How to Open a Business Bank Account Online in 5 Steps

Businessman opening a business bank account online

No matter what line of business you’re in, maximizing your profit remains a priority. For this reason, you’ll want to ensure that you open a business bank account that cuts your costs while helping you grow your savings. Now that online banking is mainstream, opening your business account is easier than ever before.

How to Open a Business Bank Account Online in 5 Steps

With an increasing number of banks offering online banking solutions, it is now faster and simpler than ever to open a business bank account online. This step-by-step guide will show you how to open your new business account in no time!

Step 1: Get your documents in order

Before you start browsing online banks, it’s important to gather all the documents that you’ll need in order to apply for an account. By gathering all the required documents, you’ll be ready to apply as soon as you find the ideal business account for you. 

Also, by organizing your documentation early, you’ll also be able to determine early on if there are any missing documents that you need to gather. Ultimately, the documents you need will heavily depend on your business type.

Sole Proprietor

Although some online banks such as Novo don’t generally require documentation from sole proprietors, personal details that are required by all banks include your Tax Identification Number (TIN) or your Social Security Number (SSN), your physical address, your phone number, your email address, and a copy of your ID.

If your bank of choice does require additional business documents, these would typically be your DBA (Doing Business As) certificate if you have registered a business name as well as an IRS SS-4 form or a 147 c Letter that verifies your Employment Identification Number.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Basic details that you will need to submit in order to open a business bank account for LLCs include your legal business name, the business’s physical address and phone number as registered with your Secretary of State, and the Business Employer Identification Number (EIN) as provided by the IRS. You may also need to provide the date that the business was established. 

While not always a requirement, some banks may require you to disclose your annual revenue so make sure to have that information on hand. Other documents that may be required for additional verification are your business’s Articles of Organization as well as its Operating Agreement.

Corporations

As a corporation, many of the business details that you would submit during your application are the same or similar to those for an LLC. This includes the legal business name, physical address, and phone number as registered with your Secretary of State. 

You’ll also be required to provide your Employer Identification Number (EIN). Unlike other types of businesses, you cannot provide a social security number or other form of identification instead of an EIN.

Other documents that online banks may want you to submit include the corporation’s Articles of Incorporation as well as the Company Bylaws.

General Partnership/Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

Much like a sole proprietorship, you’ll need to submit your full name, physical address, phone number, email address and Social Security Number (SSN).

You may be required to provide a copy of your Partnership Agreement for further validation, as well as your Certificate of Partnership. Your Partnership Agreement should detail the percentages of ownership among partners as well as the distribution of profits and losses.

Step 2: Decide what type of bank account is right for you

Once you have all of your documents in order, it’s time to decide what type of bank account is ideal for you. This will largely depend on what activities you’re looking to perform in your account as well as your financial goals.

Business checking account

If you’re looking to perform banking transactions such as check and cash deposits, ATM withdrawals, ACH and wire transfers, and debit card purchases on a regular basis, then a business checking account is right for you. 

The most versatile type of business account, a checking account makes it easy to manage your business’s day-to-day finances.

A major advantage of business checking accounts is that they often come with accounting software and other digital tools that help you to optimize the financial management of your business.

Business savings account

If you’re looking for an account that you can use to build your business’s savings as much as possible without performing regular transactions, then a savings account is worth considering. 

These bank accounts come with higher interest rates than checking accounts, however, they are not geared towards making a high volume of transactions, meaning that you may end up paying high fees if you perform an excessive volume of transfers and withdrawals.

Certificate of deposit (CD) account

While this type of account earns you even more interest than a basic savings account, you’ll likely be barred from making any withdrawals for a fixed amount of time. 

As a result, a certificate of deposit (CD) account is best for businesses that are looking to build their savings with extra funds that they don’t need to use in the daily operation of their business.

Merchant account

If you run a business that accepts credit and debit card payments from customers, then you may need a merchant account. 

It is important to note, however, that while this account comes with its own set of fees, you will have to open a checking account before a merchant account as you will need a bank account to transfer your money to once it enters the merchant account. 

Considering that they come with monthly fees as well as card transaction fees, you’ll need to think hard about whether a merchant account is worth it before opening one.

Step 3: Choose your bank

Once you know what bank account you’re looking for, then it’s time to compare banks. After all, you want to ensure that you select the bank that provides the best deal for you considering your specific business banking goals, whether that be paying low fees, earning high interest rates, utilizing digital money management tools, or receiving access to loans.

There is a wide array of online banking options available, ranging from traditional banks that have online banking features such as Bank of America and Chase to online-only banks such as Bluevine. If you own a small business, then there are also banks that focus on serving sole proprietors, freelancers, and other types of small businesses such as Lili and Novo

Step 4: Start your online application

Once you know what bank you wish to join, head to the official website of your bank of choice. 

Most online banks allow you to apply for your bank account within minutes from the homepage of their website. 

Banks such as Bluevine, Lili, and Found pride themselves on allowing you to open your bank account and get started within minutes.

Step 5: Time to begin your money management journey! 

Once you’ve successfully completed your application and your bank account is active, it’s time to begin your money management journey! 

Make sure to deposit some money into your account so that you can begin saving and make sure to become familiar with your bank’s online portal as well as the available digital tools so that you can start optimizing the financial management of your business.

Consider downloading your bank’s mobile banking app as well so that you can keep track of your financial activities on the go.

How to Choose the Best Bank for You

With so many online accounts to choose from, you may find it difficult to determine which bank truly offers the best account for your business. For this reason, it’s important to identify important factors that you should assess when comparing different business bank accounts. Some factors may include:

Fees

Much like everyday business expenses, banking fees such as monthly fees, ATM fees, cash and check deposit fees, and ACH transaction fees chip away at your savings. 

For this reason, finding a bank with low fees could help to maintain your business’s profit margins. Axos is one such bank, offering accounts with no monthly fee and full unlimited reimbursements on ATM fees.

Interest rates

While most of your business’s profitability is derived from strong sales, having a business account that offers a decent interest rate could help you to supplement your business’s income. Bluevine is one example, offering up to 2.0% APY on its checking account.

Rewards and benefits

From cashback on business debit card purchases as offered by to discounts from certain vendors, rewards programs can go a long way in helping you save money on purchases. Lili offers cashback rewards from a variety of stores, both online and in-person, while Novo offers a range of discounts and coupons.

Digital banking features

If you’re looking to optimize your financial management and make filing taxes and other accounting activities easier and more efficient, then it might be worth looking for a bank with digital financial tools. 

While some business bank accounts such as Bank of America come with cash flow management tools to help you track your expenses, others such as Lili and Found have accounting tools to help you maximize your tax write-offs and automate your bookkeeping, along with pre-filled tax forms to make filing taxes quicker and easier. 

Some bank accounts such as LendingClub and Novo come with invoicing software so that you can handle all of your financial matters from a single platform.

Access to loans

Depending on your business’s financial position, it’s important to consider whether you may need access to financing either now or in the future. 

If there is a possibility of needing a loan, then it may be worth looking at a bank such as Axos, Chase for Business, and Bank of America, each of which offer a wide range of business loans, ranging from credit lines for small business owners to major loans to corporations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Business Bank Accounts

Do you still feel unsure about whether or not opening a business bank account is the right move for you and your business? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers to help you decide!

Bottom Line on How to Open a Business Bank Account Online

By systematically following the above steps, you’ll see that opening a business bank account online is a straightforward and logical process. Thanks to the growing demand for digital banking solutions, the application process is also quick, meaning that once you find the right bank for you, you’ll be able to start conducting business in no time!

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

Below you will find an interactive U.S map that can help you locate and compare different banks and financial institutions that offer business accounts in your area.

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

7 Best Banks for Small Business in Washington for 2023

Bank customers making transactions at the bank counter in a banking hall

No Washington-based small business is complete without a bank account to manage your finances. With so many options, choosing the perfect one for your organization isn’t easy. We’ve picked out the seven best banks for small businesses in Washington so you can make an educated decision and get back to what you do best.

Best Banks for Small Businesses in Washington

Our Methodology

As we selected our favorite Washington banks, we looked at fee schedules and balance requirements needed to maintain accounts for free. We also considered interest rates and ease of use across the board. Finally, we paid attention to mobile banking accessibility and functionality.

You can find a more detailed explanation of our methodology here.

Bank

Pricing (Per Month)

Additional Fees

Interest Rates

Minimum Balance

Access to Mobile Banking

$0

$4.95 per cash deposit, $2.50 for out of network ATM fees, $15 for outgoing wires

2.0% APY

$0

Pay vendors by wire or check, schedule payments, manage cash flow

$15 for checking (waivable), $3 for savings (waivable)

$15 per incoming domestic wire, $25 for outgoing domestic wire, fee for excess cash deposits

0.20% APY

$2,000 for checking, $300 for savings

Access credit card accounts,
transfer money,
deposit checks,
access bank statements,
access to CreditWise service

$5 (waivable) for savings

$35 for outgoing wire transfers, $25 returned check fee

0.20% APY

$2,500 on savings account

Pay bills, analyze spending patterns, monitor accounts

$4 (waivable) for savings

$0.50 fee for transactions after the first 125, fees at out of network ATMs, overdraft fee

0.01% APY

$500 for business savings

Transfer funds, view documents, find branch/ATM locations, manage cards

$0

$35 for outgoing wire transfers, $27 insufficient funds charge

0% APY

$0

Pay bills, analyze spending patterns, monitor accounts

$15 for checking (waivable), $10 for savings (waivable)

$25 to $40 for wire transfers, $0.40 per transaction (after first 20)

Up to 0.02% APY

$2,000 for checking, $1,000 for savings

Fraud monitoring, card control, pay and transfer, view offers

$10 for checking (waivable), $3 for savings (waivable)

$30 to $50 for outgoing wire transfers, $0.20 for cash deposits after the first $10,000

0.01% APY

$1,000 for checking, $200 for savings

Custom reminders and alerts, funds transfer, monitor cash flow, bill payments

BlueVine logo

Bluevine: Best Overall Bank for Small Businesses in Washington

Up to 2.0% APY

4.7

Bluevine breaks the mold with its impressive 2.0% APY on a checking account. This rate far exceeds the national average and eliminates the need for separate savings. There’s no minimum deposit to get started, no minimum balance requirement, and zero monthly fees. Beware cash deposits that, at $4.95, can quickly eat through your funds.

Why we chose it: Bluevine steals the show with few fees, an excellent interface, and incredible interest rates all rolled into one checking account.

  • High interest rates
  • Very few fees
  • No minimum deposit required
  • No business savings account
  • No ATM reimbursement
  • Fee for cash deposits

Fees

With a bit of luck, you can use Bluevine indefinitely without ever running into a fee. A business checking account is free to open, and there are no hurdles to jump through to maintain it. You’ll find fees at out-of-network ATMs, during outgoing wire transfers, and any time you make a cash deposit.

Interest Rates

A 2.0 APY is largely unheard of unless you lock money away in a CD or use a money market account with a high monthly balance requirement. Bluevine hands you the keys to the rate without asking for anything in return. Note that funds up to $100,000 accrue interest, whereas anything beyond that does not.

Minimum Balance

Even if you’re just starting out, you’ll never have to worry about keeping up with a monthly balance. You’re free to make payments or transfer funds without ever being penalized for your account balance dropping too low.

Access to Mobile Banking

Bluevine works much the same whether you’re using a computer or on mobile. Downloading the app on your Android or iOS device gives you access to money transfers, payment options, and all the account management tools you’ll ever need. Being able to monitor cash flow from anywhere helps keep your mind at ease.

Capital one logo

Capital One: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Washington for Digital Transfers

0.20% APY

4.6

Where most banks charge for digital transfers, Capital One lets you perform as many as you need for free. Should you overdraft an account during the process, the bank doesn’t hit you with an unsightly fee. If that wasn’t enough, anyone joining now can take part in high promotional interest rates for the first year. Capital One may not have a ton of locations in Washington, but an excellent mobile app more than makes up for it.

Why we chose it: Capital One does away with digital transfer limits and overdraft fees so you can move around money without fear.

  • Unlimited monthly digital transfers
  • High promotional interest rates
  • Does not charge overdraft fees
  • Limited physical locations
  • Monthly account fee
  • Out-of-network ATM fees

Fees

It costs $15 per month to keep your Capital One business checking account up and running, lest you meet the criteria to waive the fee. The same holds true for business savings accounts, although requirements are even simpler. Otherwise, you’ll encounter fees with wire transfers or cash deposits beyond $5,000.

Interest Rates

Currently, Capital One’s promotional interest rate for its business checking account is 0.20%. Once you sign up, you’re locked into the high APY for at least 12 months. The bank states its promotional rate can change at any time, but this rate has held strong since 2020.

Minimum Balance

Keeping an average balance of $2,000 over a 30 or 90-day window will remove Capital One’s $15 service fee. Savings accounts similarly require a $300 minimum each month should you desire to avoid the $3 monthly charge.

Access to Mobile Banking

Capital One holds no punches with its top-rated mobile app. Mobile deposit, bill pay, and digital transfers are all innately available. You can build an automatic savings plan for extra funds or keep track of your credit score through CreditWise.

Axos logo

Axos Bank: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Washington for Low Fees

0.20% APY

4.5

Fees with Axos Bank are few and far between. There’s no cost for opening an account, maintaining it, or for the mast majority of the features Axos provides. The bank reimburses you for all domestic out-of-network ATM withdrawals and pays you back for your first two wire transfers each month. In all your excitement, be careful not to overdraft an account and incur the wrath of an insufficient funds fee.

Why we chose it: Axos Bank has a nearly nonexistent fee schedule and reimburses you for most of the charges you encounter while doing business.

  • Minimal fees
  • Cash deposits allowed via MoneyPass and AllPoint ATMs
  • ATM and wire reimbursements
  • Limited integrations
  • Below average CD rates
  • Significant returned check fee

Fees

Your Basic Business Checking account has no monthly fee, and other fees are few and far between. Savings accounts charge at least $4 per month if you can’t keep a minimum balance. Wire transfers are normally $35, but you’ll get two for free each new billing cycle. Returned checks will cost you $25 each time, and you can get hit with several charges on the same day.

Interest Rates

Savings and money market accounts have 0.20% APY from $0 to $5,000,000. If you can build up to a Business Interest Checking account, it’s possible to earn 1.01% interest on funds up to $50,000.

Minimum Balance

You’re required to have $2,500 tucked away in savings each month to waive the $5 service fee. Business Interest Checking lists a $5,000 minimum to do the same.

Access to Mobile Banking

Axos lets you manage your business funds wherever you are through mobile banking. At any time, you can check account balances, deposit checks, or automate bills right from your phone. Through the app, you can also analyze your spending habits and tighten up expenses.

U.S. Bank logo

U.S. Bank: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Washington for Checking Accounts

0.01% APY

4.4

U.S. Bank has five business checking accounts available for small businesses. These range from a basic account with a $0 monthly maintenance fee to a premium account with interest as your business grows. The bank also offers a number of merchant services for dedicated business types, such as restaurants or retail. Thousands of branch locations dot the country, with some located in larger Washington cities.

Why we chose it: U.S. Bank has a number of checking account options that appeal to all types of small businesses.

  • Multiple checking account options
  • Specialized merchant services for restaurants, retailers, and service providers
  • 2,400 branch locations
  • Charges for overdrafts
  • Relatively low APY
  • Only locations in 28 states

Fees

Getting started with a Silver Business Checking account means no monthly fees but limitations on transactions. Other plans have waivable service charges as long as your small business can keep up with balance requirements. Savings accounts start at $4 per month, but you can take away this charge with some planning.

Interest Rates

U.S. Bank savings and money market accounts feature 0.01% APY regardless of how much you have in your account. The Platinum Business Money Market offers bonus rates as high as 3.50%, but you’ll have to keep a lot of money in your account. While there’s an interest-bearing checking account, the rate’s even lower at 0.005%.

Minimum Balance

It takes $500 in your business savings account to negate the service fee there. The Silver Business Checking account has no such requirement, but higher-tier plans do. Balances also affect your interest rate if you have one of the top money market accounts at your disposal.

Access to Mobile Banking

U.S. Bank makes mobile banking even easier with voice prompts to simplify tasks. The mobile app integrates with Zelle and also features check deposits and bill payments. Built-in controls offer complete control over your credit card and even allow you to set up a digital wallet.

Novo logo

Novo: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Washington for E-Commerce

0% APY

4.4

Look no further than Novo if you’re running an e-commerce business. The fintech melds perfectly with sites like Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon to track transactions and keep you apprised of your finances. An excellent mobile app makes it easy to keep tabs on everything while on the go. For even better control, you can drop funds into reserve accounts and follow spending that way.

Why we chose it: Touting seamless integrations for your favorite online apps, Novo is a great option for e-commerce businesses.

  • Works with a long list of e-commerce apps
  • Reserve accounts for fund management
  • Great mobile app
  • Fee for overdrawn accounts
  • Branches are primarily in the Miami area
  • No savings options

Fees

Novo is nearly fee-free from beginning to end. However, there are charges for outgoing wire transfers. If not careful, you may also find yourself paying $27 for insufficient funds. Novo refunds all ATM fees, so you’re good whether you use something in network or not.

Interest Rates

For all Novo does offer, it does not contain any sort of savings account. The result is no option to accrue interest on any of your money.

Minimum Balance

Because Novo has no monthly service fee, there’s no need to come up with a minimum balance each month. You’ll want to have enough in there at any given point so you don’t end up with a charge for insufficient funds.

Access to Mobile Banking

Novo’s e-commerce presence rolls over into its impressive mobile app. There, you can make use of the fintech’s reserve buckets or receive payouts from major online platforms. It’s even possible to download the app and open your account with little more than an EIN.

Chase Business logo

Chase: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Washington for Branch Locations

Up to 0.02% APY

4.3

There are nearly 200 Chase branch locations throughout Washington from Spokane to Seattle. Even with such a large state, chances are you’re not too far from in-person assistance. If you sign up for a business account now, Chase is willing to throw in a $300 bonus for good measure. Although there is a monthly fee, you’ll find several possible ways to remove it.

Why we chose it: Chase has more locations than any other bank in the state of Washington, making it an excellent choice for those seeking in-person treatment.

  • Nearly 200 branch locations in Washington
  • Multiple ways to waive the monthly maintenance fee
  • $300 sign-on bonus
  • Monthly maintenance fees
  • Only 20 free transactions per month
  • Minimal APY

Fees

You can remove Chase’s $15 maintenance fee one of three ways. Doing so requires a $2,000 minimum daily balance, $2,000 in net purchases from a Chase Ink business card, or by receiving $2,000 in deposits from Chase QuickAccept. Removing fees with savings only requires a linked checking account. There are also fees for wire transfers and transactions after your first 20.

Interest Rates

Small businesses joining Chase for the first time earn 0.01% APY on a standard checking account. If you have extra funds, it’s possible to earn up to 3.50% interest through CDs.

Minimum Balance

A $2,000 minimum balance is just one of the ways you can avoid paying a monthly fee on your checking account. To earn the $300 sign-on bonus, you’ll need to deposit this within your first 30 days with Chase and maintain it for at least the next 60.

Access to Mobile Banking

Chase’s mobile app lets you set and manage alerts for transactions and account limits so you don’t end up with too little in savings or checking. You can use your phone to transfer money, receive deposits, or locate the branch or ATM closest to you.

Umpqua bank

Umpqua Bank: Best for Small Businesses in Washington for Local Banking

0.01% APY

4.3

Umpqua is traditional NorthWest banking at its best, serving local communities with several available business accounts. Each of these have monthly fees, but Umpqua allows you to waive charges by keeping funds at a certain level. The bank is generous with check and cash deposits, allowing significant amounts of each before you run into charges.

Why we chose it: Umpqua Bank is a local favorite, serving Washington and neighboring states for over 70 years.

  • Several business accounts to choose from
  • $10,000 in free cash deposits per month
  • Waivable monthly fee
  • Lower than average APY
  • Not popular outside of the West Coast
  • High wire transfer fees

Fees

Small businesses are likely to start with Community Business Checking and Savings accounts, which charge $10 and $3 per month for maintenance. Your first 200 deposited checks and $10,000 in cash deposits are free each month, which should be ample for most. Wires are best avoided, since a single outgoing transfer can set you back upwards of $50.

Interest Rates

All of Umpqua’s introductory tiers are attached to 0.01% APY, which is a bit on the lower side. The best you can do at present is 0.15% with higher tier accounts and large minimums.

Minimum Balance

You’ll need a minimum of $1,000 in a Community Business Checking account to work around posted monthly fees. The bank’s introductory savings account is a bit more forgiving, requiring only $200 to negate fees. Balances can also affect your interest rate as you work up the ladder.

Access to Mobile Banking

The Umpqua Bank mobile app connects you to your accounts where you can view statements and send money from place to place. Creating alerts allows you to be notified the moment conditions you set are met. It will also point you to the nearest banking location or ATM.

Methodology for the Best Bank for Small Businesses in Washington

We sorted through a long list of factors when choosing the best bank for small businesses in Washington. When the dust settled, we deemed these the top considerations as we made our decisions:

  • Monthly Fees: We like to use banks to earn money and facilitate transfers, not make monthly payments. Therefore, our favorite banks either had zero monthly fees or came with easy ways to waive them.
  • Additional Fees: Financial institutions can nickel and dime you for a number of things, including transactions, deposits, and wire transfers. While no bank is completely devoid of fees, it was important that the ones we chose make it as easy as possible to avoid them. 
  • Interest Rates: There’s nothing wrong with a bank paying you back a little for using your money. High interest rates can boost your bottom line and make a difference in your financial standing. 
  • Minimum Balance: When you don’t have a lot of money to invest, banks like to charge maintenance fees to keep your account open. In many cases, you can waive those fees by meeting a minimum balance requirement. For our list, we made sure none of these were out of reach for even the smallest business.
  • Access to Mobile Banking: Mobile banking apps are a necessity in this day and age. Some banks don’t seem to be aware of this or still have archaic systems in place. Our picks each have excellent mobile tools you can use as long as you have internet access.
  • Ease of Use: In our assessment, we checked how easy it was to open a bank account and use all available features while enrolled. For banks with branch locations, we took note of locations in Washington and how accessible each one is.

Best Bank for Small Businesses in Washington Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Want to learn more about the best banks for small businesses in Washington? This FAQ may have the answers you’re looking for.

Bottom Line

The best banks for small businesses in Washington keep fees and balance requirements to a minimum while offering loads of cool features to take advantage of. They also add in interest rates and additional perks for good measure. Bluevine takes the number one spot in our book, but we believe any of the banks on our list could serve you well.

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

Below you will find an interactive U.S map that can help you locate and compare different banks and financial institutions that offer business accounts in your area.

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

7 Best Banks for Small Businesses in Pennsylvania for 2023

Businessman checking bankbook in his office

7 Best Banks for Small Businesses in Pennsylvania

Your Pennsylvania-based business isn’t complete without a business bank account. However, choosing the perfect one for your organization can be quite the daunting task. To save you time, we identified the best business bank accounts in Pennsylvania you can use right now to help your company grow.

Best Banks for Small Businesses in Pennsylvania

Our Methodology

When selecting the best banks for small businesses in Pennsylvania, we looked at fee schedules and minimum balance requirements for keeping maintenance charges at bay. We also studied interest rates and how accessible mobile banking happens to be. Finally, it was important that each bank be easy to use both at set up and throughout your banking journey.

You can find a more detailed explanation of our methodology here.

Bank

Pricing (Per Month)

Additional Fees

Interest Rates

Minimum Balance

Access to Mobile Banking

$0

$4.95 per cash deposit, $2.50 for out of network ATM fees, $15 for outgoing wires

2.0% APY

$0

Pay vendors by wire or check, schedule payments, manage cash flow

$15 for checking (waivable), $3 for savings (waivable)

$15 per incoming domestic wire, $25 for outgoing domestic wire, fee for excess cash deposits

0.20% APY

$2,000 for checking, $300 for savings

Access credit card accounts,
transfer money,
deposit checks,
access bank statements,
access to CreditWise service

$5 (waivable) for savings

$35 for outgoing wire transfers, $25 returned check fee

0.20% APY

$2,500 on savings account

Pay bills, analyze spending patterns, monitor accounts

$12 (waivable) for savings and checking

Fees for excess transactions, out of network ATM use

Varies by region (0.01% to 0.03% APY)

$500 for checking, $2,500 for savings

Bill pay, cash flow insights, access to merchant services, PINACLE

$4 (waivable) for savings

$0.50 fee for transactions after the first 125, fees at out of network ATMs, overdraft fee

0.01% APY

$500 for business savings

Transfer funds, view documents, find branch/ATM locations, manage cards

$15 for checking (waivable), $10 for savings (waivable)

$25 to $40 for wire transfers, $0.40 per transaction (after first 20)

Up to 0.02% APY

$2,000 for checking, $1,000 for savings

Fraud monitoring, card control, pay and transfer, view offers

$4.99 (waivable)

$0.50 fee for each excessive transaction, $39 overdraft fee

Up to 0.02% APY

$500 for savings account

Custom business alerts, check balances, transfer funds, find branch locations

BlueVine logo

Bluevine: Best Overall Bank for Small Businesses in Pennsylvania

Up to 2.0% APY

4.7

Most banks don’t put interest rates on checking accounts, but Bluevine breaks the mold. Not only does its checking account have 2.0% APY, it blows the average rate out of the water. Because of this, the fintech company doesn’t offer any account specifically for savings. You also won’t find many fees and don’t have to worry about a minimum deposit when signing up.

Why we chose it: Bluevine sets the bar high with minimal fees, an intuitive layout, and a generous interest rate on a checking account.

  • High interest rates
  • Very few fees
  • No minimum deposit required
  • No business savings account
  • No ATM reimbursement
  • Fee for cash deposits

Fees

It’s possible to handle almost all of your banking with Bluevine and never come across a single fee. There’s no monthly cost to maintain your account and thousands of MoneyPass ATMs around Pennsylvania you can draw money from for free. You will see a $4.95 charge every time you go to make a cash deposit, so use this feature sparingly.

Interest Rates

A 2.0% APY is unheard of even on most savings accounts, and Bluevine offers it here on the money you keep in checking. Funds up to the $100,000 mark accrue this interest, but the fintech draws the line there. Anything you have beyond this amount doesn’t receive any interest at all.

Minimum Balance

Bluevine doesn’t require a minimum balance to open an account and will never charge you a fee if your balance falls below a certain amount. Small businesses can start with a lot or few funds and take advantage of the interest rate right away.

Access to Mobile Banking

Your mobile device becomes an extension of Bluevine’s web features through the app. You can use the software to pay bills by wire, check, or set up a payment to go out in the future. It’s a great tool for managing your funds, depositing checks, and transferring money between bank accounts.

Capital one logo

Capital One: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Pennsylvania for Digital Transactions

0.20% APY

4.6

Whether you’re making payments or sending money to another account, Capital One allows unlimited digital transactions each month. The bank also looks away should you overdraft an account while moving money from place to place. Perks continue with a high promotional interest rate you can savor for at least a year. A strong online presence makes up for the lack of branch locations in the state.

Why we chose it: Capital One won’t slow your business down with unlimited digital transactions and overdraft forgiveness.

  • Unlimited monthly digital transactions
  • High promotional interest rates
  • Does not charge overdraft fees
  • Limited physical locations
  • Monthly account fee
  • Out-of-network ATM fees

Fees

Capital One checking and savings accounts have waivable monthly fees to contend with, but the demands aren’t too extreme. You’ll also run into charges for incoming and outgoing wire transfers, making unlimited digital transactions that much sweeter. Your first $5,000 in cash deposits each month is free, but it costs $1 for every $1,000 deposited after that.

Interest Rates

When signing up, you’ll receive a guaranteed promotional interest rate on your savings account for the first year of use. At the time of writing, Capital One offers 0.20% APY on funds up to $5 million.

Minimum Balance

It takes a $2,000 average balance over a 30 or 90-day window to eliminate the monthly fee on Capital One’s Basic checking account. Savings works the same way, requiring $300 each month to remove service fees there.

Access to Mobile Banking

The Capital One mobile app comes with a virtual assistant to notify you of unusual transactions or potential fraud. It’s also perfect for tracking spending and making all those transactions you do each month. If you’re eyeing a big purchase, the app shares your credit score and ways to keep it in a good range.

Axos logo

Axos Bank: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Pennsylvania for Online Banking

0.20% APY

4.5

Axos is a great online banking option, keeping an intuitive layout and easy-to-use tools. Fees are few and far between, with reimbursement options for those you can’t work around. The bank links up with both MoneyPass and AllPoint ATMs around the country for cash deposits and withdrawals. New business owners can even capitalize on a $200 welcome bonus.

Why we chose it: Axos makes banking easy no matter where you are with free checking, ATM reimbursements, and unlimited item processing.

  • Free online banking
  • Cash deposits allowed via MoneyPass and AllPoint ATMs
  • Minimal monthly fees
  • Limited integrations
  • Below average CD rates
  • Significant returned check fee

Fees

Your Axos Bank small business checking account does not have monthly maintenance costs and will reimburse both domestic ATM fees and your first two domestic wires each month. If you use checks, the first set of 50 is also free. Outgoing wires after your first two cost $35 apiece, and the bank will charge $25 for any returned checks. There is a $5 monthly service charge for upkeep on an Axos savings account, but you can avoid this with careful planning.

Interest Rates

Axos users will earn 0.20% APY through any of its available savings accounts. This interest is flat across all balances. The bank does offer an interest-based checking account starting at 1.01%, but it quickly diminishes the more you have stored in there.

Minimum Balance

Standard checking for small businesses has no minimum balance requirements, but all other Axos accounts do. You must maintain $2,500 in your savings account to remove the monthly fee. The Business Interest Checking account has a $5,000 minimum balance to skirt around any service fees there.

Access to Mobile Banking

The Axos app lets you link all your accounts to check funds at a glance. It’s easy to pay bills, deposit checks, or transfer funds from one place to another. With a swipe, you can follow your transaction history, analyze spending patterns, and learn where your money flows. 

PNC Bank logo

PNC Bank: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Pennsylvania for ATMs

Varies by region (0.01% to 0.03% APY)

4.4

PNC Bank has a huge presence across the United States, either owning or partnering with more than 60,000 ATMs for fee-free access. Over 300 branches reside in Pennsylvania alone, making it a popular choice even if you have no plans to leave the state. The bank allows 24 hours to remedy overdrafts before assigning you a fee, and new members receive a $200 sign-up bonus just for joining.

Why we chose it: With over 300 branches in the Keystone State, you can rest assured good service and ATM access is never far away.

  • Over 60,000 fee-free ATMs in the US
  • $200 sign-up bonus
  • 24-hour overdraft protection
  • High overdraft fee
  • APY varies by region
  • Must call or visit a branch to open an account

Fees

Both PNC Bank’s basic checking and savings charge $12 for account maintenance but have wildly different measures to waive them. You can make do with a minimum balance in your checking account to avoid the fee, but you can also make purchases with a credit card or generate monthly deposits. The only way to do away with costs on a money market account is by keeping a certain balance.

Interest Rates

Interest rates are unclear from PNC’s website and can vary considerably from region to region. In Pennsylvania, you’re likely to earn somewhere between 0.01% and 0.03% if you use a money market account. You’ll have to visit the nearest branch location to learn specifics, but you need to pay them a visit to open an account anyway.

Minimum Balance

You only need to keep a $500 balance in PNC’s business checking account to steer clear of maintenance fees. Money market accounts aren’t so unforgiving, mandating a $2,500 minimum throughout the month to remove fees there.

Access to Mobile Banking

ATMs and branches are everywhere, but you’re still in luck even if you’re not near one. The mobile banking app allows for card services and all the income and expense management you’ll ever need. You can also link up to PINACLE, offering additional services to help your business thrive.

U.S. Bank logo

U.S. Bank: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Pennsylvania for Low Fees

0.01% APY

4.4

It’s not difficult to bank with U.S. Bank completely for free if you play your cards right. There’s no charge for opening or maintaining a checking account, and you can transfer and withdraw funds fee-free from in-network ATMs. Branch locations tend to hang out in the big cities but exist strategically in the heart of Pennsylvania as well. The bank also has a list of merchant services for specific industries you can take advantage of.

Why we chose it: With all but nonexistent fees, U.S. Bank doesn’t nickel and dime you just for running your business.

  • Nearly nonexistent fees
  • Specialized merchant services for restaurants, retailers, and service providers
  • 2,400 branch locations
  • Charges for overdrafts
  • Relatively low APY
  • Only locations in 28 states

Fees

U.S. Bank’s Silver Business checking doesn’t have a service fee, but there is a $4 waivable monthly charge for keeping a savings account. Other fees come from out-of-network ATMs, overdrafting your account, or making an abundance of transactions each month.

Interest Rates

You won’t make a fortune off U.S. Bank’s interest rates. All but one savings plan has just 0.01% APY for excess funds you can spill over from your checking account. There is a Platinum Business Money Market account with bonus rates as high as 3.50% if you can manage the high balance requirements.

Minimum Balance

How much you keep in your checking account is entirely up to you. U.S. Bank’s package for small businesses does not have minimum requirements to negate a monthly fee. The same isn’t true for basic savings, where you’ll need at least a $500 balance. It takes $25,000 to tap into the high interest rates from the Platinum Money Market account. 

Access to Mobile Banking

Stay up to date with your balances and transactions from your phone with the U.S. Bank mobile app. In addition, you can transfer funds and set alerts about account activity you want to keep an eye on. It’s also possible to view your credit score or find the U.S. Bank location nearest you.

Chase Business logo

Chase: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Pennsylvania for Lending

Up to 0.02% APY

4.3

Chase is a large financial institution with a long list of business services to help your business out. These include lending options to secure a large purchase or help you weather an untimely setback. Although there are monthly fees on all Chase products, you can work around them through one of several methods. Business owners also receive a $300 bonus for becoming a member by meeting certain criteria.

Why we chose it: Chase puts its best foot forward with several loan and line of credit options alongside other stellar business services.

  • Several loan and line of credit options
  • Up to $300 sign-on bonus
  • Multiple ways to waive the monthly maintenance fee
  • Monthly maintenance fees
  • Only 20 free transactions per month
  • Minimal APY

Fees

Chase places monthly service fees on all its accounts but includes several ways to waive them. Small businesses will likely introductory checking and savings, charging $15 and $10, respectively. Fees can get a bit out of hand if you do a lot of transactions, though. Only your first 20 each month come at no cost.

Interest Rates

New business owners starting out with Chase will accrue somewhere between  0.01% and 0.02% APY with a savings account. Certificates of deposit can go as high as 4.00% if you have enough time and money.

Minimum Balance

A $2,000 minimum balance is all it takes to negate the service fee on your Chase business checking account. In lieu of that, you can make $2,000 in purchases on business cards or receive $2,000 in deposits through Chase QuickAccept. A savings account requires $1,000 in your account or a linked business checking account to remove fees there.

Access to Mobile Banking

The Chase mobile app utilizes Chase QuickDeposit and ChaseQuickPay to get funds where they need to go quickly. You can also set alerts in case balances run too low or transfer money anywhere in the United States. There are well over 100 Chase branches and ATMs in Pennsylvania, and the app will help you find the closest one.

Citizens Bank logo

Citizens Bank: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Pennsylvania for Customer Service

Up to 0.02% APY

4.2

Look no further than Citizens Bank’s customer service page for department-specific phone numbers and a well-documented FAQ page. The website also has forms and documents so you don’t have to hunt around for the right one. A lack of monthly fees or balance requirements makes basic checking a strong bank account option for LLCs, partnerships, or sole proprietors.

Why we chose it: Citizens Bank puts your business first with excellent customer service and hundreds of branch locations to choose from.

  • Excellent customer service
  • Over 250 branches in Pennsylvania
  • No monthly maintenance fee on some accounts
  • Low interest rates
  • High overdraft fees
  • Some accounts charge ATM fees

Fees

Citizens Bank accounts come with a hefty $39 overdraft fee, best avoided at all costs. The business savings account has an avoidable $4.99 monthly charge, automatically waived for the first four months of membership. Otherwise, ensure you don’t perform more than 200 transactions each billing cycle to avoid fees there.

Interest Rates

Interest rates aren’t really Citizens Bank’s strong point. You’ll earn 0.01% with savings and graduate to 0.02% if you upgrade to a money market account. Even available CDs average 0.03% APY for the duration of each term.

Minimum Balance

Small businesses will likely choose free business checking, meaning balances only come into play with savings accounts. You only need a $500 average daily balance with business savings, but this number jumps to $2,500 if you want perks from a money market account.

Access to Mobile Banking

Citizens Bank recently revamped its mobile banking app with a new interface and a boost in security. The added protection allows you to move money and make payments wherever you happen to be. New features include access to the document center and debit card management tools.

Methodology for the Best Banks for Small Businesses in Pennsylvania

In our methodology section, we make clear all the factors we used when picking out the best banks for small businesses in Pennsylvania. These ended up being our top considerations:

  • Fees: Fees are pretty self-explanatory and can be a real drag when you’re trying to make money. We made sure all our banks either have no monthly fee or at least a reasonable way to avoid it. Similarly, we opted for bank accounts you can use fee-free with a little foresight.
  • Interest Rates: Earning interest on your finances may not make you rich, but it can cover an unavoidable fee or go towards a business expense. It’s harder than ever to find bank accounts with high interest rates in our current market, but we tried to find ones that at least meet the national average.
  • Minimum Balances: Even if your small business has a steady source of income, distributing those funds between multiple accounts can be a challenge. If an account has a minimum balance requirement, you may be unable to float cash around as freely as you’d like. We looked for bank accounts with low minimum balances to allow for more flexibility.
  • Access to Mobile Banking: Few people in our day and age live without a smartphone. The rest of us rely on these gadgets for many aspects of our lives. We wanted to make sure each of our best business bank accounts in Pennsylvania had the same functionality you can find anywhere else. It was also important to make sure no features got locked away behind paywalls.
  • Ease of Use: Ease of use covers everything from setting up your account for the first time to day-to-day interactions. Some banks require lengthy in-person visits, while others allow you to join with little more than your EIN. As you use the website, mobile app, or in-person services, we checked on availability, accessibility, and just how much a small business can do.

Best Banks for Small Businesses in Pennsylvania Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Want to know more about opening a bank account for your Pennsylvania business? This FAQ answers common questions about the subject.

Bottom Line

The best banks for small businesses in Pennsylvania have a healthy mix of low fees, access to mobile banking, and are easy to use. Additionally, they offer incentives like interest rates or business services to keep finances running smoothly. We believe Bluevine is the best of the bunch, but any of the banks on this list should work well with your small business.

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

Below you will find an interactive U.S map that can help you locate and compare different banks and financial institutions that offer business accounts in your area.

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

5 Best Business Bank Accounts for Sole Proprietors in 2023

Bank files and dollars notes on a table

If you think that your bank account is simply a place used to store your earnings, think again! By selecting the best business bank accounts for sole proprietors with the right rewards, digital banking tools, and affordable fee structure, you can effectively grow your savings while making the financial management of your business a whole lot easier.

Best Business Bank Accounts for Sole Proprietor

Methodology Summary 

While the size of your income may be important, maximizing your profit also depends on your ability to limit your expenses, which is why we chose to focus on bank accounts that offer affordable fees. We also focused on banks with competitive interest rates to help you grow your savings.

Other important factors were online features that help you to not only keep on top of your transactions but also optimize the financial management of your business as well as rewards programs and other money-saving benefits. 

Bank

Pricing
(Per Month)

ATM Fees

APY

Cash/Check Deposit Fees

Digital Banking Features

$0 for basic
$0 for Pro

$0 in-network
($2.50 out-of-network)

Up to 1.5%

$0

  • Tax optimizer
  • Receipt scanner
  • Multiple app integrations
  • Invoicing software
  • Prefilled Schedule C
  • Automated expense reports

$0

$0 in-network; $2.50 out-of-network

2.0%

$0

  • Automated bill payments
  • Quickbooks integration
  • Sub-accounts
  • Mobile check uploads

$0

$0 (unlimited reimbursements)

N/A

0% for check deposits; cash deposits not available

  • Invoicing software
  • Multiple app integrations
  • Automated budgeting
  • Virtual debit card
  • Apple Pay and Google Pay

$10; waived with $500 account balance

$0 (unlimited ATM rebates for both withdrawals and deposits)

Up to 1.5%

$0

  • Mobile check deposits
  • Financial report generation
  • Invoicing software

$29.95 or $0 if waived

$0 for withdrawals

From 0.01% upwards

Free for first $20,000 in deposits, then $0.03 per $100 deposited

  • Cash flow monitor
  • Digital financial assistant
  • Zelle payments
  • Quickbooks integration

Lili logo

Lili: Best Overall

4.7 stars on Trustpilot

5.0

In order to reach your potential as a sole proprietor, you’ll want a reliable, user-friendly bank so that you can focus less on mundane banking tasks and more on growing your business. Over 85% of Trustpilot users have awarded Lili five-stars, with much praise being directed at the user-friendly layout of its online banking platform and app.

Why we chose it: 

In addition to making banking easy, Lili’s intuitive digital features such as its invoicing platform and tax optimizer help to streamline your tax filing and payment system. What’s more, its low fees, cashback rewards, and the competitive interest rate of its savings account mean that account holders receive benefits across the board, thereby earning Lili the title of best business bank account for sole proprietors overall. 

  • No overdraft fees
  • Cashback rewards
  • Tax optimizer
  • Built-in invoicing
  • Expense categorization
  • Receipt scanner
  • Third-party app integrations
  • Lili Pro required for cashback and APY

Fees 

While the basic account has no monthly fee, the Lili Pro account costs $9 per month. What’s particularly useful about Lili, however, is that no matter what account you have, there are never overdraft fees.

ATMs within the MoneyPass Network provide free cash deposits and withdrawals, while out-of-network withdrawals and deposits cost $2.50 per transaction. Although Lili does not allow wire transfers, this does not pose an obstacle as unlimited inbound ACH transactions and up to $60,000 of outbound ACH transfers per month can be performed, both of which are free of charge. 

Interest

While the checking account does not offer interest, Lili does offer a savings account for all clients that can earn up to 1.5% APY.

Important to note, however, is that in order to qualify for this rate, you’ll not only have to be a Lili Pro account holder but also transfer at least $1 per day from your checking account to your savings account.

Digital Banking Features

Lili’s Tax Optimizer is designed to maximize the efficiency of your tax filing. While its write-off tracker categorizes expenses and determines their eligibility for tax write-offs, it also automatically generates quarterly and yearly expense reports and provides a prefilled Schedule C to make tax preparations easier.

Should you already have existing accounting software, then Lili can still come in use. This checking account is capable of multiple app integrations, including to accounting software such as Xero and Quickbooks, while its receipt scanner enables you to capture any expenses not incurred through your checking account. Lili also provides built-in personalized invoicing software.

Rewards

Through Lili’s cashback rewards program, you can enjoy discounts and cashback from a range of participating merchants. This program is provided through Visa SavingsEdge, meaning that beneficiaries are eligible to receive benefits from all retailers that are part of the SavingsEdge network.

Although this benefit is only open to Lili Pro account holders, the potential benefits far outweigh the $9 monthly fee that you’ll pay for a Pro account. 

BlueVine logo

Bluevine: Best for earning interest

Earn 2.0% interest

4.9

As a sole proprietor, maximizing your profit is a priority. By offering a relatively high 2% interest rate and low fees, the Bluevine business checking account helps you do just that. Add Bluevine’s business lending options and you’ll have all the tools you need to elevate your financial performance.

Why we chose it: 

While this checking account’s decent interest rate and low costs help you to safeguard and grow your savings, it also provides several online tools to optimize your financial management, including automated bill payments and integrations with Quickbooks accounting software. Add in this checking account’s easy sign-up process and multiple lending options and you have a business bank account that provides perks across the board.

  • 2.0% interest rate
  • Automated bill payments
  • Quickbooks integration
  • Zero monthly and transfer fees
  • Sub-accounts
  • No in-network ATM fees
  • No overdraft fees
  • No invoicing software
  • No rewards programs

Fees 

In addition to no monthly maintenance fee and no overdraft fees, Bluevine also offers zero fee withdrawals at in-network ATMs as well as free cash deposits at ATMs that are a part of the Green Dot Network. Out of network ATM fees are $2.50 per transaction.

While outbound domestic wire fees cost $15, inbound wires are free. Although Bluevine does not allow international wires, you can perform ACH transfers at no cost. Check deposits are also free; simply upload a photograph of the check to the mobile app.

Interest

Offering up to 2.0% interest, the Bluevine business checking account provides one of the best interest rates of any business checking account. It’s important to note, however, that in order to qualify for this rate, you’ll need to either spend at least $500 per month on your Bluevine debit card or receive $2,500 per month in customer payments to your Bluevine account.

Digital Banking Features

Available from Bluevine’s online banking platform and mobile app, Bill Pay enables you to set up one-time or recurring payments, track expenses, and sync them with Quickbooks accounting software so that you have less work to do during tax season.

Bluevine also enables you to create up to five sub-accounts to make it easier for you to budget for your expenses.  

Rewards

Although Bluevine does not provide an in-house reward program, its Bill Pay feature is geared to enabling you to maximize your credit card rewards by providing you the ability to pay all of your bills by credit card.

Novo logo

Novo: Best for rewards

Get access to $4,000 in savings

4.8

With a wide range of popular app integrations, invoicing software, and its Reserves feature for automated budgeting, Novo is designed to optimize the management of your business. What’s more, rewards for business software such as Quickbooks, HubSpot and Google Cloud enable you to manage your business more efficiently while saving money in the process.

Why we chose it: Aside from automating your financial management tasks, this business checking account offers up to $4,000 in rewards benefits as well as free ATM transactions and $5,000 in fee-free processing when customers pay you via Stripe, thereby cutting your costs and getting you more for your money.

  • Free domestic and international ACH transactions
  • Unlimited ATM fund reimbursements
  • $4,000 in rewards
  • Built-in invoicing
  • Multiple app integrations
  • Automate fund allocation with Reserves
  • No APY
  • No cash deposits

Fees 

Novo carries no monthly fee and requires no minimum deposit to open an account. Check deposits are performed by scanning checks with the Novo mobile app and carry no associated fees.

Fees from ATM withdrawals come with unlimited fee reimbursements, however, cash deposits via ATM are not possible. Instead, you would have to purchase a money order from a third-party vendor. This checking account only allows account holders to receive wire transfers and not send them, it does offer free ACH transfers as an alternative.

Interest

Currently, Novo’s business checking account does not offer an APY. It does, however, help you safeguard your savings through a range of rewards and perks.

Digital Banking Features

Novo’s banking site and mobile app offer app integrations with accounting platforms Xero and Quickbooks as well as popular eCommerce platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, thereby helping to streamline your sales and accounting processes.

Reserves is a feature that enables you to create multiple sub-accounts and set up automatic fund allocation, thereby automating your budgeting. Novo also comes with invoicing software that automates payment transactions from the submission of an invoice to clients to the arrival of the funds in your account.

The mobile app also comes with a virtual debit card and is Apple Pay and Google Pay enabled.

Rewards

With up to $4,000 in rewards, one of Novo’s most attractive perks for sole proprietors is that it provides up to $5,000 in fee-free card processing when clients pay you via Stripe. 

If you use Quickbooks accounting software, this checking account gives you a 30% discount on your first six months using any Quickbooks package. You also receive discounts for business software such as Google Cloud, HubSpot, Constant Contact, and Gusto.

LendingClub logo

LendingClub: Best for savings

Earn interest while enjoying cashback rewards

4.8

With LendingClub’s Tailored Checking account, you receive the rare opportunity to earn an APY of up to 1.5% while earning 1% cash back on all qualified purchases, thereby providing you with the ability to both grow your savings and cut your business expenses simultaneously.

Why we chose it: 

Aside from its favorable interest rates and cash back rewards, LendingClub provides numerous online banking features to boost the efficiency of your business. This includes Autobooks, LendingClub’s invoicing software with a built-in payment portal, digital check deposits via the mobile app, and integrations with Mint, QuickBooks, and Quicken to streamline your financial management

  • 1% cashback on all qualifying purchases
  • Unlimited ATM fee rebates
  • Mobile check deposit
  • Built-in invoicing software
  • Mint, QuickBooks, and Quicken integration
  • Free ACH transactions
  • $500 balance required to waive monthly fee
  • High requirements to be eligible for cashback

Fees 

While the Tailored Checking account carries a monthly fee of $10, this fee is waived for accounts holding more than $500. There is no minimum monthly balance, however, nor are there ACH transfer fees.

LendingClub offers unlimited ATM rebates, meaning that you’ll be reimbursed for all ATM withdrawals and cash deposits that you perform, with the unique advantage of this benefit applying to all ATMs, regardless of vendor. Check deposits made through the mobile app are free, while wire transfers cost $18 domestically and $40 internationally.

Interest

With an APY of up to 1.5%, LendingClub offers one of the more high-yielding business checking accounts available. To earn the maximum interest rate, however, your account will need to hold $100,000 or less.

Digital Banking Features

LendingClub’s online banking site and mobile app both offer account holders the ability to generate financial reports that can be used for accounting purposes, thereby making tax filing easier. Another advantage of the mobile app is that account holders can deposit checks simply by uploading a photo.

The Tailored Checking account provides clients with free access to Autobooks — LendingClub’s digital invoicing software. This platform enables you to send digitally secure invoices to customers, track their status, and receive next-day payments directly to your account.

Rewards

With this business checking account, you’ll receive 1% cashback on all qualified purchases made with your LendingClub debit card. It is important to note, however, that in order to qualify for this benefit, you will either need to have an average monthly balance of at least $2,500.00 or receive $2,500.00 in direct deposits.

Bank of America logo

Bank of America: Best for financial management

On-demand small business services

4.7

If you’re looking for a business bank account with the means to help you improve the management of your business, then Bank of America’s Business Advantage Relationship Banking account is worth a look.

From its digital financial assistant and Zelle integration to complementary financial consulting services, this checking account is geared towards helping you grow your business.

Why we chose it: 

Bank of America offers a wide range of digital tools to help sole proprietors optimize their business, including its cash flow monitor that tracks and categorizes account activity as well as its team of small business specialists that provide on-demand business management consultations.

  • Zelle secure payments
  • Cash flow monitor
  • On-demand small business specialists
  • Free savings account
  • Free second checking account
  • Not mobile friendly
  • High monthly fee
  • High requirements to join Prefered Rewards for Business

Fees 

Carrying a monthly fee of $29.95, account holders can waive this fee if they have combined account balances of $15,000 or become a member of the bank’s Preferred Rewards for Business program. As a result, this account is better suited to those sole proprietors in a stronger financial position.

This account allows free ATM withdrawals at Bank of America ATMs as well as free cash deposits for the first $20,000, after which a fee of $0.30 per $100 deposited will apply. Regular ACH transactions are free, while next-day transfers cost $10 and same-day transfers cost $25.

Interest

While interest rates on this checking account as well as the Bank of America Advantage Savings account start at 0.01%, they can be boosted significantly if you sign up for the Prefered Rewards program. 

With Prefered Rewards, you can receive an interest rate boost for your savings account ranging from 5% to 20% of your existing APY depending on your tier. It’s important to remember that, as a Business Advantage Relationship Banking customer, a savings account will be free to open.

Digital Banking Features

Bank of America’s cash flow monitor enables you to not only track your ongoing transactions but also receive cash flow projections, thereby allowing you to determine if your business is on the right track. Erica, BoA’s digital financial assistant, can be instructed to perform transactions on your behalf so that you don’t have to.

This checking account comes with Zelle, a fast and secure money transfer platform, and can be integrated with Quikcbooks to make your accounting easier. Bank of America also has a team of dedicated small business specialists to provide account holders with any guidance they may need in managing their business. 

Rewards

Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards for Business provides a range of rewards for those who are eligible to join, such as waiving fees including monthly maintenance fees and inbound wire transfers. Beneficiaries also enjoy between 25%-75% rewards bonuses on participating credit cards, a 5% to 20% interest rate boost on Business Advantage Savings accounts, complimentary financial analysis with Merril, and discounts on loan interest rates.

One drawback, however, is that in order to qualify for this program, you’ll need to have a three-month combined average daily balance of $20,000 in your BoA accounts.

Methodology for the Best Business Bank Account for Sole Proprietors

  • Fees: as a sole proprietor, cutting your expenses is crucial to maximizing your profit margin. For this reason, we looked for checking accounts with the lowest banking fees including monthly fees, ATM fees, and other transactions.
  • Interest: Although your business may earn you the bulk of your income if not all, generating a passive income through interest means that you earn more without having to put in extra work.
  • Digital Banking Features: In order to help you focus on running your business, we looked at banks that provide digital tools to help make administrative, financial, and tax tasks as easy as possible.
  • Rewards: Benefits such as rewards programs can provide you with cash savings, complimentary products, and special offers aimed at saving you money, allowing your profit margin to grow as a result.

Sole Proprietor Business Checking Account Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are you still unsure about which bank account is best for a sole proprietor like yourself? Perhaps these answers to common questions can make your decision clearer!

Bottom Line

Whether your priority is to open a bank account with rewards such as Novo and Lili, financial management services such as Bank of America or LendingClub, or a high interest rate such as Bluevine, it’s crucial to open a bank account that separates your business from your personal affairs.

Not only does this make the financial management of your business easier, but it also enables you to receive benefits that will help you maximize your profit margins. 

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

Below you will find an interactive U.S map that can help you locate and compare different banks and financial institutions that offer business accounts in your area.

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

7 Best Business Bank Accounts for Online Sellers in 2023

a man trying holding his ATM card shopping online on his laptop

The best business bank accounts for online sellers offer a blend of low fees, intuitive tools, and features to make your e-commerce company thrive. Whether you’re new to the space or experienced in e-commerce, having the right bank account can make a huge difference. This article covers our seven favorites and our reasoning behind each choice.

Best Business Bank Accounts for Online Sellers

Our Methodology

When selecting the best business bank accounts for online sellers, we first looked at both monthly fees and costs for using other services. We then considered minimum balance requirements for small businesses and how accessible mobile banking options are. Finally, we identified extra features that make an account stand out and how easy the entire account is to use.

You can find a more detailed explanation of our methodology here.

Bank

Service Fees (Per Month)

Additional Fees

Minimum Balance

Access to Mobile Banking

Extra Features

$0

$4.95 per cash deposit, $2.50 for out of network ATM fees, $15 for outgoing wires

$0

Pay vendors by wire or check, schedule payments, manage cash flow

2.0% APY, online payments, multiple subaccounts

$0

$35 for outgoing wire transfers

$0

Pay bills, analyze spending patterns, monitor accounts

ATM reimbursements, first 50 checks free, Quickbooks integration

$0

$27 overdraft fee

$0

Create, send, track invoices, check deposits, connect business tools

Reserve accounts, invoice tracking, virtual debit card, free incoming wires

$15 (waivable)

$15 per incoming domestic wire, $25 for outgoing domestic wire, fee for cash deposits

$2000

Access credit card accounts,
transfer money,
deposit checks,
access bank statements,
access to CreditWise service

Unlimited digital transfers, overdraft coverage, $5,000 in free cash deposits

$0

$0.50 fee for transactions after the first 125, fees at out of network ATMs

$0

Pay bills, analyze spending patterns, monitor accounts

$2,500 in free cash deposits, 125 free transactions

$0

$2.50 for out of network domestic ATMs, $5 for international

$0

Drop funds in tax buckets, invoicing, online payments, transfers

Tax optimization software, fast enrollment, smart mobile banking

$15 (waivable)

$25 to $40 for wire transfers, $0.40 per transaction (after first 20)

$2,000

Fraud monitoring, card control, pay and transfer, view offers

$5,000 in no-fee cash deposits, long list of business services

BlueVine logo

Bluevine Business Checking: Best Overall Best Business Bank Account for Online Sellers

Monthly Fees: $0

4.7

Bluevine’s Business Checking account isn’t like most others, offering 2.0% APY on funds up to $100,000. The account itself is pretty self-sufficient, so Bluevine doesn’t provide any savings account to complement it. There’s no minimum deposit required to start your account and no monthly service fees to watch out for. If you happen to deal with cash, beware high costs for cash deposits.

Why we chose it: Bluevine’s lack of monthly fees and high interest rate on a checking account make it our top business bank account for online sellers.

  • High interest rates
  • Very few fees
  • No minimum deposit required
  • No business savings account
  • No ATM reimbursement
  • Fee for cash deposits

Fees

There’s never a monthly fee with Bluevine’s Business Checking account whether your balance is low or high. As an online seller, chances are you won’t have to worry much about the $4.95 charge for depositing cash into your account. When withdrawing funds, use one of Bluevine’s affiliated ATMs lest you incur a $2.50 fee for out-of-network machines.

Minimum Balance

You don’t have to meet any initial deposit requirement when starting your membership, nor do you have to keep a certain amount to avoid fees. The 2.0% APY is good on funds up to $100,000, so anything over this balance does not accrue any interest.

Access to Mobile Banking

All of Bluevine’s features spill over into its mobile app. You can seamlessly switch between your computer and mobile device on the fly and not miss a beat. This includes viewing your account, money transfers, and fast bill pay options. Going one step further, the app also lets you deposit any checks you may receive straight from your phone.

Extra Features

Few checking accounts are interest-bearing, but the Bluevine Business Checking account breaks the mold with its 2.0% APY. Users can also make and track online payments coming in and going out to your vendors. Through subaccounts, it’s easy to set aside funds for a rainy day or a big purchase.

Axos logo

Axos Bank Basic Business Checking: Best Business Bank Account for Online Sellers for Online Banking

Monthly Fees: $0

4.6

You can do all your online banking with Axos completely for free, thanks to minimal fees and reimbursement options for those that do exist. New business owners can even add $200 to their account just for signing up. Perks extend to cash deposits at any MoneyPass or AllPoint ATM nationwide. Be sure not to overstress your account, as returned check fees are quite high. 

Why we chose it: Axos is online banking at its best, allowing unlimited item processing, no minimum balance requirements, and reimbursements on ATMs and wire transfers.

  • Free online banking
  • Cash deposits allowed via MoneyPass and AllPoint ATMs
  • Minimal monthly fees
  • Limited integrations
  • Below average CD rates
  • Significant returned check fee

Fees

Banking with Axos is all but fee-free. There’s no monthly service fee, unlimited domestic ATM reimbursements, and the bank will even cover two domestic wire fees per month. Outgoing wires are $35 otherwise, but returned item fees can be as high as $75 per day if you’re not careful.

Minimum Balance

Axos Bank has no minimum deposit requirement when signing up, nor a monthly balance to fight back a monthly service fee. You will need an average monthly balance of $2,500 for the first 60 days to qualify for the $200 cash bonus.

Access to Mobile Banking

All the tools on Axos’s mobile app are fast, secure, and completely free. At a glance, you can see the status of your Basic Business Checking account or any savings account you’ve opened along the way. Through your mobile device, you can also track your spending patterns to identify areas to shore up funds.

Extra Features

If you prefer to pay by check, your first 50 are free with Axos bank. All its software is QuickBooks compatible for tax and money management, and you have unlimited item processing. Reimbursements for wires and ATMs are a vital way to save money, and Axos’s ATM network is extensive.

Novo logo

Novo Business Checking: Best Business Bank Account for Online Sellers for E-commerce

Monthly Fees: $0

4.5

Novo has you covered whether you use Shopify, Etsy, or some other e-commerce site to do your online selling. The banking platform has dozens of native integrations to help your business grow. Many of these apps offer exclusive perks to Novo users as well. Setting up a business bank account for your LLC or sole proprietorship takes mere minutes, and reserves allow you to drop funds into buckets for payroll, taxes, and the like.

Why we chose it: Novo’s Business Checking account marries well with popular e-commerce tools for a comprehensive online experience.

  • Works with a long list of e-commerce apps
  • Reserve accounts for fund management
  • Great mobile app
  • Fee for overdrawn accounts
  • Branches are primarily in the Miami area
  • No savings options

Fees

Novo flashes a ton of zeros across its fee schedule. There are no penalties for low monthly balances, and even incoming and outgoing wire transfers are free. You’ll get hit with a $27 fine each time you have insufficient funds for a transaction, however.

Minimum Balance

Although Novo recommends starting with at least $50, you don’t need a minimum deposit to enroll. Thanks to the lack of service fees, there’s no amount of money you need to keep in your account at any time. Always make sure you have enough for transactions, so you don’t have to deal with overdraft fees.

Access to Mobile Banking

You can use Novo’s small business checking app to connect with your favorite business tools. This allows you to receive payouts from the major e-commerce platforms you already use. From your phone, it’s also possible to use Novo reserves to separate funds for upcoming expenses. 

Extra Features

It’s rare to find a bank account with free incoming and outgoing wire transfers, but Novo rises to the challenge. The banking platform has built-in invoice tracking tools and reserve accounts to juggle funds.

Capital one logo

Capital One Basic Checking: Best Business Bank Account for Online Sellers for Digital Transfers

Monthly Fees: $15 (waivable)

4.5

Online sellers rely on digital transfers, and Capital One Basic Checking doesn’t limit how many you can do per month. You’ll never have to worry about penalties for receiving funds from your ever-growing number of e-commerce buyers or making payments to vendors for additional supplies. There are no overdraft fees even if you pull too much from your account, and a large network of ATMs gives access to money as you need it.

Why we chose it: Capital One’s unlimited free digital transfers allow you to send and receive funds as often as you need to.

  • Unlimited digital transfers
  • Does not charge overdraft fees
  • Large ATM network
  • Limited physical locations
  • Monthly account fee
  • Out-of-network ATM fees

Fees

Capital One’s Basic Checking does have a $15 monthly fee, but you can waive this with a bit of planning. Try to avoid incoming and outgoing wire transfers as much as possible, since these cost $15 and $25 per transaction. It’s free to deposit up to $5,000 in cash each month if your business happens to receive any.

Minimum Balance

If you want to remove the maintenance fee on your Basic Checking account, you’ll need to keep an average balance of $2,000 over the previous 30 or 90 days. Otherwise, your balance has no bearing on your account.

Access to Mobile Banking

Through the mobile app, you can deposit checks, pay your bills, or make digital payments with the help of Zelle. It also makes account management easier, whether you only have a checking account or opt for a savings plan as well. The CreditWise feature lets you see your credit score and offers tips to keep it as high as possible.

Extra Features

It’s hard to top unlimited digital transfers on your Capital One Basic Checking account. Overdraft protection is also a huge win, especially if you don’t have a ton of funds to work with every month. You can set up an account quickly with little more than an EIN and be up and running in a matter of hours.

U.S. Bank logo

U.S. Bank Silver Business Checking: Best Business Bank Account for Online Sellers for Lending Options

Monthly Fees: $0

4.3

You may not have a brick-and-mortar location, but having lending options at your fingertips can help take your business to the next level. Lines of credit and loans are both available for small and large purchases with repayment rates to match your available funds. U.S. Bank also has business services for payroll, fraud protection, and more to maximize your assets. While online-friendly, the bank also has over 2,400 branch locations for in-person visits.

Why we chose it: With a mix of minimal fees, specialized services, and a long list of lending options, U.S. Bank Silver Business Checking really speaks to online sellers. 

  • Lending to fit your needs
  • Specialized business services for online sellers
  • 2,400 branch locations
  • Charges for overdrafts
  • Low free cash deposit amount
  • Only locations in 28 states

Fees

U.S. Bank’s Silver Business Checking doesn’t charge a monthly fee for use, although many of the bank’s savings accounts do. There are fees for transactions after your first 125, and you’ll want to use U.S. Bank ATMs as much as possible to steer clear of out-of-network charges.

Minimum Balance

There are no balance requirements to dodge monthly service fees with Silver Business Checking. It’s free to open and use, no matter your balance when you open an account.

Access to Mobile Banking

Manage and pay all your bills from your phone with the U.S. Bank mobile app. You can also link up a digital wallet to pay when out and about or lock your credit card should it go missing. There’s even an option to deposit checks or send and receive money with Zelle.

Extra Features

The biggest perks for the U.S. Bank Silver Business Checking account are add-on business services for your account. These include fraud protection, payroll services, and tools for cash management. You can also benefit from $2,500 in free cash deposits and 125 free transactions each billing cycle.

Lili logo

Lili Business Banking: Best Business Bank Account for Online Sellers for Startups

Monthly Fees: $0

4.3

With Lili Business Banking, you can have an account up and running within minutes. Nonexistent account and overdraft fees only sweeten the pot, and you can bank from 38,000 ATMs across the country for free. If that wasn’t enough, the fintech company offers tools for accounting, tax optimization, and custom invoices to take the guesswork out of juggling your finances.

Why we chose it: Lili’s fast sign-up process, transparent fees, and tax optimization software are just what any startup needs to succeed.

  • Tax optimization software
  • No minimum balance or monthly fees
  • Quick enrollment
  • Requires Pro account to earn interest
  • No wire transfers
  • Low monthly transfer and deposit limits

Fees

Lili Business Banking doesn’t have monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, or charges for ACH bank transfers. Out-of-network ATMs will set you back $2.50 domestically and $5.00 if you’re overseas.

Minimum Balance

With Lili, there’s no need to worry about minimum balances. You can open an account with as little as $1 and start taking advantage of all the cool perks right away.

Access to Mobile Banking

Everything Lili brings to its desktop app is also available on mobile devices. You can create and send invoices while on the go and even make online payments straight from your phone. It’s also possible to drop funds in tax buckets so you’re ready when tax season rolls around. 

Extra Features

Taxes can be confusing for established businesses, let alone new ones. Lili’s tax optimization software teaches you how to set aside appropriate amounts for federal and state as needed and offers tips on how to maximize what stays with you. One of the best things about Lili is its account setup process, where you can be up and running in a matter of minutes.

Chase Business logo

Chase Business Complete Banking: Best Business Bank Account for Online Sellers for Business Services

Monthly Fees: $15 (waivable)

4.2

Chase’s business services are the star of the show, designed to protect what’s yours and ensure you get paid on time. As an added incentive, new business checking customers can earn $300 in sign-up bonuses should they qualify. Certain transaction types have fees, and there is a monthly charge to maintain your account. Fortunately, you can work around these fairly easily.

Why we chose it: Chase Business Complete Banking has you covered with excellent payment and transfer services, fraud lookouts, payment-collection solutions, and more.

  • Several available business services
  • Multiple ways to waive the monthly maintenance fee
  • $300 sign-on bonus
  • Monthly maintenance fee
  • Only 20 free paper transactions per month
  • Fees for out-of-network ATMs

Fees

The Chase Business Complete Banking account has a $15 monthly fee, waivable with any of the following:

  • $2,000 minimum daily balance
  • $2,000 in net purchases on your Chase Ink Business Card(s)
  • $2,000 in deposits from Chase QuickAccept or other eligible Chase Payment Solutions transactions

Other fees appear with paper transactions and wire transfers, somewhat limiting your business to digital transactions only.

Minimum Balance

Having at least $2,000 in your account at all times negates the monthly maintenance fee. If you want the $300 sign-on bonus, you’ll need to get $2,000 into your account within the first 30 days. From there, you’ll need to hold that minimum balance for 60 days straight to earn the reward.

Access to Mobile Banking

With Chase mobile banking, you can set up alerts to notify you when transactions take place or an account drops below a certain threshold. The app uses Chase QuickPay alongside Zelle to get payments out quickly, or you can transfer funds across the country. If you need to find the Chase location nearest you, the app will find a suitable branch or ATM close by.

Extra Features

Chase’s business services go beyond any we’ve seen, featuring an assortment of tools to manage cash flow and help you get what others owe you. You can use payment and transfer services to pay your employees or vendors, when switch to collections to make sure you get paid. Fraud protection safeguards your account and monitors for suspicious activity.

Methodology for the Best Business Bank Accounts for Online Sellers

We spent a lot of time identifying the best features online sellers need when choosing the best bank. Here are the top considerations we used when making our selections:

  • Monthly Fees: Some banks charge monthly service fees to add to their overall profit potential and help cover operating costs. Our search for the best business bank accounts for online sellers focused on bank accounts without such fees. If a bank does charge a maintenance fee, we’ve pointed out what you need to do to remove it.
  • Additional Fees: Fees often extend beyond monthly maintenance requirements. Banks can charge for ATM use, transfers, cash deposits, or hit you with penalties for overdrafting your account. We chose bank accounts with minimal fees that you can often avoid with some upfront planning.
  • Minimum Balance: If a bank charges a monthly service fee, we made sure small businesses can keep up with the minimum balance requirements to remove it. In other instances, we checked minimum balances needed to earn rewards or interest rates on the best business checking accounts.
  • Access to Mobile Banking: Online selling offers a lot of flexibility, and we wanted to make sure your bank does the same. All the banks on our list have mobile banking tools to keep you connected and on top of your finances no matter where you are.
  • Extra Features: We looked beyond the surface level for any extra features banks have to stand out among the competition. Top considerations include interest rates, business services, overdraft protection, and free transactions.
  • Ease of Use: No one has time for the archaic dealings of traditional banks. We picked financial institutions that are simple to sign up for and make features easily accessible. When you have purchases flying at you, you don’t want to get bogged down in banking logistics.

Best Business Bank Accounts for Online Sellers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Still have questions about the best business bank accounts for online sellers? You may find the answers you’re looking for right here.

Bottom Line

The top business bank accounts for selling online keep fees to a minimum while helping you keep a pulse on your finances. They make for easy transfers both into and out of your account without placing caps on how much you can do. We love Bluevine for its ease of use and healthy interest rate, but any of the bank accounts on this list could serve you well.

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

Below you will find an interactive U.S map that can help you locate and compare different banks and financial institutions that offer business accounts in your area.

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

7 Best Banks for Small Businesses in New York in 2023

Businessman holding an ATM card in an ATM gallery

A bank account for your small business helps keep funds in order and customers happy. The best banks for small businesses in New York go one step further, offering additional features to keep your company running smoothly. After careful research, here are our seven favorites for 2023.

Best Banks for Small Businesses in New York

Our Methodology

It should come as no surprise that fees are on top of our list of considerations for New York banks. We also looked at minimum balance requirements to maintain accounts and APYs for some passive income. Finally, we wanted to ensure banks have access to mobile banking and are easy for small businesses to use.

Click here for a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Bank

Pricing (Per Month)

Additional Fees

Interest Rates

Minimum Balance

Access to Mobile Banking

$0

$4.95 per cash deposit, $2.50 for out of network ATM fees, $15 for outgoing wires

2.0% APY

$0

Pay vendors by wire or check, schedule payments, manage cash flow

$15 for checking (waivable), $3 for savings (waivable)

$15 per incoming domestic wire, $25 for outgoing domestic wire, fee for excess cash deposits

0.20% APY

$2,000 for checking, $300 for savings

Access credit card accounts,  transfer money, deposit checks, access bank statements, access to CreditWise service

$5 (waivable) for savings

$35 for outgoing wire transfers

0.20% APY

$2,500 on savings account

Pay bills, analyze spending patterns, monitor accounts

$16 for checking (waivable), $10 for savings (waivable)

Out of network ATM fees, fees for excessive deposits

Up to 0.04% APY

$5,000 for checking, $2,500 for savings

Manage accounts, pay and transfer, digital wallets, bill pay

$15 for checking (waivable), $10 for savings (waivable)

$25 to $40 for wire transfers, $0.40 per transaction (after first 20)

Up to 0.02% APY

$2,000 for checking, $1,000 for savings

Fraud monitoring, card control, pay and transfer, view offers

$5 (waivable) for checking, $4 (waivable) for savings

$33 overdraft fee, $0.40 per item in excess of 200 transactions, $20 for wire transfer

0.01% APY

$1,000 for checking, $300 for savings

Document hub for past statements, send money, account alerts to monitor transactions

$4.99 (waivable)

$0.50 fee for each excessive transaction, $39 overdraft fee

Up to 0.02% APY

$500 for savings account

Custom business alerts, check balances, transfer funds, find branch locations

BlueVine logo

Bluevine: Best Overall Bank for Small Businesses in New York

Up to 2.0% APY

4.7

Bluevine sets the bar high with zero monthly maintenance fees and 2.0% APY for business customers. There’s no minimum deposit requirement to get started, so any small business can partake. You won’t find a savings account, but Bluevine has virtual buckets you can drop funds into to stay organized. Pay attention to cash deposits, which will cost you $4.95 each time you make one.

Why we chose it: Bluevine holds the top spot thanks to its minimal fees, ease of use, and incredible interest rate.

  • Organize project work intuitively
  • Add resources as your project grows
  • Provide context with notes and descriptions
  • No business savings account
  • No ATM reimbursement
  • Fee for cash deposits

Fees

New Yorkers won’t have to worry about fees at any MoneyPass ATM in the state. There are hundreds throughout, but any ATM not in the system will set you back $2.50. The biggest fee to worry about is for cash deposits, where Bluevine charges $4.95 each time you add cash to your account.

Interest Rates

With Bluevine’s business checking account, you’ll receive an unprecedented 2.0% APY on funds within. Note that this interest rate only applies to money up to $100,000 in your account. Anything in excess does not earn any interest at all.

Minimum Balance

Bluevine has no minimum balance to start an account or maintain it. You’ll never receive a monthly charge if funds drop dangerously low. Your balance also doesn’t affect your interest rate, which is applicable on funds from $0 to $100,000.

Access to Mobile Banking

The Bluevine mobile app puts all your banking needs right in the palm of your hand. Just like on a computer, you can perform unlimited transfers, make bill payments, or deposit checks into your account. If you set up subaccounts for tracking purposes, the app transfers money between them immediately.

Capital one logo

Capital One: Best Bank for Small Businesses in New York for Digital Transactions

0.20% APY

4.6

Your small business relies on digital transactions to stay afloat. Capital One understands this, allowing you to send and receive funds digitally without penalty. In the event one of your accounts gets stretched too thin, the bank won’t charge a fee for the overdraft. There are several Capital One banks within New York City, but those in other parts of the state should have no trouble finding at least an ATM.

Why we chose it: You can keep your vendors paid and happy with unlimited digital transactions from Capital One.

  • Unlimited digital transactions
  • Does not charge overdraft fees
  • Large ATM network
  • Limited physical locations
  • Monthly account fee
  • Out-of-network ATM fees

Fees

Digital transfers are free to any other bank account at any time. There is a monthly service fee on all Capital One’s business accounts, but you can toss these aside by meeting balance requirements. Incoming and outgoing domestic wire transfers cost $15 and $25 respectively, so try to avoid using this feature.

Interest Rates

New Capital One members unlock a promotional interest rate for the first 12 months of use on a business savings account. The current rate is 0.20% APY, which has been in place since 2020. After the first year, the APY reverts to the standard amount in effect at the time.

Minimum Balance

It takes a 30 or 90-day balance average of $2,000 in your checking account to waive the $15 monthly fee. To remove service fees on business savings, you’ll have to keep a minimum balance of at least $300 at all times.

Access to Mobile Banking

Capital One has a mobile app for both Android and iOS devices. It’s free to download and lets you perform digital transactions wherever you may be. Other features include mobile deposits and digital payments using Zelle.

Axos logo

Axos Bank: Best Bank for Small Businesses in New York for Online Banking

0.20% APY

4.5

Axos Bank’s online system means you can bank from anywhere, even if business takes you outside New York. The bank lacks a few integrations, but you can access funds from any MoneyPass or AllPoint ATM around the country. Its basic checking has no monthly fee, and you’ll never have to worry about charges due to an overdraft. 

Why we chose it: Axos Bank may not have physical locations, but its extensive online services make it an excellent choice for New Yorkers.

  • No monthly fee on basic account
  • Cash deposits allowed via MoneyPass and AllPoint ATMs
  • Zero overdraft fees
  • Limited integrations
  • Below average CD rates
  • Poor customer service

Fees

You may have some trouble finding a fee within Axos Bank’s online system, which is a good problem to have. Its basic checking account does not charge for maintenance, although higher-tier plans have waivable fees. The bank even reimburses you for domestic ATM use and two wire fees each billing cycle.

Interest Rates

You can earn 0.20% APY with an Axos business savings account, but rates don’t get any better with premium plans. Even CDs max out at 0.20%, leaving much to be desired. The interest plus checking account accrues up to 1.01% APY on amounts up to $50,000 if you want to go that route.

Minimum Balance

If you have a new small business, a basic business checking account is appealing thanks to no minimum balance requirements. You’ll need $2,500 minimum to remove fees from a business savings account or $5,000 for interest plus checking.

Access to Mobile Banking

With online banking as its core, Axos Bank would be dropping the ball if it didn’t have an excellent mobile service. The app works quickly to process transfers or handle mobile deposits. You can link all your accounts to your phone, watch account balances, and even analyze how you spend your money.

Bank of America logo

Bank of America: Best Bank for Small Businesses in New York for Rewards

Up to 0.04% APY

4.4

Bank of America takes an impressive traditional banking package and makes it better through a preferred rewards program. By enrolling, you gain access to cool perks that can boost your interest rate or remove fees on select banking services. Nearly 300 of Bank of America’s 4,300 branches reside in the state, offering plenty of opportunities for in-person banking. You’ll have a few fees to dance around as you do business, but this isn’t hard to do.

Why we chose it: Bank of America’s exclusive Preferred Rewards system offers excellent business perks to give your company a leg up on the competition.

  • Preferred rewards to boost interest rate
  • Over 17,000 ATMs and 4,300 branches
  • Can waive the monthly fee
  • Lacks 24/7 customer service
  • Monthly fees
  • Transaction fees when using non-Bank of America ATMs

Fees

Bank of America offers three ways to negate the $16 monthly maintenance fee. If you can’t maintain a $5,000 minimum balance, you can either spend $250 in qualified debit card purchases or become a Preferred Member instead. Savings requires a minimum of $2,500 or a Preferred Rewards membership to avoid paying $10 per month.

Interest Rates

None of Bank of America’s checking accounts have any kind of built-in interest rate. Savings accounts start at 0.01% APY but can grow depending on your status as a preferred member. CDs reach up to 3.51% if you have at least $10,000 and the time to lock these funds away.

Minimum Balance

Meeting minimum balance requirements will do away with annoying service fees you’ll otherwise have to pay. The amount you have in your accounts is the primary factor in determining what level of preferred membership you earn.

Access to Mobile Banking

Through the mobile app, you can set custom alerts so you’re always aware of what’s happening with your account. Enhanced security features prevent others from getting in, making it safe to pay all your bills from your phone. A spending and budgeting tool also exists to help you plan for future expenses.

Chase Business logo

Chase: Best Bank for Small Businesses in New York for Branch Locations

Up to 0.02% APY

4.4

With 600 locations throughout New York, Chase has more branches than any other bank in the state. You’ll have free reign of Chase’s business services whether you prefer to bank online or in person. Anyone signing up right now can qualify for a $300 bonus just for becoming a member. If that wasn’t enough, Chase gives up to $900 cash back on credit card purchases.

Why we chose it: Chase has more branches than any other bank in New York and hands you a $300 bonus just for signing up.

  • 600 New York locations
  • Up to $300 sign-on bonus
  • Multiple ways to waive the monthly maintenance fee
  • Monthly maintenance fees
  • Only 20 free transactions per month
  • Minimal APY

Fees

Chase Business Complete Banking has a $15 service fee you can remove with a $2,000 daily balance. It’s also possible to waive this fee through deposits from Chase QuickAccept or purchases with a Chase Ink Business Card. Attaching a savings account to your checking removes any monthly fees you’d normally pay there.

Interest Rates

Chase does not have a checking account with options to accrue interest. You’ll have to look to a savings account for 0.01% or 0.02% APY. There are higher interest rates with certificates of deposit, but these vary depending on where in New York you are.

Minimum Balance

As long as you maintain a minimum of $2,000 in your Complete checking account, you’ll never have to pay a monthly fee. Plans jump to $35,000 and $100,000 minimums from there, which may not jive with smaller businesses.

Access to Mobile Banking

The Chase mobile app lets you view paperless statements and transfer money throughout New York and beyond. There’s an option to pay or schedule payments, and handling deposits with Chase QuickAccept can eliminate monthly account fees. With so many locations in the state, you can also use the app to find the nearest one.

Key Bank logo

Key Bank: Best Bank for Small Businesses in New York for Cash Deposits

0.01% APY

4.3

Many banks charge for cash deposits, but Key Bank allows you to add up to $25,000 to your account each month without penalizing you. It has a strong presence in the Empire state and locations in 38 others. Maintenance fees are low to begin with, but they’re also easy to waive with a low balance. The mobile app is a great way to track funds lest you stumble into hefty overdraft fees.

Why we chose it: Businesses channeling a lot of cash will love up to $25,000 in cash deposits each month without fees.

  • Deposit up to $25,000 in cash each month without fees
  • Low, waivable maintenance fees
  • More than 1,100 branches and 1,400 ATMs
  • Low interest rates
  • Heavy overdraft fees
  • Lackluster CD options

Fees

Key Bank is pretty generous with fees except when it comes to overdrafts. A simple slip up can cost you $33 each time you try to pull too much from an account. Monthly charges are $5 and $4 for basic checking and savings, but you can eliminate these with the proper balance.

Interest Rates

The interest rate you can earn on your savings or interest plus checking account is variable and based on several factors. After searching various zip codes, we couldn’t find anything higher than 0.01% APY.

Minimum Balance

It takes $1,000 in checking and $300 in savings to waive fees for each account. Key Bank lists its interest rates as variable and mentions they can change based on your current balance. In theory, higher balances should accrue more.

Access to Mobile Banking

Key Bank gives you the power to lock and unlock your cards right from your mobile device. You can also set up account alerts to monitor transactions in real-time and pay bills with a tap. If you need previous records, the app holds your last seven years of statements and two years of tax records.

Citizens Bank logo

Citizens Bank: Best Bank for Small Businesses in New York for Customer Service

Up to 0.02% APY

4.2

Help is never far away at Citizens Bank, thanks to useful online information and a great customer support team. There are over 1200 locations in New England you can stop into, or contact someone via phone seven days a week. Multiple plan options play to the needs of different business models, including a fee-free account for small businesses.

Why we chose it: Citizens Bank’s excellent customer service and large number of New England locations make it a great option for New Yorkers.

  • Excellent customer service
  • Nearly 200 branches in New York
  • No monthly maintenance fee on some accounts
  • Low interest rates
  • High overdraft fees
  • Some accounts charge ATM fees

Fees

Some business checking accounts have unwaivable fees, but Citizens Bank’s introductory package has no monthly fee at all. You can take off the $4.99 charge on its small business savings account with the right amount of funds. Beware $39 overdraft fees you’ll receive for taking too much out of your account.

Interest Rates

Citizens Bank has both a business savings and money market account within reach of small businesses. Funds in savings earn 0.01% APY, whereas the money market account will earn you 0.02%. CDs don’t fare you much better, capping at 0.03% with 18-month terms.

Minimum Balance

A $500 minimum daily balance on your Citizens Bank business savings account is all you need to remove the monthly service charge. The minimum balance requirement rises steeply for other accounts.

Access to Mobile Banking

Citizens Bank recently refreshed its mobile app with an intuitive, new interface and several other enhancements. Using the app allows you to bank 24/7 from anywhere and move money as you see fit. Online banking demos offer tips and tricks for getting the most out of your account.

Methodology for the Best Banks for Small Businesses in New York

A lot goes into researching the best banks for small businesses in New York. Here are the top factors we considered when making our picks.

  • Fees: Banking fees can show up in many forms. We focused on banks without monthly charges, or at least easy ways for small businesses to waive them. Other important fees we considered revolved around transactions and deposits every small business has to perform.
  • Minimum Balance: Banks often impose service fees on accounts with low balances. We opted for banks having accounts with minimum balance requirements manageable by even the smallest business. In some cases, a higher account balance also means more interest.
  • Interest Rates: Interest rates can be an effective way to add a little passive income to your business. Fintechs like Bluevine let you earn up to 2.0% APY. In the small business world, every bit counts.
  • Access to Mobile Banking: Mobile banking is an essential tool in our fast-paced world. Banks without intuitive apps quickly fall by the wayside to those providing a ton of mobile services. The best ones allow you to view accounts and transfer funds with a tap.
  • Ease of Use: Along the vein of mobile banking, accounts should be easy to both set up and use. That means a startup process with few documents and clear systems. Having a good customer service team like Citizens Bank is also a plus.

Best Banks for Small Businesses in New York Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Still have questions about the best banks for small businesses in New York? This FAQ may have the answers you seek.

Bottom Line

There are many banks to choose from in New York, but they aren’t all the same. The best options come with minimal fees and interest rates that offset any costs you incur along the way. You can’t go wrong with any of the banks on this list for your business needs.

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

Below you will find an interactive U.S map that can help you locate and compare different banks and financial institutions that offer business accounts in your area.

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

6 Best Business Bank Accounts for Real Estate in 2023

hands holding a blue house model

As a real estate investor, choosing the right business bank account is vital for reaching your goals. Naturally, your priorities when selecting a bank account will depend on your investment strategy.

Whether your strategy involves making numerous short-term transactions or remaining in it for the long haul, here are the best banks for real estate investment.

Best Business Bank Accounts for Real Estate

Methodology summary 

Because protecting your investment is a priority, we began by evaluating the fees that each bank charges, including monthly, ATM, overdraft, and transaction fees as well as cash and check deposit fees.

We then assessed the interest rates that each bank offers as well as benefits that could also help to grow your investment, such as reward programs and credit and debit card benefits.

In addition, we also looked at factors such as lending services that you may require during your investment journey as well as online features that could make the financial management of your account easier and more efficient.

Bank

Monthly Fee

Transaction Fees

ATM Fees

Cash Deposit Fees

APY

Access to Lending Services

Online Features

$0

$0 for all ACH transfers;

2.99% outgoing rent payment fee

$0

$0

Up to 3.30%

Yes

Rent collection, Bookkeeping tools

Tenant screening

Legal document templates

$29.95 or $0 if prerequisites met

Varies depending on bank account

$0

$0 for first $20,000

Up to 0.02%

Yes

Quickbooks integration

Zelle payments

Virtual assistant

Cash flow monitor

$0

$0 for incoming wires, $5 for outgoing wires

$0 on domestic ATMs; 1% on international

$0 on domestic ATMs; 1% on international

Up to 3.85%

No

Built-in accounting software, Automated rent collection, Insurance quote system, External expense linking

$0

$0 for incoming transfers;

$0 for ACH transfers;

$15 per outgoing wire

$0

$4.95 per deposit

Up to 2.0%

Yes

Mobile banking app

Sub-accounts

Fee waived with $5,000 balance, otherwise $10

$0 for online transfers, $15 for domestic wire transfers, $50 for international

$0 (full unlimited reimbursements)

$0

Up to 1.01%

Yes

QuickBooks integration

ATM locator

$0 for Basic; $30 for Pro

Free for Pro; $5 wire fee for Basic

$0

$0

N/A

No

QuickBooks, Xero, Gusto, Plaid, and Yodlee integration

Automated bill payment with Pro

Baselane logo

Baselane: Best Overall

Automate Your Rent Collection

5.0

If you’re a landlord or a very hands-on property investor, then Baselane has a wide range of features to make your financial management a whole lot easier. With features such as its rent collection and expense management tools, Baselane helps you automate your property management experience.

Why we chose it: 

In addition to optimizing your financial management, this real estate investment account offers a range of rental-specific services to make your life as a landlord as easy as possible. 

This includes tenant screening, integration with TurboTax, and access to a range of legal document templates and on-call lawyers to assist you with any questions.

By providing a balance of favorable banking terms and specialized real estate digital financial tools, Baselane earns its place as the best business bank account for real estate.

  • Automated rent collection
  • Auto-generated tax reports
  • 3.30% APY 
  • Zero ACH transfer fees
  • No overdraft fees
  • No ATM fees
  • Access to several loan options
  • Up to 5% cash back
  • Additional cost for online add-ons

Fees

In addition to zero monthly fees, this checking account comes with no overdraft fees and does not require a minimum opening deposit.

Baseline provides zero-fee ATM withdrawals and cash deposits at over 55,000 locations as well as unlimited free ACH transfers. Should you choose to pay your own rent with your Baselane account however, the transaction carries a 2.99% processing fee. 

Interest and Benefits

Baselane offers an APY of up to 3.30%, making it one of the highest interest-yielding checking accounts in relation to comparable accounts. 

When using your Baselane credit or debit card, you’ll be eligible for up to 5% cashback on purchases with eligible home improvement merchants. After $2,000 worth of purchases, this cashback amount will go down to 1%.

Online Features

Baselane’s online portal offers a rent collection tool that enables you to set automated payment reminders and late fee implementation, while providing a platform for tenants to make direct payments to your bank account.

This checking account’s bookkeeping and reporting tools include an automated consolidated ledger of all your transactions, transaction tagging to help you categorize your expenses, and auto-generate tax reports and schedule E forms to make filing taxes quicker and easier.

While Baselane’s marketplace offers access to additional features such as tenant screening, legal document templates, and TurboTax tax preparation, these add-ons come at an additional cost. 

Access to Financing

Baselane offers a wide range of loan options according to the size of your property, ranging from single family to 5+ units, as well as planned unit developments and portfolio loans. 

While a minimum 680 FICO is required to apply for a loan, Baselane does not require any income verification. After completing an online application, pre-approval takes about two hours while the finalization of the loan takes up to 10 business days. Loans range from $55,000 to $2 million.

Bank of America logo

Bank of America: Best for Growing your Savings

Max savings with digital tools

4.9

Depending on the scope of your investments, keeping track of your finances and maximizing your performance can prove challenging. Bank of America’s Business Advantage Relationship Banking account offers a full suite of digital tools to optimize your financial management. 

Why we chose it: 

In addition to offering a wide array of digital tools to optimize your financial management, Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards for Business are designed to boost your savings, with benefits including its interest rate booster, credit card rewards bonuses and payroll services cash back.

  • Up to 75% business credit card rewards bonus
  • Cash flow monitor
  • Zelle payment platform
  • QuickBooks accounting software integration
  • Virtual financial assistant
  • Loan discounts
  • Free savings account
  • Comparatively high monthly fee
  • High requirements to qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business

Fees

The Business Advantage Relationship Banking comes with a monthly fee of $29.95, however, this fee can be waived if your accounts hold a combined average minimum balance of $15,000. Alternatively, you can become a member of Preferred Rewards for Business, however this requires a three-month combined average daily balance of $20,000.

While a relatively high monthly fee, this business checking account helps you save with zero cash deposit fees at both ATMs and cashiers for the first $20,000 and 500 free teller transactions and check deposits per month. There are also zero ATM withdrawal fees, while wire transfers may be free depending on the recipient’s bank.

Interest and Benefits

With an APY of only up to 0.02%, the Business Advantage Relationship Banking account is not the ideal small business account for those looking to build a passive income with interest. The account does, however, come with a range of money-saving benefits and rewards.

If you have a three-month combined average daily balance of $20,000, then you’ll be able to qualify for Prefered Rewards for Business. This program entitles you to a rewards bonus between 25% and 75% on your credit card, cash back on payroll services provided by Bank of America and discounts on interest rates on loans.

Using Preferred Rewards for Business, you have the opportunity to receive an interest rate boost of 5% to 20% on Business Advantage Savings accounts. Even if you do not have Preferred Rewards for Business, opening a savings account with Bank of America is free.

Online Features

Bank of America offers QuickBooks integration, thereby helping you to keep your accounting up to date and ensure that you don’t leave out any transactions. There is also a cash flow monitor designed to help you monitor your costs and even categorize your costs so that you can understand where your money is going. 

The cash flow monitor also includes cash flow projections, thereby helping you to plan your financial activities in advance while Erica, Bank of America’s virtual financial assistant, can help you to transfer or send money and search transactions. This account also comes with a virtual debit card that you can use via the banking app in place of a physical card.

Access to Financing

For Business Advantage Relationship Banking account holders, there are two credit lines that you can apply for. The Unsecured Business Line of Credit provides you with collateral-free loans starting at $10,000. With interest rates starting at 8.75%, this rate can be lowered if you have Prefered Rewards for Business.

This same interest rate discount can be applied to the Secured Business Line of Credit, which offers loans starting at $25,000 with interest rates of 8% upwards.

Stessa logo

Stessa: Best for Investment Management

Earn up to 3.85% interest

4.9

With its purpose-built landlord accounting software designed to automate your property accounting and its automatic rent collection system, Stessa is designed to optimize the management of your real estate investment.

Why we chose it: 

In addition to helping you reach maximum financial management efficiency, Stessa also offers features aimed at protecting your investment, including a tenant screening service and an insurance quote generator to help you save money on your landlord insurance policy.

This account also offers up to 3.85% interest and cash back on its debit card to help you increase your savings.

  • Up to 3.85% APY
  • 1.1% cash back on debit card purchases
  • Automated accounting and expense tracking
  • Performance dashboards at portfolio and property levels
  • Tree rental applications
  • Tenant screening
  • Automated rent collection
  • A fintech company; not a bank
  • No in-house financing options

Fees

In addition to zero monthly fees, Stessa also has zero domestic ATM transaction fees. International ATM transaction fees are 1% of the transaction value. Stessa warns, however, that the owner of the ATM may charge their own fee.

While inbound wire transfers are free, outbound wires cost $5 per transaction. Also, outbound wires must be a minimum of $100. International wire transfers are not offered by Stessa.

Interest and Benefits

With an APY of up to 3.85%, Stessa provides the most high-yield business checking account on this list. What’s more, this account offers 1.1% cash back on all debit card transactions excluding money orders and loan repayments.

Online Features

Stessa’s accounting software is specifically designed with landlords in mind, offering automated expense tracking and importing, categorization, and indexing of both transactions from your Stessa account and external bank accounts and cards so that you don’t have to. What’s more, Stessa offers performance dashboards for both your entire portfolio and individual properties while also organizing your finances so that they’re ready to be submitted for tax purposes.

Finances aside, Stessa makes daily property management easier with its automated rent collection system and tenant screening platform. Stessa’s landlord insurance quotes will help you to obtain better terms on your current policy or find a more favorable alternative.

Access to Financing

As stated on the website, Stessa is a financial technology company; not a bank. With the company’s banking services operated by Blue Ridge Bank N.A, Stessa itself does not offer loans.

BlueVine logo

Bluevine: Best for New Investors

No monthly or ATM fees

4.8

If you’re just getting started in the real estate investment game, then the Bluevine Business Checking account is certainly worth a look. With minimal fees, fast loan applications and comparatively decent interest rates for a business checking account, Bluevine makes it easy to get started.

Why we chose it: This bank’s fast and easy application process as well as its comparatively low fees make it easy for new investors to get started.

What’s more, Bluevine has no overdraft fees or minimum balances, making it a low-risk bank account for new account holders who are yet to reap the rewards of their investments.

  • No monthly maintenance fees
  • No in-network ATM fees
  • No minimum balance 
  • No overdraft fees
  • Zero ACH transfer fees
  • Loan approval in 24 hours
  • APY declines for accounts exceeding $100,000 
  • No international wire transfers

Fees

In addition to zero monthly maintenance fees, Bluevine Business Checking has no ACH wire fees nor incoming wire fees, making it ideal if you need to conduct a high volume of transactions each month. Furthermore, this business bank account comes with no in-network ATM fees.

Bluevine requires no minimum deposit and also has no overdraft fees, making it a low-risk checking account for new investors who are unsure of their business success. It is important to bear in mind, however, that cash deposits from designated retail locations cost $4.95 per transaction.

Interest and Benefits

Bluevine offers an APY of up to 2.0%, however account holders must either spend at least $500 per month on their Bluevine debit card or receive $2,500 per month in customer payments to benefit from the full interest rate.

Also important to note is that this interest rate only applies to accounts holding up to $100,000, meaning that this checking account is more suitable for real estate investors with lower earnings.

Online Features

Bluevine’s online banking platform and mobile app provide a sub-account feature that enables you to open up to five sub-accounts, all of which are eligible to receive an APY of up to 2.0% under the same terms as mentioned above. 

This feature enables you to divide funds among your properties to prevent you from getting confused by a wave of incoming expenses. What’s more, you can determine exactly what accounts are billed by which vendors, making payments easier.

Access to Financing

This business checking account offers credit lines of up to $250,000 at rates starting at 6.2%. To be eligible for such business loans, however, you have to have been in business for at least 24 months, make at least $40,000 in monthly revenue and have a 625+ FICO score.

Should you meet these requirements, then you can apply online and receive a decision in as little as five minutes. What’s beneficial about Bluevine’s credit lines is that you only have to repay the funds that you make use of and there are no fees for opening, maintaining, prepayment, or account closure.

Axos logo

Axos Bank: Best for Financing and Loans

A real estate lending specialist

4.7

No matter the scope of your real estate investing, Axos Bank offers a wide range of financing options to cater to your specific needs.

From small balance lending such as apartment loans and offices to construction loans for major projects including industrial and hospitality complexes, this bank is ideal for investors who are looking to finance their future growth.

Why we chose it:

Aside from this bank’s diverse range of loans, the Axos Small Business Interest Checking account offers a modest APY to help you grow your investments while keeping fees low.

This internet bank has also received warm customer reviews due to the usability and intuitiveness of its mobile app. 

  • $200 welcome bonus
  • Visa debit card with benefits upon sign up
  • Free debit card transactions
  • $5,000 minimum balance required to waive monthly fee
  • No online financial management tools

Fees

So long as you maintain a minimum average daily balance of $5,000, you won’t have to pay monthly maintenance fees. Otherwise, the monthly fee is $10.

The Small Business Interest Checking account offers unlimited ATM reimbursements at in-network ATMs, meaning that you’ll receive money back on all ATM transactions. To help you make use of the benefit, the Axos Bank website and mobile app offers an ATM locator to show you participating ATMs near you. While Axos Bank requires a $100 minimum deposit, it has no overdraft fees and online transfer fees.

Axos Bank charges $15 per outgoing domestic wire transfer and $50 for international wire transfers.

Interest and Benefits

The Small Business Interest Checking account offers a respectable APY of 1.01% for accounts holding up to $49,999.99, however this rate drops to 0.20% for accounts with higher balances.

Axos Bank offers a $200 welcome bonus upon opening an account while providing account holders with a complimentary Visa debit card with enhanced benefits, including NortonLifeLock to protect you against identity theft and Dovly; a credit management platform to help you boost your credit score.

Online Features

Axos Bank’s online platform and mobile banking app come with QuickBooks integration, meaning that you can keep your account transactions synchronized with your accounting statements.

While Axos does not provide financial management or real estate-specific tools on its digital platforms, it does offer access to external business services aimed at helping you manage your investment, such as payment and billing services from Celero and Treasury Management from the bank itself.

Access to Financing

With loans ranging in amount from $75,000 to $100 million, Axos provides a range of financing solutions specific to real estate investing.

The bank’s Commercial Real Estate Specialty Bridge and Construction Lending focuses on providing loans for construction, renovations, or during the process of finding tenants or closing a sale, from small-scale properties such as condominiums and offices to large scale industrial, warehouse and retail projects.

Axos Bank’s Small Balance Commercial Real Estate loans are aimed at providing flexible, cost-effective loans for smaller real estate projects such as multi-family units, student housing, and mobile home parks.

Relay logo

Relay: Best for Ease of Use

4.6

With customers praising its user-friendly interface, Relay is an easy-to-use checking account that enables you to focus less on administrative tasks and more on your real estate investment.

What’s more, opening an account takes just a few minutes and requires no minimum opening deposit on your part.

Why we chose it: Relay’s Accounts Payable feature in the Pro version allows you to pay all of your bills directly from the Relay online platform while all versions have integrations with popular accounting software such as Xero and QuickBooks, thereby enabling you to continue using the tools that you’re familiar with.

  • Create up to 20 checking accounts
  • Integration with Xero and QuickBooks
  • Free ACH transfers
  • Zero ATM fees at AllPoint ATMs
  • Complementary bi-weekly webinars on financial management
  • Accounts Payable only available through Relay Pro
  • No loan or financing options
  • No interest or rewards programs

Fees

Relay proves to be an affordable internet bank, charging no overdraft fees, ACH fees, nor incoming wire transfer fees no matter which account you open. Both cash deposits and withdrawals at ATMs are free, so long as the machine is a part of the AllPoint ATM network. 

While there are no monthly maintenance fees for the basic checking account, the Relay Pro account costs $30 per month. The Pro version comes with free outgoing wire transfers, while the charge for the basic account is $5 per transaction.

Interest and Benefits

Relay’s main shortfall is that neither of its checking accounts offer an APY. With no credit card rewards or other benefits, this is not the ideal bank account for investors who are aiming to grow their savings by earning interest or rewards.

Online Features

Relay’s simple online banking platform enables you to open up to 20 checking accounts, thereby enabling you to sort your expenses and seamlessly transfer funds between accounts. It also allows you to send ACH transfers and wires automatically, making bill payment easier.

The major online appeal of this checking account is its numerous app integrations, including bookkeeping software QuickBooks and Xero as well as back office software including Gusto, Plaid, and Yodlee. As a result, you’ll be able to continue working with platforms that you are familiar with.

If you’re willing to pay the $30 monthly fee for Relay Pro, you’ll receive access to Accounts Payable; a tool that enables you to make same-day ACH and wire transfer as well as automated bill payments. 

Access to Financing

As Relay explains on its website, it is a financial technology company and not a bank. As a result of its different business model, it lacks the financing options of a traditional bank.

Methodology for the Best Business Bank Accounts for Real Estate

  • Fees: In addition to regular business expenses, bank fees are also costs that limit your investment’s profit margins. Because such fees are often unavoidable and reoccur on a regular basis, we searched for bank accounts with comparatively low fees. 
  • Interest and Benefits: While your investment’s growth may be primarily driven by your properties’ performance, earning interest in your account can passively help to supplement your savings. Benefits such as cash back and credit card rewards can also help to reduce your spending.  
  • Online Features: Financial management and other administrative tasks can be time consuming, while biting into the time you spend on managing your investment. That is why we considered checking accounts that offer digital tools to optimize your financial and investment management, thereby saving you time and maximizing performance.
  • Access to Financing: given the long-term nature and large scope of real estate investments, access to loans and credit lines may play an important role in financing your projects if you don’t have enough cash of your own on hand.

Real Estate Bank Account Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are you still unsure about whether or not opening a business checking account for your real investment is the right move for you? Here are the answers to some of the most common questions that could help you determine whether a real estate business bank account is right for you! 

Bottom Line

No matter your investment size and whether you’re a new or experienced investor, there’s a real estate bank account that will be sure to meet your needs. In order to decide where to open a bank account, you’ll need to first determine what benefit is most important for you.

As a real estate-focused bank account with specialized property management tools and good banking terms, Baselane has emerged as the number one choice business bank account for real estate thanks to its benefits across the board. Still, each of the bank accounts included on this list may prove to be ideal depending on the perks that you’re after.

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

Below you will find an interactive U.S map that can help you locate and compare different banks and financial institutions that offer business accounts in your area.

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

7 Best Banks for Small Businesses in Georgia in 2023

Businessperson performing card transactions on an ATM

The best banks for small businesses in Georgia keep fees low while providing services designed specifically for your venture to succeed. Ready to open an account but not sure where to start looking? This article lists our top picks and explains the logic behind each one.

Best Banks for Small Businesses in Georgia

Our Methodology

We weighed several factors when choosing our favorite banks for small businesses in Georgia. Our top considerations fell to fees and minimum balance requirements needed to maintain an account. We also looked at interest rates and access to mobile banking for each account. Finally, it was important for us to make sure each bank was easy to both set up and use.

You can find a more detailed analysis of our methodology here.

Bank

Pricing (Per Month)

Additional Fees

Interest Rates

Minimum Balance

Access to Mobile Banking

$0

$4.95 per cash deposit, $2.50 for out of network ATM fees, $15 for outgoing wires

2.0% APY

$0

Pay vendors by wire or check, schedule payments, manage cash flow

$15 for checking (waivable), $3 for savings (waivable)

$15 per incoming domestic wire, $25 for outgoing domestic wire, fee for cash deposits

0.20% APY

$2,000 for checking, $300 for savings

Access credit card accounts, transfer money, deposit checks, access bank statements, access to CreditWise service

$10 (waivable) for checking, $5 (waivable) for savings

Fees for deposited items, excess transactions and cash deposits

0.15% APY

$500 for checking, $300 for savings

Deposit checks, send and receive money, toggle cards on or off

$5 for savings (waivable)

$35 for outgoing wire transfers

0.20% APY

$2,500 on savings account

Pay bills, analyze spending patterns, monitor accounts

$16 for checking (waivable), $10 for savings (waivable)

Out of network ATM fees, fees for excessive deposits

Up to 0.04% APY

$5,000 for checking, $2,500 for savings

Manage accounts, pay and transfer, digital wallets, bill pay

$15 for checking (waivable), $10 for savings (waivable)

$25 to $40 for wire transfers, $0.40 per transaction (after first 20)

Up to 0.02% APY

$2,000 for checking, $1,000 for savings

Fraud monitoring, card control, pay and transfer, view offers

$12 for checking (waivable), $5 for savings (waivable)

$3 for excessive withdrawals, $25 for wire transfers, $3 for out-of-network ATM

0.01% APY

$2,500 for checking, $500 for savings

Set alerts and notifications, control your cards, make deposits, mobile payments

BlueVine logo

Bluevine: Best Overall Bank for Small Businesses in Georgia

Up to 2.0% APY

4.7

Bluevine is one of the few fintech companies offering an interest rate on active funds in your checking account. This account has no minimums, so you can start with whatever deposit you have available and never have to maintain a certain balance. It’s possible to do all your banking without dealing with fees, but Bluevine does charge quite a bit for cash deposits.

Why we chose it: Bluevine takes our top spot thanks to its incredible interest rate, simple setup, and lack of monthly fees.

  • High interest rates
  • Very few fees
  • No minimum deposit required
  • No business savings account
  • No ATM reimbursement
  • Fee for cash deposits

Fees

You’re forever free from the burden of monthly fees with Bluevine. The fintech’s biggest pinch point here comes from cash deposits, which cost $4.95 every time you use them. Otherwise, just be sure to use one of Bluevine’s affiliated ATMs to avoid out-of-network fees.

Interest Rates

There’s a 2.0% APY waiting for you the moment you sign up for Bluevine. It’s available to everyone without minimum balance requirements or other stipulations. The rate only applies to funds up to $100,000 in your account, with everything beyond that earning nothing.

Minimum Balance

You can join Bluevine’s ranks with pennies and not have to worry about charges for falling below some minimum balance. The high interest rate becomes immediately available as well, even if your account starts small.

Access to Mobile Banking

Everything you can do from your computer you can also do from Bluevine’s mobile app. From within, you’ll have the tools to pay vendors or schedule payments to go out in the future. Viewing your funds at any time is a cinch, and the software helps you understand where each cent is going.

Capital one logo

Capital One: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Georgia for Overdraft Protection

0.20% APY

4.6

Money can be tight with small businesses, and Capital One gets that. Even perfect planning can result in account overdrafts, but the bank will never charge for the lack of funds. Unlimited digital transfers help to ease financial stresses that much more. You may not find any bank locations outside the capital, but Capital One’s extensive ATM network has you covered for withdrawals and deposits.

Why we chose it: Capital One safeguards your account from unnecessary fees with overdraft protection and unlimited monthly digital transfers.

  • Does not charge overdraft fees
  • Unlimited digital transactions
  • Large ATM network
  • Limited physical locations
  • Monthly account fee
  • Out-of-network ATM fees

Fees

There may not be fees for overdrafts, but Capital One will hit you with monthly charges on both checking and savings if you don’t meet maintenance requirements. You’ll also have to pay every time you make a cash deposit, so plan accordingly.

Interest Rates

Capital One starts all new members off with a 0.20% promotional interest rate for the first year with your business savings account. There’s no guarantee that this APY will continue past that time, but the bank has kept its current rate since 2020. Your checking account won’t accrue any interest.

Minimum Balance

Keeping certain minimum balances is key to avoiding Capital One’s service fees. For checking, you’ll want to have an average of at least $2,000 over a 30 or 90-day period. Its savings account is a little more forgiving, requiring only $300 over the same window.

Access to Mobile Banking

Capital One comes through in a big way with its mobile banking tools. In addition to standard features like bill pay and account management, you can set up automatic savings from your phone. The app also comes together with CreditWise to inform you of your score and keep it high.

Wells Fargo logo

Wells Fargo: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Texas for Growth

0.15% APY

4.6

Wells Fargo has more than 8,000 branches across the country. There are nearly 300 in Georgia alone, ideal for LLCs working out of more than one state. Even if you’re not near a physical location, the bank offers online services to meet your needs. Account tiers feature additional benefits but also have increasing fee schedules. Speaking of fees, you’ll need to monitor your account regularly to stay away from charges for excess deposits or overdraft fees.

Why we chose it: Wells Fargo’s extensive banking network and business services serve to take your venture to the next level.

  • Several account options and business services
  • Possible to waive monthly fees
  • Extensive banking network around the country
  • Monthly fees
  • Charges for excess deposits or transactions
  • Revolving overdraft fee

Fees

While it is possible to navigate Wells Fargo’s fees, doing so is far from easy. You’ll need to keep tabs on transactions and deposits to be sure you don’t surpass your monthly limit. Should your account drop below zero, expect a hefty overdraft fee you can receive up to three times in one day. All this is on top of monthly maintenance fees, but at least you can waive these.

Interest Rates

Wells Fargo’s introductory savings account offers 0.15% interest across the board. Higher tiers can reach the 2.00% mark if you can keep up with balance requirements.

Minimum Balance

The Initiate Business Checking account has a $10 monthly fee you can cast aside with a $500 minimum daily balance. Minimum requirements jump all the way to $10,000 just one tier up.

It only takes $300 in your basic savings account to negate fees, but savings accounts similarly scale very quickly.

Access to Mobile Banking

Wells Fargo boasts banking at your convenience with its comprehensive mobile app. You can use your account as a digital wallet or keep an eye on your funds to ensure you don’t wander into fee territory. If that wasn’t enough, the app also allows you to pay bills, transfer funds, or find the closest ATM.

Axos logo

Axos Bank: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Georgia for Cash Deposits

0.20% APY

4.5

Where most banks charge you every time you deposit cash, Axos makes it free from any MoneyPass or AllPoint ATM location. Its business checking account has no monthly fee, although you will have to watch out for one with savings. You can transfer money around without penalty, and the bank looks away from overdrafts as well. Zelle fans will be disappointed to learn that it doesn’t integrate with Axos software.

Why we chose it: Axos Bank showcases unlimited credits, debits, and cash deposits without costing you a dime.

  • Cash deposits allowed via MoneyPass and AllPoint ATMs
  • No monthly fee
  • Zero overdraft fees
  • Does not work with Zelle
  • Below average CD rates
  • Poor customer service

Fees

It’s not hard to avoid the few fees Axos has for a truly free banking experience. Your first 50 checks are free, and the bank even reimburses your first two wire transfers. At $35, additional wire transfers are costly. There is a $5 monthly fee for havings a savings account, but you can do away with this if you have a high enough balance.

Interest Rates

Axos’s business savings account awards a 0.20% APY for members. This rate remains the same whether your funds are high or low. There’s no option to earn interest on money in your checking account.

Minimum Balance

It’s possible to open a business checking account without initial deposit or balance requirements. This account has no monthly maintenance fees even if funds drop dangerously low. You can waive the service fee on Axos’s business savings account by keeping a $2,500 average monthly balance.

Access to Mobile Banking

Mobile banking with Axos is fast and free from any device. Use the app to manage your portfolios and create a custom dashboard to view them from. It also works well for depositing checks or handling external transfers. Unfortunately, the app does not integrate with Zelle for speedy transfers.

Bank of America logo

Bank of America: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Georgia for Rewards

Up to 0.04% APY

4.4

Bank of America has locations throughout Georgia and over 4,300 branches from coast to coast. You can either visit in person or online to enroll in the bank’s Preferred Rewards program for a long list of benefits. Perks include higher interest rates, fee-free banking services, and credit card bonuses. Each account has a monthly fee, but you can work around it with some foresight.

Why we chose it: Bank of America complements its impressive traditional banking with a suite of exclusive member rewards.

  • Preferred rewards to boost interest rate
  • Over 17,000 ATMs and 4,300 branches
  • Can waive the monthly fee
  • Lacks 24/7 customer service
  • Monthly fees
  • Transaction fees when using non-Bank of America ATMs

Fees

It’ll cost you $16 per month for upkeep on your small business checking account if you don’t meet at least one requirement. It will take a $5,000 average monthly balance, at least $250 in debit card purchases, or enrollment into the Preferred Rewards for Business program to remove the fee. Savings works much the same way, needing a $2,500 minimum balance or a Preferred Rewards for Business membership.

Interest Rates

Interest rates on your business savings account start at 0.01%. You can increase this over time by climbing the ranks of the Preferred Rewards program until reaching 0.04% at the Platinum level. Rates don’t apply to funds you have in your checking account.

Minimum Balance

Among Bank of America’s options for removing service fees are minimum balance requirements. The amount you have in each account is also an important factor in determining your Preferred Rewards level and resulting rewards.

Access to Mobile Banking

Bank of America’s excellent mobile app delivers just what you need while out and about. You can schedule and pay bills from anywhere you can connect or use Zelle to send money to friends and family. The software also has a spending and budget tool to keep your funds on course.

Chase Business logo

Chase: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Georgia for Sign-On Bonus

Up to 0.02% APY

4.2

Chase will hand you $300 just for opening a Business Complete Checking account with a handful of qualifying activities. You can also take advantage of a number of business services to help your business grow. Accounts do have monthly fees, but you can eliminate these in multiple ways. Interest rates aren’t high, but Chase’s other features more than make up for it.

Why we chose it: A $300 bonus for signing up and up to $900 in cash back make Chase Business very appealing to small business owners.

  • Up to $300 sign-on bonus
  • Several available business services
  • Multiple ways to waive the monthly maintenance fee
  • Monthly maintenance fees
  • Only 20 free transactions per month
  • Minimal APY

Fees

Chase accounts have monthly maintenance fees but offer several ways to get around paying them. You’re only allowed 20 free transactions per month, and each beyond that will cost you $0.40. While this may not seem like a lot, it can add up fast.

Interest Rates

Your sign-up bonus doesn’t come with very high interest rates. Chase savings starts at 0.01% APY and only increases to 0.02% over time. With balance requirements on each account, it’s hard to say how much of an impact this will make.

Minimum Balance

Anyone wanting to remove service fees on Chase’s business checking account needs a daily balance of just $2,000. You can also waive fees with $2,000 in net Chase business card purchases or $2,000 in incoming deposits. A savings account must have $1,000 or be linked to your checking account to avoid penalties.

Access to Mobile Banking

Through your phone and the Chase mobile app, you can set up account alerts and transfer money across the country. Chase QuickDeposit and QuickPay work to move money around quickly so you always have an accurate statement. You can also use the app to locate nearby Chase branches or ATM locations.

Regions Bank logo

Regions Bank: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Georgia for Traditional Banking

0.01% APY

4.1

At Regions Bank, different account options allow small businesses of all sizes to pick the one perfect for them. Additional perks like payroll services and business loans work to maximize your company’s chances for success. Applicable accounts can tap into a rewards system, but low interest rates and high overdraft fees leave a bit of a bad aftertaste.

Why we chose it: Regions Bank is traditional banking at its best, with several account options and business services to choose from.

  • Several checking and savings account options
  • Rewards system with applicable accounts
  • Payroll services available
  • Only three withdrawals per month
  • Low interest rates
  • Nasty overdraft fees

Fees

Any transaction leading to an account overdraft will set you back $36, a heavy blow for something that you may not see coming. Any withdrawals past your initial three each month are met with a $3 charge. Out-of-network ATMs will also cost you $3 to use, seeing Regions Bank’s fees stack up ever higher.

Interest Rates

At the time of writing, Regions Bank’s savings account will only let you accrue 0.01% in interest. Money market accounts are similarly low, but even a little bit is better than nothing.

Minimum Balance

It takes an average monthly balance of $2,500 to eliminate monthly fees associated with a Regions Bank checking account. If this isn’t doable, you can make at least $1,000 in Visa purchases or one or more Merchant Services transactions. Regions Bank will waive the monthly fee on your business savings account with a $500 balance.

Access to Mobile Banking

Mobile banking at Regions Bank will help keep your business on track. You can set alerts to know when a check clears or get notified when money comes in. The app taps into Zelle’s functionality for fast transfers and lets you deposit checks with your camera. If you’re really in a hurry, you can request information through a quick text.

Methodology for the Best Banks for Small Businesses in Georgia

Many financial institutions call the Peach State home, so finding the best bank for your small Georgia business can be overwhelming. Below you’ll find the methodology we used when making our selections.

  • Fees: We always take fees to heart when looking for the best banks for small businesses, as every penny matters. No bank is completely fee-free, but we’ve identified institutions where you can bank for free if you play your cards right. Most have monthly fees, but every Georgia bank on our list has ways to remove these.
  • Minimum Balance: Maintenance fees often go hand-in-hand with minimum balances. As long as you can meet a set amount, the bank will waive service fees for that month. We opted for banks with easier-to-reach requirements so your small business doesn’t have to come up with funds it doesn’t have.
  • Interest Rates: If fees are unavoidable, a bank should at least make it up to you through a nice interest rate. Accruing even a little interest each month can offset those fees and perhaps provide something to tuck away for a rainy day. 
  • Access to Mobile Banking: Mobile banking is crucial in modern society, and any bank not realizing this will get left in the dust. In a fast-paced world, there’s not always time to get back to a computer before funds need to move. Having immediate access can also prevent overdraft fees or money from getting stuck where you don’t need it. Many banks take these apps one step further, enabling tools for budgeting and the ability to turn your mobile device into a wallet.
  • Ease of Use: The best banks for small businesses in Georgia wouldn’t have made our list if they were a challenge to use. From branch/ATM access to online tools, each of these institutions makes banking as straightforward as possible. This ease of use translates to account setup as well. In most cases, you can be up and running in minutes with little more than an EIN.

Best Banks for Small Businesses in Georgia Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Still not sure about the importance of a bank for your small Georgia-based business? This FAQ may have the answers you’re looking for.

Bottom Line

Choosing the right bank for your small business doesn’t have to be a chore. Analyze the funds your company has to work with and make a determination from there. Pick accounts with balance requirements you can manage and fees you can deal with. Don’t be afraid to find a bank with additional features you can use, like high interest rates or business services for your industry.

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

Below you will find an interactive U.S map that can help you locate and compare different banks and financial institutions that offer business accounts in your area.

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

7 Best Banks for Small Businesses in North Carolina in 2023

Bank building on blue background.

Finding the perfect bank for your North Carolina-based small business can be quite the challenge. We’ve saved you some trouble by picking out financial institutions known to offer stellar services while keeping fees to a minimum. Read on to learn everything you need to know about our favorites for 2023.

Best Banks for Small Businesses in North Carolina

Our Methodology

When choosing the top banks for your small business, we looked at troublesome fees and balance requirements that can help wash them away. We also looked for encouraging interest rates and mobile apps that won’t slow you down. Finally, we gauged overall ease of use when making our final selections.

You can find a more detailed analysis of our methodology here.

Bank

Monthly Fees

Additional Fees

Interest Rates

Minimum Balance

Access to Mobile Banking

$0

$4.95 per cash deposit, $2.50 for out of network ATM fees, $15 for outgoing wires

2.0% APY

$0

Pay vendors by wire or check, schedule payments, manage cash flow

$15 for checking (waivable), $3 for savings (waivable)

$15 per incoming domestic wire, $25 for outgoing domestic wire, fee for cash deposits

0.20% APY

$2,000 for checking, $300 for savings

Access credit card accounts, transfer money, deposit checks, access bank statements, access to CreditWise service

$3 (waivable)

$0.50 fee for transactions after the first 125, fees at out of network ATMs

0.01% APY

$500 for business savings

Transfer funds, view documents, find branch/ATM locations, manage cards

$16 for checking (waivable), $10 for savings (waivable)

Out of network ATM fees, fees for excessive deposits

Up to 0.04% APY

$5,000 for checking, $2,500 for savings

Manage accounts, pay and transfer, digital wallets, bill pay

$5 (waivable)

$15 wire transfers, $2.99 external transfers

0.03% APY

$2,500 for business savings

Check deposits, phone payments, digital wallets

$15 (waivable)

$25 to $40 for wire transfers, $0.40 per transaction (after first 20)

Up to 0.02% APY

$2,000

Fraud monitoring, card control, pay and transfer, view offers

$5 (waivable)

$0.50 per transaction after the first 50, $3 paper statement fee

0.01% APY

$250 for business savings

Receive crucial account insights, transfer funds, Zelle compatibility

BlueVine logo

Bluevine: Best Overall Bank for Small Businesses in North Carolina

Up to 2.0% APY

4.7

Bluevine may not have a business savings account, but it shows up in a big way with checking. From the moment you sign up, you’ll receive the fintech’s high interest rate and have very few fees to deal with as you bank. Small businesses needing a little more can make use of a line of credit, and Bluevine makes it easy to organize your funds with sub-accounts.

Why we chose it: Few banks can top Bluevine’s high interest rates, minimal fees, and intuitive layout.

  • High interest rates
  • Very few fees
  • Revolving lines of credit available
  • No business savings account
  • No ATM reimbursement
  • Fee for cash deposits

Fees

You can rest easy knowing that Bluevine will never charge you a monthly fee to keep your account up and running. Most transactions are free, but you’ll want to avoid out-of-network ATMs and wire transfers if at all possible. There is a charge for every cash deposit you make, so plan accordingly.

Interest Rates

At 2.0% APY, you’re going to have a hard time finding a financial institution with a better interest rate. While great for small businesses, this rate only applies to funds up to and including $100,000. Any amount in excess doesn’t earn any interest at all.

Minimum Balance

There’s nothing about Bluevine’s setup requiring any sort of minimum balance. It’s free to open and maintain your account even if funds teeter near $0. You don’t have to reach a certain threshold to start earning Bluevine’s awesome interest rate, either.

Access to Mobile Banking

Bluevine’s mobile app is an extension of everything you can do from your personal computer. You’ll have full access to your business checking account and be able to manage your account accordingly. In addition to standard features, it’s also possible to deposit checks right from your phone.

Capital one logo

Capital One: Best Bank for Small Businesses in North Carolina for Overdraft Protection

0.20% APY

4.6

You may not have abundant funds with your small business, and Capital One gets that. As you make payments and move money from one location to another, the bank won’t hit you with overdraft fees if one account gets too low. Unlimited digital transfers allow you to keep funds flowing, while Capital One’s extensive ATM network makes it easy to take some out or deposit more.

Why we chose it: Capital One has your back with unlimited digital transfers and overdraft coverage should your account run a little thin.

  • Does not charge overdraft fees
  • Unlimited digital transactions
  • Large ATM network
  • Limited physical locations
  • Monthly account fee
  • Out-of-network ATM fees

Fees

There are no overdraft fees, but Capital One does have a monthly service charge to contend with if you’re unable to meet certain requirements. Transactions are free, as are cash deposits of up to $5,000 each month. The only other fees you’ll likely encounter come from incoming and outgoing wire transfers.

Interest Rates

Capital One offers promotional interest rates for anyone becoming a member. With a savings account, you’ll immediately receive these higher-than-average rates for your entire first year. Afterward, the account earns interest at the standard interest rate in effect at that time.

Minimum Balance

You can waive maintenance fees on your business checking account by keeping an average balance of $2,000 over a 30 or 90-day window. For savings, you’ll need to hold a minimum balance of at least $300 to avoid fees there. The promotional interest rate applies no matter how much you have in your savings.

Access to Mobile Banking

The Capital One mobile app has all the standard features you’d expect to find, from bill pay to mobile deposits and account transfers. It stands out with CreditWise, a feature designed to track your credit score and offer tips for keeping your number high.

U.S. Bank logo

U.S. Bank: Best Bank for Small Businesses in North Carolina for Low Fees

0.01% APY

4.5

U.S. Bank’s minimal fee structure is a blessing for small businesses having to pinch every penny. With a bit of planning, you can do all your banking without ever having to deal with a single fee. In addition, U.S. Bank has thousands of branch locations across the country to serve your needs. If that wasn’t enough, it has a long list of merchant services specifically designed to help businesses in your industry succeed.

Why we chose it: With so few fees, U.S. Bank makes it possible to address all your banking needs without ever paying a cent.

  • Nearly nonexistent fees
  • Specialized merchant services for restaurants, retailers, and service providers
  • 2,400 branch locations
  • Charges for overdrafts
  • Relatively low APY
  • Only locations in 28 states

Fees

U.S. Bank’s checking account set up specifically for small businesses has no monthly fee and allows up to 125 transactions before charges begin. Savings accounts start off at just $4 per month, but you can remove this cost quite easily. As long as you deposit or withdraw funds from one of U.S. Bank’s 4,700 ATMs around the country, you’ll never have to deal with fees there either.

Interest Rates

Interest rates are the one chink in U.S. Bank’s strong armor. There’s no way to earn any with your checking account. What’s more, most savings and money market accounts don’t go higher than 0.01% APY. You’ll only find higher interest rates with U.S. Bank’s Platinum Money Market account, which has some rigid maintenance requirements.

Minimum Balance

You’re free to have as much or as little as you want in your business checking account without having to deal with fees. Keeping at least a $500 daily balance in U.S. Bank’s small business savings account will remove monthly fees there. Other accounts to consider as your business grows require at least $10,000 to maintain. 

Access to Mobile Banking

While logged into U.S. Bank’s mobile app, you can easily complete everyday banking tasks with the intuitive U.S. Bank Smart Assistant. With just your voice, you can deposit checks, pay your bills, or send money from place to place. There are also tools for handling your business credit cards.

Bank of America logo

Bank of America: Best Bank for Small Businesses in North Carolina for Traditional Banking

Up to 0.04% APY

4.4

Bank of America has a presence almost everywhere with over 4,300 branches and 17,000 ATM locations. There are a number of checking and savings account options to fit whatever stage of life your business currently resides in. Interest rates are competitive, and a robust rewards system offers even more perks.

Why we chose it: With multiple account options and a long list of merchant services, Bank of America has the tools a small business needs to succeed.

  • Over 17,000 ATMs and 4,300 branches
  • Multiple checking and savings account options
  • Preferred rewards to boost interest rate
  • Lacks 24/7 customer service
  • Monthly fees
  • Transaction fees when using non-Bank of America ATMs

Fees

All of Bank of America’s checking and savings accounts have monthly fees, but there are ways around them. On the checking side, you can maintain an average monthly balance of $5,000, spend at least $250 in debit card purchases, or enroll in the Preferred Rewards program. Similarly, your savings account is free to use if you keep at least a $2,500 balance or become a Rewards member.

Interest Rates

You’ll earn 0.01% APY when you become a Bank of America member, but you can grow this rate through the rewards program. As you move up the ranks, it’s possible to increase your rate to 0.04% along with the other perks the service brings. If you want to earn even more, you can lock away funds in a CD and earn up to 3.51% APY over time.

Minimum Balance

As explained above, there are minimum balance requirements to avoid paying fees every month on your checking and savings accounts. Your balance also plays a role in your rewards tier, with more available funds potentially moving you to a higher level.

Access to Mobile Banking

It’s easy to perform account maintenance through the Bank of America mobile app. The software also has a spending and budgeting tool to help you reach financial goals along the way. Furthermore, you can set up custom alerts to flag you when balances reach a certain level or you need to make a payment.

First Citizens Bank logo

First Citizens Bank: Best for Small Businesses in North Carolina for Checking Accounts

0.03% APY

4.4

First Citizens Bank has no less than six checking options to choose from when opening a bank account. Whether you’re pinching every penny or have some money to burn, there’s a plan for your business. Most accounts have easily waivable monthly fees, and you’re free to deposit up to $5,000 in cash monthly without penalty. First Citizens Bank may only be in 21 states but has nearly 500 branches in North Carolina alone.

Why we chose it: First Citizens Bank appeals to all types of small businesses with multiple checking account options and ways to waive monthly fees.

  • Multiple checking account options
  • Up to $5,000 in cash deposits each month
  • Waivable monthly fees
  • Some fees are difficult to work around
  • Locations in only 21 states
  • Subpar interest rates

Fees

Depending on the account, you can take care of maintenance fees by enrolling in paperless statements or keeping up with a low balance requirement. There aren’t many other fees to worry about, but First Citizens Bank does impose a $2.99 charge for any transfer to an external bank.

Interest Rates

A business savings account will earn you 0.03% APY on any money stored within. Money market options don’t fare any better at the present time. CDs in 12, 24, and 36-month intervals can earn you a little more.

Minimum Balance

First Citizen’s Bank’s introductory checking account has no monthly fee if you enroll in paperless statements. Other checking accounts require at least $25,000 to avoid charges. The bank’s savings account fares a little better, but you’ll still need $2,500 to be safe.

Access to Mobile Banking

You can use First Citizen’s app to deposit checks using nothing more than your camera. With digital wallets, it’s also possible to pay with your phone while out and about. Alongside these features, the mobile app can handle transfer requests and let you see balances wherever in the world you find yourself.

Chase Business logo

Chase: Best Bank for Small Businesses in North Carolina for Sign-On Bonus

Up to 0.02% APY

4.2

Chase Bank knows how to treat members right. Qualifying accounts receive a $300 bonus just for signing up, and you can earn up to $1,000 in cash back just for using your credit card. The bank also has several cool services like fraud protection and business loans to keep your company in top form. There’s not much in the way of APY, but these other features more than make up for it.

Why we chose it: A $300 sign-on bonus is just the tip of the iceberg regarding Chase’s generous perks for your small business.

  • Up to $300 sign-on bonus
  • Several available business services
  • Multiple ways to waive the monthly maintenance fee
  • Monthly maintenance fees
  • Only 20 free transactions per month
  • Minimal APY

Fees

You can kick monthly service fees to the curb on both checking and savings account. With checking, this requires keeping a certain monthly balance, making deposits from Chase QuickAccept, or through Chase Ink Business Card purchases. Removing fees from savings is as easy as linking it to your checking account. You’ll want to watch your transactions, as Chase only allows 20 free ones each month.

Interest Rates

Chase’s savings accounts aren’t strong in the interest rate category. You’ll start at 0.01% APY but can boost this to 0.02% over time. Anyone wanting to accrue some serious interest should look into Chase’s certificates of deposit.

Minimum Balance

If you’re not into deposits or purchases with your business card, you’ll want to have a $2,000 monthly balance to do away with service fees on your checking account. There are no monthly requirements for savings, so long as you link it to your checking. To qualify for the sign-on bonus, you’ll need to hit a $2,000 balance within the first 30 days and then keep it for the next 60.

Access to Mobile Banking

Chase QuickPay on the mobile app uses Zelle to send and receive payments quickly. You can also use the software to transfer money in a more traditional way or schedule upcoming payments. For those in a time crunch, you can use texts to check balances and transaction history.

Truist Bank logo

Truist: Best Bank for Small Businesses in North Carolina for Physical Locations

0.01% APY

4.2

No matter where in North Carolina you call home, you’re likely not too far from one of Truist’s 500+ locations around the state. The bank makes every effort to be accessible to new businesses with varying account levels and member perks. You’ll also receive protection from overdrafts and a negative balance buffer if things go sideways.

Why we chose it: Top-notch banking services and more North Carolina locations than any other bank make Truist an excellent option for residents of the Tar Heel state. 

  • Nearly 500 locations in North Carolina alone
  • No overdraft fees
  • Easily accessible for new businesses
  • Limited no-fee transactions
  • No free incoming wires
  • Low interest rates

Fees

Truist’s Simple Business Checking doesn’t have a monthly fee and is ideal for startups. Other accounts require certain balance requirements to get rid of their service fees. You’ll get up to 50 transactions per month for free, but any beyond this will set you back $0.50. It’s best to avoid paper statements so you don’t get hit with a $3 charge each month.

Interest Rates

There are a lot of fantastic perks for using Truist’s savings account, but interest rates aren’t one of them. You can only earn 0.01% on funds in this account, no matter your current balance.

Minimum Balance

Balance requirements for removing service fees start out high and only get higher. You’ll need at least $2,500 to ward off charges on savings, and checking accounts must have $5,000 starting at tier two. 

Access to Mobile Banking

You can log off your PC and pick right up where you left off on the Truist mobile app. Additional features include access to a digital wallet and integration with Zelle. The app also provides intuitive insights into your spending patterns and alerts you to unusual account activity.

Methodology for the Best Banks for Small Businesses in North Carolina

In this section, we share the reasoning behind the methodology we chose for selecting the best banks for small businesses in North Carolina. The following five criteria were at the forefront of our decision-making process:

  • Fees: The whole purpose of using a bank is to simplify your finances, not add in a bunch of unnecessary fees. We strove to identify the best banks for small businesses that make it possible to handle funds without breaking the bank.
  • Interest Rates: Money is that much sweeter when it goes to work for you. We opted for banks that pay out some form of interest rate among savings and checking accounts so you can earn a little extra cash just for doing what you do.
  • Minimum Balance: As a small business, you may not have an abundance of funds to work with. It was our goal to choose banks with low or nonexistent balance requirements to avoid unsightly fees.
  • Access to Mobile Banking: In a digital world, we switch between electronic devices at a moment’s notice. We looked for banks with full-featured mobile banking apps you can use whether at home or on the go.
  • Ease of Use: No one likes a bank that’s a pain to use. We selected banks with intuitive interfaces and easy-to-use mobile apps that won’t slow you down along the way. It was also important to select financial institutions that are easy to set up, with some requiring little more than an employer identification number (EIN) to get going.

Best Banks for Small Businesses in North Carolina Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We understand that choosing the right bank for your small business is no easy task. This FAQ serves to answer some of the most prevalent questions on the subject.

Bottom Line

When it comes down to opening a bank account for your small business in North Carolina, don’t rush into your choice. Take the time to find one with fees, interest rates, and balance requirements that your business can handle. Consider also how the bank’s services will grow with your business over time to maximize your potential. We’re excited about what Bluevine brings to the table, but we feel any of the banks on this list can serve you well.

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

Below you will find an interactive U.S map that can help you locate and compare different banks and financial institutions that offer business accounts in your area.

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

5 Best Business Bank Accounts for Freelancers in 2023

A freelancer working at their home office

As a freelancer, you’ll understand how complex running your business can be. While chasing your clients down for payments, you’ll want to remain on top of your finances constantly. So whether your priority is minimal fees, easy-access digital banking, or reward programs to maximize your profit, here are the best business bank accounts you can open.

Best Bank Accounts for Freelancers

  • NovoBest overall
  • LiliBest for customer experience
  • BluevineBest for earning interest
  • FoundBest for financial management
  • AxosBest for cutting costs

Methodology Summary 

We reviewed each bank account’s fees to determine their affordability as well as their annual percentage yields and rewards programs that could help freelancers to increase their savings. 

Features that could assist in business activities including online banking and other digital tools were also assessed, as were customer reviews given by existing account holders. Learn more about our methodology here.

Monthly Fee

$0

  • $0 for basic
  • $9 for pro

$0

  • $0 for basic
  • $10 for Small Business Interest Checking 

$0

ATM Fees

No fees

  • No in-network fees
  • $2.50 for out-of-network withdrawals

No in-network fees

$2.50 for out-of-network withdrawals

No ATM fees (Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements)

No fees unless charged by ATM

Incoming transfer fees

$0

$0

$0

$0

2.9% charged by Stripe plus $0.30 processing fee

Transaction Fees

  • 0% for regular ACH
  • 1.5% for Express ACH

$0

2.9%

$0

$0

Cash Deposit Fees

Depends on price charged by vendor

Varies depending on location ($4.95 maximum)

$4.95

Depends on price charged by vendor ($4.95 maximum)

N/A

APY

N/A

  • N/A for basic
  • Up to 1.5% for Pro

Up to 2.0%

  • N/A for basic
  • Up to 1.01% for  Small Business Interest Checking

N/A

Online Features

  • Virtual card
  • Apple Pay & Google Pay
  • Automated budgeting
  • Invoicing submission and tracking
  • Multiple app integrations
  • Accounting features
  • Tax optimizer
  • Invoicing software
  • App center
  • Expense tracking
  • Sub-accounts
  • Quickbooks integration
  • Quickbooks integration
  • Expense tracking
  • Financial reporting
  • Tax estimates
  • Unlimited invoicing

Novo logo

Novo: Best Overall

Fully automated financial management solution

5.0

In addition to offering an affordable fee structure, Novo’s multiple app integrations, automated budgeting, and invoicing platform enable you to run your business’s finances from a single platform. Add its multiple rewards into the mix, and Novo offers one of the most well-rounded freelance bank accounts that provides you with benefits across the board.

Why we chose it: 

By enabling account holders to integrate numerous online payment and ecommerce apps while also automating your budgeting and payments through its Reserves feature, this business bank account streamlines your financial management activities while minimizing manual labor on your part. Due to its built-in invoicing software, you can take care of all your business finances without having to seek out any external software. 

  • Automate fund allocation with Reserves
  • Unlimited free check deposits
  • Unlimited free ACH transfers
  • No debit card transaction fees
  • Virtual debit card
  • Built-in invoicing
  • Up to $4,000 in perks
  • No APY

Fees

Novo has no monthly charge nor ATM withdrawal fees. It is important to note, however, that there is a $1,000 daily limit on ATM withdrawals.

While Novo offers unlimited free standard ACH transfers, express ACH transfers come at a cost of 1.5% of the transaction amount. For cash deposits, you may be charged depending on the policy of the ATM you use, however check deposits via the Novo mobile app are always free of charge.

Another noteworthy perk is that unlike many competitors, Novo’s debit card does not charge any transaction fees for domestic and international purchases.

APY And Rewards Programs

Although Novo does not offer interest to account holders, it is still an ideal bank account for freelancers who are looking to maximize their savings due to its wide range of rewards.

This bank account’s business perks include $5,000 in fee-free processing when clients pay you via Stripe, $500 in credits when you spend $500 to advertise your business using Google Ads, and six months free on any customer service software offered by Zendesk Suite. 

Online Features

By integrating with a variety of payment and ecommerce apps, Novo’s online banking platform directs your entire cash flow to one place. With Novo Reserves, you are given the ability to automatically allocate incoming funds into different reserves while also setting automatic payments so that your expenses are paid for without any human interaction needed.

Novo’s invoicing feature enables you to submit and track invoices while also providing the option to set up Stripe payments on your invoices so that your clients can pay you as soon as they receive the invoice. If you prefer going cashless and cardless, then you can make payments using your virtual debit card on Novo’s mobile banking app, compatible with both Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Lili logo

Lili: Best for online features

4.7 Star Rating on Trustpilot

4.9

Designed with freelancers and small business owners in mind, Lili ranks among the best banks for freelancers due to its online banking features that are tailored to make it easier for you to run your business.

In addition to its customizable invoices, Lili also has a receipt scanner that you can use to upload all of your expenses that don’t appear in the mobile app. Lili’s tax optimizer is built to help you file your taxes with ease, with features including quarterly and yearly expense reports, a write-off tracker, and a pre-filled annual 1040 Schedule C form, ready to be filed.

Why we chose it:

Lili has received a vast volume of positive customer reviews, with plenty of praise being directed at the layout and intuitiveness of its mobile app. With a user-friendly online banking platform such as Lili at your fingertips, you’ll be able to perform crucial freelance activities such as tracking expenses, issuing invoices and preparing taxes with minimal hassle.

  • Cashback rewards for Pro Account holders
  • Zero overdraft fees for Pro Account holders
  • Tax optimizing services
  • Expense categorization
  • Invoicing software
  • Strong customer reviews
  • No lending services
  • Some benefits only accessible to Pro Account Holders

Fees

While the Lili basic account has no monthly fee, the Lili Pro Account comes with a fee of $9 per month. No matter what account you choose, you’ll benefit from zero ATM transaction fees so long as you use an ATM within the MoneyPass network. 

It’s important to note, however, that use of an out-of-network ATM comes with a $2.50 fee, while there is a $5.00 fee for withdrawals from international ATMs. One major benefit of using this freelancer bank account is that there are no overdraft fees if you sign up for the Pro Account.

APY And Rewards Programs

While a regular checking account does not offer interest, Lili does provide an APY of up to 1.5% should you open a savings account. To earn this rate, however, account holders are required to set up a Pro Account and transfer at least $1 to their savings account daily. If you aren’t prepared to jump through these hoops, then Lili would not be your ideal account if saving is your priority.  

Lili does offer worthwhile rewards through its Lili Business Debit Card, however, this once again requires signing up for a Pro account. Upon receiving this card, account holders not only benefit from zero card fees but are also eligible to receive cashback rewards at participating merchants.

Online Features

If your priority is to remain on top of your income and expenses while making your administrative duties such as submitting invoices and accounting easier, then Lili offers a comprehensive solution via its desktop platform as well as its mobile app.

Lili’s accounting features include expense categorization, which will help you to organize and keep track of your costs, as well as a receipt scanner, so that you can upload expenses that you did not incur through your Lili account. Lili can also be integrated with numerous payment and ecommerce platforms including Paypal, Shopify, and Etsy, so that your income can all be combined in one place.

Lili’s tax optimizer makes it easier for you to pay your taxes, with its write-off tracker, expense reports, and prefilled Schedule C, while it also provides invoicing software so that you can perform all of your freelance financial activities on one integrated platform.

BlueVine logo

Bluevine: Best for earning interest

Earn up to 2.0% interest

4.8

For freelancers, as with any business, maximizing profit is a top priority. With its relatively high APY and minimal fees, Bluevine does just that, making it the best business checking account for you if you’re on the hunt for a bank account that will boost your savings.

Why we chose it: 

Bluevine offers up to 2.0% APY; one of the highest interest rates available. What’s more, this bank account charges no monthly fees, incoming transaction fees, nor in-network ATM fees, thereby eliminating extra costs for your business. 

  • High-yield interest earnings
  • Unlimited transactions
  • No monthly fees 
  • No minimum deposit
  • No in-network ATM withdrawal fees
  • No incoming transaction fees
  • 2.9% transaction fees 
  • $4.95 cash deposit fee
  • No international wire transfers

Fees

Bluevine’s checking account comes with zero monthly fees, no incoming transaction fees, and zero in-network ATM fees. What’s more, you don’t require a minimum deposit in order to open an account here.

Bluevine does, however, charge a 2.9% credit card transaction fee as well as a cash deposit fee of $4.95 per deposit. Should you wish to use an ATM that is out of network, you will be charged $2.50 per transaction.

APY And Rewards Programs

Aside from your main source of income, Bluevine also offers you a prime opportunity to grow your savings by offering you a relatively high APY of 2.0% on accounts worth up to $100,000. 

It is important to note, however, that you must either spend $500 per month with your Bluevine Business Debit Mastercard or receive $2,500 per month in customer payments to be eligible for this rate.

Online Features

Bluevine offers access to its digital banking services via its website as well as its mobile banking app.

With features such as expense tracking, and sub-accounts, and integration with Quickbooks accounting software, existing account holders have praised Bluevine’s app for its functionality as well as quick and helpful assistance from customer support. As a result, this app is rated 4.6 stars on the App Store

Axos logo

Axos: Best for cutting costs

Free $200 welcome bonus on sign up

4.7

Named one of the best business checking accounts by Forbes and Wallethub, Axos’ Basic Business Checking account is ideal for freelancers who are looking to safeguard their earnings. Through its low fees, complementary business services, and mobile banking app, Axos is geared towards freelancers who are looking to run their business in a cost-effective manner. 

Why we chose it:

In addition to the $200 welcome bonus that you’ll receive upon sign up, Axos provides access to small business services such as payroll and treasury management along with QuickBooks accounting software integration. Such benefits, along with the account’s low fees, make Axos an ideal freelance bank account if cutting costs is your priority.

  • $200 welcome bonus
  • Multiple SBA loans
  • On-demand small business services
  • Unlimited domestic ATM reimbursements
  • Free debit card transactions and replacement
  • Limited online business management tools
  • No APY for checking account
  • No payment nor ecommerce app integrations

Fees

Axos is a leader when it comes to affordable banking, considering that its Basic Business Checking account comes with no monthly fee or hidden fees, unlimited ATM fee reimbursements, and free online transfers.

While this account also offers two reimbursed domestic wire fees, take note that additional outgoing wire transfers cost $35 each for domestic transfers and $45 each for international wire transfers. All incoming wire transfers, however, remain free. A worthwhile perk of this bank is that this bank does not charge any transaction fees on its debit card nor card replacement fees.

APY And Rewards Programs

The Basic Business Checking account does not offer interest, however, account holders do have the option to switch to the Small Business Interest Checking account which offers up to 1.01% APY.

Take note, however, that unlike the basic checking account, Axos’ Small Business Interest Checking account includes a $10 monthly fee for accounts with a balance under $5,000, so the better account for you really depends on your personal financial situation.

Online Features

When compared with other freelance bank accounts, Axos offers a limited range of digital tools to automate or at least ease your financial management. While Axos does provide QuickBooks integration, its website and mobile app do not offer integrations with ecommerce and online payments platforms. 

Despite its more traditional, bare-bones layout, the Axos banking app has been lauded by customers for its ease of use as well as its intuitiveness when it comes to features such as automatic bill payments and transfers between accounts. The mobile app also has a useful expense breakdown on its Account Insights page so that you can understand where your costs lie. 

Found logo

Found: Best for financial management

One-stop shop for tax and accounting tools

4.7

Offering what it calls “the card for the self-employed”, Found provides an all-in-one banking solution for freelancers, enabling them to submit invoices, prepare their taxes, and perform regular banking activities all from one convenient banking app.

Why we chose it:

Financial management activities such as tracking income and expenses, invoicing, and paying taxes are time-consuming tasks. By having an integrated freelance business account that offers support for these activities, you can spend less time on administrative tasks and focus more on the work that generates your income.

  • Automated tax estimates
  • Tax write-off tracking 
  • Financial reporting
  • Invoicing software
  • Automatically-generated financial reports
  • 1.75% fee for transfers to external debit cards
  • 2.9% fee + 30 cents processing fee for invoices
  • No cash or check deposits
  • No APY

Fees

With zero monthly fees, ACH transfer fees, and no ATM fees except for those charged by the ATMs themselves, Found offers relatively affordable banking for freelancers. 

The main fees that account holders need to watch out for come in the form of a 1.75% fee for instant transfers to external debit cards as well as invoicing fees, which come in the form of a 2.9% fee from Stripe on top of a 30 cent processing fee.

APY And Rewards Programs

Although Found does not offer an interest-earning account, this bank makes up for this shortfall by eliminating common fees such as ACH transfer fees. Found also offers unlimited transactions and a quick sign-up process, with no credit checks or minimum amounts required to open an account.

Online Features

Priding itself on providing all-in-one banking for freelancers and small businesses, Found’s main selling point appears to be the integrated financial management tools offered via its website and mobile app.

Found’s bookkeeping platform offers automatic expense tracking, up-to-date financial reporting, and seamless integration with its invoicing system, meaning that you can keep constant track of your expenses and income without additional manual labor. The banking app also enables you to view your tax estimate and financial reports as well as pay your taxes directly from the app. What’s more, its invoicing system enables you to issue unlimited invoices while receiving payment from multiple payment apps directly to your account.

Methodology for the Best Bank Accounts for Freelancers

  • Fees: As a freelancer, the success of your business is a priority. While earning a good salary is important, your financial success also depends on being able to limit your costs. In order to save you from incurring unnecessary costs, we looked at the banks with the lowest ATM, monthly, and transaction fees.
  • APY And Rewards Programs: While the work you do as a freelancer may be your main form of income, having a passive form of income can increase your savings. We looked to identify bank accounts that are able to either provide you with interest or that offer rewards that will help you save money or reduce costs.
  • Online Features: Aside from the day-to-day running of your business, being a freelancer means having to submit your own invoices, file taxes, and manage your businesses finances constantly. For this reason, we searched for bank accounts with digital banking tools to optimize and automate the financial management of your business.

Freelancers Checking Account FAQs

Bottom Line

While freelancers may all view profitability as a priority, the main advantages that you are looking to derive from your business bank account may be different from other freelancers.

Bluevine offers a relatively high APY for freelancers looking to earn some interest on the side, while Axos is a low-cost option that enables you to cut out unnecessary banking fees. If a rich selection of financial and budgeting tools is what you’re looking for, then Found and Lili may be options worth considering. Ultimately, Novo emerged as the bank with benefits covering the most bases, making it number one in our list of best bank accounts for freelancers.

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

Below you will find an interactive U.S map that can help you locate and compare different banks and financial institutions that offer business accounts in your area.

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC