Chase Bank Review 2023: Business Checking Account

Chase Bank logo - Chase Bank Review - Business Checking Account

In today’s modern world, with payments and banks going digital, the role of brick-and-mortar banks is shrinking. However, it does have its place as it offers many benefits that mobile banks don’t have. In this Chase Bank review, we’ll look at one of America’s largest full-service banks. 

Screenshot of Chase for Business website page
Source: Chase Bank

Our Verdict 

Chase Bank offers banking solutions catered for businesses, called Chase for Business. Chase Bank mixes the traditional brick and mortar with online banking by offering a large branch network and user-friendly online tools – what we consider ideal for small businesses that need both worlds combined together. 

As a traditional bank, Chase Bank doesn’t seem to want to fall behind its digital banks competitors and wants to attract customers – so it’s offering a $300 bonus to new customers when opening a Chase Business Checking account. It ranks fourth when it comes to the best business checking accounts.

  • $300 bonus to new customers and cashback with business credit card
  • 16,000 ATMs and 4,700 branches available across the U.S.
  • No minimum opening deposit
  • $15 monthly fee 
  • Low to zero interest-earning potential
  • In-person visit to open an account

Chase Bank Business Account at a Glance 

The Chase Business Complete Banking account stands out among the best business bank accounts for LLCs. This business account gives its account holders the best of the offline and online world: It provides access to 16,000 Chase ATMs and 4,700 branches across the U.S while providing user-friendly online banking tools. 

This business checking account offers many benefits for the business owner; the first one is the sign-up bonus. If you sign-up for the Chase Business Complete Banking account, you’ll get a $300 bonus as long as you deposit $2,000 on your account, maintain it for at least 60 days, and complete one of the five activities required within 90 days of offer enrollment.

However, if you can’t afford to maintain the minimum deposit to get the bonus but you still want to open a business account at Chase Bank, the good news is that you can, and there’s no minimum opening deposit. But the rewards and benefits don’t stop there. 

Chase Bank also gives a $750 bonus cash back for new business credit card members and unlimited 1.5% cash back rewards on every purchase. All you have to do is spend $7,500 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.

The Chase Business Complete Banking account isn’t a good fit for those looking for some earning potential within their bank accounts – Chase Bank doesn’t offer interest in most of its accounts. Also, we wouldn’t recommend this account for people who don’t want to pay an in-person visit to open an account – you must visit a Chase branch in person to open a Chase Business Complete Banking account.

Who Chase Bank Business Account is Best For 

Business owners who need in-person support and have access to several ATMs across the country while using user-friendly mobile and banking tools, then this account is for you. 

You should also consider the Chase Business Complete Banking account if your business deals with many transactions, but you don’t want to get hit with per-transaction fees – online transactions are unlimited.

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

Pricing

In this review, we’re mostly covering the Chase Business Complete Banking which caters most to small-business owners but Chase Bank offers three business checking accounts: Chase Business Complete Banking, Chase Performance Business Checking, and Chase Platinum Business Checking. 

For a better understanding of all price tiers in the business checking account, we’ve compared the main features of the three accounts. 

Chase Business Complete Banking

Chase Performance Business Checking

Chase Platinum Business Checking

Monthly Fee

$15 or $0 monthly fee if you maintain $2,000 minimum daily balance

$30 or $0 monthly fee if you maintain $35,000 combined average beginning day balance

$95 or $0 monthly fee if you maintain $100,000 combined average beginning day balance

Cash Deposit Fee

Fee-free at $5,000 in cash deposits per statement cycle

Fee-free at $20,000 in cash deposits per statement cycle

Fee-free at $25,000 in cash deposits per statement cycle

Mobile and Online Banking

Multiple User Accounts

Accept Card Payment

Fraud Prevention Services

Fee-free Incoming Wires

Cash Management Support

Platinum Business Customer Service

Chase Bank Business Account Features

As a brick and mortar traditional bank with digital banking tools, Chase Bank Business accounts offer many benefits among its features, even in the entry-level option. We’ve listed the main features below. 

Mobile and Online Banking 

Screenshot of Chase mobile app features - chase bank review
Source: Chase Bank

The Chase Mobile® Banking app is easy to use and offers security with encryption technology and offers many interesting features to business owners such as online bill pay (and schedule payments), fraud protection, receiving or sending payments, getting account alerts and setting up multiple account users straight from the app. 

Sign-up Bonus

Screenshot of Chase for Business signup bonus page
Source: Chase Bank

If you’re looking for a business checking account with a sign-up bonus, this is an opportunity to earn some extra money. Chase Bank offers $300 for newcomers who sign up for Chase Business Complete Checking, deposit $2,000 and maintain it for 60 days, and complete five of the qualifying activities such as debit card purchases and Chase QuickAccept deposits.

Cash Back Bonus

Earn a $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first three months after account opening, 5% cashback on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year and 2% cashback on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year with Ink Business Cash® credit card.

Accept Card Payment

Chase for Business visa ATM card and mobile app
Source: Chase Bank

Your business can accept credit and debit card payments with Chase QuickAccept in the Chase Bank app. This payment processing service connects with a mobile card reader to tap, swipe or dip transactions and you can receive the funds into your account on the same day. 

No minimum opening deposit

Most brick-and-mortar business checking accounts require a minimum deposit of money to open a bank account. However, the Chase Business Complete Banking℠ account is one of the few that doesn’t do that. Even if you have no extra cash, you can even open a Business Complete Banking℠ account with no money.

Alternatives to Chase Bank Business Account

In case you aren’t sure whether the Chase Bank Business account isn’t the best fit for your business, there are some alternative options and we’ve listed the best ones. 

BlueVine is an excellent alternative for Chase Bank. You can pay bills, apply for small loans in minutes, and even earn a decent interest rate without having to pay monthly fees. As opposed to Chase, you can open a bank account in a few minutes with no minimum deposit, so it’s a good fit for businesses of any size.

Account-holders also get unlimited transactions and can earn 1.5% interest on your balance up to and including $100,000 if you meet a monthly activity goal.

  • Earn up to 1.2% APY
  • No monthly fees
  • No minimum balances
  • Only allow cash deposits through Green Dot Services
  • No physical branches

Another great option for small businesses is Novo. The mobile-only bank offers an easy-to-use platform, under a 10-minute application, refund ATM fees and no monthly fees, as opposed to Chase Bank. 

Novo offers free ACH transfers you can easily sign into your app via your mobile device and pay bills, send money, fund payroll, or transfer money to your personal account within seconds. However, Novo falls short in two aspects: it doesn’t allow users to set up recurring payments and as a digital bank it doesn’t let you deposit cash. 

  • User-friendly app
  • Refund ATM fees
  • No monthly fees
  • No recurring payment functionality
  • Can’t deposit cash

What’s interesting in Mercury is that it advertises itself as a fintech, not a bank. Mainly focused on ecommerce businesses and startups, this company offers both virtual (generated instantly) and physical cards, it integrates with major accounting software, and Mercury’s checking and business savings accounts are completely free with no minimum deposit or balance requirements.

The drawback of opening an account with Mercury is that, like most online-only banks, you can’t deposit cash and in case you’re looking for some earning potential – similar to Chase Bank – Mercury offers no-interest drawback.

  • Virtual and physical card available
  • No minimum deposit or balance required
  • Accounts integrate with major accounting software
  • Can’t deposit cash
  • No interest-earning potential

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Chase Bank

We’ve listed the most asked questions about Chase Bank Business Account.

Bottom Line on Chase Bank Review

Overall, Chase Bank offers many benefits for small business owners–especially for those who need to make a deposit in cash, need in-person assistance, access fee-free ATMs but don’t want to give up the ease of having an online bank right in your pocket.

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 Credit Cards for Young Adults in 2023

The Best Credit Cards for Young Adults in the back pocket of a denim

Having a credit card of their own can go a long way toward helping young adults begin a journey of freedom. That being said, some credit cards work better than others. This article captures the best credit cards for young adults and the benefits of each.

Best Credit Cards for Young Adults

Our Methodology

When finding the best credit cards for young adults, we considered the impact of annual fees while also taking a look at introductory bonuses and potential cash back benefits along the way. It was also important to look at regular APR and how high interest rates would get if users aren’t making monthly payments. Lastly, we looked at recommended credit scores for each card to give the best chance at approval.

Check out a more detailed explanation of our methodology here.

Credit Card

Annual Fee

Credit Recommended

Regular APR

Introductory Offer

Benefits

None

670 – 850

15.74% – 24.49% variable

$200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months; 0% APR for 15 months

5% cash back at gas stations; 3% cash back on dining and drugstore; 1.5% cash back on everything else

None

700 – 850

13.99% – 19.99% variable

$750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months; 0% APR for first 12 months

5% cash back on office supplies, internet, cable, phone services; 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants; 1% cash back on all other purchases

$39

600 – 699

26.99% variable

None

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase

None

None required

13.74% – 27.74% variable

None

1 – 1.5% cash back, plus 2% – 10% bonus cash back at select merchants

None

None required

23.74% variable

Double cash back of the cash back you’ve earned the first year

2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations; 1% cash back everywhere else

American Express logo

American Express® Green Card

$150

700 – 850

16.74% – 23.74% variable

45,000 points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first six months

3x points at restaurants, on transit, and on travel; 1x points everywhere else

$95

700 – 850

16.74% – 24.74%

60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first three months

No foreign transaction fees; 3x points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, and on air travel and hotels; 1x points for all other purchases

Chase Business logo

Chase Freedom Unlimited: Best Overall

Annual Fee: None

4.8

Chase Freedom Unlimited Review

If you have the credit score, Chase Freedom Unlimited becomes the best overall credit card for young adults with zero annual fees and up to 5% cash back just for using it. Chase even throws $200 your way for spending $500 within the first three months of activation. You’ll need to be wary of foreign transaction fees and high APR numbers if your credit can’t get you a better deal.

Why we chose it: No annual fees and plenty of cash back bonuses make Chase’s Freedom Unlimited card the best overall pick for young adults.

  • No annual fee
  • Up to 5% cash back on purchases
  • Introductory cash bonus
  • Requires high credit score
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • Potentially high APR

Annual Fee

Chase Freedom Unlimited is one of a handful of credit cards free of annual fees. If you can keep up with your payments, using this card shouldn’t cost you a thing. This is a blessing compared to American Express’s Green Card, charging $150 per year.

Credit Recommended

Chase does require a good to excellent credit score for young adults looking to use the Freedom Unlimited card. Those looking to apply should shoot for at least 670, quite high compared to Petal 2 Visa’s no credit needed. Unless you’ve built up credit through some other means, Freedom Unlimited will likely not be your first card.

Regular APR

The Freedom Unlimited card features variable APR depending on your credit score when you sign up. 15.74% on the low end isn’t terrible, but those with weaker credit may look to pay upwards of 24.49%.

Introductory Offer

It’s possible to receive a $200 bonus simply by spending $500 on regular purchases within the first three months of card activation. Delay that big purchase until your Freedom Unlimited card arrives and benefit from free money. As you get your feet wet with the card, you won’t have to worry about APR for the first 15 months. Both offers stand out when Petal 2 Visa’s card doesn’t give a thing.

Benefits

As you use your Chase Freedom Unlimited Card, you’ll earn cash back no matter where you are. Rates include 5% back at gas stations and 3% on dining and drugstore purchases. Everything else still brings in 1.5% cash back, which is the maximum you can get with the Petal 2 Visa card.

Chase Business logo

Ink Business Cash Credit Card – Best for Business Owners

Annual Fee: None

4.6

Ink Business Cash Credit Card – Best for Business Owners Review

Ink Business Cash gives generous cash back on office purchases from supplies to internet and cable. You’ll need a high credit score to land the card, but there are no annual fees. If you’re spending $7,500 in the first few months to grab that $750 bonus, chances are you’ll hit the yearly rewards cap at $25,000. If your business takes you overseas, watch out for 3% foreign transaction fees.

Why we chose it: Business owners can take advantage of the Ink Business Cash’s introductory bonus and cash back offers on top of no yearly fees.

  • No annual fees
  • Incredible introductory offers
  • Cash back deals on office supplies
  • High credit score recommended
  • 3% foreign transaction fees
  • Rewards cap at $25,000

Annual Fee

The Ink Business Cash card doesn’t have annual fees, just like Chase’s Freedom Unlimited or the Patel 2 Visa card. This speaks to business owners trying to keep costs to a minimum.

Credit Recommended

As a business card with high rewards, young adult company owners will have the best chance of approval with credit scores above the 700 mark. This isn’t far off from Chase’s recommended 670.

Regular APR

Even on the high end, the Ink Business Cash card’s standard APR rates are lower than most cards. A 19.99% worst case for Ink is still quite a bit better than Petal 2 Visa’s 27.74%.

Introductory Offer

Ink Business Cash has a massive $750 bonus for business owners who can spend $7,500 within the first three months of card use. This shouldn’t be too much of a challenge if setting up an office space for the first time. While accruing debt, you won’t need to worry about APR for the first 12 months.

Benefits

Cardholders receive 5% cash back on all office supplies, phone, internet, and cable services. There’s also 2% cash back for gas stations and restaurants, with 1% on everything else you buy while using the card.

Capital one logo

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card – Best for Flat Rate Cash Back

Annual Fee: $39

4.5

There’s something magical about knowing you’re earning 1.5% cash back every time you make a purchase. Rewards have no upper limit and never expire, and you can trade them in for cash or gift cards. As you build rapport with Capital One, the company will review your credit line and increase it over time. There aren’t any introductory offers, a high APR, and an annual fee you’ll have to come to terms with.

Why we chose it: The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card lets you earn 1.5% cash back any time, anywhere, with no limit.

  • 1.5% cash back on all purchases
  • Automatic credit line reviews
  • Unlimited rewards with no expiration
  • $39 annual fee
  • High regular APR
  • No introductory offers

Annual Fee

Capital One charges a $39 yearly fee for the use of its QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards card. While not a ton of money, it doesn’t look great next to Chase Freedom Unlimited’s lack of fees.

Credit Recommended

You’ll need to have a decent credit score to have a shot at the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards card. Chances are you can get approved with a score of 600, a bit lower than Chase Freedom Unlimited’s 670.

Regular APR

The QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards’ regular APR rate is incredibly high and locked in initially at 26.99%. This is not a card you’ll want to miss payments on.

Introductory Offer

There’s no introductory offer for the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards card. Not a deal-breaker, it’s still a bummer when looking at the $200 bonus Chase’s Freedom Unlimited card gives.

Benefits

This cash back card really shines here, with a 1.5% return on every single purchase you make. Best of all, there’s no limit to how much you can earn, and rewards never expire. You can exchange them for cash or gift cards any time you’d like.

Petal Card logo

Petal 2 Visa® Credit Card – Best Credit Card for Young Adults With No Credit

Annual Fee: None

4.4

Petal 2 Visa® Credit Card – Best Credit Card for Young Adults With No Credit Review

The Petal 2 Visa card is a great way to grow credit score, offering cash back incentives for young adults who pay off debt on time. There are no credit requirements to sign up and zero fees to worry about down the road. You won’t have any introductory offers to look forward to, and those with questionable history may have to deal with high APR numbers.

Why we chose it: The Petal 2 Visa card screams “pick me” for any young adult without credit. Zero annual fees and cash back options sweeten the deal further.

  • Zero annual fees
  • No credit score needed to sign up
  • Up to 10% cash back at select merchants
  • Limited benefits
  • No introductory offers
  • Potentially high APR

Annual Fee

Young adults will rejoice that the Petal 2 Visa card doesn’t charge annual fees for use. Not having to deal with this charge is a breath of fresh air compared to Citi Premier’s $95. 

Credit Recommended

The biggest draw of the Patel 2 Visa card is the lack of a credit score requirement. This isn’t a guarantee that you’ll be approved, but it is certainly easier for those without a credit history. Furthermore, it’s a great card to build credit and lower your APR rate.

Regular APR

The Petal 2 Visa has a significant regular APR range that varies depending on a few factors when you apply. 13.74% on the low end is solid, especially next to Capital One QuicksilverOne’s 26.99% starting rate. On the high end, the Petal 2 can be just as high at 27.74%.

Introductory Offer

There are no introductory offers for the Petal 2 Visa card. It’s uncommon to see deals on an entry-level card.

Benefits

You can snag 1% cash back on purchases right out of the gate with the Petal 2 Visa card. If you make regular payments, you can increase this amount to 1.5% over time. These numbers are comparable to everyday purchases from even Chase Freedom Unlimited. Picking the right vendors could award you up to 10% cash back.

Discover bank logo

Discover it Secured Credit Card – Best for Young Adults With Low Credit

Annual Fee: None

4.2

Discover it Secured Credit Card – Best for Young Adults With Low Credit Review

Young adults with low credit need not worry about applying for the Discover It Secured card. If you’re accepted, you won’t have to worry about yearly fees and get to generate cash back every time you make a purchase. As a secured card, you will have to drum up a $200 security deposit and deal with a high regular APR. Although a great beginner card, a low maximum credit limit doesn’t bode well for big purchases.

Why we chose it: Discover It Secured has no fees and pays you in cash back bonuses as you work to build credit.

  • No annual fees
  • No credit requirement to sign up
  • Lucrative cash back offers
  • High fixed initial APR
  • $200 security deposit required to open an account
  • Low maximum credit limit

Annual Fee

Just like the Chase Freedom Unlimited card, Discover It Secured doesn’t charge any annual fees. Users can instead focus on making purchases and building credit.

Credit Recommended

Contrary to Chase Freedom Unlimited’s 670 credit score minimum, the Discover It Secured card has no such requirements. Even those with bad credit can apply, although there’s no guarantee of acceptance.

Regular APR

When signing up, you’re stuck with a rather high 23.74% APR. Its variable nature means it can shift over time, but it’s important to make every effort to pay up on time.

Introductory Offer

Just for being a customer, Discover pays out double the cash back you’ve earned during your entire first year of use. This is a one-time deal, but that extra money can go a long way.

Benefits

The It Secured card rewards you with 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations just for making a swipe. All other charges bring in 1%, a bit lower than Chase Freedom Unlimited’s 1.5%.

American Express logo

American Express Green Card – Best for Young Professionals

Annual Fee: $150

4.1

Visit

American Express Green Card – Best for Young Professionals Review

A 45,000 point introductory offer is an enticing welcome gift, especially when you can navigate the pitfalls of American Express’s point system and get the biggest bang for your buck. If your job has you traveling, the Green Card gives bonus points for flights and transit to and from the office. There is a steep annual fee, and you’ll want a high credit score before you apply.

Why we chose it: The American Express Green Card awards bonus points for purchases young professionals need to find success in their endeavors.

  • Bonus points on travel, transit, and dining
  • Impressive introductory offer
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $150 annual fee
  • High credit score needed
  • Uses point system for rewards

Annual Fee

American Express charges a lofty $150 annual fee for its Green Card. This amount really stands out when next to Chase Freedom Unlimited or Petal 2 Visa and their free-to-use cards.

Credit Recommended

A card for young professionals demands a high credit score. Your best chances of success come with a score of 700 or higher, which is no different than the Ink Business Cash card.

Regular APR

APR ranges between 16.74% and 23.74%, depending on a number of factors when you sign up. These numbers are quite similar to Chase’s Freedom Unlimited card.

Introductory Offer

American Express uses a point system for rewards, where a point translates to somewhere between 0.5 and 1 cent when cashing them in. Young adults able to spend $2,000 within the first six months of opening their Green Card will receive a whopping 45,000 points toward rewards of their choice.

Benefits

You’ll typically earn one point for every dollar you spend using the American Express Green card. When it comes to restaurants, travel, and transit, American Express hands out triple the points instead.

Citibank logo

Citi Premier Card – Best for Young Adult Travelers

Annual Fee: $95

4.0

Citi Premier Card – Best for Young Adult Travelers Review

Once you’ve mastered the confusing point system, you’ll see how the 60,000 point introductory offer equates to $600 in gift cards to spend at your leisure. The Citi Premier card appeases young adult adventurers with bonus points on travel expenses and zero foreign transaction fees. You will need a high enough credit score for approval and have to pay $95 each year to continue using the card.

Why we chose it: A lack of foreign transaction fees and bonus points for travel expenses make the Citi Premier card a great travel companion.

  • 3x points for all travel purchases, including hotels
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $600 introductory offer
  • $95 annual fee
  • High credit score needed
  • Uses a point system for rewards

Annual Fee

Citi’s Premier Card has a $95 annual fee to keep your account active. While steep, it’s still cheaper than American Express’s Green Card’s $150 yearly charge.

Credit Recommended

You’ll need to be at the upper end of the credit score spectrum to maximize your chances of landing a Premier card. This is notably higher than the Petal 2 Visa or Discover It Secured card, but the benefits are also higher.

Regular APR

The Citi Premier card’s APR lands right in the same range as the Chase Freedom Unlimited card or the American Express Green card. If you can’t pay your debt off on time, expect to see interest rates between 16.74% to 24.74%.

Introductory Offer

Like American Express, Citi uses a point system for its rewards, with one point equal to a cent. Should you spend $4,000 within the first three months of signing up, Citi will reward you with 60,000 bonus points usable in the form of gift cards. Time to book that flight!

Benefits

There’s no need to worry about foreign transaction fees when you travel with the Citi Premier card. You’ll also earn 3x points on air travel, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and on gas. All other purchases still earn one point per dollar spent.

Methodology for the Best Best Credit Cards for Young Adults

When choosing a credit card, you want to find one that works for you. We considered the following when picking out the best credit cards for young adults.

  • Annual Fees: Fees can put a damper on anyone’s plans. The best credit cards for young adults either don’t have a fee or is low enough that the rewards outweigh the price.
  • Recommended Credit: Credit scores are a major factor when it comes to getting approved for a credit card. Certain cards are designed for those looking to establish credit, while others are for those who have already done so.
  • Regular APR: APR only becomes a factor if you’re not able to keep up with monthly payments. In those situations, it’s crucial to have a low enough APR that you don’t drown financially.
  • Introductory Offers: Introductory offers bring a nice boost to an already great credit card. Top offers include bonus cash or no APR for a fixed number of months.
  • Benefits: What’s better than a credit card that pays you back? The best credit cards for young adults provide cash back on all the things you already buy. Some cash back cards can reach as high as 5% for specialty purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Best Credit Cards for Young Adults

Credit cards can be a confusing topic for young adults and parents alike. This FAQ answers some of the top questions you may have.

Bottom Line on the Best Credit Cards for Young Adults

Having a credit card can do wonders for a young adult trying to find his or her place in the world. However, individuals need to be wary of interest rates and fees that can drain the bank. The best credit cards are manageable, offering incentives while building credit at the same time.

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

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

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

Lili Review 2023: All-Purpose Business Bank Account for Sole Proprietors

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

Lili is an all-purpose bank account that helps sole proprietors and freelancers manage their business finances, thanks to its tax optimizer tools, built-in expense tracking, and budget-friendly pricing. In this Lili review, we’ll take a closer look at its pricing, features, pros, cons, and competitors.

Our Verdict

Lili is a versatile banking solution for small business owners and independent contractors who plan to open a business account. First, it makes it easy for you to file taxes and increase tax savings. Next, it allows you to monitor your business expenses on the go through the mobile app. Finally, there’s a free business account available, while the paid account is also affordable.

To be realistic, Lili does have some shortcomings too. To begin with, you can only earn interest if you sign up for the paid account, but not the free version. Also, while Lili covers overdrafts up to $200 for the paid account, the same coverage isn’t available for the free version. Lastly, the customer service is only limited to email support on weekdays during business hours.

As we’ll discuss in this review on lili, it’s a low-cost account with practical features that can be helpful for beginners in business banking. Check out the summary of the benefits and drawbacks of Lili:

  • Tax optimization tools
  • Built-in expense management
  • Economical pricing
  • Zero APY for free account
  • Overdraft protection for paid account only
  • Skimpy customer support

Pricing: Starts at $0

Lili at a Glance

Lili is a financial technology company that offers business banking accounts through its partner Choice Financial Group. Its mission is to empower small business owners and freelancers to grow their business through banking services. Established in 2019 by Lilac Bar David, there are now over 100,000 users of the Lili app.

Lili is distinct from other bank accounts because it comes with extra tools for tax and business management. The features we’ll focus on in this review are mobile checking, ATM services, BalanceUp, APY, direct deposit, cash deposit, debit card, cashback rewards, expense tracking, tax optimizer tools, invoice tools, mobile app, security, and customer support.

Who Lili Is Best For

Lili is suitable for owners of sole proprietorships who need an affordable yet useful business banking account. After all, the free account doesn’t require you to pay any monthly fees, while the paid account only charges a minimal monthly fee.

Plus, it comes with handy business solutions like mobile checking, tax tools, and expense tracking which helps you manage your professional funds. In spite of its cheap price, Lili is more than enough as a bank for startup entrepreneurs or independent contractors who wish to jumpstart their business.

Pricing on Lili

Lili offers two types of business bank accounts for small business owners and freelancers. Compare the similarities and differences between the two accounts by exploring the chart below:

Lili Standard

Lili Pro

Price

$0/month

$4.99/month

Minimum Balance

$0

$0

Mobile Checking

ATM Services

Free at 38,000+ MoneyPass ATMs

Free at 38,000+ MoneyPass ATMs

BalanceUp

APY

None

1%

Direct Deposit

Up to 2 days faster

Up to 2 days faster

Cash Deposit

Third-party retailers

Third-party retailers

Debit Card

Visa Business Debit Card

Premium Visa Business Debit Card

Cashback Rewards

Expense Tracking

Basic

Advanced

Tax Optimizer Tools

Invoice Tools

Mobile App

Android + iOS

Android + iOS

Security

FDIC insurance + Encryption + Freezing/unfreezing

FDIC insurance + Encryption + Freezing/unfreezing

Customer Support

Weekday email support, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. EST

Weekday email support, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. EST

To sum things up, there are two kinds of Lili business bank accounts which you can select from:

  1. Lili Standard (Free): The basic account doesn’t require you to pay any monthly fees or maintain a minimum balance.
  2. Lili Pro ($4.99/month): The paid account charges a low monthly maintenance fee, but there’s no minimum balance requirement. 

Lili Standard is a good deal for you if you’re on a tight budget. However, if you can afford the extra expense, it’s worth upgrading to Lili Pro because it comes with more major features for just a small amount each month.

Lili Bank Offers a Lot of Features

If you start a Lili bank account, you can benefit from essential banking services and tools. In this Lili business account review, let’s talk about mobile checking, ATM services, BalanceUp, APY, direct deposit, cash deposit, debit card, cashback rewards, expense tracking, tax optimizer tools, invoice tools, mobile app, security, and customer support.

Mobile Checking Lili Bank

Lili offers you a business checking account that’s particularly designed for sole proprietors and single-member Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). You can easily manage your account anytime, anywhere through the mobile banking app. Plus, you can perform mobile check deposit transactions even when you are on the go.

ATM Services Lili Bank

Lili makes it possible for you to withdraw your money for free from MoneyPass ATMs. At present, there are more than 38,000 no-fee ATM machines all over the U.S. You can find the closest ATM in your area with the assistance of the ATM locator in the mobile app.

Take note that you must pay a $2.50 fee if you withdraw cash from an ATM that’s not part of the MoneyPass network. Also, you will be charged a $5 fee if you make withdrawals outside of the country.

If you want to open a fee-free business account, here is a thorough BlueVine Review, Bank of America Review, and Kabbage Review with information on the pros, cons, and alternatives.

BalanceUp

BalanceUp cartoon logo
Source: Lili

Lili provides overdraft protection via BalanceUp. Aside from not charging penalty fees, the company covers overdrafts up to $200 on purchases you make through your debit card. However, this feature is only available for Pro depositors, not Standard customers. If you open a Pro account, you’ll receive a notification that you can enroll in BalanceUp once you meet the eligibility requirements.

APY

Lili grants a 1% APY incentive for customers who open an emergency savings account. You can set up an automatic transfer of $1 or more daily. Afterwards, you’ll have the chance to earn interest, as long as you maintain a minimum savings balance of $0.01. Nevertheless, this option is only open to Pro clients, not to Standard depositors. Keep in mind that the APY rate can change over time since it’s variable.

Direct Deposit on Lili Bank

Lili gives you the opportunity to receive your money quickly through direct deposit. It’s possible for you to get your paycheck deposits or client payments as early as two days in advance. All you need to do is set up direct deposit with your Lili account. Then, you’ll start receiving notifications as soon as the funds are transferred to your account. Thankfully, in this case, early direct deposit is available for both Standard and Pro accounts.

Cash Deposit on Lili Bank

Lili is a financial technology company, not a conventional bank. As a result, it doesn’t have any physical branches where you can drop by to deposit your paper bills. However, Lili has partnered with third-party retailers with over 90,000 locations in the U.S. where you can deposit cash to your Lili account, such as Walmart, RiteAid, and CVS.

Debit Card

Black Lili Pro Visa Business Debit Card
Source: Lili

You will get a Lili debit card whether you sign up for a Standard or Pro account. If you go for the free version, you’ll receive a Visa Business Debit Card. In case you select the Pro edition, you will gain a Premium Visa Business Debit Card. Either way, there’s no need to worry about transaction or service fees when you use the card for online or in-store payments. Still, there’s one major difference between the two types of cards, which we’ll talk about in the next section.

Cashback Rewards

Cashback notification from Lili superimposed above black Lili Pro Visa Business Debit Card
Source: Lili

The main advantage of the Premium Visa Business Debit Card over the regular Visa Business Debit Card is cashback. If you’re a Pro customer, you’ll have the chance to earn cashback rewards whenever you buy products or services from participating merchants.

As a result, you can save money on your business or personal purchases from Microsoft, TaxAct, Mailchimp, Chevron, and Autozone. Sadly, you won’t have the same incentives as a Standard depositor.

Expense Tracking

Smartphone with Lili app installed displaying Expense Management menu on the left, Freelancers Union recommendation seal on upper right, and black Lili Pro Visa Business Debit Card on lower right
Source: Lili

Lili is unique among business bank accounts because it makes it easy for you to manage your expenses. On one hand, the Standard account comes with a built-in expense tracking tool which lets you sort your expenses into categories in real-time. On the other hand, the Pro account includes an advanced expense tracking capability which helps you increase your tax deductions.

Tax Optimizer Tools

One of the most important strengths of Lili is that it boasts a rich set of tax optimizer tools which helps you meet IRS tax requirements for sole proprietors. First, the Tax Bucket makes it simple for you to set aside a portion of your income for your taxes. Plus, the Write-Off Tracker boosts your tax savings by dividing your transactions into business and personal categories.

Smartphone with Lili app installed displaying Tax Bucket menu
Source: Lili

In addition to this, the Receipt Scanner records and stores an image or PDF file of your receipts. To top things off, Lili can pre-fill your annual 1040 Schedule C form to save time before you send it to your accountant or file it with the IRS. Last but not least, it generates automated quarterly and annual expense reports so you can have an overview of your spending patterns.

Invoice Tools

Another advantage of Lili is the invoice tool set. It enables you to quickly create and edit unlimited invoices via the mobile app. Afterwards, you can send them to your clients to request for payments for your services or products. Aside from this, you can file and organize all the invoices you made to update your business records.

Mobile App

The Lili mobile banking app is free to download from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. You can install it in your Android or iOS smartphones and gadgets. Aside from the mobile checking deposits, you can also make contactless payments through your mobile phone. Also, the app sends you push notifications so you can be aware whenever cash goes in or out of your business account.

Security

Lili takes measures to safeguard your funds in different ways. First, your account will be insured up to $250,000 via Choice Financial Group, the partner bank of Lili. Next, it protects the privacy of your data through industry-grade security encryption. Lastly, you can directly freeze and unfreeze your card via the mobile app if necessary.

Customer Support

One of the obvious drawbacks of Lili is the limited customer service. It doesn’t offer any phone or chat support, which means you can’t communicate in real-time with live agents. Instead, it only allows you to email the support team on weekdays, from Mondays to Fridays, and only during business hours, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. EST.

Also, you can’t even send the message directly from the website since there’s no contact form. You must use your desktop or web email client to send an email. To make things a little better, there’s a help center where you can conduct self-research about basic information on Lili.

The Alternative Bank Sites to Lili Bank

Lili is an interesting choice if you need a multipurpose business account that won’t break the bank. Nevertheless, you can explore other alternatives if you have other banking needs that Lili doesn’t cover.

Kabbage logo

Kabbage

Visit

Kabbage is a registered payment service provider that offers a free business checking account. It’s ideal for ambitious entrepreneurs who need loans to grow their venture. It presents flexible financing options for small businesses, which Lili doesn’t provide. Just keep in mind that you need to provide a personal guarantee when you apply for a loan.

Plus, Kabbage gives you the chance to earn 1.10% APY on balances up to $100,000 for the free account, unlike Lili which only gives interest for the paid account. Also, it allows you to accept payments via professional invoices, similar to Lili.

However, Lili is better than Kabbage when it comes to business management. After all, it comes with automated tools for tax filing and expense management, while Kabbage only provides how-to guides on these topics.

Pricing: Starts at $0/month

  • Loan offers
  • 1.10% APY for free account
  • Invoice payment processing
  • Personal guarantee required for loans
  • Lack of tax optimization tools
  • No automatic expense management

Novo is a financial technology company that provides a free business checking account. It’s fitting for small business owners who want to integrate their business account with other productivity solutions.

On one hand, it connects to bookkeeping software like Quickbooks and online payment platforms like Stripe, compared to Lili which has built-in financial management tools instead. In addition to this, Novo specializes in ACH and wire transfers, while Lili focuses more on regular banking transactions.

On the other hand, Lili has an edge because it lets you deposit cash through partner retailers, unlike Novo. Aside from this, it gives you the chance to open an emergency savings account, while Novo is purely a checking account. Still, both Novo and Lili are equal when it comes to a lack of loan offerings.

Pricing: Starts at $0/month

  • Strong third-party integration
  • No monthly service fees
  • Free ACH transactions
  • No cash deposits
  • Can’t open savings account
  • No loans or credit lines

Oxygen is a financial technology company that offers business and personal bank accounts. It’s suitable for enterprising entrepreneurs and freelancers who want to earn extra income through business banking.

All Oxygen business accounts grant you an APY and cashback rewards, while Lili only gives these benefits to users of the paid account. To top things off, Oxygen has daily phone and email support, in contrast to Lili that only includes weekday email assistance.

Nevertheless, Lili has an advantage over Oxygen because of its business management specialization. It has features like expense monitoring and tax savings, which Oxygen lacks. Also, the paid account of Lili is more cost-effective than the paid tiers of Oxygen.

Pricing: Starts at $0/month

  • APY for all tiers
  • Cashback rewards for all users
  • Daily phone & email support
  • No expense tracking tools
  • No automatic tax savings
  • Expensive rates for paid tiers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Lili Bank

Lili enables small business owners and freelancers to manage the various aspects of their professional assets. Discover the answers to basic questions about Lili and sole proprietorship.

Bottom Line on Lili Review

Lili is an all-in-one business bank account that works well for sole proprietors and independent contractors. It’s an accessible option for you if you’re looking for a combination of competitive pricing, tax savings assistance, and expense management. As we conclude our review on Lili bank, it’s time for you to come to a conclusion if Lili is the best banking solution for you.

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 Bank Account for Couples – Low-Fee, High APY Picks for 2023

Bank manager discussing the benefits of the best bank account for couples with a man and woman

Couples can benefit from shared funds for family expenses and planning for the future. The best bank account for couples should offer added incentives in the form of interest or minimal fees. This article looks at the choices for couples currently available.

Best Bank Account for Couples

Our Methodology

When looking at the best bank account for couples, we looked at monthly fees and balance requirements for each account. We also wanted to identify checking accounts with the potential to pay out interest, or at least offer savings accounts that complement them well. Lastly, we deeded it important to transfer and withdraw funds from the most locations possible.

Check out a more detailed explanation of our methodology here.

Bank Account

Fees

Minimum Balance

APY

Other Available Accounts

ATM Network

No monthly fees, $20 per outgoing wire, $15 for expedited delivery

$0

0.10% for accounts under $15,000, 0.25% otherwise

Savings, Money Market, CDs, Mortgages, Loans, Investments

43,000 no-fee ATMs

No monthly fees, $35 for domestic and $45 for international outgoing wires

$0

Up to 1.25% if requirements are met

Savings, Money Market, CDs, Mortgages, Loans, Investments

Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements

No monthly fees, $25 for domestic and $50 for international outgoing wires, $10 dormant account fee

$0

0.25%

Savings, CDs, Mortgages, Loans, Investments

Over 80,000 fee-free ATMs

$0 to $12 monthly service fee, $34 overdraft fee, up to $50 wire transfers

$1,500 to avoid fees

0%

Savings, CDs, Mortgages, Loans, Investments, Home Equity

Over 16,000 fee-free ATMs

No monthly fees, $20 per domestic wire out, $40 per international wire out

$0

0.10% from $2,500 to $100,000, 0.15% on balances beyond that

Savings, CDs, Loans, Mortgages, Auto Refinancing

Free ATMs worldwide

No monthly fees, $30 outgoing wire transfers

$0

0%

Savings, CDs, Money Market, Retirement

Over 60,000 fee-free ATMs

$5 monthly fee if balance is below minimum, $25 overdraft fee, up to $45 for wire transfer

$500

0.10% to 2.25

Savings, CDs, Mortgages, Home Equity

Over 88,000 fee-free ATMs

Ally bank logo

Ally Interest Checking: Best Overall Bank Account for Couples

4.8

Ally has minimal account fees and offers a clear list of what it does charge. Best of all, there’s no minimum balance required to start up or maintain an account. For a checking account, its interest rate stands well above the competition. You will have to hold onto your cash since Ally has no physical location nor the means to deposit it. If you’re in a hurry, some transactions may move more slowly than you’d like.

Why we chose it: Ally Interest Checking gives couples access to a nice APY while avoiding unnecessary fees.

  • High APY rate
  • No monthly fees
  • No minimum account balance
  • No physical locations
  • Can’t deposit cash
  • Online transfers can take up to three days

Fees

Ally limits its fees to outgoing domestic wires ($20) and expedited deliveries ($15), which is lower than other top banks, such as Axos and Alliant Credit Union. Nearly everything else, including overdrafts, incoming wires, and low balances doesn’t cost you a thing. The bank also doesn’t charge any monthly maintenance fees, no matter your balance.

Minimum Balance

There’s no limit on the amount of money you need to keep in your account at any given time. Whether high or low, Ally won’t ding you for your balance.

APY

Ally blows the 0.03% industry standard out of the water, offering between 0.1% and 0.25% depending on your monthly balance. Once your checking eclipses $15,000, you’ll start receiving 0.25% interest as long as you can maintain that number. Compared to Chase and Discover’s 0%, 0.25% feels like a breath of fresh air.

Other Available Accounts

In addition to interest checking, Ally has savings, money market, CDs, and investment accounts to tuck money into. The bank can also serve mortgages and loans to those in need. Here’s a list of the best mortgage lenders for you.

ATM Network

The online-only bank boasts 43,000 fee-free ATMs around the country you can use to collect funds. This is a bit on the lower side next to Presidential and Alliant’s 80,000+ machines. Unfortunately, there’s no way to use the machines to deposit money back into your account. 

Axos logo

Axos Bank Rewards Checking: Best Bank Account for Couples That Use ATMs

4.6

There are countless ATMs scattered across the United States, and Axos lets you use any one of them for free. This helps alleviate the lack of physical locations and charges for personal checks. After setting up your account, you’ll never have to worry about monthly fees or keeping a minimum balance. While the APY can reach record heights, you have to jump through some hoops to get there.

Why we chose it: The Axos Bank Rewards Checking account allows couples to draw funds from any ATM in the country without paying a penny. Members also benefit from zero monthly fees and the potential for a high-interest rate.

If you’re starting a business with your partner, Axos is also an excellent choice for a business checking account.

  • Unlimited free ATM use across the U.S.
  • No minimum balance
  • No monthly fees
  • No physical locations
  • Convoluted interest checking calculation
  • No free checks

Fees

Axos Bank avoids monthly fees on its Rewards Checking account, no matter how low your balance may go. You’ll never receive a charge for using an ATM, suffering an overdraft, or incoming wire transfers. Domestic and international outgoing wires cost $35 and $45 respectively, with a $10 fee for any returned deposits. It’s also one of the best free business bank accounts.

Minimum Balance

Like Ally’s $0 minimum balance, Axos Bank also doesn’t require a certain amount of money in your account. Unlike Ally, Axos does need a $50 initial deposit to get your account up and rolling.

APY

Members can achieve up to 1.25% APY with Rewards Checking if you meet certain conditions, blowing Ally’s 0.25% out of the water. It is possible to not earn any interest at all if you’re not careful. Here are the ways to earn some APY:

  • Monthly direct deposits totaling $1,500 or more: 0.40%
  • Minimum of 10 debit card transactions per month: 0.30%
  • Maintain a Managed Portfolio Account of $2,500 or more: 0.20%
  • Maintain an Invest Self Directed Trading Account of $2,500 or more: 0.20%
  • Have a loan and make the full monthly payment each month: 0.15%

With the Rewards Checking account alone, it’s possible to earn up to 0.70% APY no matter what your account balance is. Should you want to raise the interest rate more, you’ll have to check out other account options.

Other Available Accounts

Axos features interest-bearing savings, money market, CD, and investment accounts for those interested. The online bank also offers the potential for loans and mortgages.

ATM Network

Axos’ ATM network reigns king, allowing free access to any machine in the country. Even if an ATM declares a fee, Axos will reimburse you the amount without question. You’ll never have to worry about hunting for a fee-free ATM again. Chase’s 16,000 ATMs don’t hold a candle to this level of service.

Alliant logo

Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Checking: Best Credit Union Account for Couples

4.5

Alliant introduces the comforts of a credit union on top of its APY to sweeten the pot. The rate comes alongside no minimum balance requirements and zero monthly maintenance fees. This account has high outgoing wire fees, and you’re stuck waiting until the end of the month for the dividend to roll in. The credit union doesn’t have physical locations, limiting access to online only.

Why we chose it: Alliant helps keep fees down and customer service high as a non-profit credit union.

  • Good customer service team is always available
  • No monthly fees
  • No minimum balance requirements
  • High outgoing wire fees
  • Lower APY
  • Limited accessibility

Fees

You won’t worry much about fees with Alliant, as the credit union doesn’t charge a monthly rate for keeping your account. It waives overdraft fees, in-network ATM transactions, and even your first box of checks. Fees show up with outgoing domestic wires ($25) or international ones ($50) and are sprinkled throughout for things like inactivity and collections. Fees appear more frequently than with Ally and Axos’ top accounts.

Minimum Balance

Alliant users don’t have to worry about keeping a minimum balance. There’s never any fear of a monthly fee or the credit union closing your account if you don’t meet a certain threshold.

APY

Alliant’s APY is a respectable 0.25%, still nearly ten times the industry standard for checking accounts. This is a blessing when Chase’s Total Checking doesn’t offer a thing.

Other Available Accounts

Even as a credit union, Alliant offers many of the same account options as the big banks. Customers can pick up savings or investment accounts and CDs with High-rate Checking. Other options include loans and mortgages.

ATM Network

Alliant has over 80,000 ATMs in its extensive network across the country, much higher than Ally’s 46,000. Users shouldn’t have to look far to locate one that won’t charge to withdraw from.

Chase Business logo

Chase Total Checking: Most Accessible Bank Account for Couples

4.2

Chase Bank is one of the most popular in the country, with over 4,700 locations and an incredible online banking center. While it has thousands of ATMs in its network, the number pales in comparison to other banks out there. The Total Checking account can charge a $12 monthly fee and doesn’t offer any interest, but does have accounts for kids as young as 6 to get them started saving right.

Why we chose it: Chase’s Total Checking account is easy to access from anywhere, with thousands of locations and a top-notch online platform.

  • Over 4,700 branch locations
  • Stellar mobile banking services
  • Has accounts for kids
  • $12 monthly fee
  • No APY
  • Fewer ATM locations

Fees

For those unprepared, Chase’s Total Checking account does have a $12 monthly fee. This is steep compared to the likes of Ally and Axos that don’t charge a thing. However, it’s not too hard to get around this fee if you meet one of the following requirements:

  • Monthly deposits totaling $500 or more
  • A balance of $1,500 or more each day of the month

Alongside the monthly fee, you’ll be charged $34 any time you overdraft your account. Wire transfers can cost up to $50 per transaction, whether incoming or outgoing.

Minimum Balance

Chase Total Checking does not require a minimum balance to keep your account open. If you want to avoid monthly fees, you’ll want to keep at least $1,500 in there at all times.

APY

Unfortunately, Chase’s Total Checking does not offer any APY for members, a sharp contract to Axos’ 1.25%. As a result, it’s best to pair the benefits of this checking account with one of Chase’s many savings options.

Other Available Accounts

Chase lives up to its reputation as a large bank with several checking, savings, and investment account options. It’s also possible to snag a CD or look into loans and home equity plans.

ATM Network

Chase keeps its ATM network close to its chest and only lets customers use Chase-branded ATMs for free. Fees at non-Chase ATMs can reach $2.50 or $5.00 per transaction. With only 16,000 machines to choose from, Chase pales in comparison to Alliant and Presidential.

LendingClub logo

LendingClub Rewards Checking: Best Bank Account for Couples Wanting Cash Back

4.1

LendingClub understands there’s nothing like earning money for buying what you already need. The platform offers 1% cash back on all purchases with its debit card but does require members to meet specific requirements. Its checking account does not charge monthly fees and will reimburse you for ATM use anywhere in the world. The interest rate is a little low, and there are limited options for other accounts should you wish to diversify your money.

Why we chose it: LendingClub’s Rewards Checking gifts members with interest and cash back on purchases made with its debit card.

  • 1% cash back on debit card purchases without limit
  • Worldwide ATM rebates
  • No monthly fees
  • Limited account offerings
  • Low interest rate
  • High requirements for cash back

Fees

Customers don’t have to worry about monthly fees with LendingClub, no matter what that account balance may be. As with most checking accounts, wire transfer fees can get out of hand if not careful.

Minimum Balance

Like Ally and Axos, LendingClub doesn’t require a monthly balance to maintain an account. There’s no minimum needed to avoid fees, either.

APY

LendingClub’s APY starts at 0.10% if you have at least $2,500 in your account. If you exceed $100,000, the rate jumps to 0.15%. While lower than Ally and Axos, even 0.10% is significantly higher than the industry standard.

Other Available Accounts

Unlike Ally and Axos, LendingClub doesn’t offer a wide range of bank accounts. Fortunately, members aren’t completely without options. It’s also possible to set up a personal loan or a mortgage for those big purchases.

ATM Network

Although LendingClub doesn’t have its own ATM network, it allows members to make use of ATMs around the globe for free. It will pay back any fees domestic or foreign ATMs may charge.

Discover bank logo

Discover Cashback Debit: Best Bank Account for Couples Wishing to Avoid Fees

4.0

While most bank accounts limit fees, Discover’s Cashback Debit goes way beyond the norm. You won’t even receive charges for things like debit card replacement or reordering checks. Early direct deposit allows you to pocket extra income before heading out the door for a weekend getaway. While the account does offer cash back, it caps at $3,000 per month and doesn’t pay out any interest.

Why we chose it: Discover eliminates fees from all but outgoing wire transfers while offering cash back and early direct deposit.

  • Minimal fees
  • Early direct deposit
  • No minimum balance
  • Cashback caps at $3,000 per month
  • No APY
  • Online access only

Fees

Discover puts its foot down on fees, charging nothing for things like check reordering that even Ally has a price for. Other than out-of-network ATMs, the only fee you’ll see from Discover’s Cashback Debit is on outgoing wire transfers. A $30 flat rate for wires is significantly less than Chase or Alliant’s $50 international outgoing transfers.

Minimum Balance

There are no minimum balance requirements for a Discover Cashback Debit account. You won’t receive a charge even if your funds fall critically low.

APY

Unlike Ally’s 0.10% to 0.25%, Cashback Debit doesn’t have any APY. You may wish to drop extra funds in an interest-bearing savings account instead.

Other Available Accounts

Discover has a handful of savings, money market, and CD accounts that can generate interest on your hard-earned money. If you’re thinking long-term, there are also options for retirement investing available.

ATM Network

You can make use of over 60,000 ATMs around the country completely free of charge. While Discover won’t change for using them, some out-of-network ATMs may come with a fee. Here, Discover doesn’t stand too far off from Presidential’s 88,000 in-network.

Presidential Bank logo

Presidential Bank Advantage Checking: Best Bank Account for Couples Wanting High Interest

4.0

Presidential Bank’s Advance checking can reach heights of 2.23% interest on a checking account as long as your balance remains between $500 and $25,000. Freedom from monthly fees and 88,000 ATM locations help you better control your money. You will need to keep a minimum account balance to meet interest rate requirements and avoid monthly payments. If you write paper checks, Presidential Bank will charge you for using more than three in a given month.

Why we chose it: Presidential Bank’s Advance Checking offers one of the highest interest rates out there while avoiding most banking fees.

  • Insanely high interest rate
  • Over 88,000 ATM locations
  • No monthly fees
  • Account has a minimum balance requirement
  • Must meet prerequisites to earn a high interest rate
  • Only three free paper checks per month

Fees

Fees are few and far between for the Advance Checking account as long as you’re careful. You need to maintain at least a $500 balance to avoid a $5 monthly fee, and you’ll also receive charges for overdrafts or if you send outgoing wires.

Minimum Balance

Advance Checking has a $500 initial deposit requirement, contrary to Ally not requiring a thing, and members will want to remain above that line to do away with a monthly fee. It’s worth noting that any funds exceeding $25,000 won’t earn the high interest rate.

APY

APY rates change depending on the funds in your account. Even if you can’t maintain a $500 balance, you’ll still receive 0.10% interest each month. Users between $500 and $25,000 have found the sweet spot, earning 2.23% interest on that full amount. Compare this to Axos bank, capping out at 1.25% if you’re able to meet all its requirements.

Any funds in excess of $25,000 still generate interest, but at 0.75% instead. Even this rate crushes the industry standard of 0.03%!

Other Available Accounts

Should you need to look beyond checking accounts, you won’t find a whole lot here. Presidential Bank does have savings accounts and CDs with varying interest rates among them. It’s also possible to obtain a mortgage or line of credit.

ATM Network

Presidential Bank sees over 88,000 ATMs dotted throughout the countryside. You can use any one of these ATMs completely fee-free. Other ATMs may have a surcharge for use with a Presidential Bank card. Next to Ally or Chase, Presidential takes the cake with ATM options.

Methodology for the Best Bank Account for Couples

Several factors go into making bank accounts stand out. We considered each of the following when building our list of the best bank accounts for couples. 

  • Minimum Requirements: A good bank account for couples needs to be easy to open. The best bank accounts should not have high initial deposits or unrealistic balance requirements that make them difficult to use.
  • Fees: The bane of every bank account, fees seem counterintuitive when financial establishments should help funds grow. While some accounts nickel and dime you, the best ones avoid monthly fees and charges that chip away at hard-earned cash.
  • Interest Rate: Interest rates make banks more appealing than burying your paycheck in the backyard. Although some institutions offer high rates, it’s important to understand all the hoops you must travel through to unlock them.
  • Account Types: Banks and credit unions don’t stop at a solitary account, and you may not want to either. Having plenty of account options for your money allows for diversity and additional perks along the way.
  • ATM Network: If your money’s sitting in a bank, chances are you want to access it from time to time. ATMs provide a shortcut to pulling out much-needed cash, as long as there are enough of them. The best bank accounts for couples have tens of thousands of ATMs littered across the country, if not the world. 
  • Accessibility: Alongside ATMs, members need regular access to account information to transfer funds and make changes. If a bank doesn’t have a lot of physical locations, it should at least have an intuitive website you can visit from anywhere.
  • Other Rewards: Be on the lookout for bonuses that make an account even more appealing, such as overdraft forgiveness or ATM reimbursement. Some even go so far as to offer cash back or regular dividends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Best Bank Account for Couples

Finding the right bank for you and your spouse can be a complicated process. The answers to these frequently asked questions should help point you in the right direction.

Bottom Line on Best Bank Account for Couples

Joint bank accounts are an excellent way for spouses to share money, goals, and dreams. It allows families to keep all expenses together and keep better tabs on earnings. The best bank accounts for couples do the above with minimal fees and perks to make couples’ lives even easier.

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

SoFi Review 2023: The Best Online Banking Solution for Small Businesses?

SoFi Review: The Best Online Banking Solution for Small Businesses?

SoFi is a financial technology company individuals and businesses alike can use to safely store and grow funds. This SoFi review spells out all the pros and cons of the service to help you decide whether or not to give it a go. 

Our Verdict

SoFi offers a slew of products, stretching from loans to banking and insurance. Sole proprietors, partnerships, and LLCs looking to separate business and personal funds will likely find something of interest here.

Its bank account keeps fees to a minimum while providing high-interest rates and the flexibility to move money around as you see fit. When a project calls for large-scale investment, SoFi has financing options so you don’t have to miss a beat.

  • Up to 1.25% APY for savings and checking
  • No minimums or monthly fees
  • 2-3% cash back on credit card purchases
  • Only one savings/checking account is available
  • All business loans come from a third party
  • Limited features for business owners

SoFi at a Glance

SoFi is a financial platform with savings, checking, and lending options for small business owners. It’s free to set up an account, and outside of loans, members never have to worry about monthly fees along the way. This lack of fees extends to cash deposits, transactions, and overdraft charges that other institutions typically charge for.

Screenshot of SoFi website home page
Source: SoFi

The platform’s 1.25% APY for both checking and savings is among the highest available, requiring no more than a direct deposit to lock in the rate. Sofi’s sole credit card comes with 2-3% cash back to bolster income.

Perhaps best known for its personal loans, SoFi adds business financing options through its Lantern Credit service. While SoFi does not provide these loans itself, it gives access to several top-tier options business owners can choose from.

Who SoFi is Best For

Smaller business owners will get the most out of SoFi’s services. Its banking services are geared more toward personal use, but individual business owners can get just as much use out of a bank account. It’s also possible to get up a joint account for duos sharing the business load. If you’re able to pay yourself with direct deposit, you can maximize the interest rate for checking and savings.

Pricing

SoFi stands firm on its desire to minimize fees anywhere it can. It also holds one of the highest interest rates among online and physical banks around the country.

Checking and Savings Account

Monthly Fee

$0

Minimum Deposit to Open Account

$0

Minimum Balance to Maintain Account

$0

Overdraft Fees

Up to $50 covered

APY

0.70% or 1.25%

Transactions

Unlimited free transfers to other bank accounts or through point of sale

Cash Deposits

No fee when using 55,000 in-network ATMs to deposit cash

ATM Fees

Free from over 55,00 in-network machines

Wires

$25 to $30 for outgoing domestic transfers, $45 to $50 for outgoing international transfers

SoFi is somewhat new to the banking scene and has but one savings and checking account available. There’s no minimum deposit required to set things up. You also don’t need to worry about monthly fees or maintaining a minimum balance.

To tap into SoFi’s 1.25% APY, you simply need to link up a direct deposit to either checking or savings. If you’re unable to do so, you’ll still earn 0.70% on both accounts, a number still much higher than the industry standard.

The banking platform really has an aversion to fees, making money transfers between bank accounts free. Business owners will enjoy $0 point of sale transitions both domestically and internationally. SoFi looks the other way for up to $50 in overdraft fees as long as you’ve linked up a direct deposit.

You won’t get charged for using any of the 55,000+ ATMs in SoFi’s network. Its website makes no mention of charges for using out-of-network ATMs, but you should always expect a charge from the ATM itself.

Sofi’s wire transfer fees are standard at $25 to $30 for an outgoing domestic rate. Those looking to send funds internationally will have to pay closer to $50 per transfer.

SoFi Features

SoFi has several impressive features that make it an online bank worth pursuing. Let’s take a look at them now.

Credit Cards

SoFi offers a solitary credit card for business owners to use when making purchases. The MasterCard earns 2% cash back on purchases you can put back into your finances or save for a particular project. If you can link up a direct deposit, you’ll earn 3% cash back instead.

The card has no annual fee but can charge anywhere between 13.74% and 25.74% APR depending on your credit score. There’s no mention of being able to obtain multiple credit cards from one account to hand out to employees.

Checking and Savings

Screenshot of SoFi online banking page
Source: SoFi

Should you choose to bank with SoFi, you’ll open up both a checking and savings account at the same time. It’s not possible to open up one or the other. Both accounts earn the same interest rate, either 0.70% or 1.25% if you can link up a direct deposit.

Neither account has monthly account fees or minimum requirements. You can move cash fluidly between them, but you’ll want to be careful not to overdraft your checking account by more than $50 when making purchases. There is an option to create a joint business bank account if you have more than one business owner.

Insurance

Screenshot of SoFi online insurance webpage
Source: SoFi

Small business owners need a source of insurance, and SoFi has options available that suits for startups or any small businesses. The online back currently has plans for auto, life, renting, and homeowners. Although these types of insurance are available for the SoFi account holder, you won’t be able to offer them to your employees as well.

Student Loan Repayment

SoFi takes a unique approach to business incentives, offering business owners the means to help employees pay off student loan debt. With SoFi, you can contribute up to $5,250 tax-free each year toward your employees’ student debt. Employers can deduct this amount while offering an incentive to hire young talent from the graduate pool.

Mobile Banking

SoFi’s mobile app allows you to transfer and receive funds with nothing more than a smartphone. For anyone using SoFi’s app, transfers occur in real-time. The app also makes it easy to pay bills online or set up recurring payments to vendors or employees. You can deposit checks right from your phone by snapping a photo and listing where you want the money to go.

Minimal Fees

You won’t find many fees when you sign up for SoFi. Account setup is free, and you won’t ever see a monthly fee come across your desk. Alongside overdraft forgiveness and zero charges for transferring or depositing cash, you can use SoFi without having to spend a cent. You’ll only run into fees with outgoing wire transfers and any time you have to use an out-of-network ATM.

If you want to open a business account with minimal fee, here is a thorough Oxygen Review, Capital One Review, and Lili Review that includes information on the pros, cons, and alternatives.

Loans and Lines of Credit

SoFi’s Lantern Marketplace helps business owners view and compare the top loans currently available. SoFi does not offer these loans directly but facilitates the process of locating the loan your business needs. After supplying information about how much you need, what you’ll use the loan for, and what state you’re in, Lantern will find the best options for you.

Security

Screenshot of SoFi security feature
Source: SoFi

Should something happen with your credit card, you can freeze it with the push of a button on the SoFi app. SoFi watches your account for suspicious activity and will let you know the moment they sense something amiss.

The online bank further keeps your account secure through two-factor authorization, requiring a fingerprint or additional passcode to access your information. Each card chip generates a unique transaction code to identify purchases and add in extra security. All money in your SoFi account is FDIC insured for up to $250,000.

Alternatives to SoFi

SoFi gets along well with business owners but may not contain everything you’re looking for. Check out these SoFi alternatives to see if they’re more your style.

LendingClub is an online banking service offering quite a bit more variety than SoFi when it comes to accounts. Business owners can choose from ten different checking and savings plans strictly for businesses. The mobile app tracks transactions in real-time and allows users to transfer funds or make check deposits. 

Among those accounts, you can find 1% cash back on debit card purchases and rebates from ATMs anywhere in the world, whether they’re in-network or not. Interest rates are meager, topping off at 0.10% for accounts with $5,000 or more. If you’re unable to maintain a balance of $5,000, you’ll also incur a $10 monthly charge.

LendingClub specializes in loans for small businesses, no matter the need. Flexible loans can climb as high as $500,000, whereas loans for property and equipment can reach $10 million if needed.

  • 1% cash back on debit card purchases without limit
  • Worldwide ATM rebates
  • Several loan packages
  • Monthly fee on accounts with balances under $100
  • Low interest rate
  • High requirements for cash back

BlueVine provides loans and checking accounts for small businesses looking to get a leg up on the competition. There are very few fees across the board, but it is unfortunate to see charges for cash deposits.

If you can keep up with BlueVine’s requirements, it’s possible to earn 1.5% APY on your checking account. This amount eclipses SoFi’s 1.25% but is not quite as easy to attain. Similar to SoFi, BlueVine doesn’t necessitate a minimum balance or charge a monthly fee. What’s worse, any money in your account above $100,000 doesn’t receive interest, and there’s no savings plan to dump excess into.

BlueVine has lines of credit up to $250,000 and rates as low as 4.8% to pay them off. These numbers fall in line with the third-party lenders SoFi uses as part of its Lantern network. When depositing money to keep up with loan payments, keep in mind that BlueVine has monthly limits on how much you can put in your checking account.

  • High interest rates
  • Very few fees
  • No minimum balance or monthly fees
  • Monthly deposit and withdrawal limits
  • Does not offer a savings account
  • Fee for cash deposits
Kabbage logo

Kabbage

Visit

Kabbage empowers small businesses with a monthly fee-free checking account. Although its interest rate is a little lower than SoFi, Kabbage does not have prerequisites for earning 1.10% on funds up to $100,000. 

Unlike SoFi, there’s no way to create joint bank accounts with Kabbage. As a result, it’s best bank account for sole proprietorships or LLCs with a sole owner. On the plus side, Kabbage doesn’t charge ATM fees, whether in-network or not. You will get charged $4.95 every time you deposit an amount of cash into your account.

When you’re ready to take your business to the next level, Kabbage offers easily accessible lines of credit for just such a purpose. The approval process takes no more than a few minutes. Once approved, you can transfer money from the line of credit to your checking account in real-time.

  • 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 has a handful of checking and savings accounts for business owners to choose from. Its Interest Checking plan grants a 1.01% APY for up to $50,000, with rates decreasing from there. You can transfer extra money into a savings account, but these accrue 0.20% interest at best.

Most of these accounts require a high initial deposit to open and a substantial balance to avoid monthly fees. This is a sharp contrast to SoFi, where no such fees exist. There aren’t many fees if you can keep up with balance requirements, and Axos will reimburse you for any ATM fees you may encounter.

The platform has both loans and lines of credit to help businesses grow. Loans and lines start at $10 million and demand at least two years in business.

  • High APY with an interest checking account
  • Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
  • No monthly maintenance fees or balance requirements for basic checking
  • Monthly fee with higher-tier accounts
  • Low APY on business savings accounts
  • Some accounts require high deposits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for SoFi

SoFi is a popular option for banking and lending. Here are some lesser-known answers to questions surrounding the service.

Bottom Line on SoFi Review

SoFi is a great opening strategy for small businesses looking to build interest on available funds. The only thing required to benefit from SoFi’s highest rate is a direct deposit, so long as you can pay yourself. The financial service provider also helps you find loans from a handful of third-party companies instead of being shoehorned into one option. Minimal fees make it possible to make the most of your money without draining it in the process.

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 Bank Account for Sole Proprietor in 2023

A smiling sole proprietor in his office - Best Bank Account for Sole Proprietor in 2022

Choosing the best bank account for sole proprietors empowers your small business for long-term growth and sustainability. However, each sole proprietorship has different banking needs depending on the type of business. The best business bank accounts for sole proprietors offer low or no fees, generous transaction limits, and mobile banking tools.

Best Bank Account for Sole Proprietors

Bank

Monthly Fees

Minimum Opening Deposit

Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

Transaction Limits

Lending

Rewards and Benefits

No monthly fees

No minimum opening deposit

Earn up to 1.5% APY

Unlimited transactions

Lines of credit

Deposit cash and checks at Green Dot partner locations

No monthly fees

$50

No APY

No transaction fees and minimum or maximum deposits

Charge or credit cards are available

Free ACH transfers and mobile check deposits

No monthly fees

No initial deposit requirement

Earn up to 1.25% APY

Unlimited item processing (debits, credits, and deposited items)

Lines of credit and loans

Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements

$16 or $29.95/month (waivable), depending on chosen plan

$100

No APY earnings on business checking account

200 or 500 free transactions per month

Loans, business credit cards and lines of credit

Waivable monthly fees with minimum monthly balance of $5,000 or $15,000

$15 or $35/month (waivable), depending on chosen plan

$250

No APY

Unlimited transactions

Loans and lines of credit

Waivable monthly fees with minimum monthly balance of $2,000 or $25,000

$0, $20, or $30/month, depending on chosen plan

$100

No APY

125-500 free transactions per statement cycle

Loans, credit cards, lines of credit

Send and request money features

BlueVine logo

Bluevine: Best Overall for Sole Proprietors

Pricing: No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.

4.9

Bluevine is a digital banking solution that offers a business checking account for sole proprietors. With Bluevine, there are no minimum opening deposit or balance requirements. Furthermore, there are no monthly maintenance fees. You can also earn up to 1.5% APY with a Bluevine business checking account. 

Since digital banking users expect to exceed 65% of the US population, it’s crucial to have access to a full suite of mobile banking tools through Bluevine.

Why we chose it: Bluevine is the best overall bank account for sole proprietors because there are no monthly fees, and you can open your account within minutes. Furthermore, you receive unlimited fee-free transactions and can deposit cash at Green Dot locations.

  • Unlimited fee-free transactions
  • No maintenance fees or balance requirements
  • Earn up to 1.50% interest
  • No joint accounts
  • Can only deposit cash through Green Dot Services
  • No physical branches

Pricing: It’s free to create a Bluevine business bank account for sole proprietors. You can incur fees through outgoing wires, Bill Pay with credit card, cash deposits, and from using out-of-network ATMs. 

Maintenance Fees

Bluevine business checking accounts do not have monthly fees or minimum balance and deposit requirements. There are also no in-network ATM fees, and you receive two free checkbooks per year.

Transaction Limits and Charges

Bluevine offers unlimited fee-free transactions. However, all accounts are subject to the aggregated monthly withdrawal and deposit account limits. With Bluevine, there are no overdraft fees, incoming and outgoing ACH fees, and incoming wire fees. However, it costs $15 per transaction for outgoing wire fees. 

Cash Deposit Limit

Through Bluevine’s collaboration with Green Dot, you can use your Bluevine business debit card to deposit up to $7,500 in cash each month. Green Dot has over 90,000 locations throughout the US, making it easy to find an eligible cash deposit location. 

Interest

Bluevine’s business bank accounts offer up to a 1.5% annual percentage yield on balances up to $100,000. Unlike most interest-bearing bank accounts, Bluevine doesn’t require you to maintain a daily or monthly minimum balance to earn interest.

Included Tools

Bluevine features excellent flexibility for sole proprietors running small businesses. It offers all the tools you need to manage your finances, including recurring and one-time payments as well as mobile check deposit. Bluevine also offers integrations with QuickBooks, Wave, and FreshBooks.

Novo logo

Novo: Best for Small Businesses

4.7

Novo is a comprehensive digital banking solution for sole proprietors. It’s free to create an account as long as you deposit the $50 initial requirement. However, there are no hidden fees, and you can apply online in under 10 minutes. Novo makes transfers easy by offering free ACH transfers, mailed checks, and incoming wires.

Why we chose it: Novo is the best bank account for small businesses because of its no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. You also receive unlimited refunds for ATM charges and can access Novo’s comprehensive suite of third-party integrations. 

  • No monthly fees or minimum balance requirement
  • Refunds on all ATM fees globally
  • Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Stripe, and Shopify
  • $27 fees for insufficient funds and uncollected funds returned
  • No recurring payments available
  • Can’t deposit cash

Pricing: There are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements to create a Novo business bank account. 

Maintenance Fees

Novo’s business checking account has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, similar to Bluevine. Therefore, you can create your business bank account for free.

Transaction Limits and Charges

There are no transaction fees and no incoming wire fees. Furthermore, there are no fees for outgoing or incoming ACH transfers, stop payments, debit card replacements, or paper statements. Novo business checking also provides free mobile check deposit, free bill pay with physical checks, and free bank checks.

Cash Deposit Limit

Novo business checking accounts cannot accommodate standard cash deposits. If you want to deposit cash, you must purchase a money order and use Novo’s mobile check deposit feature to deposit the check into your business bank account. 

Interest

Novo does not offer APY earnings on account balances. As a sole proprietor looking to grow your business, it may be more optimal to put your cash to use instead of slowly earning interest. If you want to earn interest on your account balances, we recommend using a business savings account.

Included Tools

Novo offers an integrated invoicing feature that allows you to create, send, and manage an unlimited number of invoices. You can accept payments through AHC transfer or Stripe if you use the Novo Stripe integration. There is also a Novo Bank perks program granting discounts on certain business software like Stripe, QuickBooks, Gusto, and HubSpot.

Axos logo

Axos: Best for Free Basic Business Checking Account

Pricing: No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.

4.5

Axos made significant improvements to its business checking accounts in 2022 by adding cash deposit capabilities and removing transaction limits. With 24/7 customer support and free nationwide ATM access, Axos is one of the best bank accounts for sole proprietors. Axos also offers your first set of 50 checks for free.

If you‘re interested in incorporating your sole proprietorship into an LLC, Axos is also the best bank account for LLCs. This is because Axos offers a $200 bonus for newly incorporated business owners.

Why we chose it: Axos is the best free basic business checking account because there are no maintenance fees and unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements. You also receive a Visa debit card, and two reimbursed domestic wire fees per month.

  • No monthly maintenance fee and unlimited transactions
  • Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Lack of third-party app integrations
  • Negligible checking account APY
  • Business Interest Checking requires a $100 deposit

Pricing: 

Axos offers two business checking accounts for sole proprietors:

  • Basic Business Checking: No monthly fees, initial deposit requirements, or minimum balance requirements.
  • Business Interest Checking: $10 per month, waivable if you maintain an average daily balance of at least $5,000

Maintenance Fees

It’s free to apply and create an Axos business bank account for sole proprietors. There are no monthly maintenance fees or initial deposit requirements, like Novo. However, the Business Interest Checking account has a $10 monthly fee you can waive with an average daily balance of at least $5,000.

Transaction Limits and Charges

The Basic Business Checking offers 200 free transactions each month. Additional transactions are 30 cents each. You receive 50 free transactions each month with the Business Interest Checking account. Additional transactions cost 50 cents each.

Cash Deposit Limit

Axos business checking account members can deposit cash for free via compatible MoneyPass and AllPoint ATMs. Most digital banking solutions offer cash deposits through Green Dot, which costs $4.95 per deposit. Getting access to free cash deposits is key for cash-heavy sole proprietorships. 

Interest

Although the Basic Business Checking doesn’t offer APY earnings, the Business Interest Checking account offers up to 1.01% APY. However, the APY ranges based on your balance. You can earn 1.01% if there is less than $50,000 in your account. The APY decreases significantly to 0.20% if you have $50,000 to $250,000 in your account. 

Included Tools

Axos offers comprehensive iOS and Android mobile apps that can handle all of your banking needs with the highest convenience. You receive free Bill Pay and image statements with an Axos business bank account. The mobile app also allows you to manage your business funds, view account balances, deposit checks, and automate bills. 

Bank of America logo

Bank of America: Best for Traditional Banking

Pricing: Starts at $16 per month, but the fees are waivable.

4.43

Bank of America offers two comprehensive business checking accounts. Each bank account offers unlimited fee-free electronic transactions, high cash deposit limits, and waivable monthly maintenance fees. 

Why we chose it: With 4,200 Bank of America branch locations across 37 states, Bank of America is the best business bank account for sole proprietors who prefer traditional banking. Nonetheless, Bank of America offers digital-friendly options in addition to brick-and-mortar accessibility. 

  • Unlimited fee-free electronic transactions
  • High cash deposit limits
  • Business Advantage 360 online banking platform
  • No free business checking account option 
  • High incidental fees
  • Fees to use non-Bank of America ATMs

Pricing: 

Bank of America carries two separate business bank accounts for sole proprietors:

  • Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking: $16 per month, waivable if you maintain a $5,000 combined average monthly balance, spend at least $250 in new net qualified debit card purchases, or become a Preferred Rewards for Business member.
  • Business Advantage Relationship Banking: $29.95 per month, waivable if you maintain a $15,000 combined average monthly balance or become a Preferred Rewards for Business Member. 

Maintenance Fees

Unlike Novo and Bluevine, both Bank of America business checking accounts come with monthly maintenance fees, but the fees can be waived. Furthermore, the initial opening deposit requirement is $100 for both accounts. 

Transaction Limits and Charges

A Bank of America business bank account offers unlimited fee-free transactions, including ACH, debit card, electronic debits, deposits made with mobile check deposit, remote deposit online, or Bank of America ATM deposits. However, the Fundamentals account grants you 200 fee-free non-electronic transactions, and you receive 500 with a Relationship account.

Cash Deposit Limit

The Fundamentals checking account offers up to $7,500 in free cash deposits per month. Afterward, it costs 30 cents per $100 deposited. The Relationship checking account offers up to $20,000 in free cash deposits per statement cycle. Additional fees are the same as the Fundamentals account.

Interest

The Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking account doesn’t offer APY earnings on held account balances. The Business Advantage Relationship Banking offers various rates based on your location. However, you can apply for a Business Savings account to earn interest on your account balances. 

Included Tools

Bank of America offers its Business Advantage 360 online banking platform. This platform includes mobile banking, bill pay, mobile check deposit, and integrated cash-flow monitoring tools. You also get access to 16,000 Bank of America ATMs across the US. Other tools include Zelle and third-party integrations with ADP, QuickBooks, Google, and TurboTax.

Capital one logo

Capital One: Best for Customer Service

Pricing: Starts at $15 per month, but the fees are waivable.

4.32

Capital One’s banks accounts for sole proprietors offer fee-free ATM access, unlimited transactions, and an entourage of small business products. You have the option between the Basic Checking account or Unlimited Checking account. Both bank accounts have monthly maintenance fees that can be waived based on your average account balance.

Why we chose it: Capital One is a great fit for sole proprietors looking for comprehensive banking with the best customer support. In-person support at Capital One branch locations offers more effective customer service solutions.

  • Robust traditional banking tools
  • Waivable monthly service fee
  • High cash deposit limits
  • $250 minimum opening deposit
  • Only available in a handful of states
  • Can only apply at a physical branch

Pricing: 

Capital one provides two business checking account options for sole proprietors:

  • Basic Checking: $15 per month, waivable if prior 30 or 90-day balance averages $2,000 or more.
  • Unlimited Checking: $35 per month, waivable if prior 30 or 90-day balance averages $25,000 or more.

Maintenance Fees

Both Capital One business checking accounts include monthly service fees. However, like Bank of America, you can waive these fees. Just meet the account balance thresholds. Furthermore, the initial deposit for both accounts is $250.

Transaction Limits and Charges

With either Capital One solo proprietor checking accounts, you get unlimited fee-free transactions. These include deposits, withdrawals, and transfers. However, there is a $15 fee for incoming international wire transfers and a $40 fee for outgoing international wire transfers. You also get charged for overdraft and nonsufficient funds at $35 for each.

Cash Deposit Limit

The Basic Checking account allows up to $5,000 in cash deposits each month. Afterward, it costs $1 for every $1,000 deposited. The Unlimited Checking Account offers up to $40,000 in cash deposits each month for free.

Interest

Capital One does not offer APY earnings on its business checking accounts for sole proprietors. However, you can earn 0.2% APY with a Capital One Business Savings account.

Included Tools

Capital One offers overdraft coverage, free debit cards, mobile banking, online bill pay, and fee-free digital transactions. You also get access to over 70,000 fee-free ATMs, including MoneyPass, Allpoint, and Capital One ATMs. 

U.S. Bank logo

US Bank: Best for Business Loans

Pricing: Starts at $0 per month.

3.8

US Bank offers three business bank accounts for sole proprietors, including a free plan with Silver Business Checking. With the Silver account, you receive 125 free transactions per statement cycle. It costs 50 cents for each additional transaction. Furthermore, US Bank has over 2,000 branches across 27 states, perfect for individuals who prefer to bank in person.

Why we chose it: US Bank offers several different business loans, including quick loans, business term loans, commercial real estate loans, and small business administration (SBA) loans. 

  • Offers a basic plan with no monthly maintenance fees
  • Specialized merchant services
  • 25 free cash deposits per month
  • Transaction fees on additional cash deposits
  • Terms and fees not easily accessible on website
  • No APY earnings potential

Pricing: 

US Bank carries three different small business checking account options for sole proprietors:

  • Silver: $0 per month
  • Gold: $20 per month, waivable with US Bank Payment Solutions Merchant Banking, $10,000 average collected balance, or $20,000 combined average collected business deposit balances or $50,000 combined average collected business deposits and outstanding credit balances
  • Platinum: $30 per month, waivable with $25,000 average collected balance or $75,000 combined average collected business deposits and outstanding business credit balances 

Maintenance Fees

US Bank offers three business bank accounts: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Silver has a $0 monthly fee, Gold has a $20 monthly fee, and Platinum has a $30 monthly fee. However, the fee is waivable if you meet the requirements listed above. Furthermore, the minimum opening deposit requirement on each plan is $100.

Transaction Limits and Charges

Silver offers 125 free transactions per statement cycle and 50 cents for each additional transaction. Gold offers 300 free transactions per statement cycle and 45 cents for additional ones. Platinum offers 500 free transactions per statement cycle and 40 cents for each additional transaction. 

Cash Deposit Limit

Silver customers are allowed $2,500 in cash deposits per month. Gold members can deposit $10,000 in cash each month, and Platinum members can deposit $20,000 cash each month.

Interest

US Bank’s Gold and Platinum checking accounts earn interest at a negligible rate and only on balances of $20,000 or more. If you are looking for an interest-bearing account, we recommend another option like Bluevine.

Included Tools

US Bank offers a range of payment processing solutions, including point-of-sale options such as a mobile app and card reader to a portable touch-screen terminal.

Methodology for the Best Business Bank Account for Sole Proprietor

Opening a business bank account for your sole proprietorship legitimizes your business. It also allows you to separate your personal and business finances, offering clarity and accuracy when tax season arrives.

Consider the following features when choosing a business bank account:

  • Maintenance fees: Maintenance fees include monthly fees and minimum opening deposit requirements. As a sole proprietor, it’s beneficial to find a business bank account that offers low or $0 monthly fees and initial deposits. Most business checking accounts with a monthly fee can be waived if you meet certain requirements.
  • Transaction limits: Banks may place limits on the number of transactions your sole proprietorship can make, including electronic transactions and checks. If you exceed your monthly transaction limit, you’ll need to pay a small fee for each additional transaction. You should choose a business bank account that can accommodate your transaction volume.
  • Cash deposit limits: Cash deposit limits determine how much cash you can deposit into your account for free each statement period. If you exceed your allotted limit, you’ll need to pay a small fee for each additional cash deposit. Find a business bank account with an adequate cash deposit limit for your sole proprietorship.
  • Interest: Some business bank accounts offer interest earnings through standard APY rates. This is beneficial if you’re looking to save and earn interest on a longer-term basis and don’t need daily access to your funds.
  • Included tools: It’s important to consider what type of tools each business bank account offers. Many banks offer free online and mobile banking apps, including online bill pay and mobile check deposit. Some banks may also offer online payments, third-party integrations, and invoicing features. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Best Bank Account for Sole Proprietor

Below are a few common questions we receive about the best bank account for sole proprietors. 

Bottom Line on Best Bank Account for Sole Proprietor

Opening a business bank account as a sole proprietor is crucial for future growth and accurate bookkeeping. Every business checking account on this list is better than using your personal checking account for your sole proprietorship. The best business bank account for sole proprietors is Bluevine. It carries no fees, no minimum balances, and you can open your account within a few minutes. 

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

Bank of America Review 2023: Best Traditional Checking Account?

Bank of America logo

Your business bank account acts as a home base for your business’s financial database. Bank of America offers two types of business checking accounts for small to large business owners. In this Bank of America review, you’ll see why using the second-largest US bank (by assets) may be the best choice for you.

Screenshot of Bank of America website homepage
Source: Bank of America

Our Verdict 

Bank of America provides two appealing business checking accounts that offer the important banking features you would expect from a major banking institution. Whether you’re part of a small business or large enterprise, you can utilize Bank of America’s high cash deposit limits and Business Advantage 360 online banking platform.

The online banking platform offers bill pay, mobile check deposits, an excellent mobile app, and an integrated cash-flow monitoring tool. Bank of America’s business accounts also offer unlimited fee-free electronic transactions. These include ACH transactions, debit card transactions, remote deposits online, and electronic debits.

Screenshot of Bank of America mobile app dashboard
Source: Bank of America
  • All-in-one business banking services with a low monthly fee
  • Easily waivable monthly fee
  • Over 17,000 ATMs and 4,300 branches
  • Lacks 24/7 customer service
  • QuickBooks integration only featured on higher-tier plan
  • Transaction fees when using non-Bank of America ATMs

Bank of America at a Glance 

Bank of America offers business bank accounts that allow you to pay invoices, receive payments from clients, deposit cash and checks, and manage your business transactions. As one of the best small business bank accounts, a Bank of America business account is ideal for cash-heavy businesses.

With the Fundamentals business account, you can deposit up to $7,500 in cash per statement cycle for free. Then, it costs $0.30 per $100. You’re also limited to 200 check deposits or other deposits per cycle. Afterward, it costs $0.45 per item. 

With the Relationship business account, you can deposit up to $20,000 per statement cycle for free. You also receive a maximum of 500 check deposits or other debits per statement cycle. Nonetheless, both plans offer unlimited free ACH, debit card, check deposits, and electronic debits through Remote Deposit Online.

Bank of America sets itself apart from other banks because of the great user experience in its online website and mobile app. It’s also easy for business account holders to waive fees, add additional accounts, and receive perks from the Business Advanced Relationship Rewards Program.

Who Bank of America is Best For 

Bank of America offers the best bank accounts for entrepreneurs and for businesses looking for a traditional banker with outstanding mobile app capabilities. This is also the best business bank for those who prefer going to brick-and-mortar locations to conduct their banking. Bank of America also has a significant global presence, adding value for small businesses that do business internationally.  

Pricing

Bank of America offers two different business bank accounts called Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking and Business Advantage Relationship Banking. Each of these checking accounts comes with efficiency tools like Cash Flow Monitor, and Mobile Check Deposit. However, the Business Advantage Relationship Banking account includes additional features.

Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking

Business Advantage Relationship Banking

Monthly Fee

$16 to $0/month (see ways to waive fee below)

$29.95 to $0/month (see ways to waive fee below)

Minimum combined average monthly balance to waive monthly fee

$5,000

$15,000

Spend $250 in new net qualified purchases to waive monthly fee

Yes

No

Become a member of Preferred Rewards for Business to waive monthly fee

Yes

Yes

Minimum opening deposit

$100

$100

Good for

Small to medium-sized businesses

Medium to large-size businesses

Account management services

Not included

Included

Additional perks

None

Free stop payments and wire transfers

Zelle for your business

Yes

Yes

Easy QuickBooks integration

No

Yes

As you can see, Bank of America offers several ways to waive your monthly fee. In addition to fee waiving, both plans offer access to Zelle. Bank of America offers two different checking accounts. Fundamentals is better suited for small businesses, while Relationship is better for large businesses that need integration tools and account management capabilities.

Bank of America Features

Here’s a closer look at all the key features in our Bank of America business account review. These features are what distinguish Bank of America from other financial institutions. 

Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking Account

Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking is Bank of America’s basic business bank account. This plan has a monthly fee of $16. However, you can waive the monthly fee by keeping a minimum combined average balance of $5,000 or spending $250 in new net qualified purchases each statement cycle. You can also waive the fee as a member of the rewards program.

Furthermore, it costs an additional $16 per month to open a second Business Advantage Banking account and $10 a month to open a Business Advantage Savings account. These are both free on the Business Advantage Relationship Banking account. The Fundamentals plan offers $200 teller transactions and checks per month for free. 

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

Bank of America charges fees for incoming wire transactions. It costs $15 for each domestic transfer and $16 for each international transfer. 

Business Advantage Relationship Banking Account

If your business is more developed, you should choose the Business Advantage Relationship Banking account. This plan costs $29.50 per month but can be waived if you maintain a minimum combined average balance of $15,000 or more. The fee is also waived if you join the rewards program or become a Preferred Rewards for Business member.

The Relationship plan doesn’t have fees on incoming wires and stop payments. Furthermore, you get access to account management capabilities that would cost $15 per month on the Fundamentals plan. Account management services include managing access for multiple users and integration with QuickBooks. 

With the Relationship plan, you get access to a Business Advantage Savings account for free. The Relationship plan also offers access to Cash Flow Monitor to easily track your business’s financial performance. 

Electronic Transactions

Both Bank of America business accounts offer unlimited fee-free electronic transactions. This feature allows Bank of America to stand out among its competitors in the brick-and-mortar space. This is because most traditional banks have a set monthly limit that comprises both non-electronic and electronic transactions.

Bank of America Mobile App

Bank of America has one of the highest mobile app ratings with 4.8 stars out of 5 and over 3 million total reviews on the Apple App Store. This is because the app offers an extensive range of tools to manage your business checking account.

App store preview of Bank of America mobile banking app
Source: Bank of America

Inside the app, you can pay bills, manage your account, view balances, and make transactions. You can also use mobile check deposit or send and receive payments with Zelle. The app also features state-of-the-art security protocols with biometric access through Face ID and Touch ID.

Digital Tools

Bank of America business bank accounts offer several digital tools to make your life easier. These include Zelle, Cash Flow Monitor, Erica, profile linking, digital debit cards, and account management tools.

Zelle is a secure tool that you can use to receive payments from customers or send payments to vendors with no fees. You can use Zelle right from the Bank of America mobile app. Cash Flow Monitor helps you analyze your business financial data and identify key insights on your business’s performance. This way, you can find ways to improve efficiency and profitability. 

Erica is Bank of America’s virtual financial assistant. This tool can help you search transactions, transfer or send money, and receive bill reminders. Bank of America’s profile linking tools help you view and manage personal and business accounts with a single login. 

Preferred Rewards for Business Program

Bank of America offers a rewards program, Preferred Rewards for Business, that you can join for free. There are three levels to the program: Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Honors. Each level offers various incentives, including discounted interest rates on loans, refunds on payroll services, and increased interest on your savings account.

For example, the Gold plan offers a financing interest rate discount of 0.25%, and savings account interest boost of 5%. It also offers credit card bonus rewards of 25% and merchant services rewards of 0.05%

To join the program, you need to have a balance of $20,000, $50,000, or $100,000 in your Bank of America business checking account. 

Alternatives to Bank of America 

Selecting the right business bank account can significantly impact how you manage your business finances in the future. Here are a few key alternatives to consider.

BlueVine is an excellent banking solution for small business owners looking to keep business and personal funds apart. With a BlueVine checking account, you can earn 1.5% interest on your balance up to $100,000. To earn the 1.5% interest, you’ll need to spend at least $500 per month with your BlueVine Business Debit Mastercard.

If you are a small business owner you can check out these other review and might be a great help for you to choose the right banking account; Axos Review, Lili Review, and Capital One Review.

However, you can also earn the 1.5% interest if you receive at least $2,500 per month in customer payments into your bank account via ACH, wire transfer, mobile check deposit, or directly from your merchant payment processing provider. However, this excludes cash deposits.

BlueVine offers unlimited fee-free transactions, no ACH transfer fees, and no incoming wire fees. You also receive refunds on your withdrawals to over 38,000 ATMs nationwide. It’s quick and easy to create your BlueVine business checking account. Anyone from sole proprietorships to corporations can have their bank account up and running in less than an hour. Interested in opening a sole proprietorship account? Then check out the best business bank accounts for sole proprietors.

Pricing:

It’s free to sign up for a business checking account with BlueVine. Furthermore, there are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements to keep your account open. The only fees with BlueVine are for cash deposits, outgoing wire transfers, and withdrawing cash from out-of-network ATMs.

  • Competitive interest rates
  • No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
  • Unlimited transactions
  • Only allow cash deposits through Green Dot Services
  • No savings account
  • No physical branches

Novo is a digital banking solution that offers no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirement. It’s easy to make an account on Novo, and it typically takes 10 minutes for your account to be approved. Once your account is approved, you need to make your initial deposit of at least $50. Then, you can begin using your business checking account.

Novo is the best business bank account for small-business owners who are on the go. This banking provider offers unlimited refunds for ATM charges, a built-in invoicing tool, and direct integration with top business tools.

Since Novo focuses on its digital presence, it cannot accommodate cash deposits. Therefore, Novo is not the best solution for cash-heavy businesses. Bank of America is a better option for businesses that need to deposit cash.

Pricing

Novo doesn’t have any monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. It’s completely free to open a business checking account with Novo.

  • Zero monthly fees
  • No minimum balance required 
  • Refunds on all ATM Fees
  • No savings accounts
  • Fees on overdrawn accounts
  • Cannot deposit cash
Kabbage logo

Kabbage

Visit

Kabbage is a small-business lender who expanded its product suite in 2020 to offer business checking accounts. Kabbage Checking is an online-based free business checking account that includes a simple application process and limited fees.

A Kabbage business bank account is best for those looking for a free business checking account with no monthly fees or balance requirements. Furthermore, this is an excellent platform for businesses that manage most of their finances online

Kabbage offers 1.10% APY on balances up to $100,000. Therefore, Kabbage is a great option for businesses interested in earning interest on their checking account funds. 

Pricing

There are no monthly fees or minimum opening deposit requirement to begin using your Kabbage business checking account. 

  • No minimum balance requirements
  • Easy application process
  • Easy line of credit without prepayment charges
  • Digital bank only
  • Fees up to $4.95 per cash deposit
  • No integration with other tools

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Bank of America Review

Below are a few questions that you have thought of during our review of Bank of America. Continue reading to find answers to the most common ones.

Bottom Line on Bank of America Review

If you want to learn how to open a business bank account with Bank of America, there are three options. You can apply online, call Bank of America, or visit a Bank of America branch. 

Bank of America’s checking accounts are excellent choices for businesses that are able to maintain the minimum balances to waive the monthly fee. With a Bank of America checking account, you can access a comprehensive set of banking tools, making your life that much easier.

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

Oxygen Review 2023: Cost-Effective Champion of Business Bank Accounts

Oxygen logo

Oxygen’s business bank account motivates you to grow your financial assets as a small business owner or freelancer. This Oxygen review reveals why it’s a cost-effective banking option, thanks to the free tier, cashback incentives, and savings interest. We’ll also go over Oxygen pricing, features, pros, cons, and alternatives.

Our Verdict

Oxygen is one of the best business bank accounts for startup entrepreneurs and independent contractors who wish to earn more money. You may not expect it from the fun, flashy design of the website, but it’s actually serious about equipping you to generate extra income through banking.

The most important advantage is that it offers a basic tier without annual fees or minimum deposits. Plus, you can get cashback rewards on purchases from approved merchants. Also, you have a chance to gain interest every year, no matter which tier you select.

However, Oxygen has its disadvantages too. For instance, the initial deposit and spending requirements for paid tiers can be intimidating if you’re on a tight budget. There’s also a cap to the amount of in-app ACH transfers you can pull from external accounts. Lastly, you must pay a costly transfer fee whenever you deposit cash to your Oxygen account via Green Dot.

Here’s a summary of the strengths and weaknesses which we’ll discuss in this Oxygen business account review:

  • Free business account available
  • Generous cashback rewards
  • APY for all tiers
  • High spending requirements for paid tiers
  • ACH limit for all account types
  • Expensive external cash deposit fees

Oxygen at a Glance

Oxygen Bank logo

Oxygen is a financial technology company which provides banking services through Bancorp Bank. It offers business and personal accounts to keep your professional and individual assets distinct from each other. This innovative financial platform was founded by Hussein Ahmed in 2017. At present, the company is based in San Francisco, California.

Oxygen is a cut above the competition because it opens the door to multiple earning opportunities. We’ll delve into various features in this Oxygen review, including APY, cashback, ATM services, physical debit card, virtual debit card, deposit options, ACH transfers, savings goals, mobile banking, extra services, security certification, and customer support.

Pricing: Starts at $0 annual fee

Who Oxygen Is Best For

Oxygen works for freelancers and small business owners who want to boost their professional funds simply by performing banking transactions. After all, you will receive cashback if you buy items from certain sellers using your debit card. Plus, you can look forward to annual interest, whether you sign up for the free tier or the paid ones. You should consider Oxygen if you plan to open a business bank account that encourages you to earn profits in different ways.

Pricing

Oxygen offers four tiers of business bank accounts which you can choose from. This pricing chart gives you an overview of the differences between the tiers:

Oxygen logo

Plans

Earth

Water

Fire

Air

Annual Fee Price

$0

$19.99

$49.99

$199.99

Initial Deposit

$0

$1,500/month

$3,000/month

$6,000/month

Initial Spending

$0

$500/month

$1,000/month

$2,000/month

Annual Deposit & Spending

$0

12x cumulative/year

12x cumulative/year

12x cumulative/year

Savings APY

0.5%

1%

2%

3%

Cashback

2%

4%

5%

6%

ATM Services

Free

Free

Free

Free

Physical Debit Card

PVC foiled card

Embedded metal card

All-metal card

Mechanically engraved all-metal card

Virtual Debit Card

3

15

Unlimited

Unlimited

Deposit Options

Direct deposit + Green Dot cash deposit

Direct deposit + Green Dot cash deposit

Direct deposit + Green Dot cash deposit

Direct deposit + Green Dot cash deposit

ACH Transactions

Limit of $1,000/day + $10,000/month

Limit of $1,500/day + $15,000/month

Limit of $3,000/day + $30,000/month

Limit of $6,000/day + $60,000/month

Savings Goals

3

10

Unlimited

Unlimited

Mobile Banking

Android + iOS

Android + iOS

Android + iOS

Android + iOS

Additional Services

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Security

PCI DSS + 2FA

PCI DSS + 2FA

PCI DSS + 2FA

PCI DSS + 2FA

Customer Support

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST daily

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST daily

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST daily

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST daily

To sum things up, there are four tiers of the Oxygen business bank account:

Oxygen Earth, Water, Air & Fire tier logos
  1. Earth ($0): It’s absolutely free because you don’t need to pay any annual fees. Plus, there’s no minimum initial deposit, initial spending, or annual deposit and spending requirements.
  2. Water ($19.99): It only comes with a small annual fee. Nevertheless, you must deposit a minimum of $1,500 and spend $500 during the first month after you open an account.
  3. Air ($49.99): The annual fee is a little larger for this higher tier. Also, you should deposit at least $3,000 and spend $1,000 on your first month as a depositor.
  4. Fire ($199.99): The highest tier requires you to pay a hefty sum for the annual fee. In addition to this, you need to deposit a minimum of $6,000 and spend $2,000 during the first month that you start an account with Oxygen.

Take note that there’s a 12x cumulative qualifying deposit and spending requirement per year for the three paid tiers, namely Water, Air, and Fire. However, Earth account users are exempt from this obligation.

Oxygen Features

Let’s explore the major features of the business account in this Oxygen review. We’ll evaluate the APY, cashback, ATM services, physical debit card, virtual debit card, deposit options, ACH transfers, savings goals, mobile banking, extra services, security certification, and customer support.

Savings APY

What’s remarkable about Oxygen is that it gives you the chance to earn interest regardless of the business account type you pick. All tiers provide an annual percentage yield (APY) on your savings, although the interest rate grows as the level goes higher.

The free Earth tier starts at 0.5% APY, while the yield of the paid Water, Air, and Fire tiers progressively increases from 1%, 2%, and 3% respectively. Just be aware that these amounts only apply to balances of $20,000 or less. While you can still gain interest for funds beyond $20,000, the percentage is lower for the excess amounts.

Cashback

Oxygen motivates you to spend money by promising attractive cashback rewards. If you buy products and services from approved merchants, you can claim up to 2%, 4%, 5%, or 6% cashback if you have an Earth, Water, Air, or Fire business account. Plus, you can get $1 worth of cashback whenever you order food or coffee from selected sellers.

On one hand, cashback is better than points since you can quickly benefit from the money that’s returned to your account. After all, there’s no need for you to collect points which you need to convert first before you can use them.

Smartphone with installed Oxygen mobile app displaying Cashback menu icon and other menu options

On the other hand, cashback privileges aren’t automatic. Instead, you must perform some manual steps first before you can start earning cashback. Make sure to click on the offer in the cashback menu of your Oxygen mobile app so you can load the terms to your card. Afterwards, you can monitor the value of your rewards in the same menu.

ATM Services

Oxygen formed a partnership with Allpoint Network so you can conveniently withdraw your money from nearby ATMs. You don’t have to worry about ATM fees since you can freely use any of the Allpoint ATMs within the U.S.

At present, there are more than 40,000 ATM machines which are commonly located in popular retail stores like Target, Walgreens, and Safeway. You can locate ATMs in your area by tapping on the ATM menu of the mobile app.

Just keep in mind that you need to shell out for international, out-of-network, or third-party fees whenever you conduct special transactions. Also, you can only withdraw a maximum of $500 per day and up to three times daily.

If you are interested in opening a business account with minimal ATM services, here is a detailed Axos Review, Lili Review and Novo Review packed with information about the pros, cons, and alternatives.

Physical Debit Card

You will get an Oxygen Visa Debit Card no matter which business account you pick. However, the material which the physical debit card is made of depends on your tier. On one hand, you will receive a basic but serviceable PVC foiled card if you open a free Earth account.

On the other hand, you can expect premium card materials to match the paid tiers. For example, the Water account comes with an embedded metal card, while the Air tier includes an all-metal card. Still, the Fire account trumps them all by showcasing an engraved all-metal card.

Blue Oxygen Air Visa debit card

To be realistic, the material of your physical debit card won’t significantly affect its practical functions, except for marginal sturdiness. Nevertheless, it’s an aesthetic bonus that can add a touch of class to your professional image.

Virtual Debit Card

You may be wondering why you need virtual debit cards if you already have a physical one. The answer is: extra security. Oxygen lets you create single-use cards which allows you to make online purchases without needing to provide your physical debit card details. Plus, you can set a maximum spending cap per merchant so you can control your spending.

All tiers come with virtual debit cards, although the level will determine how many or how few cards you can generate. You’re restricted to three cards by the Earth account, while you’re capped at 15 cards by the Water tier. However, the sky’s the limit with the Air and Fire tiers since you can create an unlimited number of virtual debit cards.

Deposit Options

Early direct deposit is one of the benefits of Oxygen. The company typically posts direct deposits on the very day the transaction is performed. As a result, you can potentially receive your funds up to two days earlier than the scheduled payment date. 

In contrast, making cash deposits via Oxygen isn’t as simple compared to old-fashioned depositing via traditional banks. Since it’s a financial technology company instead of a bank, there aren’t any physical branches you can visit to deposit your paper bills.

Thankfully, it offers a workaround solution to this dilemma. While you can’t make deposits via Allpoint ATMs, you can deposit cash via Green Dot, the third-party payment platform Oxygen has teamed up with. In this aspect, Oxygen one-ups other financial companies because some don’t have any cash deposit options at all.

ACH Transactions

Oxygen enables you to transfer funds via the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system. To top things off, it won’t even charge you any ACH fees. Just be aware that there’s a limit to the amount you can pull from external accounts via ACH.

To begin with, the Earth tier restricts you to $1,000 per day and $10,000 per month. Next, the Water account limits you to $1,500 each day and $15,000 every month. Also, the Air tier permits you up to $3,000 per day and $30,000 per month. Finally, the Fire account allows you ACH transactions up to $6,000 every day and $60,000 each month.

Savings Goals

Oxygen is like your banking cheerleader that encourages you to save money for the sake of your business growth. The free Earth account permits you to set three savings goals, while the Water tier lets you aim for 10 goals. Both the Air and Fire accounts grant you freedom to pursue unlimited savings goals.

These savings goals involve interesting challenges you can participate in. For example, “Round Up Spare Change” automatically deposits small amounts to your savings account whenever you make eligible purchases using your debit card. In addition to this, “Save When You Get Money” enables you to save a set percentage or amount of your deposits that are worth $50 or more.

Mobile Banking

You can experience the perks of online banking while on the go via the Oxygen mobile app. Just download and install the free Oxygen app in your Android or iOS smartphone. In terms of first impressions, the user interface (UI) has a sleek, modern design that’s pleasing to the eye.

Oxygen mobile app download icons for Apple App Store & Google Play Store

Even more importantly, the mobile banking app equips you to perform banking transactions anytime, anywhere. Plus, it helps you keep track of your balance and earnings. Lastly, the large block-style icons make it easy for you to find the menus you wish to access.

Additional Services

Aside from its main features, Oxygen also provides other useful banking services. For instance, it simplifies the online payment process through Bill Pay. It allows you to send money to your friends as well.

To top things off, it’s got you covered when it comes to different types of insurance. It offers coverage for mobile phones and lost or delayed luggage. Also, it guarantees protection against auto rental collision and hotel theft.

Security

Security is integral to financial services because the safety of your business funds is at stake. The good news is that Oxygen safeguards the privacy of your business account by achieving Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) certification.

Plus, you can add an extra layer of defense against hackers by setting up two-factor authentication (2FA). It shields your account by requiring you to verify your credentials both by password and by phone.

Last but not least, Oxygen’s partner Bancorp Bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which protects your assets from potential losses.

Customer Support

Oxygen provides daily phone and email support to all business account users. This handy access to live agents is valuable because it’s easier to ask questions and request for technical assistance directly than via self-research help centers. Thankfully, you can call or message the customer support team every day of the week, except holidays. Take note that these service options are only available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.

Alternatives to Oxygen

Oxygen is the clear winner when it comes to cashback potential, as you can see from this Oxygen review. Still, you can check out alternatives that excel in other areas of business banking that may be more important to you before you open a business bank account.

Bluevine is one of the best free business banking accounts that streamlines the way you make check payments. It doesn’t charge you monthly or overdraft fees, although it does ask for Bill Pay fees for credit card transactions. Also, it allows you to perform an unlimited number of banking transactions, but there are caps to the monthly deposit and withdrawal amounts.

Our Bluevine review explains that it’s ideal for owners of small businesses who need a free checking account to manage business funds. It specializes in economical checking solutions, compared to Oxygen which doesn’t provide checking services. Nevertheless, Oxygen offers more interesting ways to gain banking profits than Bluevine.

Pricing: Starts at $0 monthly fee

  • Free basic checking account
  • No overdraft or monthly charges
  • Unlimited transactions
  • Bill Pay fees
  • Deposit & withdrawal amount limits
  • Less creative income-generating solutions than Oxygen
Kabbage logo

Kabbage

Visit

Kabbage is a business checking account that presents flexible funding options. It can provide you with a line of credit ranging from $2,000 to $250,000, as long as your application is approved through the quick process. Just be ready to generate a personal guarantee for each loan you take. While there’s no monthly maintenance charges, you must pay funding fees if you have an outstanding loan balance.

Kabbage is a useful bank for startup entrepreneurs or independent contractors who need credit services to expand their business. After all, it concentrates on credit services, in contrast to Oxygen which only offers debit card services. However, Oxygen has better customer support than Kabbage because it offers daily assistance, unlike the weekday-only customer service of Kabbage.

Pricing: Starts at $0 monthly fee

  • Credit line options
  • Fast approval process
  • Zero monthly maintenance fees
  • Funding loan fees
  • Personal guarantee requirements for loans
  • Limited weekday support

Chase for Business is a business checking account that enables you to supervise your cashflow and payroll. It makes it simple for you to make deposits and receive incoming wires. You can make unlimited Chase ATM and debit card transactions, while you’re allotted a maximum of 20 teller and paper transactions. There’s a mobile app too, although it only works with selected devices.

Chase for Business is handy for small business owners or freelancers who prefer traditional banking services. That’s because it’s a conventional bank with physical branches, unlike Oxygen that’s a financial technology company. Still, Oxygen is more budget-friendly than Chase because the free tier has no monthly fees or minimum deposit amount.

Pricing: Starts at $15 monthly fee or $2,000 minimum daily balance

  • Basic checking solutions
  • Paper money transactions
  • Physical bank branches
  • Mobile app not universal
  • No free plan
  • High daily balance required to waive monthly fee

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Oxygen Review

Oxygen levels up the way you generate income through business banking. Before we wrap up our Oxygen business account review, let’s tackle common questions on Oxygen and learn the right answers.

Bottom Line on Oxygen Review

Oxygen empowers you to earn income by maximizing the potential of your business savings, as we learned in this Oxygen review. That’s why we dubbed it the cost-effective champion of business bank accounts.

To sum things up, Oxygen is a financially rewarding option for small business owners and freelancers because of the free account, APY, and cashback offers. We hope this Oxygen business account review helped you figure out if it’s the best match for you.

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

Capital One Review 2023: Online Banking for Businesses

Capital One logo

This Capital One review will show you how the bank can bring flexibility to the financial world with online banking and a choice of business accounts. Its structure works to help business owners minimize fees while simultaneously maximizing efficiency.

Our Verdict

Capital One works wonders for the busy entrepreneur by offering unlimited free digital transfers in any given month. It’s also possible to capitalize on a small amount of interest in a business savings account.

Business owners will want to watch out for Capital One’s monthly service fees. Brand new ventures may get eaten alive by these fees, making membership ideal for those able to meet the balance requirements to avoid them altogether.

  • Low minimum deposit needed to join
  • Does not charge overdraft fees
  • Unlimited free digital transfers
  • Limited physical locations
  • Monthly account fees
  • Low business interest rates

Capital One at a Glance

Capital One is a large primarily online bank, providing personal and business checking and savings accounts alongside an abundance of other features. Its business accounts are free to sign up for but require a monthly fee to maintain if balances drop below a certain threshold.

Its Business Savings Account generates a small 0.2% APY each month for those with extra funds, but checking accounts don’t accrue any interest at all. Capital One does waive fees for overdrafts, some wire transfers, and at least a portion of cash deposits.

The service stands out the most with its unlimited free digital transactions. There’s no ceiling to the amount of money you can move around each month and send off to other individuals or organizations.

Who Capital One is Best For

Capital One’s monthly service fees can be taxing on new ventures, making the best bank for new businesses and other businesses with sources of income already in place. Should you build account balances high enough, Capital One does away with these fees entirely. However, low interest rates from its savings account will leave larger organizations wanting for more.

If you want to open a business account, here is a detailed Kabbage Review, SoFI Review and Oxygen Review packed with information about the pros, cons, and alternatives.

Pricing

Capital One doesn’t charge a penny for opening up one of its three business-related accounts. However, you may have to pay monthly fees if you can’t meet the online bank’s minimum balance requirements. Depending on the account you go with, you may have to watch out for wire fees or costs for cash deposits.

Capital one logo

Plans

Basic Business Checking

Unlimited Business Checking

Business Savings

Monthly Fee

$15, waived with $2,000 minimum balance

$35, waived with $25,000 minimum balance

$3, waived with $300 minimum balance

Minimum Deposit to Open Account

$250

$250

$0

Minimum Balance to Maintain Account

$0

$0

$0

Overdraft Fees

$0

$0

$0

APY

0%

0%

0.2%

Transactions

Unlimited free digital transactions

Unlimited free digital transactions

Unlimited free digital transactions

Cash Deposits

Free for first $5,000 each month, then $1 for each $1,000 thereafter

Free through mobile, ATM, or direct deposit

N/A

ATM Fees

Over 70,000 fee-free ATMs, minimum $2 on out of network

Over 70,000 fee-free ATMs, minimum $2 on out of network

Over 70,000 fee-free ATMs, minimum $2 on out of network

Wires

Incoming: $15

Outgoing: $25

First 5 wires are free, then $25 per transfer

N/A

Capital One gives business owners a few different account options to consider. Checking accounts serve as a medium for frequently transferred funds, where you can tuck away unused money in a savings account to accrue some interest.

You’ll need a meager $250 to open one of the two business checking accounts through Capital One, and the sky’s the limit from there. There are no limitations on digital transactions between your own account and those of vendors and clients, and the online banker has over 70,000 fee-free ATMs scattered across the country. You can easily find Capital One ATMs with the locator on PC or mobile.

Basic Business Checking

Basic Business Checking speaks to smaller ventures with less money in the till. You don’t need to keep a minimum balance to keep your account open, but any account averaging less than $2,000 over the last 30 or 90 days will incur a $15 monthly service fee. Cash deposits are only free for the first $5,000 each month, and you’re subject to charges for both incoming and outgoing wires.

Unlimited Business Checking

Unlimited Business Checking charges a $35 monthly fee for businesses with a balance smaller than $25,000 over the last 30 or 90 days. There are no charges for cash deposits, and the first five wires each month are free.

Business Savings

Companies with funds collecting dust can open a Business Savings account to put that money to work. If you can keep at least $300 in savings, Capital One will waive the usual $3 service fee. Although nothing to write home about, dollars accrue a 0.2% interest.

Capital One Features

As a financial institution, Capital One has several banking features to help customers out. This list contains those that stand out the most.

Credit Cards

Capital One has no less than seven business credit cards that your business can choose from. Two cards come with annual fees but offer higher incentives for use, such as additional cash back or double miles on purchases. All other cards are free to use.

Each card has a built-in reward system, but some have very high annual percentage rates if you can’t regularly pay off your balance. Most require excellent credit history, but there is a card option for those looking to build credit.

The online banker makes it easy for business owners to provide cards with varying cash limits to staff as desired. You can monitor and track purchases or remove users at any time. These cards earn reward points and are completely free to add to your business account.

Business Checking Accounts

Businesses have two unique checking accounts to choose from when becoming a member. One plan is suited for up-and-coming enterprises, while the other is for organizations seeing some stable income each month. Checking accounts do have monthly service fees if you’re unable to meet monthly or quarterly balance requirements.

Business Savings Account

Alongside a pair of checking accounts, Capital One also offers a savings account for businesses with some money to spare. With 0.2% APY, you can earn some interest on funds that otherwise accrue nothing in checking. As long as you have at least $300, you won’t have to worry about monthly service fees.

Mobile Deposit

With check in hand, you can use the Capital One mobile app to make a deposit. The process is as simple as snapping a photo of both sides of the check and filling out the prompts that follow. There’s no need to visit an ATM or branch location to complete the transaction.

Minimal Fees

Capital One doesn’t have fees for opening an account or maintaining one if you can keep up with the prerequisite monthly balance. Basic Business Checking accounts allow free cash deposits for the first $5,000 but charge $1 per every $1,000 transferred after that. Any incoming or outgoing wires suffer a fee of $15 or $25 respectively.

Unlimited Business Checking accounts do away with cash deposit fees and even make the first five wires free of charge. There’s a $2 charge for using an out-of-network ATM regardless of which account you’re drawing from.

Loans and Lines of Credit

Among Capital One’s many features are loans and lines of credit made available to business owners. Loans can range from $10,000 to $5 million, and fees vary based on size and risk. Capital One allows up to 20 years to pay loans back at a fixed rate.

To be eligible for a loan, you’ll need to have been in business for at least two years and have an open Capital One checking account. Capital One only allows one line of credit per employer identification number. Learn how you can open a business account with EIN here.

Business Expertise

Capital One’s history and wealth of experience translate to unique insights for any business style. Its team has the skills to work with each organization on a personal level, creating specific solutions to help your company grow.  

Capital One Contact Info

Capital One has a detailed Contact Us page, making it easy to locate the first person to talk to. If unsure where to go, the company’s main customer service number is 1-877-383-4802.

Alternatives to Capital One Review

Capital One’s imperfections may be a deal-breaker for some. If that’s you, consider one of these alternatives instead.

Novo removes the clutter of personal banking, offering only services for the small business crowd. There’s no cost to sign up, and Novo doesn’t charge any service fees no matter what your balance is.

You can use the financial organization tool built into the PC and mobile app to put funds in different buckets. It’s an easy way to prepare for tax time, monthly rent, or other upcoming charges. Novo refunds ATM fees even from out-of-network machines but doesn’t give the option to deposit cash.

Checking accounts don’t accrue any interest, and Novo doesn’t have a business savings account to put money into. You will want to watch where your money’s at, because any overdraft will set you back $27.

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

BlueVine has some of the best interest rates you’ll find in a business checking account at 1.5% on balances up to $100,000. You won’t find a savings account to take advantage of if your funds exceed that amount. Like Capital One, BlueVine does have a fee schedule for cash deposits, out-of-network ATMs, and wire transfers. 

There’s no minimum deposit required to start your account, but there are limits on how much you can transfer each month. Businesses with a lot of fluid money will do better with Capital One’s unlimited transfers.

BlueVine has unavoidable fees for cash deposits and outgoing wire transfers. The lender offers loans up to $250,000 with a fast approval rate and reasonable monthly interest.

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

Axos Bank offers several checking and savings account options for small businesses. Basic Business Checking doesn’t charge any service fees, but other plans do if your balance is too low. Premium Checking requires an initial deposit of at least $25,000 to become a member.

Savings accounts don’t do any better than Capital One, offering just 0.2% APY. Even business certificates of deposit (CDs) cap off at the same rate. The only way to improve this rate is through Axos’ Interest Checking account with a $5,000 minimum daily balance.

Where Capital One has a few locations dotted around the countryside, Axos is strictly online. The service does well to manage your account through its app, but there’s no way to get help in a physical location.

  • Several checking account options
  • Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
  • No monthly maintenance fees or balance requirement for basic checking
  • No physical locations
  • Low APY on business savings accounts
  • Some accounts require high deposits
Kabbage logo

Kabbage

Visit

Kabbage features a business checking account that’s free to sign up for or maintain. Accounts up to $100,000 receive 1.1% APY, but any additional monies earn nothing. This setup speaks to sole proprietors or LLCs with a single owner since there’s no way within Kabbage to make a joint account.

The bank doesn’t charge fees to use out-of-network ATMs, but that doesn’t mean the ATM itself won’t charge you something. Additional fees show up with cash deposits and teller transactions.

Both the website and mobile app are intuitive and easy to use. For some reason, deposits through the mobile app take several days to clear. If in need, Kabbage has lines of credit ranging from $2,000 to $250,000 that the bank usually approves within minutes.

  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Capital One Review

Online banking can be a pinch point for those desiring a face-to-face experience. These frequently asked questions aim to clear up some confusion about digital services.

Bottom Line on Capital One Review

Capital One is one of the most prominent banks in the country, even with most business done entirely online. Its business checking and savings plans work to serve smaller companies looking to limit fees and glean some interest off money not currently in use. Unlimited digital transfers take the stress off of transactions, allowing business owners to focus on what’s really important.

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 Free Business Banking Accounts of 2023

Business team discussing about free business banking account in a meeting office

Opening a free business banking account is a safe, affordable way to manage your professional finances. A business account, which is separate from your personal account, lets you easily track your trade resources. Plus, having a business account is a prerequisite for the essential step of registering a business in the U.S. Read on to find out which of the five best free business banking accounts of 2023 is a good match for you.

Best Free Business Banking Accounts of 2023

  • BlueVineBest Overall
  • NovoBest for Ease of Use
  • BrexBest for Corporate Credit
  • AxosBest for Cash Deposit
  • U.S. BankBest for Traditional Banking

Product

Service Type

ATM Fee

Min. Deposit

Max. Transactions/Month

APY

Additional Features

App Process

Security

Business checking account w/ debit card

No ATM fees at 37,000+ MoneyPass locations

$0

Unlimited transactions

1.5% interest for eligible customers

Instant account transfers, dedicated account numbers & 2 free checkbooks

Online application

FDIC insurance up to $250,000

Business checking account w/ debit card

ATM fee refunds

$50

Unlimited transactions within the U.S.

0%

Virtual & physical cards, free invoices, Novo Reserves & Stripe integration

Online application

FDIC insurance & security features

Business account w/ credit card

N/A

$0

Unlimited ACH & wire sending but limited Brex-initiated ACH deposits & check deposits

0% for uninvested cash & 0.49% on money market fund

Create up to 8 accounts, automated monthly reports, investment options & live support

Online application

FDIC insurance via partner banks

Business checking account w/ debit card

Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements

$0

Unlimited item processing for debits, credits & deposits

0% for basic business checking

Cash deposits, QuickBooks integration, free checkbook & dedicated relationship managers

Online application

FDIC insurance via Axos Bank

Business checking account w/ debit card

No ATM fees at U.S. Bank ATMs

$100

125 free transactions per month + 

$0.50 fee per additional transaction

0% for basic business checking

Bill Pay, free mobile check deposits, check fraud prevention & overdraft protection

Online application or via virtual, phone call or in-person appointment

Automatic FDIC insurance via U.S. Bank worth $250,000 per depositor

BlueVine logo

BlueVine: Best Overall

Free

5.0

BlueVine shines among business banking accounts that are free because it combines minimal charges and maximum benefits. First of all, you don’t have to pay any monthly fees, transaction fees, or overdraft fees if you start a small business checking account. Also, you won’t be charged ATM fees if you withdraw at any of the 37,000+ MoneyPass locations in the U.S.

Plus, there’s no minimum initial deposit so you can open a business bank account even if your small business only has limited cash at present. You can deposit, withdraw, and make payments as often as you need. In addition to this, BlueVine gives you the chance to earn an Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of 1.5% on balances up to $100,000 if you meet one or both of the two monthly requirements.

Other benefits include instant transfers, sub-account options, dedicated account numbers, online application process, and two free checkbooks. Last but not least, your assets are protected because BlueVine deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor via the Coastal Community Bank, which is a member of the FDIC.

While BlueVine has a first-rate free business account, it does have a few limitations. For instance, it doesn’t have any physical branches because BlueVine isn’t a traditional bank but a financial technology company. Aside from this, you won’t earn any interest on excess amounts beyond $100,000. Finally, BlueVine doesn’t accept deposits of cash, paper checks, or foreign currency.

Nevertheless, our BlueVine review agrees that it’s one of the best deals when it comes to free bank accounts for businesses. Thanks to its strong feature set, it currently leads the pack when it comes to free and low-cost banking services.

Why we chose it: We award BlueVine as the best overall free business banking account because it provides an almost perfect balance between affordability and functionality. It’s a viable option for you if you want to experience the perks of online business banking without shelling out for costly monthly fees.

Pricing: $0 monthly fees & transaction fees

Screenshot of BlueVine dashboard
  • No monthly, overdraft, or transaction charges
  • Unlimited monthly transactions
  • 1.5% interest rate for eligible depositors
  • No physical branches
  • Zero interest earnings beyond $100,000 balance
  • No cash, paper check, or foreign currency deposits
Novo logo

Novo: Best for Ease of Use

Free

4.5

Novo is one of the most user-friendly business banking accounts that are free because it’s simple to set up in less than ten minutes. Plus, the online banking app allows you to make worldwide payments, deposit checks, transfer funds, and accept incoming wires. There are no monthly service charges, ACH fees, wire fees. Plus, you get free unlimited U.S. transactions and ATM fee reimbursements.

Aside from this, Novo has other features to make banking more convenient for you, such as physical and virtual debit cards, free invoice sending, Novo Reserves, Stripe integration, and payments via Apple and Google Play stores. Finally, Novo safeguards your resources through security features and FDIC insurance via Middlesex Federal Savings.

On the other end of the spectrum, it requires you to make a minimum deposit of $50 to open a checking account. In addition to this, it charges $27 each for insufficient funds and uncollected funds returned.

Also, it doesn’t give you a chance to earn interest through your deposits because Novo doesn’t provide an APY. Last but not least, you can’t directly deposit cash to your account, although you can buy a money order as a workaround solution.

Still, our Novo review concurs that it’s a free business account that’s worth considering, especially for beginners in business banking. Aside from its various handy features, it doesn’t require advanced banking knowledge or technical skills to begin using it. Check out also our review for other business banking accounts like Bank of America Review and NBKC Bank Account Review.

Why we chose it: We commend Novo as the best for ease of use among business banking accounts that are free because of its intuitive UI and fast application process. It’s a potential alternative for you if you’re a first-time entrepreneur because you can quickly figure out how to navigate Novo.

Pricing: $0 monthly fees & transaction fees

Novo card and mobile screen views
  • 3-step application process
  • Free unlimited transactions plus ATM reimbursements
  • Extra features like Novo Reserves, Stripe integration & virtual card
  • Minimum initial deposit amount of $50
  • $27 fee for insufficient funds & uncollected funds returned
  • No direct cash deposits
Brex logo

Brex: Best for Corporate Credit

Free

4.0

Brex stands out from other business banking accounts that are free because it provides you with credit options. It allows you to spend beyond your current balance so that you can fast-track the expansion of your business, compared to the typical online business checking account which only includes debit cards.

If you open a business account with Brex, you will get unlimited corporate credit cards which you can use for secure spending. Like a debit card, your balance can be paid automatically every day. However, it has an edge over a debit card because it enables you to build your business credit. Also, you can issue cards to your team with set limits so you can monitor their expenses. Plus, you can earn unlimited rewards without an expiry date.

To make things even better, Brex doesn’t have monthly fees, transaction charges, or minimum deposits. There’s free unlimited ACH and wires as well. Additional incentives include eight account creation, automated monthly reports, investment options, live customer support, and online application. Finally, you can store your assets with the partner banks of Brex so you can be eligible for FDIC insurance worth $250,000 at most.

On the other hand, the drawbacks of Brex include a lack of debit cards and limited Brex-initiated ACH deposits or check deposits. While there’s zero APY for uninvested cash, you can earn around 0.49% with the money market fund. Also, Brex doesn’t have physical locations since it’s a financial technology company, not a bank. Nevertheless, you can drop by any of its partner banks to deposit your uninvested cash.

At the end of the day, Brex is still an interesting alternative because it adds the flexibility of credit options to a business account.

Why we chose it: We acknowledge Brex as the best for corporate credit because of the broad range of credit services it provides. It’s a possible match for you in case you’re aiming to build your business credit as an entrepreneur.

Pricing: $0 monthly fees & transaction fees

Brex dashboard screenshot
  • Empowering credit options
  • Unlimited rewards via credit points
  • Creation of up to 8 accounts
  • No debit card
  • Limited check deposits & Brex-initiated ACH deposits
  • No physical branches
Axos logo

Axos: Best for Cash Deposit

Free

4.0

Axos has the upper hand over other business banking accounts that are free when it comes to cash deposits. It allows you to deposit paper cash to your account through MoneyPass and AllPoint networks, in contrast to similar services that mostly permit online deposits.

Since Axos is a bank and not a financial company, it offers specialized online banking services like free Bill Pay, image statements, mobile banking services, and the personalized assistance of a dedicated relationship manager. Plus, it’s cost-effective to open a basic business checking account with Axos via online application.

There’s no monthly maintenance fees, minimum deposit, maintenance amounts, while there’s unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements and unlimited debit, credit, and deposit processing. Extra perks include free 50 checks, QuickBooks integration, and FDIC insurance via the Axos Bank.

On the downside, the Basic Business Checking account doesn’t offer any APY at all. Plus, you need to pay for international and domestic wire fees, although you’ll be reimbursed for two domestic wires every month. Finally, Axos doesn’t have any brick-and-mortar buildings because it’s an online bank instead of a conventional one.

Overall, Axos is still a practical option because it opens up the possibilities of cash deposits for entrepreneurs like you. Read our in-depth review on Axos bank to learn more about its services. And visit also our other business banking account review like Oxygen Review.

Why we chose it: We selected Axos as the best for cash deposit among business banking accounts that are free because it permits you to deposit actual cash to your free account via AllPoint and MoneyPass networks. It could be a suitable fit for you if you often make cash deposits during your business operations.

Pricing: $0 monthly fees & transaction fees

Axos mobile checking page
  • Cash deposits allowed
  • Free 50 checks & QuickBooks integration
  • FDIC insurance via Axos Bank
  • Zero APY for Basic Business Checking account
  • International & domestic wire charges
  • No physical bank locations
U.S. Bank logo

U.S. Bank: Best for Traditional Banking

Free

4.0

The U.S. Bank’s Silver Business Checking Package is distinct from most business banking accounts that are free because it’s offered by an established bank, instead of a financial technology company. Unlike free accounts that are limited to online transactions, you can personally go to physical bank branches if you select U.S. Bank.

While the U.S. Bank allows you to apply online like most free bank account providers, it also gives you the choice to apply via virtual appointment, phone call, or face to face meeting. This personalized assistance is handy if you’re a newbie to business banking.

The other standout U.S. Bank features are online plus mobile banking, check fraud prevention tools, and Business Reserve line. Since U.S. Bank is a member of the FDIC, you will automatically get FDIC insurance worth $250,000 per depositor.

Nevertheless, U.S. Bank’s free business account comes with less freebies compared to the other banking accounts in this list. While there’s no monthly maintenance fees or U.S. Bank ATM charges, you only get 125 free transactions each month. Plus, you must deposit a hefty minimum of $100 to open a basic checking account. Other limitations include zero APY for the Silver account and no free checkbooks.

To sum it up, the U.S. Bank gives entrepreneurs like you the chance to experience the services of an orthodox bank even if you can’t afford all the expensive banking fees. Read our in-depth review on U.S. bank to learn more about its services. We also have reviews on other business banking accounts like Capital One Review and SoFI Review.

Why we chose it: We pick U.S. Bank as the best for traditional banking among free business accounts because it provides the basic perks of a conventional bank while skipping some, though not all, of the typical banking fees. It’s a good match for you if you prefer to sign up with an established bank rather than a financial technology company.

Pricing: $0 monthly fees & $0.50 fee per additional transaction beyond 125 free transactions per month

U.S Bank illustration
  • Brick-and-mortar bank locations
  • Various application method options, including in-person application
  • Check fraud prevention & overdraft protection
  • Minimum deposit amount of $100
  • Zero APY for basic business account
  • No free checkbook

Methodology for the Best Free Business Banking Account

We considered important factors as we picked the best business banking accounts that are free of 2023. These aspects include the banking service type, monthly fees, transaction charges, ATM fees, minimum deposit amount, maximum transactions each month, Annual Percentage Yield (APY), notable features, application process, and security options.

  • Banking Service Type: We examined if the free business bank account is a checking one or a savings one. Plus, we confirmed if it comes with a debit card or a credit card.
  • Monthly Fee: We checked if you need to pay monthly charges or not for general services and maintenance as a depositor. After all, we only categorized a business account as free if there are zero monthly fees.
  • Transaction Fee: We assessed if you’re required to pay fees or not to perform basic banking transactions like deposits, withdrawals, and transfers. Whenever applicable, we also analyzed if you will be charged for advanced types of transactions like wires and ACH.
  • ATM Fee: We researched if you will be charged to use ATM machines, whether they be in-house, affiliated, or external ones. Also, we probed if the bank account provider will reimburse you for ATM fees or not.
  • Minimum Deposit: We checked if there is any minimum amount of deposit or not required for you to open a business bank account. In case there is a basic deposit requirement, we pinpointed how much the amount is.
  • Maximum Transactions per Month: We verified if you’re allowed to perform an unlimited or limited number of free transactions every month. In case there is a cap to item processing number, we confirmed how many free transactions you’re allotted on a monthly basis.
  • Annual Percentage Yield (APY): We assessed if you have the chance to earn interest through the free bank account or not. In case it offers an APY, we researched what the average interest rate is each year.
  • Additional Features: We analyzed what other extra features are included in the free business account. Some examples of handy offerings are Bill Pay, cash deposits, free checkbooks, third-party integrations, and live support.
  • Application Process: We explored what type of application procedure you need to undergo to open a business bank account. Most providers require an online application process, although a few also offer other options.
  • Security: We probed how safe your money is if you store it in a free business account. We confirmed if your deposit is covered by FDIC insurance, as well as if other security features are available.

Take note that this guide generally covers general banking, debit, and credit options. We already discussed alternatives for small business loans in another review.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Free Business Banking Account

A free business banking account makes it simple for you to handle your business resources. Learn the answers to basic questions about a complimentary business account for startups.

Final Thoughts on the Best Free Business Banking Accounts

Starting a free business banking account is one of the necessary steps you need to take as an entrepreneur to ensure the financial success of your business. BlueVine is our top pick among the best free business accounts of 2023 because it’s freebie-rich and feature-packed at the same time. Don’t forget also to check out other business banking accounts and our reviews of them like Lili Review and Kabbage Review

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