7 Best Banks for Small Business in Massachusetts in 2023

Businessperson checking their business' bankbook

The best banks for small business in Massachusetts simplify fund management through a rich list of features and minimal fees. Finding that perfect bank, however, can be quite the ordeal. If you’re a Massachusetts-based company and in need of a bank, this guide has what you’ve been looking for.

Best Banks for Small Business in Massachusetts

Our Methodology

When coming up with our favorite Massachusetts banks, we studied monthly pricing and additional fees you’d have to deal with as a small business owner. Our research also considered interest rates you can earn and any minimum balance requirements to keep your accounts in order. Finally, we looked at mobile banking options and overall ease of use from account creation to everyday use. 

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

Bank

Monthly Fees

Additional Charges

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

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

$0 to $18 (waivable)

Up to $30 wire transfers, overdraft fees

0.1% to 0.5% APY

  • $2,500 for savings
  • $10,000 (for higher tier checking)

View account statements, links with Zelle, debit card controls, deposits and transfers

$4 (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

$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

$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

BlueVine logo

Bluevine: Best Overall Bank for Small Business in Massachusetts

Up to 2.0% APY

4.7

It’s not often you see a checking account with an interest rate, but Bluevine takes things one step further with a 2.0% APY. Bluevine foregoes a savings account as a result, allowing you to manage all your funds through one location. If that wasn’t enough, there’s no need to worry about keeping a minimum balance and fees are few and far between.

Why we chose it: A fantastic interest rate, minimal fees, and an easy-to-use system all play a role in making Bluevine the best bank for small businesses in Massachusetts.

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

Fees

You never have to worry about a monthly service fee with Bluevine, no matter how much you have in your account. Small businesses working with a lot of cash will want to plan ahead, as every cash deposit will set you back $4.95. Otherwise, make a point to use one of Bluevine’s in-network ATMs to avoid any charges there.

Interest Rates

Funds up to $100,000 in your checking account earn 2.0% interest on a regular basis. Any amount above this number doesn’t accrue any interest at all. Smaller businesses shouldn’t need to worry, but there’s no savings account to funnel access cash into with Bluevine.

Minimum Balance

There are no minimum balance requirements for Bluevine’s services. Whether you have $5 or $5,000, you’ll never get charged a monthly fee for using your account. Bluevine doesn’t adjust your interest rate depending on your balance, either.

Access to Mobile Banking

The Bluevine mobile app keeps all this banking power right in front of you no matter where you go. You can keep an eye on cash flow, pay your bills, or deposit checks with the click of a button. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to use.

Capital one logo

Capital One: Best Bank for Small Business in Massachusetts for Traditional Checking

0.20% APY

4.6

Small businesses deal with a lot of cash management, and Capital One gets that. Its checking accounts allow for unlimited digital transfers while protecting you from overdraft fees should you bite off more than you can chew. The extensive ATM network extends well beyond the state’s borders, giving you access to funds wherever you may be. A stellar mobile app simply rounds out the package.

Why we chose it: Capital One provides all the traditional checking tools a small business needs to succeed.

  • 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 introductory business checking account has a waivable $15 service fee to contend with. You can deposit up to $5,000 in cash every month for free, but every $1,000 after that comes with a $1 charge. The only other fees you need to concern yourself with come in the form of wire transfers.

Interest Rates

When you sign up for a Capital One savings account, you’re locked into a high 0.20% promotional rate for the next 12 months. Although there’s no guarantee of this rate remaining after that point, Capital One hasn’t changed its APY in over two years.

Minimum Balance

To avoid Capital One’s $15 maintenance fee on your checking account, you’ll need to hold an average balance of $2,000 over the past 30 or 90 days. The same logic applies to your savings account, but a minimum balance of just $300 removes the $3 fee.

Access to Mobile Banking

With the top-rated mobile banking app, you can make payments or schedule them to go out as you see fit. It also works well for mobile deposits and digital payments through a partnership with Zelle. The CreditWise feature tracks your credit and shares ways to get or maintain a high score.

Eastern Bank logo

Eastern Bank: Best Local Bank for Small Business in Massachusetts 

0.1% to 0.5% APY

4.6

Eastern Bank has locations scattered throughout Eastern Massachusetts, extending both north into New Hampshire and south to Rhode Island. It has a number of checking and savings options to pick from while offering the vast majority of its services entirely for free. There are some transaction limitations, but incredible interest rates more than compensate for them.

Why we chose it: Eastern Bank is your quintessential local option, both popular throughout the state and offering some extraordinary interest rates.

  • Popular throughout Massachusetts
  • Fee-free checking account
  • Good interest rates
  • Low monthly transaction limit
  • High monthly balance requirements
  • Lack of presence outside Massachusetts

Fees

Small business owners can take advantage of a free business checking account geared toward sole proprietors. Other businesses have to make the jump to a handful of checking accounts starting at $11 in monthly fees if your balance isn’t high enough. Savings accounts only charge $2 per month if you can’t meet waiver requirements.

Interest Rates

It’s only possible to earn 0.01% APY with Eastern Bank’s business savings account. Better options for earning interest come with the money market account, starting at 0.10% and jumping as high as 2.50% should you reach a $250,000 account balance.

Minimum Balance

There’s no minimum balance to worry about with Eastern Bank’s free checking account, but all other checking options require at least $10,000 to wipe away fees. Its savings account only requires a $500 balance, but savvy business owners will want the APY from a money market account with a $2,500 minimum.

Access to Mobile Banking

Through the Eastern Bank mobile app, you can check your account balances, transfer funds, or make payments. The software integrates seamlessly with Quicken for customers wanting to monitor spending and create budgets. You can also set the app to notify you of important events through email or text. 

US bank logo

U.S. Bank: Best Bank for Small Business in Massachusetts for Low Fees

0.01% APY

4.5

U.S. Bank’s Silver Business checking account has no monthly fees, making it perfect for new or small businesses. The only other fees you’ll encounter come with excess transactions or out-of-network ATM use, making it feasible to bank for free. In addition, there are over 2,400 bank locations around the country and a variety of merchant services designed with your business in mind.

Why we chose it: With U.S. Bank, you can manage your entire operation’s funds without ever having to pay a penny.

  • 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

While there are waivable monthly service fees for higher tier checking accounts, U.S. Bank’s setup for small businesses has no such issue. Savings accounts do start with a maintenance fee, but you can waive this as well. As long as you count your monthly transactions and limit ATM use to in-network machines, you shouldn’t deal with any fees while banking.

Interest Rates

U.S. Bank doesn’t come through in a big way for interest rates, offering only 0.01% APY across its savings account options. Money in your checking account won’t accrue any interest at all.

Minimum Balance

There’s no upkeep to worry about with your U.S. Bank Silver checking account. If your business upgrades to the Gold package or beyond, you’ll need at least $10,000 in your account at all times. To negate the $3 service fee for a savings account, you’ll want to maintain a $500 or higher balance.

Access to Mobile Banking

Through your mobile device, you can use the U.S. Bank app to handle bills and transfer money between accounts with the push of a button. The app goes above and beyond by providing timely insights specific to your account that help you make strategic financial decisions.

Bank of America logo

Bank of America: Best Bank for Small Business in Massachusetts for Rewards

Up to 0.04% APY

4.4

Bank of America has an entire Preferred Rewards program with the sole purpose of showering you with perks just for participating. These bonuses can boost your interest rate, remove deposit fees, or offer extra incentives for using a credit card. With branch locations and ATMs throughout Massachusetts and the rest of the country, your banking needs are always a stone’s throw away.

Why we chose it: Bank of America gives back to your business with a comprehensive rewards system.

  • 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 charges a service fee on each of its accounts, but you can remove each one with careful planning. For Fundamentals checking, you must maintain a $5,000 average monthly balance, spend at least $250 in debit card purchases, or become a Preferred Rewards member. You’ll need $2,500 in your savings account or be a Preferred Rewards member to do away with fees there.

Interest Rates

There’s no way to earn interest with a Bank of America checking account, so savings is where the action’s at. Rates start at 0.01% APY with low balances but can grow to 0.04% as you build rewards.

Minimum Balance

As mentioned above, you’ll need $5,000 in checking or $2,500 in savings to eliminate service fees on each account, assuming you don’t qualify any other way. Your monthly balance also plays a role in your rewards bracket and the accompanying perks you can have.

Access to Mobile Banking

The benefits don’t stop with Bank of America’s rewards program. The #1-rated mobile app puts you in complete control of your accounts from the convenience of your smartphone. Alongside account management, you can create custom alerts when payments come due or a balance falls dangerously low.

Citizens Bank logo

Citizens Bank: Best Bank for Small Business in Massachusetts for Branch Locations

Up to 0.02% APY

4.3

Citizens Bank has a real presence in the region, with over 1200 branches in New England. Introductory checking accounts come without monthly maintenance fees and feature an overdraft line of credit when surprises occur. If you ever find yourself in need of help, Citizens Bank has people standing by 24/7 to assist.

Why we chose it: With over 200 branches in Massachusetts alone, Citizens Bank has a solid corner on the New England market.

  • Over 1200 branches in New England
  • 24/7 customer service
  • No monthly maintenance fee on some accounts
  • Low interest rates
  • High overdraft fees
  • Some accounts charge ATM fees

Fees

There are zero service fees on Citizen Bank’s small business checking account, allowing you to step in without fear of unsightly charges. Savings accounts experience a $4.99 monthly fee if you can’t keep up with balance requirements. Citizens Bank automatically waives this fee for the first four months to help you settle.

Interest Rates

The best Citizens Bank can do when it comes to interest rates is 0.02%, and that’s on a higher-tier money market account. As a small business owner, it’s more likely you’ll accrue 0.01% on any funds you can set aside.

Minimum Balance

You won’t have to worry about upholding a minimum balance on your small business checking account unless your company is ready to move to a higher tier. At entry level, keeping a $500 minimum balance on your Citizens Bank savings account removes the monthly fee. APY remains the same no matter how many dollars you have stored away.

Access to Mobile Banking

Using the Citizens Bank mobile app lets you bank from anywhere at any time. Handle payments, move money around, and receive account insights all from your mobile device. Within, you can also manage debit cards and make use of the document center.

Chase Business logo

Chase: Best Bank for Small Business in Massachusetts for Sign-On Bonus

Up to 0.02% APY

4.2

Chase is well-known for quality banking and an abundance of business services to keep your business in top form. To go one step further, the bank hands you $300 just for signing up with qualifying activities. There is a monthly fee, but you have multiple ways to remove this at the end of each cycle. Most locations are in the Boston area, but Chase’s online banking options make up for the lack of branches.

Why we chose it: Chase complements its excellent banking features with up to $300 in cash just for opening an account.

  • 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

If you can’t manage the minimum daily balance, Chase will charge a $15 monthly service fee for doing business with you. Savings accounts also have fees, but the bank waives these if you link a qualified checking account. Wire transfers are a bit pricey, and Chase only allows 20 transactions before they start charging.

Interest Rates

When it comes to savings accounts, the best you can do with Chase is 0.02% interest after you’ve built a relationship with the firm. Business CDs can reach up to 3.00% APY if you can afford to tuck money away for 3 to 12 months.

Minimum Balance

It takes a minimum balance of $2,000 to wash away the monthly maintenance fee on Chase’s small business checking account. To qualify for your sign-up bonus, you’ll need to bring your balance to at least $2,000 within your first 30 days and then hold that amount for the next 60.

Access to Mobile Banking

Chase lets you set and manage alerts on your accounts when you expect funds to come in or need to send some out. The app works well for transferring money or finding the ATM nearest to your current location. There’s also a QuickPay option with Zelle to send cash in a matter of moments.

Methodology for the Best Banks for Small Businesses in Massachusetts

It was our goal to find the best banks for small businesses in Massachusetts, whether you’re in the greater Boston area or living in the western part of the state. After careful consideration, we used the following factors to determine our favorite banking options:

  • Fees: Money makes the world go round and is a crucial component of any small business. When every cent matters, keeping banking fees to a minimum can significantly impact your bottom line. We factored this into our selections and made sure to note how to waive fees if they are applicable.
  • Interest Rates: The direct inverse of fees, having a bank willing to pay you for using their services can be a huge win. When it feels like so many financial institutions are moving away from offering interest, we strove to find the best ones that still do.
  • Minimum Balance: If you’re just starting out, chances are you don’t have a lot of money to play with. Many banks require a monthly balance to circumvent monthly charges, so we focused on options for keeping this amount to a minimum.
  • Mobile Banking: Everyone owns a smartphone, and few of us have time to stop and bank at a traditional brick and mortar. Banks with excellent mobile apps make it possible to handle all your financial needs as long as you have a wireless signal.
  • Ease of Setup and Use: Most financial institutions on our list can have you up and banking in a matter of minutes, whether you visit in person or through the mobile app. Some require little more than an EIN, but all of them make the process easy. We also looked at how easy it was to take care of your banking after becoming a member.

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

Finding the perfect bank for your small business is no easy task. This FAQ serves to answer some of the most common questions about identifying the best banks for small businesses in Massachusetts.

Bottom Line

Finding a good bank in Massachusetts can be challenging, with so many options in a relatively small area. When making a selection, watch out for fees or balance requirements that may cause the financial institution to do more harm than good. It doesn’t hurt to find easy-to-use companies willing to give something back for doing business with you. We believe any of the options on our list could serve as a great choice to help you keep your finances in line.

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 Florida in 2023

Businessperson working on their computer at a desk

Creating a bank account for your small business allows you to keep tabs on money flow so you can effectively manage your bottom line. The best options have additional features to keep your company’s finances in tip-top shape. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks in this comprehensive review.

Best Banks for Small Businesses in Florida

Our Methodology

When nailing down the best banks for small businesses in Florida, we looked into fees for keeping an account open minimum balances required to keep those costs at bay. We also checked out additional costs for using a bank’s various services and any interest rate bonuses that come with signing up. In an increasingly digital world, it was also crucial to find banks with excellent mobile banking services.

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 (waivable)

$15 per incoming domestic wire, $25 for outgoing domestic wire

0.20% APY

$2,000

Access credit card accounts,  

transfer money, 

deposit checks,  

access bank statements,  

access to CreditWise service

$0

$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

Out of network ATM fees, fees for excessive deposits

Up to 0.04% APY

$5,000

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

$0 to $20

$1.50 for out of network ATMs, $29 per returned check, up to $35 for wire transfers

From 0.25% to 3.55% APY

$0 to $100,000

Pay bills, transfer funds, deposit checks, set up savings goals

$15 (waivable)

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

Up to 0.02% APY

$0

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

$25 (waivable)

$40 for wire transfers

0.05% APY

$5,000

Pay bills, transfer money, set up digital wallet, mobile deposit

BlueVine logo

Bluevine: Best Overall Bank for Small Businesses in Florida

2.0% APY

4.7

Bluevine’s online-only banking is perfect no matter what part of Florida you call home. Its business checking account offers some of the highest interest rates you’ll find anywhere, making up for the lack of a savings plan. You can start a Bluevine account at any time, thanks to no minimum deposit or balance. There are very few fees to work around; you’ll just need to keep cash deposits to a minimum.

Why we chose it: High interest rates, minimal fees, and a lack of maintenance requirements make Bluevine the best business bank account for LLCs or other business types.

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

Fees

You won’t find any monthly fees when using Bluevine, making it possible to bank without ever paying a dime. Expect charges for using out-of-network ATMs, making the mobile app a valuable tool for finding free withdrawal sites. Each cash deposit will set you back $4.95, making this a tool you want to use sparingly if at all.

Interest Rates

Bluevine comes through in a big way with its 2.0% APY. The rate is 50 times the current national average and applicable on balances up to $100,000. Once your small business’s balance grows beyond this amount, those extra funds won’t accrue any interest.

Minimum Balance

There’s no minimum balance requirement for using Bluevine, no matter how much you have in your account. Small businesses can start with next to nothing and take immediate advantage of the high interest rate.

Access to Mobile Banking

The Bluevine mobile app makes banking from anywhere a breeze. The thoroughly-designed tool makes it easy to manage your accounts and see where your money is going. It’s also possible to pay vendors by wire or check and schedule payments for fulfillment down the road.

Capital one logo

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

0.20% APY

4.6

Capital One’s business checking account allows an unlimited number of transfers between your accounts so you never have to worry about having funds where you need them. Even if you do overdraft an account, Capital One won’t charge you for the mistake. The bank does have a number of Capital One Cafés in select Florida cities, but you won’t find these everywhere. There is a monthly fee, but you can waive this with a high enough balance.

Why we chose it: With no limits on digital transfers, Capital One gives you the freedom to keep funds moving.

  • 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 business accounts come with a $15 monthly fee that can be hefty for a small business. Luckily, you can waive this fee by keeping an average balance of $2,000 over a 30 or 90-day window. There’s no charge for using one of Capital One’s 70,000 ATMs nationwide. 

Interest Rates

Opening up Capital One’s business savings accounts unlocks interest rates of up to 0.20% for your first year. This amount applies to balances up to $5 million, giving small businesses plenty of wiggle room. None of the bank’s checking accounts offer any interest, making free digital transfers that much sweeter.

Minimum Balance

You don’t need to keep a minimum balance with Capital One to keep your account open. It is in your best interest to maintain at least $2,000 in your checking to avoid the $15 monthly service fee. Keeping extra funds in your savings account allows you to generate some interest on money not currently in use.

Access to Mobile Banking

Since you won’t find many physical Capital One locations, the bank’s top-rated mobile app comes to the rescue. With it, you can do all your transfers, make digital payments, and deposit money with your device’s camera. The app also gives you access to Capital One’s CreditWise service to monitor your credit score and hear cool tips.

US bank logo

U.S. Bank: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Florida for Lending Options

0.01% APY

4.5

When your small business needs a cash injection, U.S. Bank has you covered. You can make use of several loan and line of credit options to upgrade your venture and not go under trying to pay it all back. The bank also has specialized merchant services for most business types that provide additional tools to help you succeed. There are even physical locations in Orlando and some coastal cities if you like banking in person.

Why we chose it: Small businesses in need of extra funds can turn to U.S. Bank for a plethora of lending options.

  • Lending to fit your needs
  • 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

You’ll never have to worry about monthly fees when using U.S. Bank’s silver checking package for small businesses. Higher-tier accounts do have waivable monthly fees to contend with as your company grows. You’ll just need to keep tabs on monthly transactions to ensure you don’t incur charges for exceeding the monthly limit.

Interest Rates

U.S. Bank’s checking accounts do not come with any options to generate interest. While savings plans come with different perks, the current maximum interest rate is just 0.01%. Although a minimal amount, there is no balance cap to what you can earn.

Minimum Balance

There’s no minimum balance requirement when starting off with U.S. Bank’s silver account package designed specifically for small businesses. Other checking accounts have waivable fees should you keep up with the necessary balance amounts. Savings accounts start at a $500 minimum balance to remove service fees.

Access to Mobile Banking

If you find yourself away from one of U.S. Bank’s physical locations, you can perform all your banking through the mobile app. It’s possible to seamlessly transfer funds from one account to another and stay up to date with your financial status. U.S. Bank will also keep you informed with customized alerts.

Bank of America logo

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

Up to 0.04% APY

4.4

Bank of America’s rewards system is second to none, offering valuable benefits and rewards while growing alongside your business. Bonuses include higher interest rates and waived fees on select banking services. Over 4,300 branches dot the country, with several locations in Florida cities. While there is a monthly fee, savvy business owners can waive this amount with careful banking.

Why we chose it: Bank of America’s rewards come with several perks to make banking a win-win for all parties involved.

  • 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’s introductory checking account comes with a $16 monthly fee. You can negate this amount by maintaining a $5,000 monthly balance, spending at least $250 on your debit card, or by becoming a Preferred Rewards member. The only other fees to watch out for come from out-of-network ATM withdrawals and charges for excessive deposits in a given month.

Interest Rates

Most small businesses opening a savings account will earn 0.01% interest out of the rate. It is possible to increase this to 0.04% with enough activity in Bank of America’s rewards system. There’s no option to accrue interest with a Bank of America checking account.

Minimum Balance

Keeping an average monthly balance of $5,000 in your checking account will remove the $16 service fee. Similarly, you’ll want to have at least $2,500 in your savings account to avoid a $10 monthly charge there.

Access to Mobile Banking

Bank of America’s mobile app consistently earns high honors for its functionality. Within, you can manage your accounts, pay bills, or transfer funds from any location. You can also make use of the budgeting tool to monitor expenses and control spending.

Suncoast Credit Union logo

Suncoast Credit Union: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Florida for Interest Rates

From 0.25% to 3.55% APY

4.4

Suncoast Credit Union serves the Sunshine State through a number of physical branches and a stellar free online banking app. Monthly fees are few and far between, but you will need to keep high balances on some accounts to avoid them. Incredibly high interest rates help offset fees you can’t prevent and provide a small source of additional funds.

Why we chose it: This Florida-based credit union has some of the highest interest rates of any institution in the state.

  • Very high interest rates
  • Free online banking
  • Minimal monthly fees
  • High minimum balances on some accounts
  • Significant returned check fee
  • All locations on the west coast

Fees

Depending on your plan, you may have to contend with monthly fees if you can’t maintain minimum balance requirements. Introductory plans do not have this issue, allowing small businesses to bank without fear. Additional fees come in the form of out-of-network ATM fees and charges for returned checks.

Interest Rates

You won’t find any interest rates for Suncoast’s checking accounts, but there are some great options in the savings department. On the low end, you can generate 0.25% APY for basic savings and work up to 3.55% through share certificates. If you have some money to set aside, the paybacks can be worth it.

Minimum Balance

You’ll need $50 to open an account with Suncoast, but there’s no minimum balance for its Smart Checking plan. You’ll need at least $2,000 to avoid fees at higher levels. Savings accounts and share certificates have balance requirements from $5 to $100,000 depending on what interest rate you’re shooting for.

Access to Mobile Banking

It’s possible to use the SunMobile banking app to do anything from open an account to transfer funds to any financial institution. You can pay suppliers, set up savings goals, and deposit checks as well. Best of all, the app is very intuitive and takes moments to master.

Chase Business logo

Chase: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Florida for Merchant Services

Up to 0.02% APY

4.2

Chase goes above and beyond, providing a number of merchant services you can use to improve your business. Fraud protection and cash management tools are just the tip of the iceberg for bonus features. New account owners receive up to a $300 bonus just for signing up, and there are several ways to earn bonus points on purchases. Although monthly fees are present, there are plenty of ways to work around them.

Why we chose it: Chase adds a long list of merchant services to its traditional banking to help your business succeed.

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

Fees

Monthly fees start at $15 for Chase Business Complete Banking. You can do away with this charge by maintaining a $2,000 daily balance, making deposits through Chase QuickAccept, or through Chase Ink Business Card purchases. There is a cost for transactions after your first 20, and you’ll want to avoid costly wire transfers if possible.

Interest Rates

As with most banks, Chase doesn’t provide any interest for money you have in a business checking account. To earn a rate, you’ll need to start up a business savings account that accrues up to 0.02%.

Minimum Balance

If you want to avoid Chase’s monthly service fee, you’ll want to keep at least $2,000 in your checking account at all times. Dipping below this amount even once per month is enough to merit the charge. Savings accounts have no fee as long as you have an active checking account with Chase.

Access to Mobile Banking

In addition to standard banking procedures, you can use the Chase mobile app to lock or unlock your credit card should you misplace it. There’s also a budget planning feature to set aside funds for a large purchase and credit monitoring tools to protect your credit health.

City National Bank of Florida logo

City National Bank of Florida: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Florida for Transactions

0.05% APY

4.2

City National Bank of Florida has over 75 years of experience serving customers throughout Florida. The bank allows up to 200 transactions and $10,000 in free cash deposits each month, a considerable step up from many other institutions. Understanding APY rates among various accounts is unclear and can lead to a frustrating experience. A great mobile app helps lessen some of the sting.

Why we chose it: City National Bank of Florida allows a wide margin for transactions and cash deposits where other banks fall short.

  • Up to 200 transactions per month
  • $10,000 in free cash deposits per month
  • Great mobile app
  • Requires a monthly balance
  • Branches are primarily in the Miami area
  • APY rates are not transparent

Fees

New small business owners will face a $25 monthly fee when signing up for City National’s business checking account. You can work around this expense with proper planning, and the only other charges come with domestic and international wire transfers.

Interest Rates

City National Bank of Florida is not transparent about its interest rates anywhere on the website. There’s no hope for APY with checking, but savings accounts can earn up to 0.05% after meeting a monthly minimum balance.

Minimum Balance

It takes an average minimum monthly balance of $5,000 to avoid City National’s $25 maintenance fee on your checking account. If that wasn’t enough, you’ll need to keep at least $3,500 in your savings account to be eligible for the bank’s interest rate.

Access to Mobile Banking

City National’s mobile banking setup marries well with Zelle for quick transactions and transfers. You can also use the app as a digital wallet for payments or organize finances with money management tools. There’s even free credit reporting and tips for improving or maintaining your score.

Methodology for the Best Banks for Small Businesses in Florida

We considered several facets for opening a business bank account and managing your finances once you’re up and running. Below are the top factors we used for determining the best banks for small businesses in Florida.

  • Fees: Small businesses often have to count every penny. Using a bank that nickels and dimes you for every little thing can quickly run your account dry. We looked for banks without maintenance fees or at least the option to waive said charge with a few simple steps. It was also crucial to locate institutions that minimize costs for transactions and transfers that every business needs to perform.
  • Interest Rates: We realize business bank accounts function primarily for the purpose of organization and making payments, but that doesn’t mean you can’t earn a little interest on the side. Between checking and savings accounts, we called out banks offering easily accessible rates you can use for some extra cash. Some options even go well beyond the national average.
  • Minimum Balance: Banks with maintenance fees will often waive them if you have enough money in said account. Small businesses may not have a lot of money to work with early on, so we identified institutions with low balance requirements to avoid fees. Some banks also have account minimums to unlock interest rates or other rewards.
  • Access to Mobile Banking: In our fast-paced world, having all your banking needs at your fingertips is a huge win. Mobile devices also played a role in the emergence of online-only banks with accounts you can access from anywhere. Even banks traditionally known for physical locations are amping up mobile apps to compete with the masses. Our selections highlight banks with top-tier mobile banking options to manage finances and make payments.
  • Ease of Use: When making our top banking for small business picks, we wanted to ensure features were straightforward to use. This applies to everything from transfers and payments to opening a business bank account with nothing more than an EIN. No bank account should be more trouble than it’s worth.

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

Have more questions about opening a bank account for your Florida business? This FAQ may have the answers you’re looking for.

Bottom Line

Business bank accounts can work wonders for small businesses trying to manage funds and stay on top of debits and credits. The best banks for small businesses in Florida minimize fees to your organization while making it easy to transfer money and keep your suppliers happy. Look no further than these banks for all the tools your Florida-based company needs to meet your financial goals.

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 Texas in 2023

A work desk with a monitor screen displaying the words "Texas bank account"

In this day and age, banks do so much more than hold onto your finances. The best banks for small businesses in Texas offer comprehensive services while keeping your costs to an absolute minimum. Read on to hear about our favorite picks for the Lone Star State and why we liked each one.

Best Banks for Small Businesses in Texas

Our Methodology

When creating our list of favorite Texas banks, we considered monthly pricing for account maintenance and any other fees that could slow your business down. We studied minimum balance requirements and which banks feature the best rates in the state. Finally, we picked institutions with solid mobile apps and all-around easy-to-use systems.

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

$10 (waivable)

Fees for deposited items, excess transactions and cash deposits

0.15% APY

$500

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

$15 (waivable)

$15 per incoming domestic wire, $25 for outgoing domestic wire

0.20% APY

$2,000

Access credit card accounts,  

transfer money, 

deposit checks,  

access bank statements,  

access to CreditWise service

$4 (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 (waivable)

Out of network ATM fees, fees for excessive deposits

Up to 0.04% APY

$5,000

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

$12 (waivable)

Fees for excess transactions, out of network ATM use

Varies by region (0.01% to 0.03% APY)

$500 – $2,500

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

$15 (waivable)

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

Up to 0.02% APY

$0

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

BlueVine logo

Bluevine: Best Overall Bank for Small Businesses in Texas

Interest rates: Up to 2.0% APY

4.7

Bluevine provides an online-only service you can access from anywhere. Although there’s no savings account option, Bluevine’s business checking more than makes up for it. The fintech offers incredibly high interest rates for patrons and no monthly fees to keep your account active. There are a number of free ATMs for Texans to use, but charges start to creep in for out-of-network machines and cash deposits. 

Why we chose it: Bluevine’s high interest rates, coupled with minimal fees and upkeep, make it the best bank for small businesses in Texas.

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

Fees

You won’t incur any costs for doing business with Bluevine. Opening and maintaining an account is free, allowing you to transfer money and pay vendors without worry. While Bluevine has a large number of fee-free ATMs, you’ll get hit with a charge if you try to use an out-of-network machine. If your business deals with cash, you’ll have to be strategic to limit the number of cash deposit charges you incur.

Interest Rates

Bluevine has one of the best business checking accounts you’ll find, thanks to a 2.0% interest rate. Because of this, Bluevine does not offer a savings account to tuck away extra funds. It’s worth noting that this interest rate only applies to amounts up to $100,000.

Minimum Balance

You can open your Bluevine account at any time and never have to worry about maintaining a minimum balance. Even if your funds drop dangerously low, the financial technology company won’t start charging you a service fee. This is a huge sigh of relief for small business owners who work with limited cash flow.

Access to Mobile Banking

As an online company, Bluevine has to do mobile banking well. It has carefully crafted apps for both Android and iOS to create a simple, all-in-one banking experience. You can manage your cash flows, pay your vendors by wire or check, or even schedule recurring payments so you don’t have to worry about them.

Wells Fargo logo

Wells Fargo: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Texas for Branch Locations

Interest Rates: 0.15% APY

4.6

With 560 branch locations across the Lone Star State, Wells Fargo beats out the competition through sheer volume. Its prowess doesn’t end there, thanks to an extensive banking network stretching from coast to coast. You will want to be careful of charges for excess deposits and transactions, but at least you can remove the monthly service fee with a bit of planning.

Why we chose it: Wells Fargo has more branches in Texas than any other financial institution, making it ideal for anyone preferring in-person banking.

  • 560 branch locations in Texas alone
  • Possible to waive monthly fees
  • Extensive banking network around the country
  • Monthly fees
  • Charges for excess deposits or transactions
  • Low interest rates

Fees

Wells Fargo’s Initiate Business Checking is ideal for small businesses and only has a $10 monthly service fee. Circumventing this charge is as simple as holding a minimum balance in your account or ledger. Your savings account options function much the same way, but you also negate fees by setting up automatic transfers.

Interest Rates

There’s no opportunity to generate interest through a Wells Fargo checking account, but savings accounts more than make up for this issue. Even the most basic savings plans start you off at 0.15%, with higher-tier options reaching up to 2.00% APY.

Minimum Balance

It only takes $500 to avoid the monthly service fee on the Initiate checking account. As this is a daily minimum requirement, you’ll want to make sure not to dip below this number at any point during the month. Introductory-level savings accounts require $300 to keep things fee-free. Some savings accounts can accrue more interest with higher balances.

Access to Mobile Banking

You can bank conveniently from your phone through Wells Fargo’s mobile app. It’s possible to gather account information, send money from place to place, or track important payments. With a few button presses, the app will even point you to the nearest branch location or ATM.

Capital one logo

Capital One: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Texas for Transactions

Interest Rates: 0.20% APY

4.6

Where many banks give only a handful of free transactions each month, Capital One goes the extra mile. You’ll never receive a charge for digital transactions, and the bank also waives overdraft fees should you accidentally pay too much. There are several branch locations in the bigger cities, but those living in other areas are limited to an online service.

Why we chose it: Capital One doesn’t place a limit on digital transactions, allowing you to get money where it needs to go.

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

Fees

Small businesses will likely choose a Basic business checking account with a modest $15 monthly service fee. Capital One’s Unlimited checking affords more freedoms but has a $35 upkeep. In either case, you can waive these charges with the right requirements.

Interest Rates

Capital One offers promotional interest rates on savings accounts you can lock in for a year at a time. It’s currently possible to snag a 0.20% APY on all your savings, although there’s no guarantee this rate will stick 365 days from now. None of Capital One’s checking accounts generate any interest.

Minimum Balance

You’ll want to maintain a 30 or 90-day balance averaging $2,000 or more if you want to avoid Capital One’s $15 maintenance fee. Those looking at the bank’s Unlimited checking plan will need to average $25,000 in that account instead. There’s a $300 minimum on Capital One’s business savings account.

Access to Mobile Banking

Whether you live near one of Capital One’s Texas branches or not, you can take advantage of its stellar mobile app. From any device, it’s possible to perform all your digital transactions and deposit money through your camera. If that wasn’t enough, using the mobile app gives access to CreditWise for accurate credit assessments and tips on keeping your score high.

US bank logo

U.S. Bank: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Texas for Customer Service

Interest Rates: 0.01% APY

4.5

For a large banking institution, U.S. Bank goes above and beyond with its customer service team. Call any time day or night and you’ll connect with a banker offering fast solutions to your issue. The bank also has a long list of specialized merchant services for your business type and plenty of lending options should you need some extra cash.

Why we chose it: U.S. Bank makes up for a lack of Texas locations with an excellent 24/7 customer service team.

  • Excellent customer service
  • Specialized merchant services for restaurants, retailers, and service providers
  • Lending to fit your needs
  • Charges for overdrafts
  • Relatively low APY
  • Only locations in 28 states

Fees

The U.S. Bank silver business checking account resonates best with small business owners. This plan has no monthly maintenance fee to contend with, whereas the bank’s other options do. You will want to keep track of monthly transactions; you only receive the first 125 for free. U.S. Bank’s savings account does have a waivable service fee.

Interest Rates

None of U.S. Bank’s checking accounts offer any sort of interest rate. Savings accounts do, but the best APY available is 0.01%. This holds true no matter how much money you have, but at least there are no upper limits.

Minimum Balance

You won’t need to worry about a minimum balance if you stick to U.S. Bank’s introductory checking account designed for small businesses. Its savings account requires at least a $300 balance to do away with the $4 fee each month.

Access to Mobile Banking

The U.S. Bank mobile app will help you track down the branch location nearest to you while offering a slew of services on its own. On your device, you can still transfer money and stay up to date on your account balances. It’s also possible to set alerts in case funds drop below a certain level to avoid unsightly overdraft fees.

Bank of America logo

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

Interest Rates: Up to 0.04% APY

4.4

Over 300 of Bank of America’s branches are located right in the Lone Star State, making for easy banking. As you do business, the bank rewards you with higher interest rates and removes fees for some banking services. Perks grow with your business based on your average daily balance. Accounts do have monthly fees, but you can work around these through careful planning.

Why we chose it: Bank of America’s extensive rewards system pays you back any time you do business as usual.

  • 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

The Business Advantage Fundamentals checking account comes with a $16 service fee you can remove by meeting one of three criteria. As long as you maintain a $5,000 average monthly balance, spend at least $250 in debit card purchases, or join the Preferred Rewards program, your account will is free to use. Your savings account has similar requirements lest you pay $10 per month for upkeep.

Interest Rates

Your Bank of America interest rate can change depending on your rewards status with the company. Savings accounts start at 0.01% APY, but it’s possible to reach 0.04% at the platinum honors tier. Small businesses may have to work a while to reach this milestone, but the possibility is there.

Minimum Balance

If you’re not a Preferred Rewards member, you’ll need to keep at least $5,000 in your checking account to avoid Bank of America’s monthly maintenance fee. Savings accounts are a bit more forgiving, requiring just $2,500 to negate a $10 per month charge.

Access to Mobile Banking

You’ll be able to view and interact with all your accounts from the Bank of America mobile app. It’s possible to deposit checks, transfer money, or pay bills right from your phone. The app also helps with spending and budgeting as you save up for that next big purchase.

PNC Bank logo

PNC Bank: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Texas for Withdrawals

Interest Rates: Varies by region (0.01% to 0.03% APY)

4.3

PNC Bank has one of the most extensive ATM networks in the nation. Whether you’re in state or on the road, there’s a good chance you’re not far from fee-free withdrawals. If you accidentally take out too much, PNC Bank offers 24-hour overdraft correction to fix your mistake. Business owners new to PNC can qualify for $200 just for opening an account.

Why we chose it: PNC’s impressive network of banks and ATMs make taking out money a walk in the park.

  • Over 60,000 fee-free ATMs in the US
  • $200 sign-up bonus
  • 24-hour overdraft protection
  • High overdraft fee
  • APY varies by region
  • Harder to open standalone accounts

Fees

As a thank you for signing up, PNC Bank doesn’t charge any service fees for your first three months as a member. After that, you’ll pay $12 on both your checking and savings accounts to keep them active. You can remove these charges through monthly balances, making purchases, or generating money from deposits.

Interest Rates

PNC Bank’s interest rates are a bit of an enigma. They vary from region to region in the Lone Star State, requiring a phone call to determine your potential earnings. Based on our research, you’ll likely end up somewhere in the 0.01% to 0.04% range, depending on your balance.

Minimum Balance

Monthly balances play an important role in eliminating service fees from your accounts. It only takes $500 to keep your checking account fee-free, but savings accounts require a minimum of $2,500. Your account balance may also play a role in the interest rate you receive.

Access to Mobile Banking

The PNC mobile banking app allows you to pay bills and manage your accounts from the convenience of your smartphone. In the same vein, you can access cash flow insights to visualize the impact of projected transactions and see how spending lines up.

Chase Business logo

Chase: Best Bank for Small Businesses in Texas for Business Services

Interest Rates: Up to 0.02% APY

4.2

Chase Bank adds a lot to the traditional banking mix through a long list of helpful business services. These tools include safeguarding your company against fraud or managing revenue through payment-collection solutions. Texans will also enjoy the number of Chase locations throughout the state and up to a $300 sign-on bonus with qualifying activities.

Why we chose it: Chase’s business services complement an already substantial list of traditional banking features.

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

Fees

Chase’s introductory business checking account comes with a $15 easily waivable fee if you meet one of three criteria. All you need is a $2,000 daily balance, purchases with a Chase Ink Business Card, or deposits from Chase QuickAccept. As long as you have a checking account through Chase, maintaining a savings account is completely free.

Interest Rates

You won’t find the best rates on Chase’s savings accounts, but something is better than nothing. Most small businesses will start at 0.01%, but you can bump this up to 0.02% over time. Checking accounts won’t accrue any interest, so you’ll want to balance your funds accordingly.

Minimum Balance

It’s best to keep a daily balance of at least $2,000 in your checking account to do away with pesky service fees. A savings account requires a $1,000 balance, but you can also avoid this charge by linking it with your checking.

Access to Mobile Banking

Your mobile app dramatically simplifies the banking process. From your device, you can send payments just about anywhere and move funds from place to place between your accounts. If you don’t have time for the app, Chase also has several text prompts you can use to see your balances fast.

Methodology for the Best Banks for Small Businesses in Texas

We looked at several factors when choosing the best banks for small businesses in Texas. Here are the considerations we felt were most important and the reasoning behind each choice.

  • Fees: Small businesses often have to watch the bottom line as they build sales and rapport among clients. Banks can be a great way to track funds, but a financial institution with lots of fees does more harm than good. In our selection, we focused on companies with minimal fees or at least ways even a new business could waive them.
  • Interest Rates: The best banks for small businesses in Texas offer incentives in the form of interest just for letting them hold your money. We strove to identify those with easy-to-access above-average rates.
  • Minimum Balance: Most banks want you to keep a certain balance in each of your accounts or they’ll penalize you. We made sure these required amounts were well within the feasible range for small businesses to avoid charges.
  • Access to Mobile Banking: As a small business owner, you’re always on the go. Therefore, having access to mobile banking tools allows you to conduct business from wherever you may be. An excellent mobile app saves time while offering extra features to manage your funds.
  • Ease of Use: No one wants to fumble through enigmatic websites or hard-to-understand mobile apps. We make sure to pick out banks making every step of your experience as simple as can be. Convenience comes into play during the initial setup as well. At some banks, you can even open a bank account with nothing more than an EIN.

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

Want to learn more about starting a bank account for your small business in Texas? This FAQ answers some of the most common questions about the topic.

Bottom Line

A bank account for your small business can do wonders for money management and watching your bottom line. The best options in Texas put the power at your fingertips while offering methods to work around ugly maintenance fees. We love what Bluevine brings to the table, but we feel any of the selections on this list will do you good.

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 Savings Accounts for April 2023

A businessman pointing to a piggybank

Businesses big and small need a savings account to generate interest and pull funds from on a rainy day. That said, some options stand head and shoulders above the rest. This article reveals the six best business savings accounts as we head into the new year.

Quick View on the Best Business Savings Accounts

When checking out the best business savings accounts, we looked for any pesky fees and interest rates that serve to offset them. We also found it important to understand minimum deposit requirements at the time of opening and limitations on drawing money out. Finally, we looked for additional features that made a particular company stand out and how easy it was to use an account.

You can find a more detailed look at our methodology below.

Bank or Fintech

Fees

Interest Rates

Minimum Deposit

Withdrawals

Additional Features

$3 monthly service fee (waivable), $2 for out of network ATMs

0.20% APY

$250 minimum opening deposit

Up to 6 free each cycle

Overdraft coverage if linked to business checking

None

1.26% APY

$0.01

6 free withdrawals each month

Four physical bank locations, additional banking services available

$10 monthly service fee (waivable), fees for excessive deposits

Up to 0.04%

$100 to open account

Up to 6 transfers or withdrawals each monthly cycle, up to $1,000 in cash from ATM

Can set up automatic transfers, overdraft protection, rewards program

$9 monthly service fee, $2.5 for out of network domestic ATMs, $5 for international

1.50% APY

$0.01

Maximum six withdrawals per month

Tax optimization software, fast enrollment, smart mobile banking, overdraft forgiveness

$25 overdraft fee

Up to 0.20% APY

$25,000 minimum opening deposit

Up to 6 free withdrawals per statement cycle

$200 bonus for new business owners, ATM reimbursements, Quickbooks integration

Monthly maintenance fee (waivable), fees at out of network ATMs

0.01% APY

$500 minimum opening deposi

Limited to 6 withdrawals each month

More than 2,400 bank locations in 28 states

 

 

Business Checking Accounts That Earn Interest

Sometimes, you don’t have to look to business savings accounts to earn interest on your money. Some of the best business checking accounts offer APY on their own:

  • Bluevine Business Checking – 2.0% APY on balances up to 100k & Best Bank Account for LLCs
  • American Express Business Checking – 1.3% APY on balances up to $500k
Capital one logo

Capital One Business Savings Account: Best Overall Business Savings Account

Monthly Fee: $3/month

4.7

Capital One has a baseline APY of 0.20%, but many businesses can qualify for higher promotional rates for the first 12 months of use. There are only a handful of branch locations around the country, but the bank’s extensive ATM network more than makes up for it. 

If you accidentally pull too much from your account, you’ll never have to worry about overdraft fees. Beware of the monthly account fee should you not be able to keep up with the requirements.

Why we chose it: Capital One’s large ATM network, minimal fees, and high promotional interest rates of up to $5 million make it one of the best online savings accounts for businesses.

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

Fees

You’re looking at a $3 per month service fee with Capital One if you can’t meet monthly criteria. Fortunately, this is no more difficult than having at least $300 in your business savings account at all times. For other fees, expect a $2 charge for out-of-network ATMs both in the United States and abroad.

Interest Rates

Capital One advertises a 0.20% interest rate as a current baseline to go off of when setting up your account. It’s possible to grab a promotional rate for your first year with the bank, although this amount seems to be on a case-by-case basis. Whatever rate you end up with, it’s good on balances up to $5 million. Any funds beyond that will receive a lower APY.

Minimum Deposit

It takes a $250 initial deposit to open a business savings account with Capital One. Once you’ve opened an account, you don’t need to maintain a set amount. If you can maintain a balance above $300, you won’t have to worry about monthly fees.

Withdrawals

Capital One gives six free withdrawals each payment cycle. Going over the limit can result in unsightly fees. For each withdrawal, you can take up to $600 out through an ATM at a time.

Additional Features

Besides a promotional interest rate for the first year, having a linked business checking account saves you from overdraft fees on your savings. Beyond that, Capital One works with business owners to find banking products that best suit their needs.

>>> Create Your Business Savings Account with Capital One

NBKC bank logo

NBKC Business Money Market Account: Best Business Savings Account for Add-On Services

Monthly Fee: None

4.6

NBKC Bank loves offering a lot for very little. Its money market account has minimal fees to contend with across the board, so your money stays with you. Memberships unlock several add-on services you can build into your account, from fraud protection to invoicing. There aren’t any physical branches outside the Kansas City area, and the app lacks a few features. However, NBKC’s customer service more than makes up for it.

Why we chose it: NBKC Bank goes beyond traditional banking with professional invoicing, cash management, and several other powerful service options.

  • Many extra service options
  • Few fees to contend with
  • Excellent customer service
  • No physical bank branches outside of Kansas and Missouri
  • High international wire fees
  • Mobile app limitations

Fees

Good luck stumbling across a fee while using NBKC Bank. There’s no charge to open an account, maintain it, or if you have an overdraft. Furthermore, you aren’t penalized for returned checks, using a debit card, or depositing money into your business money market account. The only area you have to worry about is international wire transfers, which can set you back $45 a pop.

Interest Rates

NBKC Bank has a high-yield business savings account at 1.26% APY. Best of all, this rate remains whether you have a penny or millions stashed away.

Minimum Deposit

There are no requirements for opening or maintaining your money market account through NBKC Bank. You won’t ever encounter a fee for falling below a certain threshold, nor will your interest rate suffer.

Withdrawals

You can withdraw funds from your money market account up to six times per statement period. It’s possible to pull out up to $1,010 from an ATM each day as long as you have sufficient funds.

Additional Features

This is where NBKC bank really shines. As a traditional bank, it offers a multitude of banking services you can use with your business. These extend to invoice processing, cash management tools, and one-on-one service from industry experts. Anyone living in the Kansas City area can take advantage of these services from a physical branch location.

>>> Set Up Business Savings with NBKC

Bank of America logo

Bank of America Business Advantage Savings Account: Best Business Savings Account With Rewards

Monthly Fee: $10/month

4.5

The Business Advantage Savings account gives you the opportunity to level up your interest through various reward tiers based on your monthly balance. There are monthly fees, but it is possible to waive these through a handful of requirements. With thousands of branches and ATMs around the country, chances are you’ll never be far from one. This is a good thing, because transaction fees for using non-Bank of America ATMs can be high.

Why we chose it: Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program offers interest rate boosts and other incentives to serve your business.

  • 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 has a $10 monthly service fee for anyone unable to meet the requirements to have it waived. To qualify for free savings, you’ll need to do at least one of the following:

  • Maintain a $2,500 minimum daily balance
  • Include one Business Advantage Savings account as part of your Business Advantage Relationship Banking solution
  • Become a member of Preferred Rewards for Business

Otherwise, there are incremental fees if you deposit more than 25 items or over $5,000 in cash during a statement cycle.

Interest Rates

You’ll start off at 0.01% APY, no matter what your average daily balance is. Should you enroll in Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program, you’ll be able to increase this rate as you move up the ladder. To be eligible, you must open a Bank of American business checking account and have an average daily balance exceeding $20,000 across your business deposit accounts.

Interest rates at higher tiers are:

Gold: 0.02%

Platinum: 0.03%

Platinum Honors: 0.04%

Minimum Deposit

To open a Business Advantage Savings account, you’ll need to make an initial deposit of at least $100. There’s no penalty for falling below this number, but there are plenty of perks for moving it higher. You can waive the monthly service fee or tap into high-interest rates if your balance is high enough. In case you missed it, we have also guide on how to open an EIN-only business bank account.

Withdrawals

When working with your savings account, you’ll have to limit withdrawals to six per payment cycle. The maximum amount you can withdraw from an ATM at a time is $1,000.

Additional Features

The Preferred Rewards program offers many benefits beyond an interest rate increase. You can earn discounts on auto loans and merchant services while cutting down on ATM fees just by moving up the ranks. Bank of America also protects your account from overdrafts and allows automatic transfers so you can maximize your interest.

>>> Save with Bank of America

Lili logo

Lili Automatic Savings Account: Best Business Savings Account for Tax Optimization

Monthly Fee: None

4.4

Lili’s all-in-one banking app is super simple to set up, rarely taking more than a few minutes to create your account. Although online-only, Lili has many great features, such as tax optimization software to help keep you in good standing with the IRS. To access business savings, you’ll have to sign up for Lili Pro, a premier service with a monthly service fee. Fortunately, this high-yield business savings account puts many other financial institutions to shame. By the way we also have reviews for other business savings accounts such as; Novo Review and Bluevine Review

Why we chose it: Lili’s checking and savings accounts come with personalized tax optimization tools to ensure you can file easily and without issue.

  • Tax optimization software
  • High yield business savings account
  • Quick enrollment
  • Must transfer money to savings every day
  • Monthly service fee
  • Low monthly transfer and deposit limits

Fees

It will cost you $9 per month to subscribe to Lili Pro, the mobile app’s advanced tier of service. There’s no way to remove this fee, and you’ll need a Lili Pro membership to open a business savings account. There are no additional charges for doing business, but watch out for $2.50 fees for domestic out-of-network ATMs and $5 for international ones.

Interest Rates

Lili is one of the top high-interest business savings accounts out there, offering up to 1.50% APY on funds located within. The rate actually went up from 1% at the beginning of the year.

Minimum Deposit

There’s no minimum deposit required to start a Lili business savings account. However, you will need to deposit at least $1 per day into your business savings account to keep it open. You can set this transfer to happen automatically so you don’t forget.

Withdrawals

Lili limits monthly withdrawals from your business savings account to just six. It can be challenging to move funds back to checking, and the process can take up to a week to complete. Make sure to plan ahead if you’re going to need to tap into what Lili calls an emergency savings account. When taking money out through an ATM, the cap is $500 per day.

Additional Features

Lili has cool tax optimization tools to help you save for the season. With it, you can categorize purchases, find your tax bracket, and file all from the app. Enrollment is lightning fast, and the smart mobile app makes it easy to bank from anywhere. There’s also overdraft forgiveness if you overstep the bounds of your account.

>>> Get Started with Lili Banking

Axos logo

Axos Bank Business Premium Savings Account: Best Business Savings Account for Welcome Bonuses

Monthly Fee: None

4.3

While most financial institutions stifle transfers, Axos offers a lot more leeway with up to 20 per month across your accounts. Anyone setting up an account for the first time can earn a $100 bonus for doing so, and new businesses may see up to $200 in free money. The Premium Savings account does have a hefty $25,000 initial deposit that some small businesses may not be able to afford, however.

Why we chose it: Axos allows more transfers than most other online savings accounts for businesses and has a nice welcome bonus for new owners.

  • Up to $200 welcome bonus
  • Allows 20 transfers per month
  • Integrates with Quickbooks
  • No cash deposits
  • High initial deposit required
  • Poor customer service

Fees

Axos Bank scoffs at fees, charging absolutely nothing for monthly maintenance nor costs should your balance fall below a certain threshold. This makes Axos the best free business bank account for cash deposits.

You’ll want to keep tabs on your finances though, as $25 for over drafting your account can be a punch in the gut.

Interest Rates

You’re looking at a 0.20% interest rate with Axos Bank no matter how high your business savings account goes. The online provider does seem to imply a rate increase if you pass the $5 million mark. If your Premium Savings account falls below $24,000, the rate drops to 0%.

Minimum Deposit

You’ll need at least $25,000 in initial funds to open up an Axos Premium Savings account. Once up and running, there’s no requirement to maintain this balance or fees if you drop below it. If funds dip below $24,000, you won’t earn any interest.

Withdrawals

Like most other business savings accounts, you can perform up to six withdrawals each statement cycle. You can draw up to $1,010 from your account each day.

Additional Features

Axos Bank really stands out for dropping money into your account at startup, making a good bank account for startups. An extra $100 to $200 can mean a lot to an up-and-coming business, and all you have to do is sign up. Additionally, Axos integrates well with Quickbooks software for financial tracking.

>>> Open a Business Savings Account with Axos Bank

US bank logo

U.S. Bank Basic Business Savings Account: Best Business Savings Account With Lending Options

Monthly Fee: None

4.2

U.S. Bank has some great lending options to complement its checking and savings accounts for business owners. It’s possible to set up business loans or business lines of credit for an immediate expense or grow your business. The bank has more than 2,400 branch locations around the country in 28 states, so you may have a drive a little to find one. While you’re there, take advantage of the specialized merchant services U.S. Bank offers for your business type. Don’t also forget our review for the other business savings accounts like; Chase Bank Review and SoFI Review

Why we chose it: You can use U.S. Bank’s business savings account to set money aside for a rainy day or make use of a long list of lending options.

  • Lending to fit your needs
  • Specialized merchant services for restaurants, retailers, and service providers
  • 2,400 branch locations
  • Nontransparent fees
  • Only locations in 28 states
  • Very low APY

Fees

The fee schedule at U.S. Bank is very muddy. You’ll need to visit a branch or call an agent to figure out monthly charges for not meeting your account requirements. It is clear that you can avoid monthly fees if you maintain at least $500 daily. There are also ambiguous fees for transactions and the use of out-of-network ATMs.

Interest Rates

U.S. Bank’s interest rate is 0.01%. It doesn’t matter how much you have in your account; your money will only grow at this rate.

Minimum Deposit

There’s a $500 minimum opening deposit for a U.S. Bank Basic Business Savings account. Should you call below this minimum, you will incur a monthly maintenance fee from the company.

Withdrawals

With U.S. Bank, you’ll have the standard six monthly withdrawals to work with. Within a 24-hour period, it’s only possible to pull out $300 from your business checking account using an ATM.

Additional Features

If you prefer to bank in person, U.S. Bank has more than 2,400 locations scattered throughout the United States. These branches cover 28 states, seemingly without rhyme or reason. The bank does make it easy to view account features through a handy app and detailed monthly statements.

>>> Start Saving with U.S. Bank

Methodology for the Best Business Savings Accounts

We looked into many different factors when selecting the best business savings accounts to populate this list. Here are the top considerations we used when making our decision.

  • Fees: There’s little point in using a bank that’s going to slowly suck your account dry. We make sure to avoid institutions with hidden fees or high costs for doing business that ultimately put you at risk of losing money instead of growing your account. If there are monthly maintenance fees, we prefer providers with the option to waive these amounts if you meet certain criteria.
  • Interest Rates: Interest rates are the bread and butter of any savings account. Without a good interest rate, there’s no reason not to leave all your funds in a checking account for quick and easy access. With a national average rate hovering around 0.24%, banks should meet this or have incredible features to make up for it.
  • Minimum Deposit: Banks requiring a minimum initial deposit can be a barrier for startups or up-and-coming small businesses. Even worse are penalties for failing to maintain a certain threshold over a period of time. Any institution with a high deposit requirement has to have a good reason for doing so.
  • Withdrawals: Your money only works for you when you have the ability to access it. It’s hard to find a bank without withdrawal limits on a savings account, but knowing how much you can take out and when is half the battle. ATMs should allow withdrawals from your business savings account, and the limit should be on the higher side.
  • Additional Features: Many banks and fintech companies follow cookie-cutter systems that lead to lackluster service options. The best business savings accounts have features making them stand out from the masses. This can include a large ATM network, access to physical branches, overdraft protection, and financial management tools.
  • Ease of Use: We wanted to make sure each option making our list was easy enough for the most novice of business owners to understand and use. Access to funds was an important factor, along with the ability to communicate with support staff should the need arise. We also tried to locate organizations with transparent fee structures and clear guidelines on what you can and can’t do.

Best Business Savings Account Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The logic behind a business savings account isn’t always clear. This FAQ answers some of the most popular questions about the benefits of opening one.

Bottom Line 

Business savings accounts are just as important as their checking counterparts, serving as a place to accrue interest and put money away for future use. Many of the best savings options have minimal fees and easy requirements for opening. 

Having funds set aside can be a godsend in an emergency situation where other business owners would have to take out an expensive loan. Since most banks limit withdrawals, you’ll just have to be mindful of pulling out the money you need.

We do have favorite business checking but we believe any of the options on this list will serve you well. Check our other reviews also to other business bank accounts like Oxygen Review and Kabbage Review.

Not sure how to open a business savings account? Read our guide on how to open a business bank account to find out. 

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

12 Best Business Checking Accounts of April 2023

A businessman filling a form for a business checking account on a desk

Juggling all the components of a business is no easy task. When dealing with finances, a standard bank account simply won’t cut it.  The best business checking accounts go beyond traditional banking, providing several tools to help manage your finances while offering a number of features to help you keep everything in the air.

Best Business Checking Accounts On the Market

When looking into the best business checking accounts, we made sure to consider fees for use and potential upsides in the form of interest rates. Next, we studied lending options, rewards, and how easy it is to transfer funds. Finally, we dig deep to discover any additional features that made a particular checking account stand out.

You can find a more detailed look at our ranking methodology below.

Bank

Fees

Interest Rates

Lending Options

Rewards

Additional Features

$4.95 for cash deposits, $15 for outgoing wires

Up to 2.0% APY

Up to $250,000 line of credit

None

Cash deposits, online payments, multiple subaccounts

$27 overdraft fee

0% APY

No lending options

Up to $5,000 in online perks

Reserve accounts, invoice tracking, virtual debit card

$15 monthly service fee, $15 per incoming domestic wire, $25 for outgoing domestic wire

0% APY

Loans and lines of credit up to $5 million

None

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

$15 monthly service fee

0% APY

Loans and lines of credit up to $500,000

$300 sign-on bonus, up to $750 in cash back

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

$16 monthly service fee

0% APY

Loans and lines of credit from $10,000

None

Integrates with Zelle payment app, business services

$35 for outgoing wire transfers

0% APY

Loans and lines of credit starting at $10 million

Up to $200 sign-on bonus

ATM reimbursements, first 50 checks free, Quickbooks integration

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

0% APY

No lending options

Cash back with debit card

Tax optimization software, fast enrollment, smart mobile banking

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

0% APY

Many types of loans and lines of credit up to $12 million

None

$2,500 of free cash deposits, 50% discount on first check order

No monthly maintenance fees, possible out of network and international fees

1.0% APY in attached savings account

No lending options

5% cash back from various merchants

LLC creation assistance

$20 for outgoing domestic wires

1.3% APY

Available through Kabbage funding

30,000 membership reward points

24/7 support, earn points on most purchases

$5 for outgoing domestic wires, $45 for incoming or outgoing domestic wires

0% APY

Available to business owners in the Kansas City metro area

None

Four branch locations in the Kansas City area, $12 in ATM reimbursement, several additional service options

$10 monthly maintenance fee, $15 for domestic wire transfers

0% APY

No lending options

None

Virtual envelopes to budget money, long list of integrations

 

 

BlueVine logo

BlueVine Business Checking: Best Business Checking Account Overall

Monthly Fee: None

4.9

BlueVine stands out for a high interest rate that few banks can compete with and doesn’t require a minimum deposit or balance to maintain your account. The only fees you’ll need to worry about revolve around cash deposits and outgoing wire transfers. There are no savings accounts to store excess funds in, and you’ll need to watch for monthly transfer limits.

Fees

BlueVine avoids most fees that other best business bank accounts still have. There are no monthly fees, minimum requirements to maintain your account, or costs for an overdraft or incoming wires. You’ll pay $4.95 any time you make a cash deposit, and each outgoing wire is $15.

Interest Rates

It’s possible to receive 2.0% interest on your business checking account if you meet one of two conditions. You must either spend at least $500 per month on your BlueVine Business Debit Mastercard or receive $2,500 per month in customer payments to your account. The interest caps at $100,000, and anything you have beyond that doesn’t earn a thing.

Lending

While BlueVine doesn’t have lending per se, you can get access to a flexible business line of credit to use as you see fit. Lines reach as high as $250,000, with decisions in as little as 5 minutes. There’s no fee for maintaining the account, and you’ll only pay interest on what you use. Current rates are as low as 4.8%.

Rewards

BlueVine’s 2.0% APY is quite the reward in itself. That said, the business checking account doesn’t offer any other rewards for joining at this time.

Additional Features

You can pay bills directly from your BlueVine account or credit card through ACH, check, or wire. The online bank doesn’t place limits on the number of transactions you perform each month. For organization and finance tracking, multiple subaccounts allow you to drop funds into different buckets. 

  • High interest rate
  • Very few fees
  • No minimum deposit or balance required
  • Checking accounts only
  • Monthly transfer limits
  • Fee for cash deposits

Why we chose it: BlueVine’s ease of use, few fees, and incredible interest rate make it the best business checking account currently available. 

>>> Visit BlueVine and create your business checking account for free.

Novo logo

Novo Business Checking: Best Business Checking Account for Small Businesses

Monthly Fee: None

4.8

Novo has one of the best small business checking accounts, as you can perform all its services fee-free business bank account if you’re careful. You won’t need to pay a thing to keep your account, and the bank will refund ATM fees on out-of-network machines. There’s no way to deposit cash, and you will need to keep a close eye on expenses lest you face the wrath of a hefty overdraft fee.

Fees

You’ll have to look pretty hard to find fees with Novo, but they do exist. In addition to a maintenance-free checking account, the online bank refunds all ATM fees no matter where in the world you find yourself. As long as you watch your account carefully, you should never have to worry about the $27 fee for an overdraft. 

Interest Rates

Novo’s business checking account does not have a way for your funds to accrue interest. There’s also no savings account for excess money to grow.

Lending

There are no lending or line of credit options within Novo’s list of features. This may not be an issue for some, but those needing a shot of income will have to look elsewhere.

Rewards

Novo has a relationship with several other business apps and can score you some good deals. For instance, HubSpot’s slew of business tools are 30% off with a Novo checking account. Depending on the software you use, it’s possible to save up to $4,000.

Additional Features

Through a carefully crafted dashboard, you can send and track invoices with ease. A virtual debit card lets you spend funds online or in person through your favorite payment app without the hassle of a physical one. Novo Reserves lets you drop money into various accounts to plan for incoming expenses or a big project.

  • Zero monthly fees to maintain an account
  • No minimum balance required
  • Refunds all ATM fees
  • Cannot deposit cash
  • Fee for overdrawn accounts
  • No savings accounts

Why we chose it: Novo’s nearly nonexistent fee structure speaks well to small businesses. If you’re looking for a bank for your startup, Novo is a great choice. 

>>> Sign up with Novo!

Capital one logo

Capital One Basic Checking Account: Best Business Checking Account for Digital Transfers

Monthly Fee: $15/month

4.7

Capital One does away with transfer restrictions, allowing you to keep funds flowing from one bank account to the next. There is a small monthly fee to maintain if you don’t need the requirements, but there are no overdraft fees to contend with. You can even deposit up to $5,000 each month via an ATM or one of Capital One’s branch locations.

Fees

Keeping a Capital One Basic Business Checking account requires paying a monthly $15 fee, but the bank will waive the charge if your prior 30 or 90-day balance averages at least $2,000. There are also fees for both incoming and outgoing wires, but it is possible to transfer funds digitally without penalty.

Interest Rates

There is no interest associated with this account, but the money you have in abundance doesn’t have to collect dust. Moving those funds over to one of Capital One’s savings accounts will allow it to generate some annual yield.

Lending

Capital One has a ton of lending options your business can benefit from. You will need an open business checking account and have at least two years in business to apply. Loan and line of credit amounts range greatly, capping at $5 million each.

Rewards

You won’t find any rewards for joining Capital One outright, but the scenario changes once you check out its credit card offerings. With several to choose from, you’ll likely find a card befitting your business needs that will earn rewards for each use.

Additional Features

Unlimited digital transfers allow you to send funds from your bank account to another anywhere on Earth. Capital One Basic Business Checking also protects from overdraft fees and allows free cash deposits of up to $5,000 each month.

  • Unlimited free digital transfers
  • Does not charge overdraft fees
  • Free cash deposits up to $5,000
  • Limited physical locations
  • Monthly account fee
  • No available interest rate

Why we chose it: Capital One eliminates limits on digital transfers, allowing you to keep your finances moving. 

>>> Sign up with Capital One!

Chase Business logo

Chase Business Complete Banking: Best Business Checking Account for Business Services

Monthly Fee: $15/month

4.6

Chase introduces a number of business services, such as payment collection and fraud protection alongside a $300 bonus just for signing up. You can even accept credit card payments directly into your account with the Chase app. While there is a monthly service fee, there are several ways to avoid paying it.

Fees

A monthly service fee may be a turn-off with so many fee-free accounts available, but there are several methods of having it waived. All you have to do is keep a $2,000 minimum daily balance, make $2,000 in net purchases on a business card, or receive $2,000 in deposits through the Chase QuickAccept app.

Interest Rates

Chase Business Complete Checking does not offer any interest, but not all hope is lost. It’s possible to open a Chase business savings account to complement what checking can do. Best of all, enrollment in savings is free as long as your checking account is active.

Lending

As a Chase member, you’ll have both loans and lines of credit at your fingertips. You can borrow up to $500,000 at a time, and there’s a lot of flexibility in paying your borrowed money back. Lines of credit similarly go to $500,000 you can pull from as needed.

Rewards

There’s no shortage of rewards at Chase. The bank will deposit $300 into your Business Complete Checking account as long as you meet certain requirements. In addition, Chase has a wide range of credit cards for earning cash back or points toward things like travel.

Additional Features

Signing up for a business checking account with Chase gives access to one of its savings plans at no extra charge. You’ll also have access to an abundance of business solutions for protecting and managing finances to use as you please.

  • Several available business services
  • Multiple ways to waive the monthly maintenance fee
  • $300 sign-on bonus
  • Monthly maintenance fees
  • Only 20 physical transactions per month
  • No APY

Why we chose it: Chase meets your banking needs and beyond with a long list of additional business services. 

>>> Check out Chase Business Checking.

Bank of America logo

Bank of America Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking: Best Business Checking Account for Traditional Banking

Monthly Fee: $16/month

4.6

Business Advantage Fundamentals is a solid business checking option with a low monthly service fee. You can access your account online or from more than 4,000 locations scattered across the country. For such a large bank, it does not have 24/7 customer service or cover out-of-network transaction fees.

Fees

Bank of America is a full-fledged bank with multiple account options and its own list of fees. Business Advantage Fundamentals featured here has a $16 maintenance cost unless you can meet one of the requirements to negate it. To do so, you’ll have to either keep a $5,000 combined average monthly balance or spend at least $250 per month on debit card purchases.

Interest Rates

There’s no APY on Bank of America’s Business Advantage Fundamentals checking account. Although you can open a business savings account for $10 per month, funds within will only earn 0.01%. You can also visit our guide on how to open a business bank account.

Lending

Lending with Bank of America requires you to meet specific revenue and business requirements in order to be considered for a loan or line of credit. Both options start at $10,000, and you can choose to receive funds when needed. Monthly payments vary based on the balance in your account.

Rewards

You won’t find any special rewards for becoming a member of Bank of America. Being able to bank at over 4,300 locations around the country in addition to online adds a lot of flexibility, whatever your current needs may be.

Additional Features

Bank of America is a large bank and has the tools to prove it. You have the benefit of 4,300 branches around the country and the security only something its size can bring. There are a number of business services to make use of, and the bank works with Zelle for quick payments and transfers.

  • All-in-one business banking services with a low monthly fee
  • Over 17,000 ATMs and 4,300 branches
  • Easy to waive the monthly fee
  • Lacks 24/7 customer service
  • Monthly fees
  • Transaction fees when using non-Bank of America ATMs

Why we chose it: Bank of America has all the trappings of a traditional bank, with thousands of locations and several excellent services.

>>> Create a business checking account at Bank of America.

Axos logo

Axos Bank Basic Business Checking: Best Business Checking Account for Cash Deposits

Monthly Fee: None

4.5

Companies dealing with copious amounts of cash will find Axos’s free deposits a blessing. There are no fees to contend with outside of outgoing wire transfers to eat away at your bottom line. This makes Axos one of the best free business checking accounts out there. The business checking account does not offer interest, but Axos does have a handful of business savings accounts you can take advantage of.

Fees

Axos Bank Basic Business Checking does not charge a monthly maintenance fee or impose requirements on keeping your account open. You’ll receive back any ATM fees you incur each month, making this account effectively free to use. If you plan to send a lot of wire transfers, be aware of Axos’s $35 charge for each one.

Interest Rates

This particular account does not have an annual percentage yield and instead focuses on business perks. Anyone with extra money can open up one of Axos’s interest-bearing business savings accounts and accrue interest that way.

Lending

There are several line of credit and lending options Axos offers its members. Qualifications can be rigid, requiring at least two years in business, among other things. It’s no surprise, considering the minimum loan amounts are $10 million.

Rewards

At present, signing up for an Axos checking account as a new business owner earns a $200 welcome bonus. Even if you’re not a new business, you can still grab $100 for opening your Axos account.

Additional Features

Over 91,000 ATMs across the country are considered in-network with Axos, but there’s fee reimbursement if you happen to come across an out-of-network one. The online bank will pay you back for the first two wire transfers each month as well. On the financial side, Axos integrates seamlessly with Quickbooks to help with your books.

  • Cash deposits allowed via MoneyPass and AllPoint ATMs
  • No monthly fee and unlimited transactions
  • Interest-bearing savings accounts available
  • Limited integrations
  • No APY available
  • Poor customer service

Why we chose it: Free cash deposits and a low fee structure make Axos Basic Business Checking one of the best business bank accounts out there.

>>> Get started with Axos Business Checking.

Lili logo

Lili Business Checking: Best Business Checking Account for Tax Optimization

Monthly Fee: None

4.4

Lili has all the tools you’ll need to file an accurate report at tax time. The account doesn’t earn any interest, but no minimums or monthly fees help remove the sting. It takes no more than a few minutes to create your Lili business checking account, as the site doesn’t require paperwork or a credit check. You’ll need to track transfers and deposits, as there are some limitations on how much you can move around each month.

Fees

While Lili shines for its free tax software, business owners can also rejoice over a lack of account and overdraft fees. You won’t even incur a charge for foreign transactions or at over 38,000 in-network ATMs in the United States. If you end up using an out-of-network machine, expect a charge between $2.50 and $5.

Interest Rates

There is no interest on Lili’s Business Checking account. Those willing to pay can access a savings account with 1.5% APY, but you’ll need at least $34,000 in your account at all times to offset the monthly cost.

Lending

Lili does not offer any lending options to its clients. If you need a loan or a line of credit, you’ll have to look into other options.

Rewards

Your Lili debit card earns cash back on participating merchants, with the money deposited directly into your business checking account. There are no service or transaction fees to use your debit card anywhere in the world.

Additional Features

Nothing compares to Lili’s tax optimizer, designed to help you reduce tax-based expenses. The software allows you to categorize purchases, find your tax bracket, and file without headaches. The online bank also has a smart mobile app to help keep tabs on personal and business expenses while on the road. Enrollment is simple, requires no paperwork, and can have you banking within minutes.

  • Tax optimization software
  • No minimum balance or monthly fees
  • Quick enrollment
  • 0% APY
  • No wire transfers
  • Low monthly transfer and deposit limits

Why we chose it: Lili’s minimal fees and tax optimization software help businesses hold onto hard-earned income. Plus, if you’re looking for an online business checking account with no credit checks, Lili is a great option.

>>> Open your business checking account with Lili.

US bank logo

U.S. Bank Silver Business Checking: Best Business Checking Account With Lending Options

Monthly Fee: None

4.3

U.S. Bank has loans and lines of credit for any need your business may face, from expansion to an unexpected expense. Depending on your business, you can also benefit from specialized merchant services for various business industries. Banking in person is possible in one of 2,400 locations if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in one of the 26 states they exist.

Fees

U.S. Bank Silver Business Checking doesn’t have any overt fees for service, but you can quickly find yourself in trouble with transactions. Your first 125 are free each money, with every subsequent one $0.50 a piece. It’s also wise to watch out for non-U.S. bank ATMs, as these frequently come with a charge as well.

Interest Rates

U.S. Bank’s interest rates with checking accounts are a bust, but the institution does have business savings and money market accounts to consider. If you have the funds to float, storing some in savings will earn you an amount depending on what you choose.

Lending

Lending options are plentiful with U.S. Bank, and one of the biggest reasons it stands out for having the best business bank accounts. Small business or large, you can request amounts from $5,000 to several million, depending on your business type. Lines of credit work much the same way, with varying amounts based on what you’ll use the money for.

Rewards

U.S. Bank doesn’t have any rewards for signing up or maintaining an account. There are multiple credit card options with welcome offers and options for you to peruse.

Additional Features

U.S. Bank lets you deposit up to $2,500 in cash every statement cycle, which can be helpful if your business doesn’t use a ton of cash. If you plan to pay out in checks, it’s possible to get 50% off your first order. Besides lending, U.S. Bank has a slew of other services worth investigating.

  • Lending to fit your needs
  • Specialized merchant services for restaurants, retailers, and service providers
  • 2,400 branch locations
  • Charges transaction fees
  • Only locations in 26 states
  • No interest

Why we chose it: U.S. Bank’s lending options cater to businesses of all sizes, adding value to an already solid business checking account.

>>> Check what U.S. Bank Business Checking has to offer!

Oxygen logo

Oxygen Business Checking: Best Business Checking Account for Freelancers

Monthly Fee: None

4.2

Oxygen carved a space for itself in the fintech niche, acting as a great option for freelancers and boutique sole proprietors. There are no discernible fees across the board, and shopping at select merchants earns 5% cash back just for making a purchase. To keep finances secure, you can create an unlimited number of single-use debit cards with set dollar limits.

Fees

Oxygen claims to be fee-free from top to bottom but does specify that out-of-network and international withdrawals may be subject to a charge. You’ll never have to worry about paying for ACH transfers or keeping your account open.

Interest Rates

While you won’t earn interest for funds in your business checking account, Oxygen remedies the problem by adding business savings account to the mix. Any money hanging out in savings accrues 1.0% interest for balances of $20,000 or less. Amounts in excess still earn interest, but at a much lower rate.

Lending

Oxygen is a mobile fintech company and not a bank. Because of this, Oxygen is unable to offer any lending options.

Rewards

Making necessary purchases feels a little sweeter when you get paid to do it. Buying things like gas, rideshares, or shipping services can earn 5% cash back with no questions asked.

Additional Features

Oxygen is a great option for business bank account for LLCs and even offers formation services as part of its package. Freelancers wanting the personal protections that come with a limited liability company can speed up registration right from Oxygen’s mobile app.

  • Aimed at trendy business owners
  • 5% Cashback rewards
  • Create virtual, single-use debit cards
  • Virtual bank, no cash deposits
  • Fewer integrations than other options
  • No lending options

Why we chose it: Oxygen speaks the language of the trendy business owner, offering some cool banking features along the way. It’s also one of the best checking accounts for sole proprietors

>>> Open your business account with Oxygen

American Express logo

American Express Business Checking: Best Business Checking Account for Member Rewards

Monthly Fee: None

4.0

Where most of the best business bank accounts for LLCs forget about interest, American Express shows up with a 1.3% APY. You’ll also have access to a debit card that accrues points you can turn into cold hard cash. Many on-the-go features are only usable on iOS, and there’s no way to deposit cash. Should you ever encounter an issue with your account, customer service is always on hand to help.

Fees

You’ll only find a fee for outgoing domestic wires with American Express, and the price is quite reasonable. There’s no monthly maintenance fee, NSF penalties, or any charge for receiving money from various sources.

Interest Rates

American Express currently flexes an interest rate of 1.3% APY, 43 timeless the national deposit rate. The interest applies to amounts up to $500,000, but anything beyond that point doesn’t earn a penny.

Lending

Through Kabbage Funding, American Express makes available business loans and lines of credit for companies in need. Your venture must be at least a year old, bring in at least $3,000 in revenue each month, and have a FICO score of at least 640. Right now, it’s possible to earn $250 by connecting your American Express account to Kabbage. Check out our Kabbage Funding review for more information.

Rewards

New members can earn 30,000 reward points just for signing up. To be eligible, you’ll need to deposit at least $5,000 into your account and maintain that balance for at least 60 days. In addition, you’ll have to make at least ten qualifying transactions during that same time frame.

Additional Features

Select debit card purchases to earn reward points you can then convert into deposits dropped right into your bank account. It’s also possible to use points for gift cards, travel, and the like. If you have problems with points or any other American Express feature, the company has a customer service team standing by 24/7.

  • Earn membership rewards on almost every purchase
  • Up to 1.3% APY
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Mobile check deposits only available on iOS
  • Cash deposits not supported
  • Only available to American Express customers

Why we chose it: American Express offers a generous interest rate and pays you to shop with point-to-dollar deposits.

>>> Get started with American Express Business Checking.

NBKC bank logo

NBKC Bank Business Checking: Best Business Checking Account for Add-On Services

Monthly Fee: None

3.9

NBKC Bank is the perfect blend of large-scale operations and down-to-earth customer service you want in a bank. While it only has four branches in the Kansas City area, NBKC’s online presence will more than suffice. There aren’t many fees to deal with throughout the bank’s many features, but you will want to watch out for international wire costs.

Fees

You can perform just about every one of NBKC Bank’s functions without worrying about a single fee. The one area you’ll want to tread lightly in is international wires, where incoming and outgoing transfers will set you back $45 each time.

Interest Rates

Sadly, there are no interest rate options with NBKC Bank’s business checking account. You can open up a fee-free business money market account and earn 1.25% APY on monies within.

Lending

NBKC Bank works carefully with business owners to determine the best loan option to suit your needs. It also has line of credit options to have on hand in case of emergency. The downside to lending with NBKC Bank is that your business must be located in the Kansas City metro area to be eligible.

Rewards

There aren’t any special perks for joining NKBC Bank. Fortunately, there are several credit cards providing cash back, sign-up bonuses, or point generation to incentivize use.

Additional Features

Anyone in the Kansas City area will have access to the four NBKC Bank branches currently open for business. Whether in-person or online, there are a number of business solutions you can use to better your business. Available services include fraud management, cash management, and professional invoicing.

  • Many extra service options
  • Few fees to contend with
  • Excellent customer service
  • No physical bank branches outside of Kansas and Missouri
  • High international wire fees
  • Zero APR for business checking account

Why we chose it: NBKC Bank acts like a digital provider but has all the add-on services you’d expect from a major financial institution.

>>> Check out NBKC’s business checking offerings.

NorthOne logo

NorthOne Business Checking: Best Business Checking Account for Integrations

Monthly Fee: $10/month

3.7

NorthOne understands the need to move money around. It works with hundreds of financial apps to allow quick and easy money transfers and doesn’t put a limit on how much you can do. These perks come at the cost of a $10 monthly service fee that can’t be waived. On the plus side, calling support connects you with a real human being without the need to navigate an automated assistant.

Fees

NorthOne is quite transparent about its fees, announcing a $10 service charge each month to keep your account open. There’s no way to waive this cost. The only other fee comes from incoming or outgoing domestic transfers.

Interest Rates

Any money in your NorthOne business checking account won’t accrue any interest. What’s more, the financial services company doesn’t offer a savings account to tuck additional funds into.

Lending

NorthOne focuses solely on business checking accounts. Because of this, you won’t find any available lending options.

Rewards

At this time, there are no rewards for signing up with NorthOne. Perks for using the service all exist within your account.

Additional Features

With NorthOne, you can connect your favorite accounting, point of sale, or eCommerce software direct to your bank account. There’s no need to manually enter transactions or follow funds from one place to the other. It’s also possible to use envelopes to sort money into groups for taxes, rent, and other buckets.

  • Integrates with popular business apps
  • Unlimited free transfers each month
  • Instant support from actual humans
  • Monthly fee
  • No international wire transfers
  • No interest rate

Why we chose it: NorthOne links with the top apps across accounting, eCommerce, and point of sale software for a seamless financial experience.

>>> Sign up with NorthOne.

Our Ranking Methodology for the Best Business Checking Accounts

When it comes to the best for your business, not just any checking account will do. We studied the best business checking accounts across multiple banks to help find the perfect option for you. During our search, we considered the following methodologies when making our top picks:

  • Fees: It’s not ideal to go broke from all the fees your financial institution charges. The best business bank accounts keep fees to an absolute minimum. Even if some charge a monthly fee, many provide a way to get costs waived.
  • Interest Rates: Gone are the days of every institution giving interest for having money in a business checking account. There are still a few willing to deposit funds into your account each cycle just for doing business. The best ones offer significantly higher rates than the national average.
  • Lending: There will likely come a time when you’ll need to borrow money for an expansion or an unexpected expense. Many of the top business checking accounts make it easier to acquire these funds because you already have a business relationship with them. Having to use a third party can increase risk and payback costs.
  • Rewards: The financial institution shouldn’t be the only one to benefit from you opening an account. The best business checking accounts show their support through sign-up bonuses, cash back, or online perks.
  • Transfers: As a business, your money moves around a lot. The last thing you need is to incur penalties for too many transfers or the inability to get funds where they need to go. The best business accounts remove limitations and make it easy to connect you with vendors and popular financial apps.
  • Additional Features: Banks and fintech companies are not created the same. We dug deep to discover any additional features each one offers and how you can make the most of your business dealings.

 
 

Beware of “Mattress” Banking!

Did you know many online banks are crediting as low as 0.1%? You may as well stick your money under your mattress! Bluevine business checking accounts pay an APY up to 1.2% on balances up to $100,000.

Learn More!

Unlimited transcations with no monthly fees!

 

Reasons To Consider a Business Checking Account

There are a multitude of reasons to consider a business checking account over other banking options. Here are some of the top motivations for doing so:

It May Be Required

While not the case for every type of company, some business structures require the use of a business checking account. If you have a limited liability company or corporation, you’ll need to separate personal and professional finances into two piles. Funds specific to your venture need to go into a checking account set aside for business purposes only.

Protection from Business Liability

Going hand in hand with the previous point, LLCs and corporations need to have distinct accounts for business finances far away from personal funds members have. In the event of a debt or lawsuit, no one can reach across this boundary and take money from your personal stash. This holds true even if your business does not have enough funds to cover the penalty.

If you mix your professional and personal finances in any way, all bets are off. You could become personally liable for expenses you otherwise would not need to pay. Even the slightest crossover can be enough for a judge to rule your business is not actually a separate entity.

Simplicity

Opening a business bank account can greatly simplify the management of company funds. Some of the best business checking accounts offer accounting or budgeting tools right within their suite of features, whereas others integrate with top financial apps. Either way, you can automate much of your bookkeeping to save time and monitor where your money goes any time at a glance.

A Boost of Credibility

Establishing a business checking account shows vendors, shoppers, and the government that you’re the real deal. Even if your company started out as a side gig, a business checking account serves to make you look more professional. You can make payments with a company card and have customers pay your business directly, making your operation look that much more credible in the process.

When dealing with the IRS, having a dedicated business bank account helps legitimize your business. You can’t deduct expenses at tax time if the government believes your business is just a hobby, but an account with payment and purchase records can swing things in your favor.

Easier Tax Preparation

Speaking of taxes, the prep process becomes way easier if all your money flows through a single business account. There’s no need to determine which purchases are personal and which came directly from your company.

Many of the best small business checking accounts have tools to help automate tax payments, or at least buckets you can store funds in for tax time. If the IRS detects foul play, you may have to deal with audits or careful scrutiny of your business practices.

Establishing Credit

Credit goes a long way when borrowing money. Lenders often require bank records and credit card statements to see how you handle your funds. While you may still be able to obtain a loan with poor credit, your chances of a better rate are much higher if you’re in good standing. Banks doubling as lenders usually require having a checking account for at least a year before considering a loan.

Why You Need a Business Checking Account

What You Need To Open a Small Business Checking Account

Starting your very own business checking account isn’t a complicated process if you have all the right paperwork. Be sure to have all the following available when you go to apply.

Personal and Business Identification

You’ll need at least one government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, to open a business bank account. The bank will also ask for your personal address, contact information, date of birth, and social security number. Any business owner with at least a 25% stake will need to do the same.

The application will also ask for your business name, address, and any assumed names you’re using. There will also be line items for your business type and the industry you work in. You will also need your EIN number.

Organizing Documents

No matter your business type, you’ll need to provide a registration certificate and any necessary business licenses. LLCs and corporations also must have organizing documents and operating agreements handy.

EIN Number

Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs may be able to open an account with a social security number. However, it’s wise to have an employer identification number (EIN) for business purposes. Opening a bank account with an EIN helps create a divide between personal and professional finances, protecting private funds in the event of legal trouble.

Initial Deposit

Some business checking accounts require an initial deposit at the time of opening. It’s worth researching any requirements so you don’t find yourself in a pickle.

Best Business Checking Account Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This section serves to answer some of the most common questions surrounding the best business checking accounts.

Bottom Line on the Best Business Checking Accounts

Having the right business checking account can go a long way toward making your company fruitful. The top options keep fees to a minimum while offering perks and rewards just for signing up. Many also facilitate money management so you can focus on more important matters. BlueVine Business Checking is our current favorite, but we believe any of the options on this list will serve you well. Check out also our SoFi Review and Kabbage Review

>>> Open your business checking account with BlueVine!

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

How to Open a Business Bank Account in 5 Easy Steps in 2023

Financial concepts icons illustrated on wooden cubes and a calculator on a blue surface

A separate bank account can help you simplify your business finances. It helps you consolidate your business’s funds, making every transaction easily accountable, and has many other benefits. Learn all about how to open a business bank account in this comprehensive guide. 

Easily open your business bank account online with BlueVine. Start your application.

Key Takeaways on How to Open a Business Bank Account

  • A business bank account holds company funds and allows transactions related to the business
  • You’ll need personal and company identification, licensing, and tax documents to open a business account
  • There are different types of business bank accounts, each providing different services and benefits to companies
  • You can easily open a business bank account with BlueVine, the best bank for startups. Apply online, it only takes a few minutes.

How To Open a Business Account – Step-by-step Guide

Here are five steps to opening a business account:

  1. Choose a business bank account type
  2. Choose the best business bank
  3. Gather required documents
  4. Open your business bank account
  5. Deposit funds

Step 1 – Choose a Business Bank Account Type

When opening a business bank account, the first step is choosing the type of account you need. Each business model has certain needs that can only be met by a particular account. For instance, the best business bank accounts for LLCs might not be as favorable for a sole proprietorship.

It’s crucial to factor in your business’s specific needs when choosing an account. Are you looking for a place to stash away your business profits for the long term? A savings or certificate of deposit account are excellent options. Are you interested in an account where you can deposit daily earnings and make frequent withdrawals? A business checking account is more suitable.

Settling on the ideal account for your business protects you from paying unnecessary monthly fees or penalties during transactions.

Step 2 – Choose the Right Business Bank

After choosing an account, look for a bank with the best offer. Most credit unions and banks offer multiple types of business accounts. However, the features and monthly service fee associated with each account vary from one financial institution to the other.

For instance, some banks have minimum balance limits while others don’t. Also, banks offering online business checking accounts usually have no monthly maintenance fee, unlike traditional banks. Therefore, it’s essential to compare different institutions to ensure you get the best deal.

Other factors to consider when comparing banks include available transaction methods, mobile banking app services, bill pay, and whether they can offer credit in the future.

It’s also wise to opt for a bank providing various small business resources. If you want to open multiple business bank accounts, it’s recommendable to use the same bank to access personalized services. Dont’ forget also that when choosing the right business banks, it helps if you first read their reviews. We have reviews that might help you choosing the right bank for your business like Axos Review, Lili Review, and Capital One Review.

Step 3 – Gather Required Documents

Once you’ve identified which bank account you will open, it’ll be easy to determine what kind of documents you’ll need to open a busines bank account. Banks provide related details on their websites, so check the business bank account requirements before proceeding to the next step.

Generally, you’ll need identification documents and documents verifying your business’s legitimacy and identity. If you have a limited liability company, ensure to provide the LLC operating agreement document. For partnerships, ownership agreements are necessary.

Step 4 – Open Your Business Bank Account

You’ll need to visit a branch location or use an online portal, if provided, to open an account. The process will involve submitting information and documents required for a business account. If you meet the requirements, you’ll have your new business bank account opened within minutes. You can even open your business account online with BlueVine.

Easily open your business bank account online with BlueVine. Start your application.

Step 5 – Deposit Funds

Depositing funds into your account is the last step of the process. You can do this through cash deposits, wire transfers from a personal checking account, or writing a check to your business. Once you’re through with this, your new account will activate and be ready for transactions.

What Is a Business Bank Account?

A business bank account is a transaction account that enables you to make transactions and receive money in your company’s name.

With a business bank account, you can receive payments from clients, pay your employees, save profits, and withdraw cash for day-to-day business expenses.

Banks and credit unions design business accounts to cater to businesses’ specific needs. They achieve this by including features such as invoicing and payroll.

Types of Business Bank Accounts

There are several types of business bank accounts, each suitable for particular businesses and needs, including:

  • Business checking accounts
  • Business savings accounts
  • Merchant accounts
  • Business certificate of deposit accounts

Business Checking Account

A small business checking account is designed for day-to-day cash deposits and withdrawals. Business checking accounts typically have monthly account fees. When you open a business checking account for your company, you’ll have access to a myriad of deposit and withdrawal options, including:

  • Wire transfers
  • Electronic transfers
  • Mobile check deposit
  • ATM transactions
  • Checks
  • Debit card transactions

The various withdrawal and deposit methods make it easy to access funds for daily small business expenses and safely transfer earnings to your account. Some of the best business checking accounts integrate with tools such as accounting software to simplify bookkeeping.

Business Savings Account

If you have company funds that you don’t intend to use for recurring business expenses, it’s best to put them in a savings account. Business savings accounts are designed to hold funds that earn competitive interest over time.

While a business checking account allows unlimited withdrawals, you can only make six fee-free withdrawals from your savings account each month. This is because the savings bank account model is not meant for constant withdrawals. Once you exceed six withdrawals, your bank will charge you transaction fees for every additional withdrawal.

Banks make money by loaning your savings to other people at high-interest rates, then paying you a lower interest. When you exceed transaction limits, it affects the bank’s ability to make a profit, which paves the way for fees and penalties.

Merchant Account

Do you intend to accept credit cards and debit card payments from your customers? If so, you’ll need a merchant account.

A merchant services account accepts and processes credit card payments and debit card transactions. To use this type of account, you’ll need to open a checking account first. When customers pay using cards, the funds go to the merchant account before being transferred to your other business bank account.

Merchant services accounts come with their own set of fees separate from the business bank account you’ll be transferring your money to. These include fees for credit card transactions, address verification fees (AVS) and monthly minimum fees. Before opening a merchant account, it’s crucial to determine whether your small business earnings are worth the costs.

Learn about what a merchant cash advance is and how it can benefit you if you accept both credit cards and debit card payments.

Business Certificate of Deposit Account

A business certificate of deposit (CD) account allows you to save money while earning you more interest than a basic savings bank account.

When you deposit money into a CD account, you agree not to make a withdrawal within a specified period. The longer you keep your money untouched in your CD account, the higher the interest you’ll earn.

Withdrawing money from your CD account before maturity leads to steep penalties. If you think you’ll need to access your savings before the set period, it’s best to consider opening a standard savings account instead.

What Do I Need to Open a Business Bank Account

Here are the most common requirements for opening a business bank account.

  • Employer identification number (EIN) or social security number (SSN)
  • Personal identification
  • Business licenses
  • Certificate of assumed name
  • Organization documents

Employer Identification Number or Social Security Number

The Internal Revenue Service assigns you an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for identification purposes. You’ll apply for an EIN when starting your business.

When opening an account, an Employer Identification Number is required to prove your company’s identity. Some banks allow sole proprietorships to use the owner’s social security number in place of an EIN. Here’s how you can open a business account with EIN only.

Personal Identification

You’ll need to submit documents proving your identity, usually a driver’s license or passport. Banks check identification documents to ascertain your identity and connection to the business you’re representing.

Business Licenses

When you start your small business, you’ll need to apply for business licenses from your local or state government to show that you’re authorized to operate. Banks will need to see your business licenses to prove the existence and legitimacy of your company. A business license also holds vital identification details such as the owner’s name and the business name.

Certificate of Assumed Name or DBA

An assumed name is a term that your business trades as but is different from the legal business name.

For instance, let’s say your business’s legal name is XYZ Spa, but you decide to trade as XYZ’s. In this case, XYZ’s is your assumed business name, and you’ll need to file it with your state. Officially, it’s referred to as a “doing business as” (DBA) name.

If you apply for a DBA, you’ll be required to provide a copy of the filing documents to your bank when opening business bank accounts. Find out more about opening a DBA checking account here.

Organization Documents

Before a bank or credit union allows you to open an account for your business, they’ll need information regarding the following:

  • The activities your company participates in
  • The managerial structure
  • Owners
  • Business address
  • Registered agents.

When registering your company, various organization documents you’ll file with your state or the local government will include these details. Therefore, you will need to gather all the necessary documents for your bank account registration.

Benefits of Opening a Business Account

Opening a business bank account comes with many benefits, including:

  • Easier accounting of business funds
  • Builds your business’s credit history
  • Provides convenient access to company funds

Easier Accounting of Business Funds

As a sole proprietor, you have the option of using your personal accounts for your business needs. But this presents several challenges.

For starters, you’ll have a more challenging time separating your personal and business finances when doing tax reports. This could prevent you from enjoying business tax deductions that you qualify for.

Secondly, mixing up personal and business finances makes it difficult to track company cash flow, making it hard to determine your business’s financial status.

A business bank account for sole proprietors that only holds funds from your company makes both accounting and tax reporting a breeze.

Builds Your Business’s Credit History

Lenders will check your company’s credit score for certain business loans instead of your personal credit. Opening a business account allows you to build your company’s creditworthiness to improve your chances of credit approval in the future. Also, some lenders will need you to have a business account as a requirement for accessing loans or when applying for a business credit card.

In case you have poor credit but need a loan, having a business checking bank account allows creditors who offer bad credit business loans to create cash flow projections to determine whether to approve your request.

Provides Convenient Access to Company Funds

If another person at the company, perhaps a partner, has access to business funds, it’s inconvenient to use your personal bank accounts for business purposes. A business bank account is a safer arrangement.

Also, with a business bank account, you can apply for business debit cards that authorized staff can use for ATM transactions and purchases. This is more convenient than having to make withdrawals at a branch whenever you need cash.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for How to Open a Business Account

Final Thoughts on How to Open a Business Bank Account

Opening a bank account for your small business is one way to ensure proper cash management. It will also become an essential tool in the future when you need to apply for business loans or business lines of credit. Before opening a business bank account, read some reviews about them and think carefully. We have reviews to other banks and this will surely help you; Novo Review, Bluevine Review, and Bank of America Review. Always keep in mind that look for bank that serves your business’s specific 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

How to Open a Business Bank Account With EIN Only in 2023 – 4 Easy Steps 

Work colleague teaching a colleague how to open a business account with ein only

Opening a business bank account with EIN only through a traditional bank may seem challenging. The banking regulations in the US stipulate that entrepreneurs must present specific documentation, depending on their business structures. Fortunately, opening a business bank account online is much easier, and you can use your social security number or EIN.

Easily open your business bank account with just your EIN with BlueVine. Start your application.

4 Steps to Open a Business Bank Account With EIN Only

Opening a business checking account is straightforward, and should only take a few minutes. Make sure you have the primary documents handy and be ready with the fees that apply unless you intend to open a fee-free business banking account. Here are four steps to complete the process.

Step 1: Get Your Documents in Order

The documents you need to open your business bank account depend highly on the form of your business organization. For a start, you will need your Social Security Number or an equivalent identification such as your business’s EIN (employer identification number).

An EIN is a unique identification number for your business. This nine-digit number is issued by the IRS and works pretty much like your social security number. You will need your EIN to file your annual business taxes, and you can look up your EIN through the IRS website. You should also gather the following documents depending on your type of business organization.

  • Sole Proprietorship — DBA certificate
  • Partnership — Business partnership agreement and business license if you operate an eatery or healthcare facility
  • Corporation — Certified articles of incorporation, corporate bylaws, a signed corporate resolution, business license, and IRS 501(c) letter if you are a non-profit corporation.
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC) — Certified articles of organization, operating agreement, and business license

Step 2: Choose a Bank and Bank Account Type

If you want to open a business bank account with EIN only, your best bet is to stick to fintech and online business bank accounts instead of traditional land-based banks. These offer relatively affordable services, making them ideal for businesses that mainly handle all transactions online. Also, they have fewer restrictions and bureaucracies, making the account opening process easier and faster. If you are a new business there are also banks that are fit for startups.

There are different types of business bank accounts designed to match specific needs. The most common include checking accounts, savings accounts, and credit unions for business banking accounts. Also, you can get a credible fee-free business bank account where you don’t have to worry about monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.

If you are interested in opening a fee-free business account, here is a detailed BlueVine Review and Novo Review packed with information about the pros, cons, and alternatives to both fintech companies.

If you’re starting an LLC, find the best bank accounts for LLCs here.

Before choosing the account to open, it is imperative to compare your options in detail. Compare the fees, the financial tools and features, and the range of integrations allowed by different platforms. Also, check out the available bank account options and ensure that your business will have adequate room for growth as you expand and your financial needs increase.

Open your business bank account with EIN only with Bluevine.

Step 3: File an Application to Open Your Account of Choice

Once you have done your research to identify the most suitable bank and bank account for your business, it is time to apply. The majority of banks allow the entire process to take place online conveniently. As long as you have the correct documents, the process should only take a few minutes.

Even companies offering fee-free business bank accounts must adhere to federal regulations. They make the application process dead simple, although you are not guaranteed not to bump into issues that may see your application declined. Take your time to fill in all requirements correctly and reach out to the support team if necessary. This will ensure that you also don’t face IRS issues in the future.

Step 4: Start Managing Your Account

Once your application is approved, you can now start managing your new business bank account. Deposit funds using checks, invoices, wire transfers, or cash where you purchase a money order from a vendor authorized by your bank. The bank will automatically deduct any applicable fees and give you access to various financial tools to help you manage routine banking tasks.

Reasons to Open a Business Bank Account 

Opening a business bank account with an EIN only protects your SSN from unnecessary exposure. The benefits of applying for an EIN and opening a business bank account include but are not limited to the following perks.

Protect Your Personal Assets and Finances

Your EIN is your business identification number. It establishes that your business is an independent entity and even allows you to open a bank account for it, separate from your personal bank account. You can further distance yourself from business debt liability by registering your business as a corporation or LLC.

Keeping your business affairs separate from your personal finances ensures that creditors cannot legally reach for your personal assets without breaking the law if the company cannot pay its debts. By keeping your company money separate with a business bank account, you also make bookkeeping more straightforward and legally distance yourself from any business liabilities.

Using an EIN instead of sharing your social security number around can help to reduce the risk of identity theft. Even though your EIN can also get stolen, cases of SSN theft are more rampant.

Simplify Tax Preparation and Accounting Tasks

A separate bank account makes tax preparation tasks easier because your business income and expenses run through a single account. You could use tax preparation software to connect to your bank account data and automate various processes to eliminate blunders and maintain a clean tax trail. When your personal and business monies mix, it’s easy to make tax mistakes that can leave you in IRS trouble.

Whether you intend to hire a tax preparer or are comfortable handling your bookkeeping in person, a business bank account can make tax preparation tasks easier and less time-consuming. You can eliminate the trouble of separating your business and personal expenses at that point when you need to put your books in order.

Apart from avoiding the risk of being audited by the IRS and enjoying the perks of using accounting software, you can also take advantage of other programs. There is helpful software that can also simplify business budgeting and invoicing. Unfortunately, you cannot make maximum use of such programs if your personal and business finances are mixed up.

Benefit From Tax Deductions

All expenses incurred when running a hobby are subject to business taxation. However, you can enjoy tax deductions if you show the IRS that your venture is more than just a favorite pastime. The easiest way to make the intended statement is to apply for an EIN and open a business bank account. Also, ensure that you maintain all financial records in a “businesslike” fashion.

Enhance Your Professional Image

A business bank can enhance your professional image, primarily if you transact money with your customers using invoices and wire transfers. Sending or receiving funds from a personal account appears unprofessional. It can make clients feel insecure, and could even give your operations an illegitimate vibe.

In contrast, customers will perceive you as well-established if they receive invoices or wire transfers from an account branded with your business name. The branding shows that your venture is more than a hobby, and you have made an effort to maintain the highest standards of professionalism.

Build Business Credit

A business account allows you to maintain clean records of all cash flow. It is easy to point out money received from customers, company expenses, taxes, etc. Such records can be quite helpful when seeking out business loans. A lender can easily find out whether you qualify for a loan and the ideal repayment plan by going through your banking data.

Any lender will want to see your cash flow statements before approving a loan. Generally, a statement tainted with personal expenses is less likely to work in the best interests of your business.

A business line of credit comes in handy whenever you want to expand your operations, or invest in more assets. A business account makes you appear legitimate and serious even in the eyes of potential creditors. If you have an appealing credit history, this could provide grounds for favorable interest rates.

Qualify For a Business Credit Card

Keeping your business finances separate could also make it easier to qualify for a business credit card. You will again need an EIN to apply for the card. It is also important to note that customers can pay for goods or services using both debit and credit cards if you open a business account. Clients may be limited to using cash or check if you only have a personal bank account.

Open your business bank account with EIN only with Bluevine.

Why Open a Business Bank Account With EIN Only?

Obtaining an EIN opens more banking options for your business. You’ll be able to take full advantage of the features and perks offered by different financial institutions. Whether you wish to seek the services of a credit union or a well-established online or land-based bank, your business will have an easier time qualifying for the available options.

If you do not have an EIN, you have to enter an equivalent alternative, which is your social security number. While the option may seem okay at first, it is likely to cause unnecessary exposure of your SSN to other institutions, including the IRS.

With an EIN, your business assumes an identity separate from your personal I.D. This allows you to keep your personal finances and affairs distant from your company. If your business bumps into legal trouble, you don’t have to worry about your personal assets being seized.

Moreover, opening a business bank account with EIN only makes it easier to build business credit. This can give you an upper hand when seeking loans from credit unions because the institution will only need to worry about how responsible your business is with settling debts. Even if you have a poor personal credit score, this will not tamper with your business affairs.

Open your business bank account with EIN only with Bluevine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Opening a Business Account with EIN Only

The following are some frequently asked questions regarding opening a business account with EIN only.

Final Thoughts on How to Open a Business Bank Account With EIN Only

It’s safer to open your business bank account with EIN only. Even with all plans to maintain clean bookkeeping records and diligently pay your taxes, it makes sense to open an account using your business’s ID and keep its financial affairs entirely separate. This makes it easier to maintain a clean audit trail for the IRS, build business credit, and even benefit from loans that can move your venture to the next level.

Open your business bank account with EIN only with Bluevine.

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

Best Business Bank Accounts for LLCs – Top 10 Providers in 2023

best bank account for llc

A Limited Liability Company helps you separate your personal finances from those of your business. If you’ve formed one, you need a separate business bank account for your LLC.   

Making the right choices when your business is still young can go a long way. This is especially true when it comes to choosing the right business bank accounts. But since there are so many options, picking one isn’t easy.

Find out everything you need to choose the best small business bank accounts for an LLC in this comprehensive guide.

Quick View on the Best Business Bank Accounts for LLCs

  • Bluevine – Best LLC Bank Account Overall
  • Novo – Best for Low Fees
  • American Express – Best for Membership Rewards
  • Capital One – Best for Unlimited Transactions
  • Bank of America – Best for Traditional Banking 
  • Axos – Best Full-service Online Bank
  • Lili – Best for One-Person Businesses 
  • US Bank – Best for Lending Options
  • Oxygen – Best for Freelancers
  • Chase – Best for Cash Deposits

Product or Service

Fees

Interest Rates

Lending

Rewards and Benefits

Support

No maintenance fee – 

$4.95 per cash deposit

Earn up to 1.5% APY

Funds available with a click, no opening or prepayment fees

Deposit cash and checks at Green Dot locations

Business hours phone support; email, chat, and support docs

$50 required to open

Earn 0% APY

No lending options

Free ATM access, discounts to some software

Business hours phone support; support docs

No maintenance fee

Earn 1.3% APY on up to $500K

Between $2,000 and $250,000; no prepayment penalty

Membership Rewards program

24/7 support

Basic checking account – $15 monthly fee*

Business savings accounts – .01% APY

Business credit card, loans, and lines of credit

Unlimited digital transactions

Full-service support

Fundamentals – $16*

Maintain a $5,000 balance

Business credit cards, loans, and lines of credit

200 or 500 teller transactions and checks written w/no fee

Small business specialists, plus resources

Basic Business – no monthly fee

  • Interest Checking – up to 0.81%
  • Business Savings – 0.20%

Lines of credit and loans

ATM fee reimbursements

24/7 phone support

Standard – monthly fee-free, no overdraft fee, no ATM fee

Pro – 1% APY

$200 overdraft protection

Pre-fill 1040 forms

Business hours email support

Silver – $0 monthly fee, $0.50/transaction after 125

Earn 0.01% APY

Credit cards, lines of credit, and loans

Send and request money

Phone support, support docs

Earth – No monthly maintenance fees

  • Earth – 0.25% 
  • Water – 0.75%
  • Air – 1.00%
  • Fire – 1.25%

No lending

Netflix and Peloton reimbursement, cell phone protection plan

Support docs, limited email, and phone support

Business Complete – $15/month*

Inquire for interest options

Loans and lines of credit, Chase products

Same day deposits

Physical locations, business hours phone and email support

 

 

Best LLC Bank Account – Quick Verdict

Best Overall – BlueVine. BlueVine is the best overall option because it’s well-balanced, has no transaction fees, and also provides a lending option for those that qualify. It’s a well-balanced checking account option for businesses just starting out or LLCs that have been around for a while. You can quickly open a business bank account and be ready to go within minutes. 

Best Small Business Bank Accounts for an LLC

The best business bank accounts for LLCs vary greatly depending on the amount of money you plan on moving through the account and how many deposits you need to make. Most are free but some, especially traditional options, require transaction fees that you’ll need to pay attention to. Here’s a detailed look at the best small business account options for LLCs below and how they stack up.

BlueVine logo

BlueVine – Best Overall

5.0

A BlueVine business checking account provides a basic online business checking account option that is very well-rounded for most small businesses. You can pay bills, apply for small loans in minutes, and even earn a decent interest rate, all without any monthly fees. 

The application process is simple and can be completed in minutes, with the possibility of your account up and running on the same day. All these features make BlueVine one of the best banks for startups and for businesses in general. Read our complete review on BlueVine if you’re interested in opening a business account with it.

Fees

BlueVine charges no maintenance, NSF, or deposit fees, which goes beyond the industry standard. You can complete as many transactions as you need without incurring additional fees. BlueVine has no minimum balance or minimum deposit requirements either. 

Interest Rates

BlueVine also offers a great APY on its checking account, giving users up to a 1.5% return on balances up to and including $100,000. This is only available to account holders who either spend $500 per month on their debit card or receive $2,500 per month in customer payments into their checking account. 

Lending

You can also avail of business lines of credit of up to $250,000 at rates as low as 4.8%. The application process is fast and easy and you can often get a decision in under five minutes. BlueVine charges no fees for opening, maintaining, prepayment, or account closure.

  • No minimum deposit
  • Unlimited transactions
  • Two free checkbooks
  • Virtual bank (through Coastal Community Bank).
  • Only allow cash deposits through Green Dot Services
  • No business savings accounts

Why we chose it: With non-existent banking fees and one of the most lucrative APYs in the market, BlueVine is a top choice for opening a bank account for LLCs. Sign up today.

Novo logo

Novo – Best For Low Fees

4.8

Novo is a great checking account for small businesses because of its easy-to-use platform, straightforward application process, and ability to make digital payments seamlessly. You can complete and submit your application in under 10 minutes and get a quick response with any missing information. As soon as your account is approved and you make your first deposit of at least $50, you can start using your checking account. 

Novo thrives with its easy-to-use mobile app. Since the bank offers free ACH transfers you can easily sign in to your app via your mobile device and pay bills, send money, run payroll, or transfer money to your personal account within seconds. You always have your banking details and transactions at your fingertips to help you stay on top of your financial obligations. The app also gives you a nice overview of what you’re spending and bringing in each month. 

Fees

Novo charges no fees for its checking account service. You only need an opening deposit of $50 to get your account running. There are no minimum balance requirements, cash deposit fees, incoming wire fees, or ACH fees with this bank. Novo also refunds all ATM fees and is backed by FDIC insurance through Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A. 

Interest Rates

Novo charges no fees for its business checking account, much like Bluevine. However, you have to forgo earning interest for it. The bank offers no interest on your checking account deposits. 

Lending

Novo offers no lending options. It’s purely a checking account service and does not offer loans, lines of credit, or even a business credit card. Want a loan? Then here’s a list of the best bad credit loans available for you.

  • Unlimited fee-free business checking transactions
  • Unlimited ATM fee refunds
  • Smooth integrations with third-party software like Shopify and QuickBooks
  • No lending options
  • No cash deposits 
  • No lines of credit or loans

Why we chose it: With its great mobile app and integrations with software like Shopify and QuickBooks, Novo is one of the best low-fee options out there. Read our Novo review for an in-depth analysis of its checking account service. Sign up today.

American Express Logo - Best Business Bank accounts for llc

American Express Business Checking – Best for Membership Rewards

4.8

American Express Business Checking follows a newer trend in business banking, offering more fee-free services and not requiring a minimum balance for its basic business checking account. You can also charge unlimited transactions through their payment services. If you’re looking for Kabbage business checking, you’d be surprised to know that Kabbage was acquired by American Express.

American Express Business Checking is a great option for business owners who want to get a line of credit and a bank account. It offers easy loan approval for small businesses for lines of credit of up to $250,000 with Kabbage Funding by American Express. Read our full Kabbage Funding review to find more. Don’t forget also our other reviews of other business bank accounts like NBKC Bank Account Review and SoFI Review.

Fees

American Express Business Checking has no monthly fees. There’s no minimum opening deposit requirement and no online transaction fees either. You can use all MoneyPass ATMs for free, however, using an out-of-network ATM will cost you around $3 per transaction. Cash deposits aren’t supported by American Express.

Interest Rates

This bank account has one of the highest APYs, offering a 1.30% return on balances of up to $500,000, though it does fall short of Bluevine’s generous 1.5% return. American Express Business Checking’s APY doesn’t beat that of Bluevine, still, it’s the second-highest on this list.

Lending

The best thing about opening an account with American Express is that it also has Kabbage Funding which offers easy loan approval for lines of credit of up to $250,000. It’s a great option even if you don’t have a high credit score. You can get your application approved with a FICO score of 640.

With Kabbage Funding, you’re going to receive a simple application process on both the checking and the line of credit products. Kabbage can use your banking history to get you approved for a line of credit automatically and if you’re initially denied you can show history by using a Kabbage checking account and they’ll auto-approve you when your account shows you should be.

  • Easy line of credit, no prepayment charges
  • No minimum balance
  • Easy application process
  • Mobile check deposits only available on iOS
  • Cash deposits not supported
  • Only available to American Express customers

Why we chose it:

American Express Business Checking offers all the services of a traditional business account but with the convenience of an online bank. It offers an attractive APY and is perfect if you also need a business line of credit. Sign up today.

Capital one logo

Capital One – Best For Unlimited Transactions

4.6

Capital One offers two different options for business checking accounts. The Basic account is just that, offering unlimited electronic deposits, online and mobile banking, and a relatively low minimum balance to waive fees. The Unlimited business bank account includes two Basic accounts, so might be a good fit for businesses with complicated finances.

Capital One is a very traditional banking company but it blows the other traditional banks out of the water with its app and ease of use for your account. Capital One also offers a lot of other products, such as credit cards, that you might qualify for if you’re able to get approved for their business checking account.

The bank’s experienced and highly responsive customer service is one of its strongest features. If you’re interested, bear in mind that Capital One’s business checking is only available in a few states. You also need to visit a branch in-person to apply for a business checking account.

Fees

Capital One’s Basic Checking account comes at a monthly fee of $15, which is steep compared to American Express’s zero maintenance fee. However, the fee can be waived if your balance exceeds $2,000. Cash deposits are free for up to $5,000 in deposits per month. Standard wire transfer fees are charged with this product.

The Unlimited Checking account has a monthly fee of $35 which can be waived with a minimum balance of $25,000. This account has free cash deposits with no limits. All incoming wires are free. You also get five free outgoing wire transfers per month.

Interest Rates

Capital One offers no APY on its checking account. However, you can earn interest at 0.2% with a savings account.  

Lending

Capital One offers small business loans and lines of credit but you can only avail of these if you have your checking account with it. It offers one of the largest lines of credit of up to $5 million. If you are looking for a longer repayment term, fixed rates, and lower equity requirements, it also has SBA 504 and SBA7(a) loans.

  • Experienced support from a large bank
  • Self-service escrow services
  • Unlimited checking includes two Basic accounts
  • High balances to waive fees
  • Only available in some states
  • Have to visit a branch to apply for an account

Why we chose it:

Capital One offers a similar range of services to other large banks, with similar pricing. It’s a great option if you prefer to do your banking through physical branches. Sign up today. Read our in-depth review of Capital One to learn more about its services.

Bank of America logo

Bank of America – Best For Traditional Banking

4.3

Bank of America business checking accounts are only one of several products that BofA offers to small businesses. The two levels are similar to Chase and Capital One, with two different levels of service aimed at smaller and larger businesses. 

Bank of America is the epitome of a traditional bank. While it has online capabilities with a decent app, it’s still not as simple to use as other options. Plus, the fee structure is not built with small businesses in mind due to the large balances required to waive those fees.

Fees

Bank of America offers two types of business checking accounts, Business Advantage Fundamentals, and Business Advantage Relationship banking. The Fundamentals account has a monthly fee of $16 but it can be waived off if you maintain a $5,000 combined average monthly balance, spend at least $250 in new net qualified debit card purchases each statement cycle, or join the Preferred Rewards for Business program. 

The Relationship checking account has a monthly fee of $29.95 but can be waived off with a combined average monthly balance of $15,000. If you open a savings account, it has a fee of $10 per month but can be waived off with a $2,500 minimum daily balance.

Interest Rates

Bank of America’s checking account offers no interest earnings. You can earn only a very minimal interest at 0.01% APY with the business savings account, which is far below the 1.5% return from Bluevine.

Lending

When it comes to lending, Bank of America offers a business credit card, secured business loans from $25,000 to $250,000, and secured lines of credit from $25,000. It offers plenty of lending options but you need a minimum credit score of 700 to qualify.

  • Integrated with Zelle money transfer.
  • Online account integrates with accounting apps
  • Payroll services
  • High balances to waive fees
  • App isn’t as easy to use as other options
  • High monthly service fees

Why we chose it:

Bank of America offers a well-established set of business banking options. It’s a great option if your business deals with heavy cash flows. Read our Bank of America review for an in-depth analysis of its account types. Sign up today.

Axos logo

Axos – Best Full-Service Online Bank

4.0

Axos is a virtual bank in that it only offers online business banking, not backed by physical locations. However, it doesn’t depend on another financial institution, unlike some competitors. It’s a bank in its own right. Axos regularly shows up on lists of ‘Best Business Checking Accounts’ across the web due to its generous terms and range of services.

Axos is an online-first bank that is easier to navigate and use than most traditional banking options. It prides itself on building a great online presence and experience for its customers, which makes it a terrific option for small or digital businesses. Unfortunately, the APY you’ll earn is up to only 0.20% for basic checking or 1.01% for interest checking if you carry a minimum balance of $5,000.

Fees

Axos offers four main types of business bank accounts. Basic Business Checking, Business Interest Checking, Business Savings Account, and Business Premium Savings. 

Basic Business Checking has no monthly fee, but Business Interest Checking comes at a fee of $10 per month. Basic Savings has a monthly fee of $5 while its Premium version has none. 

Interest Rates

While Axos’ customers have plenty of interest-bearing options, the yield rates aren’t as high as some of the other banks. The basic checking account has no APY. The interest-bearing checking account has an APY of 1.01%. 

If you go with Axos’ savings options, you get a 0.20% yield on both the Basic and Premium Business Savings accounts. 

Lending

Axos Bank partners with Centerstone SBA Lending to support businesses with SBA loans. They provide a federally backed guarantee and offer flexible terms. It also has commercial lines of credit and term loans but these are best for large corporations.

  • No monthly fee and unlimited transactions
  • Cash deposits allowed via MoneyPass and AllPoint ATMs
  • Wide range of interest-bearing options
  • No physical locations
  • Limited integrations
  • Doesn’t offer the highest APY

Why we chose it:

Axos is a full-service online bank and is a great option for any business that wants to keep all its banking online. It offers low fees and free cash deposits across all MoneyPass and AllPoint locations across the US. Read our in-depth review on Axos bank to learn more about its services. Sign up today.

Lili logo

Lili – Best For One-Person Businesses

3.8

Lili is perfect for small, one-person operations. It straddles the awkward and occasionally non-existent division between personal bank accounts and business checking accounts for small businesses. Although it’s FDIC-insured, it’s not a traditional bank. 

It provides business checking account options, particularly invoicing, without some superfluous and expensive features. You do miss out on lending and merchant services options, however. Also of help to a ‘tiny business’ is the free online bill payments, making it one of the best business accounts for a one-person LLC.

Fees

Lili’s standard banking services are free. There’s no monthly fee, overdraft fee, ATM fee, or minimum balance requirement, similar to the best business bank account for LLCs: Bluevine. However, if you go with Lili Pro, it costs you $4.99 per month on account of the additional services you receive. 

Interest Rates

You won’t get an APY on Lili’s standard offerings. If you go with Lili Pro, you can get up to 1% APY with a savings account. The Automatic Savings feature lets you set up an automatic transfer of at least $1 a day to your savings account. 

Lending

Lili is far from a traditional bank and so it has very limited lending options. All you can excerpt is a free overdraft of up to $200 on debit card purchases.

  • Easily separate business and personal transactions
  • Offers tax optimizer tool
  • Create and send invoices
  • Virtual bank (through Choice Financial Group)
  • No real lending or merchant services
  • Not good for bigger businesses

Why we chose it: 

Lili is designed to handle the sometimes blurred lines between personal and business finances common with single-person concerns. It’s a good choice for freelancers and one-person businesses and has innovative features including Automatic Savings and Tax Optimizer. Read our in-depth review of Lili bank to learn more about its services. Sign up today.

U.S. Bank logo

US Bank – Best For Lending Options

3.6

Unlike its colleagues on this list, US Bank forgoes a monthly maintenance fee on their basic US Bank Silver business checking account, opting instead for transaction fees. This might be a good fit for businesses without a large number of transactions each month, such as a contractor with a single major client. 

The fees on more expensive accounts can be waived by meeting minimum balance requirements or one of several other criteria. As long as you’re only running a few transactions each month, US Bank might offer a good account for your LLC.

Fees

US Bank offers three checking accounts. The Silver Business Checking Account package has no monthly fee and 125 free transactions per month. Every transaction is charged $0.50 if the count exceeds 125.

The Gold package comes at a $20 monthly fee and $0.45 per transaction after they cross the 300 limit. The Platinum package has a $30 monthly fee and costs $0.40 per transaction after 500 transactions per month. All these fees are pricey if you compare US Bank to the top-ranked Bluevine, which charges zero fees.

Interest Rates

US Bank doesn’t offer any yields on checking account deposits. When it comes to its savings account, you can earn 0.01% APY with a minimum deposit of $25. 

Lending

This financial institution offers a range of lending options including business credit cards, lines of credit, and loans. US Bank has a range of business credit cards that offer different features including cash backs, no annual fees, low interest rates, and rewards programs.

It also offers a wide variety of small business loans that you can choose from to fit your business needs. Loan amounts go up to $250,000 with Quick Online loans and $12.375 million with government-backed loans.

  • Lending to fit your needs
  • Specialized merchant services for restaurants, retailers, and service providers
  • Small business specialists
  • Charges transaction fees
  • No APY on checking accounts, very low APY on savings accounts
  • High early withdrawal penalties on CDs

Why we chose it:

US Bank has a range of great products and services. Its lending options are its strongest selling point. It’s a good choice for any business that has a low transaction count. Read our in-depth review on US bank to learn more about its services. Sign up today.

Oxygen logo

Oxygen – Best For Freelancers

3.3

Looking at Oxygen’s website, you might think it’s a fashion magazine or trendy boutique. However, it offers a business checking account through its online-only bank. There is a fee-free option and, unusually, options with an annual fee. Oxygen is perfect for a freelancer that is just looking to separate their personal and business finances. 

In fact, Oxygen is explicitly aimed at trendy small business owners or freelancers, with your choice of element-themed business bank account online. Don’t let the fancy presentation put you off, though, as it has some features that make it one of the best business bank accounts for freelancers, like cell phone and lost luggage protection. Perhaps most importantly, Oxygen will help you form an LLC with its business registration services.

Fees

Interestingly, Oxygen divides its services into the elements Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. It calls these loyalty tiers that are created to help business owners succeed in their own way.  

The Earth tier is the most basic offering and comes at no fees. The savings option in the Earth tier earns you up to 0.50% APY. Water is the next tier that costs $19.99 per year. It offers a range of features plus 1.00% APY on savings. Air and Fire tiers cost $49.99 and $199.99 annually and offer an APY of 2.00 and 3.00% on savings. 

Interest Rates

Oxygen has some lucrative interest rates with its savings option for each tier. You can earn with an APY of 0.50%, 1.00%, 2.00%, and 3.00% on the Earth, Water, Air, and Fire elements respectively. These interest rates are quite a bit higher than even Bluevine and American Express Business Checking, which offer up to 1.5% and 1.3%, respectively.

Lending

Since Oxygen is only a mobile banking app and not a full-fledged bank, it offers no lending options.

  • 5% Cashback rewards
  • Create virtual, single-use debit cards
  • Business savings with 1% AP
  • Virtual bank, no cash deposits
  • Fewer integrations than other options
  • No lending options

Why we chose it:

Oxygen is far from a traditional bank. It’s bringing style and innovation to the financial services sector and offering highly lucrative and feature-packed options for both personal and business bankers. Sign up today. To learn more about its services and fees, read our complete review on Oxygen.

Chase Business logo

Chase Business – Best for Merchant Services

3.0

Chase Business checking offers a strong account option if you’re looking for a traditional bank account where you can deposit cash. The bank offers a huge network of physical branches in addition to its sizable ATM network. Businesses in most states that need to deposit cash will find this to be a great option. 

Chase offers business checking accounts with features like a business debit card and cash deposits at their brick-and-mortar locations. Unfortunately, it charges a monthly maintenance fee unlike most of its competitors.

Unfortunately, between the potential for fees and app, Chase ranks lowest on our list but with solid potential. Those needing a more robust online experience will find another option more appealing but traditional bank lovers who take cash from customers and need to deposit cash into their accounts regularly will find Chase to be worth taking a look at.

Fees

For a business checking account option, Chase has three offerings:

  • Chase Business Complete Checking: $15/month waived off with $2,000 of minimum daily balance
  • Chase Performance Business Checking:  $30/month waived off with $35,000 combined average beginning day balance
  • Chase Platinum Business Checking: $95/month waived off with $100,000 combined average beginning day balance

Each offers business checking accounts with features like a business debit card and cash deposits at their brick-and-mortar locations. Unfortunately, it’s not monthly maintenance fee-free like Bluevine.

Interest Rates

Chase Business Checking accounts offer no APY on deposits. However, businesses can earn interest with Chase Business Savings but you will have to inquire about what APY it offers you. 

Lending

Chase for Business offers several lending options. Apart from its business credit card offerings, it has small business loans and lines of credit you can avail of. Business lines of credit range from $10,000 to $500,000 while loans start at $5000

  • Accept payments through Chase mobile app
  • International with locations worldwide
  • Fraud protection
  • Higher fees
  • High minimum balance to waive fees
  • Unclear APY on savings accounts

Why we chose it:

Chase business complete banking is a good option for a small business looking for some heavyweight banking options. Read our in-depth review on Chase business to learn more about its services. Sign up today.

Choosing the Best Small Business Bank Account for an LLC

For many people, the formation of an LLC marks a transition, changing their side gig for a bit of extra income to a serious business. There are many boxes to check in that process, but one of the most important may be choosing the best business checking account for your needs. 

The primary benefit is to separate your personal checking account from your business bank account. However, a business checking account for your LLC can also offer a range of other benefits. Even a basic business banking account can offer lines of credit, invoicing services, and more. A business checking account might also come with merchant services, while a savings account can help your money grow.

In the past, LLC business owners had limited choices for business accounts, but using an online bank, with smaller fees and better rewards, is becoming more popular.

How to Choose a Business Bank Account for an LLC infographic

Fees—Transaction, Minimum Balance, Early Termination, Daily Batch

In many cases, the main concerns are monthly maintenance fees and other charges that can add up. Many banks offering accounts for LLCs have sought to attract small business owners by waiving monthly fees under certain circumstances or dropping monthly fees entirely. Fees can show up in many places, however, including

  • Transaction fees
  • Deposit fees
  • Minimum balance
  • Overdraft fees

The best business checking account for your needs won’t charge fees in areas important to your business. For example, offering unlimited transactions or free cash deposits per month. 

Interest Rate—APY on Checking and Savings Accounts

Several banks on our list offer an APY on their checking accounts. Some of the top-ranked banks offer a yield as high as 1.5% which makes them a lucrative option for business owners. The higher the APY, the better it is for your business. However, note that some banks may offset your interest earnings by charging you monthly maintenance or transaction fees.

You can also earn interest on savings accounts, while you can earn interest on your primary checking with many of the best business bank accounts online. Again, the higher the interest rate offered, the better it is.

Liability—Business vs Personal Funds, Customer Purchase Protection

As the name implies, a limited liability company is intended to limit your financial liability in the event of a problem with your business. Even a basic business checking account for your LLC aids in that by separating your personal finances, creating a clear distinction between personal and business accounts. 

Accounts for LLCs can offer more protection from certain types of liability than just a separate business bank account. Most bank accounts have fraud protection these days. If your bank also offers merchant services, it may add a layer of additional protection by covering the cost of customers who dispute transactions and similar problems.

 
 

Beware of “Mattress” Banking!

Did you know many online banks are crediting as low as 0.1%? You may as well stick your money under your mattress! Bluevine business checking accounts pay an APY up to 1.2% on balances up to $100,000.

Learn More!

Unlimited transcations with no monthly fees!

 

Lending—Lines of Credit, Credit History

You may have a personal credit rating, but your small business needs to establish its own credit history. Additionally, business owners may need small loans to cover payroll or billing, or larger loans for new equipment or a bigger space. A loan like that can be easier to get if you already have a business checking account with a particular institution. Developing a history with an institution can also improve the odds of bad credit business loan approval.

As a note, while we’ve focused on national and online banks, your local community bank or credit union might be a good option, especially if you’re anticipating needing a loan. Particularly for specialist businesses, the personal relationships common with local banks can be helpful.

Rewards and Benefits—New Account Bonuses, CashBack, Free Services

Even the best business checking account options tend to have a similar set of fees and services. Other factors may end up determining which bank is best for you. Offering some number of free cash deposits per month is common, as is online bill pay, or no minimum deposit requirements. Picking through those details can actually end up saving you money.

How to Open a Business Bank Account for an LLC

Opening a business bank account for an LLC is not a very complicated process. We answer some of the most important questions pertaining to LLC bank accounts in this section to give you a clear overview of the road ahead. 

What Do I Need to Open a Bank Account For My LLC

With an online business checking account like BlueVine, you can set up your LLC bank account in no time. You only need the following information:

What Other Documents Does the Bank Need to Open My LLC Bank Account?

While the documentation requirements vary from bank to bank, here’s what you can expect the bank to ask for.

Just to be on the safe side, call or visit the bank’s website to make sure you’ve got everything you need to open a business bank account. This will help you avoid the hassle. 

Do I Need an LLC to Open a Business Bank Account?

You can open a business bank account without an LLC. Any registered business can open a business bank account be it a sole proprietorship or a partnership. In the end, it all comes down to what you need to open a business bank account. Here are the different types of businesses and the documentation they need to create a bank account:

  • Sole Proprietorship – DBA certificate
  • Partnership – Business partnership agreement and business license if you operate an eatery or healthcare facility
  • Corporation – Certified articles of incorporation, corporate bylaws, a signed corporate resolution, business license, and IRS 501(c) letter if you are a non-profit corporation
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Certified articles of organization, operating agreement, and business license. Learn more on how a corporation differs from an LLC here.

Want a business account for your sole proprietorship? Check out our list of the best banks for sole proprietorships.

Can I Open a Business Checking Account at a Credit Union?

Yes, you can open a business checking account at several credit unions. Digital Federal Credit Union, Navy Federal Credit Union, and America First Credit Union are some of the top-rated credit unions for opening an account.

Do LLCs Need a Specific Type of Bank Account?

There are no special LLC accounts as such. Most top-rated banks either offer checking or savings account and offerings vary from bank to bank. That said, a checking account can meet all the banking needs of an LLC if it’s in the right bank. We recommend BlueVine, Novo, and American Express Business Checking as the top-rated bank accounts for LLCs.

Do I need a separate bank account for my LLC?

You start an LLC to separate your personal and business finances. After formation, a Limited Liability Company becomes a separate legal entity from its owner. This is why we recommend creating a separate bank account for your LLC.

State and federal law don’t require you to create a separate bank account for an LLC. However, to make financial management easier and avoid trouble in the long run, it’s a good idea to have separate accounts. Plus, you can easily open a business account with free online banks like BlueVine and start reaping the benefits right away.

Can I use my personal bank account for my LLC?

You can technically, but we strongly advise against using your personal bank account for your LLC. 

Forming a Limited Liability Company protects your personal assets in case something goes wrong with your business. However, if you keep using your personal bank account for your LLC, the authorities can come after your personal assets easily. 

Create an LLC bank account for free with BlueVine and forget the trouble. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Best Small Business Bank Accounts for LLCs

Still have questions about the best small business bank accounts for LLC? See if we answer them below.

Bottom Line on Best Small Business Bank Accounts for LLCs

Banks are often intimidating institutions, responsible for decisions that can make or break a business. However, you can take a lot of that control back by shopping around and finding the terms most favorable to you. After all, your small business is its customer and as the saying goes, the customer is always right. 

Apply today and protect your personal finances with your LLC.

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.

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BlueVine Review: The Best Business Checking Account?

BlueVine logo

BlueVine Review is an online lender and financial tech company with several free features that make it easy to manage business funds. Its business checking and business loan services work separately or in tandem to provide you with opportunities to help your venture grow. Find out in this BlueVine review if it’s the right place to open a business bank account.

BlueVine Business Checking – Our Verdict

BlueVine works well with budding business owners who desire to keep personal and business funds apart. It’s hard to top 1.5% APY for up to $100,000 on a business checking account, but this rate loses some appeal once your account grows any larger. Several free features add to the appeal, but there are limitations on monthly deposits and withdrawals that you’ll want to keep your eye on.

It’s quite easy to sign up for a checking account, and anyone from sole proprietorships to corporations can do so. You can even open a business bank account with an EIN only to keep your personal information out of the picture. 

  • High interest rates
  • Very few fees
  • No minimum deposit required
  • Monthly transfer limits
  • Checking accounts only
  • Fee for cash deposits

BlueVine at a Glance

BlueVine logo

BlueVine provides business checking accounts or business loans. Business checking accounts are free to open and include several free features, including no overdraft fees and unlimited transfers. Best of all, there are no monthly fees and no minimum requirements to keep your account open, which makes it one of the best banks for startups.

It offers an impressive 1.5% interest on balances up to $100,000 and is among the highest on the market. Fees do bubble up periodically for things like outgoing wire transfers and cash deposits.

What makes BlueVine stand out are its business loans, hence earning it a spot on our list as the best bad credit loan for startups. The lender will spot you up to $250,000, considering you meet its requirements. It usually takes no more than a few minutes to get approved, and interest rates are a respectable 4.8% for payback.

Who BlueVine Business Checking is Best For

BlueVine is best for anyone starting a small enterprise that needs a specific location for business funds. Within the software, you can track expenses, transfer funds, and more without spending a penny. You may find yourself outgrowing BlueVine as your company expands, but it is a great place to start.

Bluvine Business Checking Pricing

It’s free to sign up for a business checking account with BlueVine. Furthermore, you don’t have to pay monthly fees or keep a minimum balance to keep your account open. You’ll incur fees only with cash deposits, outgoing wire transfers, or using out-of-network ATMs.

BlueVine logo

BlueVine

Features

Monthly Fee

$0

Minimum Deposit

$0

Overdraft Fees

$0

APY

1.50% on balances up to $100,000

Transactions

Unlimited

Account Types

Business checking and business loans

Cash Deposits

$4.95

ATM Fees

$0 in-network,

$2.50 out of network

Outgoing Wires

$15

 

 

Being the best business bank account for LLCs, BlueVine makes banking easy with no monthly fees and no minimum deposit required to keep your account open. They don’t even charge fees for account overdrafts. In addition, you don’t have to worry about ATM fees from BlueVine itself so long as the ATM is in-network. Anything out of network will set you back $2.50 per use. Keep in mind that you may still receive a charge from a bank for using their ATM.

There’s no maximum number of transactions you can make with BlueVine as long as you stay within monthly withdrawal and deposit limits. For instance, you can make as many direct deposits as you’d like, but cash transfers cap at $7,500 per month. You can only take out $2,000 per day from ATMs as well.

Anyone with BlueVine’s business checking account receives 1.5% interest for balances up to $100,000. To activate this rate, you’ll need to either spend $500 per month with a BlueVine Business Debit Mastercard or receive at least $2,500 per month into your account from outside sources. If you fail to meet one of the requirements, you won’t earn any interest that month. Subsequently, any money in your account over $100,000 does not receive interest either.

BlueVine does have a few fees to keep on your radar. Cash deposits incur a $4.95 charge for hitting your account, and you’ll be billed $15 for any outgoing wire transfer. Incoming transfers are free.

BlueVine Business Checking Features

Screenshot of BlueVine dashboard

BlueVine has several enticing features that make it stand out as an online bank for business. Let’s take a look at them in more detail now.

BlueVine Business Checking Account

If you’re looking for a free business checking account, you’ve come to the right place. Because business checking is where BlueVine focuses a majority of its attention, the company does it really well. Members have access to several free features and interest incentives that most other banks can’t offer.

Business Loans

In addition to checking, it’s also possible to tap into a business line of credit for up to $250,000 for those big purchases. Interest rates here are as low as 4.8%, and you may even get approved in a matter of minutes.

You’ll need at least a 600 FICO score, $10,000 in monthly income, and at least six months in business incorporated or operating in a U.S. state. After a few additional questions and access to current bank statements, BlueVine will make a decision about your loan. Check out the best options available if you’re considering a bad credit business loan.

Minimal Fees

With so many free services, one might wonder how BlueVine makes any money at all. There are no fees for starting up an account and no minimum balances you have to maintain. You won’t receive a charge if your balance drops to zero, and you won’t incur any penalties for trying to overdraw your account.

You won’t receive a charge whenever you use one of the 37,000+ ATMs that BlueVine is in-network with. It’s easy to locate these, thanks to the online ATM locator. Should you need to use an out-of-network ATM, you will incur a $2.50 fee for doing so. You can deposit cash into these ATMs as well, but BlueVine will charge $4.95 for the service.

Unlimited Transactions

BlueVine boasts unlimited transactions, which is true to an extent. You can deposit as much as you’d like from another financial institution, but you’re limited to $5,000 per month on transfers from the website or mobile app. The online bank caps cash transfers at $7,500 per month but places no limit on incoming wire transfers. You can’t take out more than $2,000 in cash from an ATM or cash back service in a single day, but there are no limits otherwise.

High Interest Rate

Opening a business checking account with BlueVine gives access to its 1.5% interest rate for amounts up to $100,000. Any funds in your account above $100,000 will not generate any interest.

You’ll have to meet one of two requirements to be eligible for this interest rate. You can either spend at least $500 per month with your BlueVine Business Debit Mastercard or have at least $2,500 coming into your account each month from outside sources. Should you not meet either of these requirements, you won’t receive any interest on your account.

Bill Pay

With BlueVine, you can manage and pay bills straight from the Dashboard on the site or mobile app. Keeping all your bills in one place helps with management, and it’s possible to link one of 40,000 payees to make the process even easier.

The software gives the option to pay from your checking account or credit card to help keep track of cash. You can schedule one-time or recurring payments within the system to ensure you never miss a bill.

Sub-accounts

If you need to separate funds into different categories, BlueVine lets you open sub-accounts with unique account numbers at no extra cost. These sub-accounts can do everything the primary account can do, minus having access to a debit card.

Transfers

It’s easy to transfer funds between primary and sub-accounts with the click of a button. Similarly, you can send wire transfers anywhere for a flat $15 per transaction. There’s no fee or limits if you receive a wire transfer from an external source.

Mobile Banking

BlueVine members can make use of a mobile app on Android or iOS to bank from anywhere. These apps are free to use and have all the same features you’ll find on the website.

Free Checkbooks

Using BlueVine, you’ll receive up to two checkbooks each year at no cost to you. If you use more before the year is up, you will have to purchase them through the website.

BlueVine Contact Info

BlueVine doesn’t hide its customer service information, listing everything you need to know on its “Contact Us” page. There’s a link to an email form, or you can call support at (888) 216-9619. The team is available from 8 am to 8 pm EST Monday through Friday.

Alternatives to BlueVine Business Checking

If BlueVine doesn’t speak to you, perhaps a similar service will. Below are some of the top online business checking alternatives to consider.

Novo is a top alternative to BlueVine and similarly only offers checking accounts for business purposes. It’s free to sign up and there are very few fees for using any aspect of the service.

Unlike BlueVine, you’ll get stuck with a $27 penalty any time you overdraw funds. However, you’re not required to keep a certain monthly balance, and the bank refunds ATM fees no matter where you use them.

Banking on the go is easy with Novo’s mobile app. You can download the software to either Android or iOS devices. Novo does fall short when it comes to cash, since you can’t deposit even a single physical dollar into your account. Read our in-depth Novo review to learn more about its accounts and fees.

  • Zero monthly fees or minimum balance required
  • Mobile app
  • Refunds all ATM fees
  • Cannot deposit cash
  • Fee for overdrawn accounts
  • No savings accounts

Lili raises the stakes with a free tax optimizer to prevent over or underpaying. You can automatically set aside funds for tax time so there are no surprises when the time comes. The app also helps you sort through personal and business expenses so you know what to write off.

There’s no fee or minimum amount required to sign up for Lili, and a majority of its services are free to use. There are some monetary limitations on deposits and withdrawals though that may not suit larger businesses. It’s not possible to perform any wire transfers through Lili either.

If you’re saving up for a big purchase, Lili allows you to open up an account for such a purpose. Unfortunately, none of your money accrues any interest while using Lili’s free version.

Those looking to generate 1% interest or unlock additional features such as overdraft protection may wish to consider Lili Pro. This service costs $4.99 per month and should pay for itself through interest alone. Read our complete Lili review to learn more about its accounts.

  • Tax optimizer
  • No minimum balance or monthly fees
  • Can place money in savings buckets for future use
  • Several features are locked behind Lili’s paid membership
  • No APY in the free account
  • No wire transfers

Like most online business checking accounts, Kabbage doesn’t charge fees for the setup process. You also won’t have to pay any monthly fees, and you never have to keep a minimum balance. To go above and beyond, Kabbage doesn’t charge any fees whether you’re accessing an in-network or out-of-network ATM.

For amounts of $100,000 or less, you’ll receive a 1.1% APY each month without prerequisite. Anything in your account over that limit won’t receive any interest, though. You’re limited to a sole owner since Kabbage doesn’t do joint accounts.

Kabbage doesn’t have many fees, but they do charge upwards of $4.95 for cash deposits. Outgoing wire transfers will set you back $25 anytime you need to send one out. When using the mobile app, take note that deposits can take several days longer to clear. Read our in-depth Kabbage review to learn more about its accounts and fees.

If you are interested in opening a business account, here is a detailed Bank of America Review, NBKC Bank Account Review, and Chase Bank Review packed with information about the pros, cons, and alternatives that help you choose the right business account.

  • No monthly fees or fees for signup, no minimum balance
  • High interest rate
  • No Kabbage fees for out of network ATM withdrawals
  • Cash deposit fees up to $4.95 per transfer
  • No ability to make joint accounts
  • Mobile deposits take several days to clear

Axos goes beyond business checking accounts to offer business savings and personal accounts as well. Its basic business account has no fees for signing up or maintenance, and there’s no minimum balance. This account will reimburse you for any ATM fees you incur wherever you find yourself.

Business owners can also partake in a savings account, although interest rates are quite low at 0.20%. Even if you manage to squeeze into the premium savings account with a $25,000 minimum opening deposit, the APY doesn’t change.

In fact, Axos’ rates across the board aren’t that great. CD rates land at 0.20% as well, not offering much incentive to grab a certificate. You can even set up personal savings and checking accounts through Axos if you so choose. Read our complete Axos review to learn more about its accounts. If you are interested to more in-depth review for other banks, we have also US Bank Review, Capital One Review, and SoFI Review.

  • Several checking account options
  • Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
  • No monthly maintenance fees or balance requirement for basic checking
  • CD rates aren’t great
  • Low APY on business savings accounts
  • Some accounts require high deposits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for BlueVine Business Checking Review

Opening a business account with BlueVine can generate a plethora of questions. Read on to find answers to some of the most common ones.

Bottom Line on BlueVine Business Checking Review

BlueVine business checking brings a lot to the table with a long list of free features and services. Having access to both a free business checking account and a line of credit puts young businesses in a good place to succeed. If you’re careful about how you use your money, this impressive service may never even cost you a dime.

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.

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5 Best Banks for Startups in 2023

Person using a tablet displaying a bunch of illustrations and the text "startup banks"

Dealing with the headaches of a startup company is no one’s idea of fun. Fortunately, certain banks make the process a little more bearable through helpful features and low fees. This article reveals the best five banks for startups ready to work with you.

Best Banks for Startups

  • Bluevine – Best Overall Startup Bank
  • Lili Banking – Best Startup Bank for Tax Optimization
  • NorthOne – Best Startup Bank for Integrations
  • NBKC Bank – Best Startup Bank for Customer Service
  • Novo – Best Startup Bank for Low Fees

Our Methodology for the Best Banks for Startups

When sifting through the best banks for startups, it was evident fees and interest rates play an important role. We also looked at lending options to cover big expenses or future expansion and the effect transactions would have on a business model. Lastly, we took note of any rewards or benefits banks offer to help set a fledgling business on the right path.

Check out a more detailed explanation of our methodology here.

Startup Bank

Fees

Interest Rates

Lending

Transactions

Transactions

  • Cash deposits: $4.95
  • ATM fees: $2.50 out of network
  • Outgoing wires: $15

Up to 1.5% APY

Up to $250,000 line of credit

Unlimited

Can deposit cash and checks at Green dot locations

  • Pro service: $4.99 per month
  • ATM fees: $2.50 out of network

Pro service: 1% APY

No lending options available

Unlimited

Up to $200 overdraft coverage, tax optimizer

  • Service fee: $10 per month
  • Domestic wires: $15

0% APY

No lending options available

Unlimited

Virtual envelopes to categorize funds, free cash and check deposits, multiple integrations

  • Outgoing domestic wires: $5
  • Outgoing international wires: $45

0% APY

Loans ranging from $25,000 to $75,000; lines of credit

Unlimited

ATM reimbursement, some physical locations, BIll Pay

$27 overdraft fee

0% APY

No lending options available

Unlimited

Perks with popular financial apps, unlimited ATM reimbursement, Reserve accounts

BlueVine logo

Bluevine: Best Overall Startup Bank

Interest rate: Up to 1.5% APY

4.7

For a business checking account, Bluevine offers up to 1.5% interest on your hard-earned cash with minimal fees to drain the pot. This proves fruitful, as Bluevine doesn’t offer any savings accounts with interest rates of their own. There’s no minimum deposit required to start your service, but you will need to plan for costs for depositing cash. Bluevine has over 37,000 in-network ATMs for you to use but won’t reimburse you for using an out-of-network one.

Why we chose it: Bluevine’s high interest rates coupled with few fees and no minimum deposit make it the best bank for startups. Check out our Bluevine review for a more in-depth look at the service. Incase you missed it, we have also Bank of America Review and Chase Bank Review.

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

Fees

Most of what you do in Bluevine, including money transfers and paying bills, is totally free. This also makes Bluevine our top pick for the best free business checking accounts on the market. If your business deals with cash, you will have to pay $4.95 each time you use a Green Dot location to deposit funds into your account. Similarly, out-of-network ATMs will set you back $2.50 a pop and outgoing wires another $15 each.

Interest Rates

It’s possible to earn 1.5% APY on your business checking account on balances up to and including $100,000. You simply need to spend at least $500 per month on your included debit card or receive at least $2,500 into your account from customers each month. If you miss the goal, you won’t earn any interest for the month.

Lending

Bluevine offers a line of credit up to $250,000 to use as you see fit if approved. Payback amounts see a 4.8% interest rate for any amount you spend. To qualify, you’ll need at least a 625 FICO score, six months in business, $10,000 in monthly revenue, and a business operating or incorporated in the United States.

Transactions

There’s no need to worry about maxing out monthly deposits or payments with Bluevine. The company even throws in two free checkbooks every year and waives NSF fees.

Rewards and Benefits

The online business checking account alone is enough to give Bluevine the top spot without rewards or benefits. You can make use of any Green Dot location around the country to deposit cash or checks to your account, and Bluevine sends two free checkbooks your way each year so you can stay on top of payments.

Lili bank logo - Lili Review: All-Purpose Business Bank Account for Sole Proprietors

Lili Banking: Best Bank for Startups With Tax Optimization

Interest Rates: Up to 1% APY

4.5

Lili Banking’s stellar tax optimizer helps ensure you’re not over or underpaying when the season approaches. To help stay organized, you can drop money into self-created savings buckets designated for various purposes. The free service doesn’t generate any interest though, and Lili’s best features are only accessible through the platform’s paid Pro tier. While you won’t see any fees, Lili also doesn’t give the option to wire money.

Why we chose it: Lili Banking helps business owners stay financially savvy with tax optimization tools and buckets for tracking funds. Our Lili Banking review dives even deeper into what the service offers. We also have US Bank Review and Axos Review

  • Tax optimizer
  • No minimum balance or monthly fees
  • Can place money in savings buckets for future use
  • Several features are locked behind Lili’s paid membership
  • No APY in the free account
  • No wire transfers

Fees

Lili Banking has two tiers of service, a free Standard option and a Pro plan costing $4.99 per month. Both keep fees low, but you will have to watch for out-of-network ATMs that can cost upwards of $5 per use.

Interest Rates

Anyone working with Lili Banking’s Standard tier won’t see any interest on funds in either checking or separate savings buckets. To unlock this feature, you’ll have to spend $4.99 each month to become a Lili Pro member.

Once at the Pro level, the money in your checking account will earn 1% interest. Savings buckets can also earn 1% interest if you can deposit at least $1 daily while saving for taxes or another big expense.

Lending

There’s no way to borrow money with Lili through a loan or line of credit. Should your organization need some extra cash, you’ll have to look elsewhere for funds.

Transactions

Lili Banking doesn’t place limits on the amount you can buy or sell from month to month. You’re also free to place money into a savings bucket any time you wish.

Rewards and Benefits

The tax optimizer tracks your income and spending, giving you the option to declare write-offs right from the app. You can even split purchases between business and personal to ensure you don’t miss a single item on your tax form. The software builds expense reports and pre-fills your annual 1040 Schedule C form to save time.

If you ever overdraft your account, Lili Banking protects you for up to $200 at a time. Such a buffer offers a little more peace of mind when funds get tight.

Novo logo

Novo: Best Bank for Startups With Low Fees

Interest Rates: 0% APY

4.3

You’ll need $50 to put into your account when you sign up, but Novo doesn’t mess around with standard fees or minimum balance requirements. You don’t even need to worry about ATM charges from other banks, as Novo will pay you back for those. The only place you’ll see a charge is if you overdraft your account. There are no savings accounts nor a means to deposit cash, but the bank has a fantastic mobile app on top of already great features.

Why we chose it: Novo is one of the few banking locations available today that you can use completely fee-free. After looking for the Novo Review you can also check our other reviews of other banks like Capital One Review and SoFI Review.

  • Zero monthly fees or minimum balance required
  • Stellar mobile app
  • Refunds all ATM fees
  • Cannot deposit cash
  • Fee for overdrawn accounts
  • No savings accounts

Fees

As long as you’re keeping tabs on your account, you’ll never experience a fee while using Novo. If you try to pull from an account with insufficient funds, Novo will hit you with a meaty $27 charge. Even if you draw funds from another bank’s ATM, Novo will pay you back for any expense you incur.

Interest Rates

Fees are off the table with Novo, but unfortunately interest rates are as well. Interest rates on a Novo checking account are a resounding 0%.

Lending

Novo doesn’t have the means to lend money or provide lines of credit to business owners. You’ll have to establish a connection with another institution if you’re looking for a small business loan.

Transactions

You can send and receive money from just about anywhere with Novo without having to worry about fees or limitations on your account. It’s even possible to deposit checks and send money into your Reserves.

Rewards and Benefits

Novo’s Reserves allow you to set aside money for routine needs such as payroll or monthly rent. You can move funds to and from Reserves with a click and have up to ten open at a time. The bank makes use of Perks; special incentives with other financial institutions that you can’t find elsewhere.

If that wasn’t enough, Novo will pay you back for any ATM fee you incur when using machines from other banks around the country.

NorthOne logo

NorthOne: Best Bank for Startups With Integrations

Interest Rates: 0% APY

4.2

NorthOne Review

Whether you’re on Shopify, Etsy, or flying solo, NorthOne integrates with financial software and payment apps to facilitate the flow of money through your business. The bank doesn’t place a limit on transfers or transactions but does have a monthly fee that’s off-putting for some. There’s unfortunately no way to wire funds internationally or earn interest on your account. If you need help along the way, NorthOne has instant support from actual human beings.

Why we chose it: In an ever-changing digital world, NorthOne works hard to streamline financial data between the applications you use.

  • Integrates with popular business apps
  • Unlimited free transfers each month
  • Instant support from actual humans
  • Monthly fee
  • No international wire transfers
  • No interest rate

Fees

NorthOne does charge a $10 monthly fee that may place some business owners on pause. However, the online bank doesn’t charge for transactions, deposits, integrations, or ATM fees. All domestic wires, both incoming and outgoing, do cost $15 per event.

Interest Rates

Despite NorthOne’s many perks, there’s no way to accrue interest on your account. The bank fancies itself as a hub for your money transfers but doesn’t help your funds grow.

Lending

There’s also no option to borrow money from NorthOne to supplement a purchase or expense. For lending solutions, you’ll have to look to other enterprises.

Transactions

NorthOne makes the transaction process a breeze, linking up with many of your favorite companies and apps to send and receive money with little to no effort on your part. If some of your customers pay in cash, you can even deposit funds into your account for no extra charge.

Rewards and Benefits

Within your NorthOne deposit account are virtual envelopes designed to hold money for specific purposes. Each envelope can hold funds indefinitely and help set aside amounts you’ll need for rent, payroll, and other costs of doing business.

The bank has relationships with most major financial applications from Amazon Pay and PayPal to Quickbooks and Wave. It also connects with payroll solutions and ecommerce marketplaces to save time and prevent errors.

NBKC bank logo

NBKC Bank: Best Bank for Startups for Customer Service

Interest Rates: 0% APY

4.0

Dealing with money can be a headache, but NBKC Bank helps shoulder the burden with live support staff during the work week. You can also reach out via email during weekend hours, although responses are slower. There’s little in the way of fees, and you can grab a loan or access a line of credit should you need the financial boost. The account itself doesn’t earn interest, and there are high international wire transfer fees to contend with.

Why we chose it: Issues happen, but NBKC Bank works to limit blocked transactions and downtime with a top-tier human customer service team.

  • Few fees to contend with
  • Loans and lines of credit available
  • In-person assistance available
  • High international wire fees
  • Zero APR for business checking account
  • Weekday support only

Fees

NBKC Bank is free to sign up for and most interactions won’t cost anything either. Even returned checks and overdrafts don’t come with a charge. Domestic outgoing wire transfers cost $5, but it’s international outgoing wires that really hurt at $45.

Interest Rates

You won’t find many fees with NBKC Bank, but there’s no way to generate funds, either. A 0% interest rate makes sure of that.

Lending

Lending options are plentiful with NBKC Bank, so startups can rejoice when looking for a little green to supplement that next big purchase. It’s possible to borrow between $25,000 and $75,000, with repayment rates as low as 5.95%. Your company must have at least two years in business in the Kansas City area, a credit score of 700 or higher, and a recent history of profitability.

The bank also has several lines of credit you can set aside and use as you see fit. There’s a fast approval process with competitive rates and a team equipped to help you find the best one.

Transactions

You’ll never have to worry about reaching a transaction ceiling while using NBKC Bank’s services. Everything you do outside of outgoing wires won’t cost a thing, either.

Rewards and Benefits

NBKC Bank lets you use Bill Pay right from the app and doesn’t charge for depositing checks either online or in-person. If you’re in the Kansas City area, you can find a handful of physical locations to take care of your banking needs. When using other ATMs, NBKC Bank will reimburse you for up to $12 in charges per month.

Ranking Methodology for the Best Banks for Startups

We studied several criteria when analyzing the best banks for startups. Below are the factors we considered most important when making our decisions. These are quite similar to the ranking methodology we used to rank our best business bank accounts for LLCs.

  • Fees: Every penny makes a difference when getting a startup off the ground. Any fees from banks can eat away at hard-earned profits and funds that could otherwise go toward growing the business. The best business banks for startups avoid such fees, allowing you to maximize your potential.
  • Interest Rates: Some banks are willing to put funds into your account in the form of quarterly or annual interest rates. While rarely more than a few percent, it never hurts to add a little to the bottom line.
  • Lending: Few startups make it solely on their own efforts. When the time comes to take things to the next level, loans or lines of credit provide money to kick off that big expansion or project. It is possible to obtain loans outside of banking institutions, but having a rapport makes the process that much easier.
  • Transactions: Even if your customer base isn’t extensive right now, you don’t want to reach a point where you can’t make or receive a payment because of monthly limits. The best banks for startups avoid such restrictions, allowing you to do business as often as need be. Furthermore, having the freedom to transfer money within your own bank account helps keep things organized.
  • Rewards and Benefits: Tapping into a bank’s bonus features could save you money on things like ATM withdrawals or overdraft coverage. Other benefits include integrations with popular apps or sub-accounts to categorize funds into.

Best Banks for Startups Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Picking the right bank for your startup isn’t easy. The answers to the questions below should help point you in the right direction.

Bottom Line on the Best Banks for Startups

Creating a startup can be a messy process, but a business bank account can greatly reduce the stress on the financial side of things. When checking out your options for the best banks for startups, consider institutions with few fees, free transactions, and those offering a little interest to help you along. The road ahead may not be easy, but being in firm control of your finances is as sure a way as any to find success.

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.

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