January 11, 2024

Axos Business Checking Review

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Looking for affordable banking for your small business? Axos Bank offers a free business checking account or an interest-bearing account. Read on.

Axos Business Checking has made quite a nice reputation for itself. It offers an account with zero monthly fees and practically unlimited transactions. Sounds like a dream for small business owners.

But is it all that it's cracked up to be? Read on to find out if it has what you're looking for in a good business checking account.

Overview of Axos Business Checking

Axos Bank offers two business checking accounts designed to meet the needs of small businesses and entrepreneurs: a basic free checking and an interest-earning account.

Here's a quick comparison of their business checking accounts.

The Axos Basic Business Checking account has practically no costs. No monthly fees, no minimum balance, unlimited transactions, and free use of any domestic ATM, among other perks.

It's great for new and small growing businesses who don't want to worry about maintaining a balance.

On the other hand, the Axos Business Interest Checking account lets you earn interest. However, there's a $5,000 minimum average daily balance requirement to waive the monthly service fee.

Is Axos a legitimate bank?
Yes, Axos is a legit, FDIC-insured bank. Formerly Bank of Internet USA, it was founded in 2000 and is one of the early digital banks. It has since become a full-service online bank offering modern banking products to individuals and businesses.

Which type of business checking account do you currently use or prefer?

Who is Axos Business Checking best for?

Axos Basic Business Checking would be good for those who:

  • Are new and growing businesses with limited budgets
  • Don't mind an online-only bank
  • Have high transaction volumes

How likely are you to consider an online-only bank for your business needs?

Axos Business Interest Checking would be good for those who:

  • Are looking to earn some interest on checking balances
  • Can maintain a $5,000 minimum
  • Don't go over 100 transactions per month

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Free business checking available
  • Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
  • Unlimited fee-free transactions for Axos Basic Business Checking
  • Free domestic incoming wires
  • Occasional limited-time sign-up bonuses
  • Dedicated customer support
  • Expanded FDIC coverage via IntraFi® Network DepositsSM

Cons:

  • No physical branches
  • Insufficient funds fee
  • Only 60 items/mo for remote deposit
  • Axos Business Interest Checking has requirements to waive monthly fee

Axos Business Checking Features

Both Axos business checking accounts come with these great features to help you manage your business finances:

  1. Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
    Use any ATM nationwide and Axos Bank will automatically reimburse the fees.

  2. Mobile check deposits
    Deposit up to 60 checks for free per month via the Axos mobile app. The daily deposit limit is $25,000 ($200,000 monthly).[1]

  3. Cash deposits
    Deposit cash conveniently at select MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs for free.

  4. Paper checks and a debit card
    Claim your starter pack of 50 checks for free,[2] along with a Visa debit card.

  5. QuickBooks-compatible
    You can sync your Axos business checking account with QuickBooks, avoiding manual logging of transactions.

  6. Free overdraft protection transfer
    You can link a business account (under the same business name) to make overdraft transfers for free.

  7. More freebies
    Get image statements, and domestic incoming wires, and pay as many bills as you need to without an extra charge.

Unique features of Axos Basic Business Checking:

  • No monthly fees or minimum balance
  • Unlimited transactions
  • 2 outgoing domestic wire fees reimbursed per month

Unique features of Axos Business Interest Checking:

  • Earns APY based on a tiered system where the highest APY is only for balances below $50,000
  • Up to 100 free transactions per month[3]

How much is Axos Bank insured for?
Axos Bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (Cert #35546), which insures deposits up to $250,000. For business accounts, you can also expand your FDIC insurance coverage up to $240 million with Axos Bank Insured Cash Sweep (ICS) through IntraFi® Network DepositsSM.[4]

What is the most important feature you look for in a business checking account?

Axos Business Checking Fees

Here are some charges to expect from your Axos Business Checking account:[1]

Axos Basic Business CheckingAxos Business Interest Checking
Monthly fee$0$10
Transaction processingUnlimited free100 items free per month; $0.50 each after
Mobile check deposits60 items free per month60 items free per month
Domestic wire fee (outgoing)2 free per month; $15 each after$15

Here are some fees associated with both accounts:

  • $0 for all incoming domestic wires
  • $50 for outgoing international wires
  • $25 non-sufficient funds fee
  • $10 for stop payments (requested online)
  • $35 for stop payments (requested with assistance)
  • $10 deposited checks returned unpaid
  • $5 paper statement fee
  • $50 for rush debit card replacement

Is Axos Business Checking Good?

Axos Basic Business Checking stands out for not having monthly maintenance fees or balance requirements. Plus, it boasts unlimited transactions and unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements. It's a good choice for new business owners, though the features are more basic.

If you're likely to hold large balances, consider Axos Business Interest Checking. You can earn interest to grow your funds. However, the highest APY is only for under $50,000 balance.

Plus, the Axos Business Interest Checking caps its free transactions to 100 items/month. So it's not good if you have high banking activity.

Counterpoint: If your main goal is to earn interest, there are other banks, like Bluevine, that offer higher APYs with no monthly fee.

Ultimately, your choice will largely depend on your business needs and finances.

How to Qualify for Axos Business Checking

As with most banks for small business, you have to be a US resident and own/co-own a legally registered business to be eligible for Axos business checking.

To open an Axos Business Checking Account:

  1. Gather your SSN, EIN, and business documents.
  2. Start your application for Axos Basic Business Checking or Axos Business Interest Checking
  3. If you choose Axos Business Interest Checking, make an initial deposit of at least $100.

Note that if you have a co-signer or authorized representative, you also have to provide their SSN and some personal information during the application.

You will also need to submit the following documents specific to your business category[5]:

  • Sole proprietor: IRS SS-4 or 147 c letter
  • Partnership: Partnership Agreement and all amendments
  • LLC: Articles of Organization (and all amendments) and Operating Agreement
  • Corporation (for profit): Articles of Incorporation (and all amendments)

Once approved, you will receive your Axos Visa debit card and your first set of checks in 7-10 business days. You can also sign up for online banking and download the Axos Bank mobile app to begin your banking activities.

How Axos Business Checking Compares

Let's take a look at similar products of other banks by comparing them to Axos Basic Business Checking.

Axos vs. Bluevine
Bluevine also offers a free business checking account. It beats Axos with a higher APY, giving you 1.5% APY on balances up to $250,000 with monthly eligibility requirements; 0% APY on balances over $250,000. Bluevine Plus users can earn 3% APY. While Bluevine Premier users can get 4.00% APY.

Another benefit of Bluevine is that you can create up to 5 sub-accounts with their own account numbers. This lets you better organize and manage your budget. You can also issue up to 4 additional debit cards to authorized users of your business checking account.

Bluevine also gives you unlimited transactions. However, there's a fee for cash deposits at Green Dot or Allpoint+ ATMs, whereas Axos lets you deposit cash for free at participating MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs.

Axos vs. Chase
Chase has a unique Business Complete Checking account with built-in card payment acceptance.

This feature makes Chase a good choice for retail businesses that accept credit cards. Plus, payments with Chase QuickAccept are deposited into your Chase business checking account the same day.

It's also good if you're looking for a bank with physical branches. Though note that Chase business accounts do have a monthly service fee, as well as other banking fees.

Axos vs. Lili
Lili offers a basic business checking account with no monthly fees. There's also no overdraft fees or foreign transaction fees.

However, the real benefits only come if you upgrade to a paid Lili plan. You can categorize expenses, track tax write-offs, and generate expense reports. You can also automatically save for your taxes in a Tax Bucket.[6]

Even though these features are paid, they could be worth it to make things simpler for you during tax time.

But you may appreciate Axos more if you regularly send and receive international wire transfers, which are not possible with Lili.

Axos Customer Service

Talk to an Axos Relationship Manager dedicated to small business banking by:

  • Phone: (844) 678-2726
  • 6 am to 6 pm PT Mon-Fri (except federal holidays)

You can also get quick answers to common business banking inquiries here.

How trustworthy is Axos Bank?
Axos Bank has earned a good reputation not only because of its innovative products, but also its priority over data security. It uses advanced technologies to identify and prevent cyber fraud, among other measures, making it a bank you can trust.

Other Axos Bank business accounts

Besides checking, Axos Bank also offers savings accounts for small businesses:

FAQs

Does Axos Bank have bank branches?
Axos Bank doesn't have traditional bank branches since it operates online. However, it has commercial offices in San Diego, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Kansas, and Salt Lake City to support its commercial services.[7]

Is Axos an actual bank?
Yes, Axos is a real bank that's a member of FDIC (Cert #35546). It's a full-service online bank with a range of deposit products, loans, and investments for personal, business, and commercial purposes.

How do I withdraw money from Axos?
You can withdraw funds from your Axos account in many ways:

  1. Transfer funds online
  2. ATM withdrawal using your Axos ATM/debit card
  3. Wire transfers
  4. Write a check

Does Axos have ATM fees?
Axos Bank reimburses all domestic ATM fees for their business checking accounts and these personal checking accounts: Rewards Checking, Cashback Checking, and Essential Checking.

What is the Axos business interest rate?
Currently, Axos Business Interest Checking earns 1.01% APY on balances $0 - $49,999.99; 0.20% APY on balances $50,000 - $249,999.99; 0.10% APY on balance $250k+.

Bottom Line

Axos Basic Business Checking can be an excellent choice for new business owners looking for a free business checking account. It's also good if you have high banking activity.

On the other hand, Axos Business Interest Checking may be attractive if you're looking to earn interest on your balance. However, there may be other options with better APYs.

Ultimately, choose a business checking account that will best serve your needs.

References

  1. ^ Axos Bank. Small Business Deposit Account Agreement and Schedule of Fees, Retrieved 11/13/2023
  2. ^ Axos Bank. Business FAQs: How do I order checks for my account?, Retrieved 11/13/2023
  3. ^ Axos Bank. Compare Business Checking Accounts, Retrieved 11/02/2023
  4. ^ Axos Bank. Insured Cash Sweep (ICS), Retrieved 04/28/2024
  5. ^ Axos Bank. Getting Ready to Apply, Retrieved 11/02/2023
  6. ^ Lili. Simplify tax preparation, Retrieved 11/03/2023
  7. ^ Axos Bank. About Us, Retrieved 11/03/2023
Axos Bank
Member FDIC

Basic Business Checking - Up to $400 Bonus

Expires 1/2/2025
  • Business owners get up to $400 welcome bonus!* Open a business checking account by January 2 and get up to $400 when you use promo code NEW400 on your application.*
  • No initial deposit requirement
  • No minimum balance requirement
  • No monthly maintenance fees
  • Free domestic incoming wires. Two (2) outgoing domestic wire fees reimbursed per month.
  • Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
  • Unlimited item processing (debits, credits, and deposited items)
  • Cash deposits via MoneyPass and AllPoint networks
Bank of America
Member FDIC

Bank of America Advantage Banking - $300 Bonus Offer

Expires 1/31/2025
  • The $300 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
  • The offer is for new checking customers only.
  • Offer expires 01/31/2025.
  • To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
  • Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
  • Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
  • *A Qualifying Direct Deposit is a direct deposit of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account and routing numbers that you provide to them.
  • Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
Chase
Member FDIC

Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus

Expires 1/22/2025
  • New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
  • With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
  • Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
  • JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
  • Open your account online now
  • Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
  • Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
Discover Bank
Member FDIC

Discover® Online Savings - $200 Cash Bonus

Expires 3/13/2025

To qualify for Bonus: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, enter Offer Code CY924 at application, deposit into your Account a total of at least $15,000 to earn a $150 Bonus or deposit a total of at least $25,000 to earn a $200 Bonus. Qualifying deposit(s) may consist of multiple deposits and must post to Account within 45 days of account open date. Maximum bonus eligibility is $200.

What to know: Offer not valid for existing or prior Discover savings customers, including co-branded, or affinity accounts. Eligibility is based on primary account owner. Account must be open when bonus is credited. Bonus will be credited to the account within 60 days of the account qualifying for the bonus. Bonus is subject to tax reporting. Offer ends 03/13/2025, 11:59 PM ET. Offer may be modified or withdrawn without notice. Due to new customer funding limits, you may wish to initiate fund transfers at your other institution. For information on funding your Account, see FAQs on Discover.com/Bank. See advertiser website for full details.

CIT Bank
Member FDIC

CIT Bank Platinum Savings - 4.55% APY

  • 4.55% APY with a balance of $5,000 or more
  • 0.25% APY with a balance of less than $5,000
  • $100 minimum opening deposit
  • No monthly maintenance fee
  • Member FDIC

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