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Best Business Bank Accounts Of May 2024

Personal Finance Reviewer and Writer
Deputy Editor, Banking

Fact Checked

Updated: Apr 1, 2024, 9:45pm

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

A business bank account is a necessity for any business owner who takes their venture seriously. Personal accounts don’t usually provide the advanced tools and features growing companies need. Plus, juggling business finances through personal accounts can leave you disorganized and limit your business’s potential.

Whether you’re looking for business checking, savings or money market accounts, the best business bank accounts come with low fees, convenient digital tools and competitive rates. Annual percentage yields (APYs) and account details listed below are accurate as of April 1, 2024.

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Best Business Bank Accounts of 2024

PNC Treasury Enterprise Plan

PNC Treasury Enterprise Plan
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

N/A

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$100

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$50

PNC Treasury Enterprise Plan

N/A

$100

$50

Editor's Take

The PNC Bank Treasury Enterprise Plan is a banking package designed for small and medium-sized businesses with higher transaction volumes. It includes a PNC Analysis Business Checking account and one of two investment accounts—the Premium Business Money Market account or the MMDA Sweep account.

The Treasury Enterprise Plan includes up to 2,500 free transactions and $50,000 in deposits a month, making it a great option for high-transaction businesses. PNC offers Cash Flow Insight tools for accounts receivable and payable, invoicing, payments and more with this package.

You can also have multiple business checking accounts under this plan to consolidate transactions, fees and account management. Four beneficiary checking accounts can be added at no cost, but there is a $10 monthly maintenance fee for each account after that. There is a $100 minimum deposit to open the Treasury Enterprise Plan and a steep $50 monthly fee. To waive this, you’ll need to maintain an average combined balance of $30,000

Read our full PNC Bank Review.

Pros & Cons
  • High transaction and cash deposit limits
  • Can link multiple business bank accounts
  • Occasional cash sign-up bonus
  • May earn cash back and earnings credits
  • Highly-rated mobile app
  • High monthly fee
  • Extra fees for business services
  • High minimum balance requirement to avoid fees
  • Does not earn interest
Details

Fees are assessed for additional banking services. This includes the Cash Flow Insight tools (Payables, Receivables and Accounting Software Sync), which require a $20 monthly subscription. The checking account does not earn interest.

Axos Bank Basic Business Checking

4.8
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

N/A

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$0

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

Learn More Arrow
On Axos Bank's Website

N/A

$0

$0

Editor's Take

We chose the Axos Bank Basic Business Checking account because it has no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum opening deposit or balance requirements and offers unlimited fee-free transactions. You’ll also get unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements, up to 60 fee-free remote deposits each month and two outgoing domestic wire fee reimbursements each month.

In addition to being packed with valuable perks, this account regularly offers one of the best business bank account bonuses, so you can potentially earn a cash bonus just for opening a new account.

That said, Axos Bank’s Basic Business Checking account doesn’t earn interest. It also doesn’t offer a long list of business tools or third-party integrations, although it is compatible with QuickBooks. Axos Bank is an online bank, so you won’t have access to branch banking.

Read our full Axos Bank Business Checking Review.

Pros & Cons
  • No monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance requirements
  • Unlimited free transactions
  • Unlimited domestic ATM reimbursement
  • Compatibility with QuickBooks
  • Complimentary first set of paper checks
  • No physical bank branches
  • Fees for paper statements, checks and outgoing wire transfers
Details

Axos Basic Business Checking has no opening deposit requirement, monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance requirement. Also, your first set of 50 checks is complimentary. The account provides unlimited reimbursements for domestic ATM fees. Dedicated banking relationship managers are available Monday through Friday. There is no limit to the number of transactions—debits, credits or deposited items—that can be processed each month. You also get two reimbursed domestic wires per month. This account charges fees for paper statements, checks, and outgoing wire transfers. Axos also offers business savings accounts, a business money market account, a nonprofit money market account, business CDs and loans. Merchant services are provided through a partnership with Celero Merchant Solutions. Payroll services are provided through a partnership with Roll by ADP.

Bonus

Axos offers a cash bonus of up to $400 when opening an account and meeting certain requirements by June 30, 2024, using offer code NEW400. To qualify, you must make a deposit within 30 days of opening your new account, and your balance will be used to determine the amount of your bonus. To earn $400, which is paid as $100 for up to four statement cycles, you will need to have an average balance above $50,000 in your new account, a minimum of 10 POS transactions of at least $3 each posted to your account each month and bill pay set up for your account. You need to submit an application by June 30, 2024 to qualify.

Business owners who are also interested in opening a personal checking account can qualify for a bonus of up to $700 when they open a business checking account and a high-yield Rewards Checking account at the same time. To qualify for this bonus, you will use the code AXOS700 to apply for both accounts by June 30, 2024. Then, you must meet individual bonus requirements for each account.

LendingClub Tailored Checking Account

4.8
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

Up to 1.50%

1.50% APY on the first $100,000 of any balance and 0.10% APY on balance portions over 100,000

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$100

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$10

$0 with monthly balance of $500

Learn More Arrow
Read Our Full Review

Up to 1.50%

1.50% APY on the first $100,000 of any balance and 0.10% APY on balance portions over 100,000

$100

$10

$0 with monthly balance of $500

Editor's Take

The LendingClub Tailored Checking account is one of the best business checking accounts for earning rewards and saving money. There are very few fees, and LendingClub partners with Autobooks for quick and easy digital invoicing and payments. You can also process unlimited transactions and get ATM fee rebates for out-of-network transactions.

LendingClub Tailored Checking earns 1.50% APY on the first $100,000 of any balance and 0.10% APY on balance portions over 100,000. In addition, signature-based debit card transactions can earn 1% cash back, assuming you meet account requirements and have a balance of at least $500.

There is a $10 monthly maintenance fee for this account, but it’s waived if you keep a $500 average monthly balance. Overall, this is a valuable low-fee, cash-back business checking account.

Read our full LendingClub Bank Review.

Pros & Cons
  • Account earns interest and cash back, provided requirements are met
  • Unlimited transactions and ATM fee rebates
  • Access to digital invoicing and point-of-sale solutions
  • Phone and live chat support available seven days a week
  • Monthly maintenance fee on balances under $500
  • No physical bank branch locations
  • Charges for both incoming and outgoing wire transfers
Details

If your account has a zero balance for over three months, LendingClub reserves the right to close it without notice. Interest compounds daily and is credited monthly on the last business day of each statement cycle. Cash-back rewards will be credited to your account by the tenth calendar day of the month after the month they were earned. LendingClub Bank offers several savings deposit options for small businesses and commercial applications, including savings accounts, money market accounts and CDs. LendingClub also provides various cash management and business lending solutions, including being a nationwide SBA Preferred Lender. This means it has been authorized by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to process loan applications independently and, therefore, more quickly than other banks.

Bonus

The LendingClub Tailored Checking account does not have active sign-up or referral bonuses at this time.

First Internet Bank Commercial Analyzed Checking

First Internet Bank Commercial Analyzed Checking
4.7
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

N/A

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$100

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

First Internet Bank Commercial Analyzed Checking

N/A

$100

$0

Editor's Take

First Internet Bank is an online-only bank that offers multiple business checking accounts with low fees. The Commercial Analyzed Checking account is ideal for medium to large businesses that want access to a suite of business bank accounts and services, including:

  • Treasury management services
    • Commercial deposit services
    • Payables and receivables capabilities
    • Sweep services
    • Fraud prevention
  • Merchant services
    • Credit card processing
  • Corporate credit cards

There are no fees for the services listed and no monthly service fee. This account also permits unlimited fee-free transactions and requires an opening deposit of just $100. Because the Commercial Analyzed Checking account emphasizes that every business has different needs, it’s recommended for small business owners who value (virtual) service and customizability.

Read our full First Internet Bank Review.

Pros & Cons
  • Wide range of commercial banking services
  • No minimum deposit requirement
  • Several deposit account options
  • Does not earn interest
  • No physical bank branches
  • No ATM network
  • Cash deposits not accepted
Details

All treasury management services available include payables and receivables solutions, commercial deposit services, sweep services and fraud prevention tools.

First Internet Bank Do More Business™ Checking

4.7
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

0.50%

with average daily balance of $10,000

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$100

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$0

Learn More Arrow
On First Internet Bank's Website
Member FDIC

0.50%

with average daily balance of $10,000

$100

$0

Editor's Take

The First Internet Bank Do More Business Checking account is an unflashy interest-bearing checking account with no minimum deposit or balance requirements and no monthly maintenance fees. It doesn’t have transaction limits and reimburses up to $10 per month in ATM fees. Plus, you’ll have access to money management tools through the dedicated First IB Business Banking app.

The account earns 0.50% APY for accounts with an average daily balance of $10,000, which is decent. But the “Balance Optimizer” feature lets you automatically transfer funds between your Do More Business Checking and business savings accounts with First Internet Bank to earn more interest. You’ll set a target checking balance, and the bank will move extra funds to higher-earning accounts.

The Do More Business Checking account is a simple, no-fee account ideal for small business owners who prefer online banking and don’t want to worry about fees or limits.

Read our full First Internet Bank Review.

Pros & Cons
  • Interest on checking
  • Monthly ATM fee reimbursement of up to $10
  • No monthly maintenance fee
  • Several deposit accounts available
  • No physical bank branches
  • $10,000 minimum balance to earn interest
  • No ATM network or partner network
Details

Interest for this account is compounded and credited monthly on the last day of each month. The Do More Business Checking account has no minimum deposit, balance or monthly maintenance fee. Regardless of your balance, you will be reimbursed up to $10 per month in ATM fees. First Internet Bank also offers several business deposit accounts, including a savings account, money market account and CDs.

Bonus

The First Internet Bank Do More Business Checking account does not have active sign-up or referral bonuses at this time.

Wells Fargo Business Market Rate Savings Account

Wells Fargo Business Market Rate Savings Account
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

0.01%

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$25

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$5

Wells Fargo Business Market Rate Savings Account

0.01%

$25

$5

Editor's Take

The Wells Fargo Business Market Rate Savings account is designed for small businesses that want to earn interest on a little extra cash worry-free. While the rate isn’t too impressive at 0.01% APY, this account offers convenience in the form of check-writing privileges and low balance and deposit requirements. There’s no pressure to save a lot because all balances earn the same rate, and you only need a balance of $300 to waive the $5 monthly fee. You can also waive it by making $25 in automatic transfers from a Wells Fargo business checking account.

You can use this business account to provide overdraft protection for your checking and make up to 20 deposits, $5,000 in cash, free each statement period.

Pros & Cons
  • Overdraft protection for linked business checking
  • Check-writing privileges
  • Fees for excess cash deposits
  • Lower interest rate than similar accounts
Details

Interest is earned on all balances over $0. Interest is compounded daily and credited monthly.

Wells Fargo Business Platinum Savings

Wells Fargo Business Platinum Savings
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

0.25% to 2.50%

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$25

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$15

Wells Fargo Business Platinum Savings

0.25% to 2.50%

$25

$15

Editor's Take

The Wells Fargo Business Platinum Savings account offers high APYs for businesses with plenty of cash to save. All accounts earn interest, but those with balances of $1 million or more can earn the higher APY on deposits. Here’s how the interest rates shake out by balance tier:

Balance APY
$1,000,000 or more 2.50%
$0 - $99,999.99 0.25%
$500,000 - $999,999.99 2.00%
$100,000 - $499,999.99 1.01%

In addition to earning interest, the Business Platinum Savings account offers overdraft protection for Wells Fargo business checking accounts and the unique ability to write checks directly from savings. There are over 11,000 Wells Fargo ATMs nationwide.

This account has a $15 monthly maintenance fee that can be waived by maintaining a $10,000 average daily balance or opening a linked business checking account. Free cash deposits are limited to $5,000 or 20 transactions per month. This savings account is a worthy option for high balances and convenient cash access, but it’s not ideal for saving on a smaller scale.

Read our full Wells Fargo Bank Review.

Pros & Cons
  • Competitive tiered interest rates
  • Overdraft protection for linked business checking
  • Check-writing privileges
  • Fees for excess cash deposits
  • High minimum balance requirement to avoid fees
Details

Interest is compounded daily and credited monthly. Checking accounts that can be linked to avoid the monthly fee are Wells Fargo Navigate Business Checking® Account and Wells Fargo Optimize Business Checking® Account.

First Internet Bank Business Money Market Savings

5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

3.46% or 5.48%

3.46% with a daily balance of $5,000,000 or below or 5.48% with a daily balance above $5,000,000

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$100

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$5

Learn More Arrow
Read Our Full Review

3.46% or 5.48%

3.46% with a daily balance of $5,000,000 or below or 5.48% with a daily balance above $5,000,000

$100

$5

Editor's Take

The First Internet Bank Business Money Market Savings account offers a generous APY, especially on higher balances. Balances of less than $5 million earn the lower APY, while balances of $5 million or more earn the higher APY.

This is a stand-out account for its interest rates alone, but it also earns a spot as one of the best business bank accounts because of its low fees and easy-to-meet requirements. With just $100, you can open this money market account and start earning. The $5 monthly maintenance fee is lower than many competitors and waived with a balance of $4,000. Consider this savings option if you want to maximize your interest earnings on excess funds.

Pros & Cons
  • Competitive APY
  • Highly rated mobile app
  • Waivable monthly fee
  • ATM cards available for sole proprietors only
  • No physical branches
  • Monthly transaction limits
  • Must maintain a daily balance over $5 million to earn the higher yield
Details

First Internet Bank’s Business Money Market Savings account allows no more than six eligible transactions per month before an excess transaction fee is assessed. Like most online banks, First Internet Bank does not have branch locations. This account carries a $5 monthly fee that’s waived if you keep an average daily balance of .

The bank has another business savings option: the First Internet Bank Business Regular Savings account. It pays 0.91% APY, can be opened with as little as $100 and has a $2 monthly fee that you can avoid with an average daily balance of $1,000.

TD Business Savings

TD Business Savings
4.8
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Annual Percentage Yield

0.05%

Minimum Deposit Requirement

$25

Monthly Maintenance Fee

$5

TD Business Savings

0.05%

$25

$5

Editor's Take

TD Bank’s Business Savings account has low monthly fees, overdraft protection for linked TD Bank business checking accounts and low deposit and balance requirements working in its favor. It also earns interest, but the standard rate is just 0.05% APY. However, yields vary by state, and you may be able to qualify for an adjusted rate by speaking to your branch manager. This account is recommended for businesses with smaller balances that value customer service.

TD Bank often makes best business banking lists, owing in part to the bank’s high customer satisfaction ratings and in-person banking access. TD Bank was ranked as the best bank for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2019 U.S. National Banking Satisfaction Study and the third-best for the same study in 2022. The bank also offers wider in-person access than many banks analyzed.

ATM withdrawals are free at any TD Bank location, with around 2,600 available in the U.S. (primarily on the East Coast). It’s important to note that TD Bank operates in 16 states on the eastern side of the country. Businesses not in the bank’s service area are out of luck.

The TD Business Savings account has a low $25 minimum deposit requirement and a $5 monthly maintenance fee that can be waived by maintaining a $500 average daily balance.

Read our full TD Bank Review.

Pros & Cons
  • Overdraft protection for linked business checking
  • Low minimum deposit and balance requirements
  • 24/7 live customer service
  • Fees for excess cash deposits
  • Only available in 16 states
  • Lower interest rate than many accounts
Details

To open an account with TD Bank, your business must be located in a state where TD Bank operates: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, Vermont, or Washington, D.C. Free cash deposits are limited to $5,000 per statement cycle.


Summary: Best Business Bank Accounts

Company Forbes Advisor Rating Annual Percentage Yield Minimum Deposit Requirement Monthly Maintenance Fee Learn More
PNC Treasury Enterprise Plan 5.0 5-stars-removebg-preview N/A $100 $50 Learn More Read Our Full Review
Axos Bank Basic Business Checking 4.8 5-stars-removebg-preview N/A $0 $0 Learn More On Axos Bank's Website
LendingClub Tailored Checking Account 4.8 5-stars-removebg-preview Up to 1.50% $100 $10 Learn More Read Our Full Review
First Internet Bank Commercial Analyzed Checking 4.7 4.5-removebg-preview N/A $100 $0 Learn More Read Our Full Review
First Internet Bank Do More Business™ Checking 4.7 4.5-removebg-preview 0.50% $100 $0 Learn More Read Our Full Review
Wells Fargo Business Market Rate Savings Account 5.0 5-stars-removebg-preview 0.01% $25 $5 Learn More Read Our Full Review
Wells Fargo Business Platinum Savings 5.0 5-stars-removebg-preview 0.25% to 2.50% $25 $15 Learn More Read Our Full Review
First Internet Bank Business Money Market Savings 5.0 5-stars-removebg-preview 3.46% or 5.48% $100 $5 Learn More Read Our Full Review
TD Business Savings 4.8 5-stars-removebg-preview 0.05% $25 $5 Learn More Read Our Full Review

Methodology

To make this list, Forbes Advisor pulled data from business checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts and CDs at 154 traditional banks, online banks and credit unions. We used the following metrics to rank each account:

  • Fees
  • Branch and ATM access
  • Digital experience
  • Customer experience
  • Minimums
  • APYs

Our analysis of fees included monthly fees, excess transaction fees, overdraft fees, ATM fees, deposit fees and early withdrawal penalty fees. Access looked at the number of fee-free ATMs and in-person branches, while digital experience took into account App Store and Google Play ratings. Customer experience considered merchant services, integration with business tools, customer service ratings and live chat availability.

We gave different weights to each metric depending on the type of account, and subcategories varied slightly. Some accounts were also scored using deposit and transaction limits and business features.

Business bank accounts with lower and fewer fees, wider accessibility, better digital and customer experience scores and lower minimum deposit and balance requirements were ranked higher.

To learn more about our review methodology and editorial process, see How Forbes Advisor Reviews Banks.


Guide to Business Bank Accounts


What Is a Business Bank Account?

A business bank account is a specialized account business owners use to manage their finances. Unlike personal accounts, they’re designed to handle larger volumes of transactions and offer features tailored to business operations, like payroll services or merchant payment processing.

Having a business bank account separates your personal and business finances, simplifies tax reporting and helps you look professional to clients and suppliers. It may also make it easier to qualify for a business line of credit.


How Do Business Bank Accounts Work?

Business bank accounts function as a hub for all financial transactions related to a company’s operations. They’re established under a business’s legal name, so business finances stay separate from the personal finances of the owner or owners.

Just like personal accounts, you can access a business bank account online, through an app or by visiting a bank branch. Once you open an account, you can usually:

  • Deposit earnings
  • Manage payroll
  • Pay for services and supplies
  • Make withdrawals or transfers
  • Write checks
  • Use your debit card
  • Set aside money for taxes and future expenses
  • Handle any other financial transactions related to your business

Types of Business Bank Accounts

When it comes to managing your business finances, choosing the right type of bank account is crucial. Each type of account serves a different purpose and comes with unique features to support your business needs.

Business Checking Accounts

A business checking account is designed for daily transactions. It’s essential for managing your company’s cash flow. This is where you can deposit and withdraw money, pay bills and make purchases. Most business checking accounts come with a debit card and possibly a checkbook for transactions.

Business Savings Accounts

A business savings account helps you build up a cash reserve for your business. It’s where you set aside any funds you’ll need for the future, whether it be to pay taxes, buy equipment or cover your expenses during leaner months. Business savings accounts often earn interest, but there may be a limit to how many withdrawals you can make per month. Many savings accounts allow you to link business checking accounts for one-time or automated transfers.

Business Money Market Accounts

A business money market account is similar to a savings account in that it earns interest and provides a place to build up cash reserves. However, this type of account typically comes with some features of a checking account, such as an ATM card or paper checks, that offer easier access to your funds. Money market accounts may pay higher interest rates than savings accounts but can also have steep balance requirements.

Business Credit Cards

A business credit card is a powerful tool for managing expenses and cash flow, as well as building a credit history for your business. These allow for flexible spending and can provide rewards on purchases and even statement credits on spending. But just like personal credit cards, it’s vital to use business credit cards wisely. Taking on high-interest debt can impact your company’s financial health.

Business Merchant Accounts

If your business accepts credit or debit card payments, you probably need a merchant account. This type of account acts as a holding area for card payment funds before they’re transferred to your business’s checking account.


Business Bank Account Fees

When looking for the best bank for business accounts, fees should be top of mind. Depending on which institution you go with, you may encounter these common business bank account fees:

  • Monthly fees. Many banks charge a monthly maintenance fee for business accounts. These fees vary depending on the institution, though some offer free business checking with no monthly fee or provide options to waive it by maintaining a certain minimum balance.
  • Transaction fees. Business accounts often come with a set number of free transactions per month. Exceeding this limit may result in additional fees per transaction.
  • Overdraft fees. If your account balance goes negative, banks may charge an overdraft fee. To avoid this, monitor your account balance and consider setting up overdraft protection.
  • ATM fees. Banks might charge a fee when you withdraw cash from an ATM outside their networks. Some offer ATM fee refunds to cover a certain number of such transactions.
  • Wire transfer fees. Sending or receiving wire transfers typically incurs a fee. These fees vary depending on the sender’s location, the type of transfer and the transfer amount.
  • Stop payment fees. If you request your bank to stop processing a check payment you’ve sent, you’ll likely pay a stop payment fee.
  • Cash management services. Your business may take advantage of cash management services like treasury and remote deposit services. These services can help streamline your cash flow, but they often come with added fees.

Pros and Cons of Business Bank Accounts

Business bank accounts come with a mix of benefits and drawbacks.

Pros

  • Separates your business and personal expenses and makes it easier to track cash flow
  • Offers a professional way to receive and make payments
  • Helps you build credit for your business, which can be beneficial for future loans
  • Simplifies tax filing and financial reporting by keeping all business transactions in one place
  • Gives you access to additional banking tools like payroll management, merchant services and lines of credit

Cons

  • May have more fees than personal accounts
  • Some have transaction fees and limits
  • Set up may require more paperwork than a personal account

How To Choose a Business Bank Account

Selecting the right bank account is pivotal for managing your business finances effectively. Here’s a streamlined process to guide you:

  • Identify your needs. For instance, do you need a business checking account for daily spending and deposits or maybe a business savings account for surplus funds?
  • Consider the fees. Look for accounts with no monthly fees or fees you can easily waive. Also note other fees that may apply, such as overdraft fees, ATM fees, transaction fees and more.
  • Verify minimum balance requirements. Determine if you can comfortably meet the minimum balance required to open an account or avoid monthly fees.
  • Review transaction limits. Ideally, the account you choose shouldn’t have transaction limits. But if it does, choose a limit that won’t result in additional charges for your company.
  • Compare interest rates. If you’re opening a business savings account, compare the interest rates to other savings accounts to ensure you’re maximizing your returns.
  • Evaluate ease of use. The best business bank accounts should be user-friendly, with easy-to-use online banking options and good customer service.
  • Explore additional services. Find out if the bank offers merchant services, credit lines or other financial products that might benefit your business now or down the line.

How To Open a Business Bank Account

Opening a business bank account looks a lot like opening any bank account, but it often requires more documentation.

  1. Gather necessary documents. These may include your business formation papers and Employer Identification Number (EIN). You can apply for an EIN online. Some banks let you use your Social Security number if your business is set up as a sole proprietorship.
  2. Decide on the type of account you want. Do you want a checking or savings account? Or does a money market account appeal to your needs? Each account type comes with its own set of benefits and requirements, and you can always open multiple accounts.
  3. Compare different banks and their offerings. Consider key factors like minimum opening deposit requirements, monthly fees, transaction limits and extra services. Choose an account that gives you more tools and benefits while asking less of you.
  4. Apply for an account. Visit your chosen bank or credit union’s website and follow the instructions to open a business account. You’ll need to fill out an application and provide some information about your business and its authorized account users. This is also where you’ll submit any required documentation, like your EIN, formation documents and business license.

Banks often require a minimum opening deposit. This varies between institutions, so make sure you’re aware of the specific amount needed to fund your new account when applying.


Alternatives to Business Bank Accounts

If you’re not ready to commit to a traditional business bank account, there are several alternatives that can still help you manage your business finances:

  • Personal bank accounts. Some small business owners may opt to use their personal bank accounts for business transactions. This can be a simple short-term solution, but keep in mind that it lacks the features and legal separation that business accounts provide.
  • Online payment platforms. Services like PayPal, Venmo or Stripe offer business accounts that can handle transactions and sometimes even allow you to hold a balance. These can be easier to set up and offer more immediate access to funds than other accounts, but they may not come with FDIC insurance.
  • Prepaid business cards. These can be loaded with funds and used like credit cards for business purchases without the need for a bank account. They help with budgeting and expense tracking but don’t offer interest or credit.

Find The Best Banks Of 2024


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Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
Cassidy Horton
Personal Finance Reviewer and Writer

Cassidy Horton is a finance writer covering banking, life insurance and business loans. She has worked with top finance brands including NerdWallet, MarketWatch and Consumer Affairs. Cassidy first became interested in personal finance after paying off $18,000 in debt within 10 months of graduating college. She later went on to triple her salary in two years by ditching her 8-to-5 job to write for a living.

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