Updated April 13, 2025

Best Business Bank Account for Small Business

By Samantha Tatro
Read more about Business
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by the companies mentioned. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the companies.
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Discover the top 10 banks for small businesses. Unlock your business' potential with the best bank

Which bank account is best for small businesses?
Here are the best places for opening a small business account:
  1. Bank of America for flexible checking account
  2. Capital One for high volume businesses
  3. Chase for best national bank
  4. Bluevine for online business banking
  5. Axos Bank for business checking with interest
  6. U.S. Bank for free business checking with a national bank
  7. Wells Fargo for SBA loans
  8. nbkc bank for minimal fees
  9. Live Oak Bank for high-yield business savings
  10. Relay for large teams and multiple accounts
  11. Found for one-person small businesses
  12. Lili for banking and accounting
  13. Novo for small online startups
  14. Digital Federal Credit Union for best credit union

Your business bank is not just a place to keep your hard-earned cash safe. The right bank can open more opportunities and help take your business to the next level.

But not every bank is a match for every business. A cash-heavy restaurant might need a physical branch, while a tech startup could thrive with a cutting-edge digital bank.

CreditDonkey BIZ BANK Rule: Benefits, Integration, Zero fees, Business support, Accessibility, Necessary tools, Knowledgeable support

The BIZ BANK rule helps small business owners remember the key aspects to consider when choosing a bank:

  • Benefits: Look for rewards and incentives specific to small businesses.
  • Integration: Ensure the bank integrates well with your accounting software.
  • Zero fees: Aim for accounts with minimal or no fees.
  • Business support: The bank should offer resources and services tailored to small businesses.
  • Accessibility: Ensure easy access to branches, ATMs, and online banking.
  • Necessary tools: Look for essential banking tools like merchant services and business credit cards.
  • Knowledgeable support: Choose a bank with good customer service and small business expertise.

Find your new financial ally with this list of the best banks to open a business checking account.

What type of business do you have?

Looking for business checking promotions? Jump down to find current deals and coupons by state.

10+ Best Banks for Business Accounts in 2025

Here are the top picks for small business banking. Discover their pros and cons and what makes each one unique.

For more small business topics, also read:

Bank of America

Best for: Flexibility and cash management tools

Bank of America is one of the largest brick-and-mortar banks in the United States. It's a good option if you're looking for lots of physical branch locations.

It offers a flexible Business Advantage Banking checking account with great built-in digital tools.

Why we like Bank of America:
A new business can start with the basic tier, which lets you waive the monthly fee with only $500 in new net qualified debit card purchases each statement cycle. Or by maintaining a $5,000 combined average monthly balance.[1]

When you outgrow it, just level up to the higher tier account. In fact, you can switch between the 2 tiers whenever your business needs change. It's perfect for businesses offering seasonal services, like pool maintenance or snow removal.

What really sets Bank of America apart, though, are the cash management tools. With its cash flow projections, you can plan for future expenses and catch potential issues, like shortfalls, before they become a problem.

Plus, your account syncs with business apps, like Quickbooks and tons more. Your business metrics are all in one place, so you get a clear view of how you're doing.

Pros:

  • Thousands of ATMs and financial centers
  • Switch between the two business checking accounts
  • Access to Small Business Specialists
  • Many app integrations
  • Highly rated mobile app for customer satisfaction

Cons:

  • Many banking fees like overdrafts and wires
  • Less active SBA lender
  • Low APY for business savings accounts

Choose Bank of America if: You're looking for a national bank with a flexible checking account and great online banking features.

While digital solutions are important to the convenience of today's bank customers, there is still a need for the human touch. The best organizations can balance between digital and human-to-human interactions to create the strongest customer relationships.

Shep Hyken, customer service/experience expert, keynote speaker and New York Times bestselling author

Capital One

Best for: High-volume businesses

For businesses with a lot of monthly transactions, Capital One is worth looking into. The Basic Business Checking account is free and gives you unlimited free digital transactions.

Why we like Capital One:
Capital One doesn't have a lot of physical locations, but it has a very big ATM network. You get fee-free access to more than 70,000 ATMs in the Allpoint and MoneyPass networks. That way, you can withdraw money almost anywhere without worrying about the cost.

Another thing Capital One is known for is their business credit cards. It has a strong lineup of cards offering cashback or travel rewards. Plus, all Capital One credit cards have no foreign transaction fees.

Pros:

  • Unlimited fee-free transactions
  • Free ATM access to Allpoint and Moneypass ATMs
  • Excellent small business credit cards

Cons:

  • Business checking accounts require a higher minimum balance
  • Only have branches in a few states
  • You may need to apply in person

Choose Capital One if: You make a lot of transactions each month.

Chase

Best for: Brick-and-mortar bank & built-in credit card processing

Chase is the best bank for business owners looking for a traditional brick-and-mortar bank. It stands out for its unique small business checking account and business credit cards.

Plus, it often offers bonuses for new customers.

Why we like Chase:
The Chase Business Complete Banking account has built-in credit card processing. No need to open a separate merchant account because you can bank and process payments with the same app.

When you take cards with Chase QuickAccept, you get same-day deposits into your business checking account. This keeps the cash flow moving so you can reinvest it back into your business sooner.

This account is perfect for small retailers, restaurants, and local services that get paid by card. If you also take cash, there are thousands of Chase ATMs and branches across the US for easy deposits.

Plus, Chase has some of the best business credit cards on the market. They come with great cashback and travel rewards, so you get more for your business purchases.

Pros:

  • Over 4,700 and 15,000+ Chase ATMs
  • All-in-one business checking + payment processing
  • Excellent small business credit cards
  • Highly-rated mobile app
  • 24/7 customer service with real reps

Cons:

  • Minimum requirements to waive monthly fees
  • Many other banking fees like overdrafts and wires
  • Low business savings account APYs

Choose Chase Bank if: You want a large traditional bank with a full range of business services. It's also good if you want to accept credit cards with less hassle.

Chase often has bonus offers to new customers for opening new business bank accounts. Make sure you check out the current promotions so you don't miss out.

If you don't need to deposit or withdraw cash, an online bank will probably fit your needs.

Bluevine

Best for: Online business banking

Bluevine is the best online business checking account because of the high interest rate.

Additionally, there are no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and unlimited transactions. So you can grow your money without being nickel and dimed.

Why we like Bluevine:
To earn the high APY, just do one of the following:

  • Spend $500 per month with your Bluevine Business Debit Mastercard®, OR
  • Receive or deposit $2,500 per month of customer payments into your account or sub-accounts [2]

That's it! These targets are totally doable for a small business.

Opting for the paid Plus tier enables you to earn a 2.7% APY without needing to meet any minimum qualifications, and also grants you a 20% reduction in most Standard payment fees.

Bluevine also offers a paid Premier business checking account that earns a higher 3.70% APY without minimum qualifications. With this upgrade, you can cut most of your payment fees in half and gain access to priority customer support.

Bluevine has no business savings account, but you can open 5 free subaccounts instead. This is even better because you can dedicate accounts for specific purposes. And the subaccounts all earn interest too! - up to $250k combined across all accounts (or up to $3M combined for Premier tier).

Though it's online-only, it's still got good traditional features. You get 2 free checkbooks per year, and you can deposit cash at over 90,000 Green Dot retailers and over 1,500 Allpoint+ ATMs. So even small physical business can use Bluevine.

You can also order multiple debit cards for your team, increasing your business's spending flexibility.

Need some extra funds to ride out a slow season or grow your business? Bluevine also offers a flexible business line of credit up to $250,000.Bluevine. Line of Credit, Retrieved 12/06/2024/ref> Decisions take as little as 5 minutes, so you can keep moving forward.

Pros:

  • Potential to earn a high APY
  • Total of 6 free business checking accounts
  • No fees for overdrafts or incoming domestic wires
  • Multiple users and different access levels
  • Up to 4 free additional debit cards for authorized users

Cons:

  • Fee for cash deposits
  • Limited integrations

Choose Bluevine if: You want a free small business checking account and earn interest on your everyday business funds.

Axos Bank

Best for: Business checking with interest

Axos Bank offers online-only business checking and savings accounts with competitive interest rates.

Why we like Axos:
Axos Business Interest Checking account offers a decent interest rate. Unlike Bluevine, there are no deposit or activity requirements to earn the APY. You get a high interest rate on all balances below $50,000.

You can use any ATM you want. Axos will give you unlimited domestic ATM fee rebates. And you can deposit cash for free via MoneyPass and AllPoint ATMs.

But the business interest checking account requires an average balance of $5,000 to waive the monthly fee.[3] Another downside is that it only gives you 100 free transactions per month. So it's only ideal for small businesses with less banking activity.

Axos also has a Basic Business Checking Account with $0 minimum opening deposit, $0 monthly fees, and unlimited transactions. But it has no interest.

Pros:

  • Offers higher interest rate than most other banks
  • Unlimited domestic ATM fee rebates
  • First set of 50 checks free

Cons:

  • The business interest checking account requires a higher minimum to waive the monthly fee
  • Only integrates with Quickbooks
  • No physical locations

Choose Axos if: You're looking for a business checking account with decent interest.

U.S. Bank

Best for: National bank with free checking

It's hard to find free business checking accounts at a big financial institution. U.S. Bank is one of the few large physical banks with a no-fee business checking option.

Why we like U.S. Bank:
The U.S. Bank Business Essentials has no monthly service charges or account minimum balance. It's ideal for new small businesses and startups looking to save money on bank fees.

U.S. Bank has over 2,900 branches and 4,700+ U.S. Bank ATMs across the country. But even if you don't live near a branch, you can also use approximately 40,000 MoneyPass ATMs with no surcharge.

And you can easily do your business banking on their highly-rated mobile app, with features like bill pay and mobile check deposit.

Pros:

  • Free basic business checking account
  • Nonprofit and premium checking options
  • One of the more active SBA lenders among big banks

Cons:

  • Many other banking fees like overdrafts and wires
  • Checking accounts have fewer features than other big banks

Choose U.S. Bank if: You want a free small business checking account with a traditional bank.

Wells Fargo

Best for: SBA loans

Wells Fargo has the largest national footprint. It has a wide range of services and convenient locations. It's a good choice if you want everything in one place.

It's also one of the top SBA 7(a) lenders. If you need startup capital or plan on expanding your business, it's smart to go with a bank known for approving these loans.

What are SBA loans?
SBA loans are backed by the Small Business Administration. The SBA guarantees a portion of the loan and sets a maximum interest rate (though you can negotiate with your lender on a lower rate). This helps small businesses that may not qualify for a traditional bank loan.

Why we like Wells Fargo:
The Initiate Business Checking Account is ideal for growing small businesses. It's pretty easy to waive the monthly fee. But you only get 100 free transactions per month.

All business account holders can customize your business debit card and checks with your own logo. This will make you look more professional to clients and suppliers.

Wells Fargo doesn't have the most unique business checking accounts, but they offer full-service business banking. If you need more down the road, they've got you covered with options like business loans, payroll services, tax programs, merchant services, and insurance.

Pros:

  • Approximately 4,100 branches in 36 states + D.C.
  • 3 business checking accounts for different needs
  • A large range of business services
  • Active SBA lender

Cons:

  • Not as many business banking features as other banks
  • Many other banking fees like overdrafts, stop payments, and wire transfer fees

Choose Wells Fargo if: You're looking for a full-service bank and if you may need a small business loan.

nbkc bank

Best for: Business checking with minimal fees

NBKC Bank (styled as "nbkc bank") is an award-winning bank offering easy-to-use banking services with little to no fees.

Although most of its operations are online, it still has physical branches in Missouri you can visit for in-person transactions.

Why we like NBKC Bank:
NBKC has a free business checking account with no minimum opening deposit, monthly fee, or minimum balance requirements. Plus, there are no fees for most other types of account activity, like overdrafts, stop payments, and incoming domestic wires.

But what makes it stand out is the unlimited fee-free cash and check deposits, which isn't something a lot of banks do (online or brick-and-mortar). Check deposits are only accepted at NBKC Bank branch ATMs, while cash deposits are accepted at any NBKC, MoneyPass, or Allpoint ATM.[4][5] With fewer fees, you have more funds to spare for business necessities.

Looking for a place to store those extra funds? It offers a Business Money Market account with a competitive APY on all balances. You just need at least $0.01 in your account to start earning.[6]

And like its business checking, it has very minimal fees, allowing you to keep more money in your account.

With NBKC Bank, you enjoy 90,000+ surcharge-free ATMs worldwide. If you can't find one near you, you can still reimburse any out-of-network ATM fees up to $12 per month.[7]

Pros:

  • No fees for most account activity types
  • Unlimited free cash and check deposits
  • Monthly rebates for out-of-network ATM fees

Cons:

  • High fees for international wires
  • Limited availability for business loans

Choose NBKC Bank if: You want a business checking account with the fewest possible fees. Or if you're based in Kansas City, MO.

Live Oak Bank

Best for: High-yield business savings account

Live Oak Bank is a fully digital bank aiming to become "America's small business bank," so its services cater specifically to small business owners. And it's your best bet if you're looking for a high-yield business savings account.

Why we like Live Oak Bank:
Unlike the other banks on this list, Live Oak Bank's best offer is its business savings account, which lets you earn up to 3.50% APY on your account balance.

Even better, it has no monthly fee or minimum balance requirements, allowing you to keep more money in your account for the high APY.

Aside from that, this account gives you access to its Insured Cash Sweep services, which can extend the FDIC insurance coverage on your account balance up to $10 million.[10] You don't have to worry about significant losses if your account is compromised.

Live Oak Bank is also great if you're looking for a variety of business loan options, like SBA and commercial loans. It even has specialized lending solutions for businesses in 30+ different industries. Just choose the best loan option for your business.

If your business is in an industry it doesn't cover, just reach out to Live Oak's team for assistance. They'd be happy to see what they can do to accommodate.

Pros:

  • Up to 3.50% APY for business savings
  • Tailored financing for 30+ industries
  • Active SBA lender
  • Extended FDIC insurance coverage available

Cons:

  • No physical branches (online only)
  • No free checking option

Choose Live Oak Bank if: You want a high-yield business savings account or need tailored financing solutions and industry-specific expertise.

Relay

Best for: Multiple checking accounts

Is your business growing and your current banking setup just isn't cutting it? Relay Financial might fit your needs.

Relay is specifically designed for large teams and larger financial needs, so you can level up your business without any roadblocks.

Why we like Relay:
Relay lets you open up to 20 individual business checking accounts and issue up to 50 debit cards at no extra cost.

You can assign each account and debit card to a specific purpose (like marketing, business trip, etc). This gives you complete control over how you manage your money.

Plus, you can give team members access to help with banking tasks. User permission settings will make sure everyone has the right level of access.

As a bonus - Relay gives you interest on your savings balances. It can even automatically move idle cash into your savings so they can grow.

And that's not all. Relay streamlines your bookkeeping by directly integrating with accounting tools such as Quickbooks, Gusto, Expensify, Xero, and more.

Pros:

  • Up to 20 checking accounts and 50 debit cards
  • Bookkeeping and payroll integrations
  • Higher transaction limits than other banks
  • Free cash deposits and withdrawals at Allpoint ATMs
  • Earn APY on savings balances

Cons:

  • No paper checks
  • Doesn't support Zelle as of now

Choose Relay if: You need multiple checking accounts and debit cards for your business. It's also good if your team is growing and you're ready to share banking responsibilities.

Found

Best for: One-person small businesses

Doing taxes and managing finances can be stressful for the newly self-employed. That's where Found comes in. It makes taxes and bookkeeping a breeze with automated tools.

Why we like Found:
Found tracks your business expenses, so you don't miss any tax write-offs. And the cool thing is - whenever you have a business transaction, it estimates your new tax bill. You'll always know how much you owe, so no more tax bill surprises.

The money for taxes is automatically set aside in a Tax Savings Account.

If you sign up for Found Plus and file a Schedule C, you can even make quarterly tax payments to the IRS and file your taxes in the app.

And finally, you can send custom invoices right from the app. Found will even send reminders to your clients for you.

Pros:

  • Automatically track tax write-offs
  • Always see your estimated taxes in real-time
  • Save and pay for taxes straight from the app
  • Free unlimited invoicing
  • No credit check

Cons:

  • No network of free ATMs
  • Only one physical debit card per account
  • Fee to deposit cash

Choose Found if: You want business expense tracking and tax preparation along with your business checking.

Lili

Best for: Banking and accounting

Lili is similar to Found at first glance. It also has tax tools to help you prepare for taxes. While the basic account doesn't include invoicing, tax planning, and bookkeeping tools, it does have other features that Found lacks.

One of the main differences is that Lili lets you mark your expenses as "personal" or "business." So it's possible for single users to use one account and still keep their books organized for taxes.

Lili also supports multi-owner companies. And if you have more than one business, you can even have an account for each business and manage them all using a single login.

Why we like Lili:
With Lili paid plans, you can automatically save money for taxes. It'll help you calculate how much you should save and put aside a percentage of your business income in a Tax Bucket.

To make taxes easier, it generates quarterly and yearly business expense reports for you. It'll even pre-fill your annual 1040 Schedule C, so you can file directly with the IRS.

If you do get paid sometimes in cash or check, Lili supports these kinds of deposits. And you can withdraw funds at over 40,000 fee-free ATMs.

Lili offers optional paid plans starting from $15.00/mo. These higher plans give you 3.00% APY on savings, cashback rewards, invoicing, and fee-free overdrafts up to $200.[11]

Pros:

  • Free basic account
  • Automatically track tax write-offs (paid plans)
  • Integrates with Etsy, Shopify, Quickbooks, and more
  • Get direct deposits up to 2 days early
  • No credit check

Cons:

  • Most features are only for Lili Pro, Smart, and Premium members
  • Up to $4.95 to deposit cash

Choose Lili if: You want integrated accounting, tax tools, APY on savings, and multi-user access.

Novo

Best for: Small online startups

Can't live without your business tools? Novo is high-tech online business banking platform that seamlessly integrates all your tools. It's ideal for online startups and eCommerce businesses.

There are no monthly fees, and it comes with great features and extra perks.

Why we like Novo:
What makes Novo so cutting-edge? It integrates with thousands of popular business tools like Shopify, QuickBooks, HubSpot, Google Ads, Slack, and more.

That means you can manage your entire business world from your banking platform. You save time by not bouncing between different apps and having to do manual data entry. Your whole workflow is synced with your banking.

All accounts get 20 Reserves. This helps with cash management because you can organize budgets for things like taxes or big business expenses.

And good news - Novo does not do a credit check. Your credit score will not be affected by having a Novo account.

Pros:

  • Create up to 20 Reserves
  • Thousands of integrations
  • Free unlimited invoicing
  • Send paper checks for free through the Novo app

Cons:

  • No cash deposits
  • Cannot send wires. You can only send international money transfers through the Wise integration.

Choose Novo if: You use a lot of business tools and software, and want to streamline your workflow by managing your business operations and banking in one place.

Do banks check your credit when opening a business checking account?
Banks may run a soft inquiry on your credit. That won't affect your credit score. But most banks do run your banking history through the ChexSystem. If you have had overdrafts or other bad marks, that may go against you.

Digital Federal Credit Union

Best for: Business banking with a credit union

Consider a credit union if you don't like the idea of a big bank. Credit unions are often more affordable and offer more personalized service.

Why we like Digital Federal Credit Union:
It offers a Free Business Checking account with no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements. It's ideal for new businesses with low activity.

Digital Federal Credit Union lets anyone join by becoming a member of one of their participating organizations (membership fee starting from $5). Or you can join if you or a family member works for one of the many participating employers.

Pros:

  • Free access to 80,000+ Allpoint, SUM, or CO-OP ATMs
  • Up to 4 debit cards per account (upon approval)
  • Several business savings accounts, including IRA options for your employees

Cons:

  • Limited services compared to the big banks
  • Less small business loans
  • Physical branches only in MA and NH

Choose Digital Federal Credit Union if: You want to use a credit union instead of a bank, and if you're looking for a free business checking account.

Are credit unions better for business banking?
A local credit union may have less fees and more personalized service. However, their services may be more limited than the big banks. Think about what you need (not only now but also down the road) to find what's best for you.

Best Regional Banks for Small Business

If you have a local business, a regional or community bank may fit your needs. It gives you the chance to build a personal relationship with your banker. They also have more interest in helping small businesses succeed.

Here are some of the best business checking accounts from regional banks:

Huntington Bank
Huntington Bank offers three business checking accounts depending on the size of your business. It even has a free account with no minimum balance.

All accounts come with digital tools to help you manage income and expenses. This bank has a large presence in the Midwest.

Huntington business banking is only available to those with a local branch. You must be present at a branch to open an account. Huntington Bank is most prominent in Ohio and Michigan, with other locations in IL, IN, KY, PA, WV, CO, FL, WI, and MN.

PNC Bank
The basic Business Checking lets you waive the $12 monthly maintenance fee by maintaining a $500 average monthly balance. The opening deposit is just $100.

TD Bank
TD Bank has a large footprint on the East Coast with over 1,100 locations. It's known for extended banking hours and 24/7 live customer service.

First Horizon Bank
First Horizon Bank offers a BizEssentials Checking account with no minimums or monthly service fee. This bank has a large presence across 12 southern states.

KeyBank
KeyBank has 3 business checking account options for businesses in different stages. The Basic Business Checking lets you waive the monthly fee of $5 with only $1,000 average daily balance.

All accounts let you deposit up to $25,000 each month for free, so it's great for small businesses that take cash.

Are small banks better for small businesses?
Small banks generally have less fees than the big banks. They may also be able to offer better loan terms. Plus, a small local bank is more likely to support local businesses. However, the trade-off is that they may not provide as many services.

Best Type of Bank to Open a Business Account

The first step is to decide what kind of bank you want to use for your small business. There are three main types:

  • National bank
    These are the big banks with a lot of branches and ATMs across the nation. They're convenient and usually offer more services and products. This could be a good choice for more established businesses.

  • Local bank
    Micro businesses may benefit more from a local bank or credit union. A smaller bank is more likely to take a greater interest in helping local businesses grow.

  • Online bank
    This option is good for online businesses or freelancers who don't need cash deposits. Online banks have less fees and requirements. As a bonus, they often offer higher interest rates than traditional banks.

What kind of bank do you want to use for your small business?
33% National bank
29% Local bank
38% Online bank
Source: CreditDonkey poll, April 16, 2025

How to Choose the Right Bank for Business

When choosing the best business bank account for your needs, think about what perks or features you'd like.

Consider these things:

  • Fees and account balance requirements
    We have free accounts on our list. But many banks have a minimum balance requirement to waive the monthly service fees. Can your business comfortably meet that requirement?

  • Transaction limits
    How many monthly transactions do you expect? Some accounts give you a certain number of free transactions per month. Beyond that, they charge a fee for each one.

    Transaction items include debits, credits, ACH transfers, and check deposits.

  • Cash deposit
    If your business takes in a lot of cash, look for an account with a higher amount of fee-free cash deposits. Also note that some online accounts don't allow for cash deposits.

  • Size of bank
    Large national banks are more convenient. On the other hand, local banks or credit unions offer more personalized service. They may be able to get you a better deal on a loan or provide more aid if something happens.

    One of the best resources for entrepreneurs is the Small Business Development Center. This nonprofit organization can help you with marketing, business loans and more.

  • Accessibility
    If you need to deposit and withdraw cash often, a brick-and-mortar bank may be better for you. Check that your bank has branches and ATMs near you.

    If you're okay with purely online and mobile banking, then an online bank can help you save. You can bank from anywhere on your smartphone.

  • Cash management
    Does the account have features to help manage your cash? For example, Bank of America has built-in tools. Novo has Reserves for you to set aside funds for business savings goals.

    Read more about cash management solutions.

  • Software integration
    See if the business checking account integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks, Freshbooks, or Xero. This matters because it could make your life easier.

  • Small business loans
    Even if you don't need a loan now, you may later. Having a personal relationship with your bank may help you obtain these resources or get a better interest rate.

    You may want to see if the bank provides SBA loans. These loans give financing opportunities to businesses that can't get a traditional bank loan.

  • Customer support
    It's important to get help from a real person when you need it. Read other customers' bank reviews to get an idea of how responsive they are.

Why Have a Business Bank Account

If you're running an LLC or corporation, you must have a separate business bank account. You're considered a separate legal entity, so you also must separate your finances. This will protect you from personal liability in case of lawsuits or debts.

If you're a freelancer or sole proprietor, you don't legally need a business checking account. You could technically use your personal bank account. But separating finances will make your life easier.

Here are some good reasons why all businesses should have a business bank account:

  • Easier to calculate business expenses during tax time and leave a clear trail for the IRS.
  • Present a more professional image to clients and vendors.
  • Be able to apply for small business loans.
  • Accept credit card payments from customers.
  • Give debit cards and access to team members.

Should I use the same bank as my personal account for my business?
There are benefits to using the same bank for both accounts. For one, it may be easier to open a business account because you already have an established relationship. Some banks also offer relationship discounts to existing customers.

However, you may find better deals for business accounts elsewhere. And using a different bank for your business can help maximize your FDIC insurance.

How to Open A Small Business Bank Account

Opening a business bank account is easy. Most banks will even let you do it online — no need to drop by a branch anymore.

Whether you do it online or in person, here are the usual steps you should take note of:

  1. Choose what account to open.
    As a small business owner, you definitely need a business checking account for day-to-day business activities, like receiving deposits, making business purchases, paying vendors, and more.

    Once you've got extra funds, it's smart to have a business savings account too. It's good for stashing your business emergency fund and savings for future business projects. They can even earn interest to help your money grow.

  2. Gather the required documents.
    Banks have different requirements for opening a business account, depending on your business structure and industry.

    But most will look for the following documents:

    • EIN or SSN (if you're a sole proprietor)
    • Business formation documents
    • Ownership agreements
    • Business license
    • Name, address, and state of your business and business owners

    Other possible documents the bank may look for are a DBA certificate (if using an assumed/trade name), 501 (c), corporate charter or resolution, etc.

    If you're not sure what documents you should prepare, you can always contact your bank beforehand to verify. This can save you the time of going on multiple trips to the bank just to submit all the requirements.

  3. Open your account.
    Once everything's ready, you can go ahead and open the account. Again, most banks will allow you to do it online, especially if you're a sole proprietor.

    However, if you have an LLC, corporation, or partnership, you and any partners may need to meet a banker in person. Each bank has its own rules, so make sure to double-check.

  4. Fund your account.
    When your bank account's ready, all that's left is to fund it, so you can start using it for business transactions.

    Some banks require an initial deposit, usually $25 to $100, during the application process. Others allow you to fund the account after it's opened, generally within 45 to 60 days.

Should I have multiple bank accounts for my small business?
Having multiple business bank accounts isn't necessary, but it can help you organize your finances. For example, you can have separate accounts for operations, payroll, taxes, etc.

Methodology

We compared dozens of both traditional and online banks to curate this list of the best banks for small businesses. To start, we looked at the different kinds of businesses out there.

We looked for unique bank accounts that tackle the challenges faced by various businesses. For example, a freelancer may struggle with taxes, while a retailer would need credit card processing. You're sure to find a bank that fits your needs.

We also made sure these banks are available to everyone nationwide. And of course, we don't believe in paying to bank. So these banks have easy ways to waive the monthly fees. Many banks on our list are even free.

And finally, all the banks have excellent security and are FDIC insured. So you can trust that your business funds are safe.

Small Business Banking FAQ

Do I need a business bank account as a sole proprietor?
Sole proprietors aren't required to have a separate bank account. But it's still smart not to mix personal and business finances. Or else it'll be a big pain during tax time.

Do I need a business bank account as an LLC?
LLCs are legally required to have a separate bank account, because the owners and the LLC are separate entities. You're protected from personal liability if your business gets sued. So you need to maintain the separation with a dedicated business bank account.

What banks offer free business checking accounts?
A lot of fintech companies offer free online business checking accounts, such as Bluevine and Lili. If you prefer a physical bank, U.S. Bank Business Essentials is a free business account.

What is the minimum amount to open a business account?
Each bank has their own requirements. But you can open a business checking account with $0. Some banks, like Bank of America, only requires $100 to open.

Do I need an EIN to open a business bank account?
Sole proprietors and single-member LLCs can use their SSN to open a business bank account. But you need an EIN if you hire employees or form an LLC or corporation. Check if you need an EIN here.

Can I open a business checking account with bad credit?
Yes you can. Some business bank accounts, like Lili and Novo, have no credit check. Or you can try to open an account with your local bank or credit union, as they may have more lax requirements.

What Experts Say

As part of our series on small businesses, CreditDonkey assembled a team of industry experts to answer readers' most pressing questions. Here's what they said.

Bottom Line

Picking the best bank for your small business needs is important to your success and growth. You'll need it to manage your business finances. Plus, it'll help when applying for a business loan or other services.

Consider all your options to see what makes the most sense for your small business banking needs. Pay attention to the fine print before signing up. If you're unhappy with your choice or your business needs change, you can switch to another bank, but it'll be a hassle.

Additional Resources

Business Checking Account Promotions

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    • Additional Resources

    References

    1. ^ Bank of America. Business Advantage Banking, Retrieved 11/15/2024
    2. ^ Bluevine. Interest Earned on Bluevine Business Checking Account, Retrieved 05/02/2024
    3. ^ Axos Bank, Business Interest Checking, Retrieved 12/06/2024
    4. ^ NBKC Bank. How do I fund my business account?, Retrieved 11/14/2024
    5. ^ NBKC Bank. How do I make a deposit at an ATM?, Retrieved 11/14/2024
    6. ^ NBKC Bank. Business Money Market in Kansas City, Retrieved 11/14/2024
    7. ^ nbkc. Rate and Fee Schedule, Retrieved 12/04/2024
    8. ^ NBKC Bank. Business Loans in Kansas City, Retrieved 11/14/2024
    9. ^ Live Oak Bank. When do I start earning interest on my Live Oak Bank savings account?, Retrieved 11/14/2024
    10. ^ Live Oak Bank. Insured Cash Sweep, Retrieved 11/14/2024
    11. ^ Lili. Plans, Retrieved 12/04/2024
    12. ^ FDIC. Deposit Insurance FAQs, Retrieved 11/15/2024
    13. ^ FDIC. Are My Deposit Accounts Insured by the FDIC?, Retrieved 11/15/2024

    Write to Samantha Tatro at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.

    Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.

    Bank of America
    Member FDIC

    Bank of America Advantage Banking - $300 Bonus Offer

    Learn More
    Expires 5/31/2025
    • The $300 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
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    What type of business do you have?
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    4% Partnership
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