on global securities, see “Registration and Settlement.”

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We initially have designated the principal corporate trust offices of the trustees in New York City 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 this notice from us, we will not be able to make any 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, premium, interest, or other payment will be paid to holders of senior indebtedness before any holders of subordinated indebtedness are paid. In addition, if any amounts previously were paid to the holders of subordinated debt or the trustee of the Subordinated Indenture, the holders of senior debt shall have first rights to the 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:

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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. As of the date of this prospectus, Bank of America, N.A. and Fleet National Bank are our only Principal Subsidiary Banks.

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 some of the covenants or conditions of that Indenture.

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, (1) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security is that amount that would be due and payable at that time upon an event of default, and (2) 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 in accordance with the Indenture 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:

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The Subordinated Indenture defines an event of default only as our bankruptcy under United States 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 the series affected, in some circumstances, may 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, any premium, interest, or any other amounts or the performance of any of our other covenants.

Collection of Indebtedness

If we fail to pay principal of, or any premium on, any debt securities, or if we are over 30 calendar 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 also may file suit to enforce our obligation to make payment of principal, any premium, interest, or 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.

We are required periodically 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 several series of our outstanding indebtedness under other indentures.

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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 under the heading “Description of Units.”

We may issue warrants in any amounts or in as many distinct series as we determine. We will issue each series of warrants under a warrant agreement with a warrant agent designated in the prospectus supplement. We will describe in the 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, our other securities. Any debt warrant agreement will be filed as an exhibit to or incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

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:

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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 type of property described above as “warrant property.”

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 of the warrants to cure any ambiguity, to correct any inconsistent provision, or in any other manner we deem necessary or desirable and which will not affect adversely 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 of 1939. Therefore, holders of warrants issued under a warrant agreement will not have the protection of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 with respect to their warrants.

Unsecured Obligations

Any warrants we issue will be our unsecured contractual obligations. Claims of holders of our warrants generally will have a junior position to claims of creditors of our subsidiaries including, in the case of our banking subsidiaries, their depositors.