Best Banks for Small Business in NC of July 2026

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Note: The star ratings on this list are specific to the bank's entry-level business checking account, not the overall institution. The exception is Live Oak Bank, which we've highlighted for its standout business savings account.

Bank/institution Bank/institution	Best for Best for	NerdWallet rating NerdWallet rating	Monthly fee Monthly fee	APY APY	Bonus Bonus	Learn more Learn more
Truist Simple Business Checking	In-person banking in North Carolina	4.0 /5	$0	N/A	N/A	Read review
Pros Free business checking available, including an option for nonprofits. Large branch network. Receive and send payments via Zelle. Cons Restrictive transaction limit on Simple Business Checking. Fee for using out-of-network ATMs. Multiple extra fees, including for ACH service and QuickBooks integration.

Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking℠ Account	Branch access + business loans	4.1 /5	$15.00 Waived with $2,000 minimum balance	N/A	$400 Requirements to qualify	Read review
Pros Welcome bonus for new customers (terms apply). Free incoming wire transfers. Receive and send payments via Zelle. No fees at ~11,000 Wells Fargo ATMs and access to around 4,200 branches. Cons $15 monthly service fee (increased March 2026). $25 minimum opening deposit. Limit of 100 fee-free transactions per month. Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.

Bluevine Business Checking	2026 BEST Online Business Checking Account	5.0 /5	$0	1.30% With $0 min. balance for APY	$500 Requirements to qualify	Learn more at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured
Pros No required monthly fee, minimum opening deposit, excess transaction or overdraft fees. Earn 1.30% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply. Access up to $3 million in FDIC insurance with Insured Cash Sweep. No fees at MoneyPass ATMs. Bill pay tools and invoicing with built-in payment links, plus tap-to-pay card acceptance. Cons No fee-free cash deposits. Fee for using out-of-network ATMs. Does not offer jointly-owned accounts.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking	Loyalty perks	4.5 /5	$16.00 $0 for the first 12 statement cycles.	N/A	$400 or $750 Requirements to qualify	Learn more at Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC
Pros No monthly fee for the first 12 statement cycles. Welcome offer for new accountholders. Loyalty perks via Preferred Rewards for Business program. Relatively low overdraft fees ($10 per item, limited to two per day) Cons $100 minimum opening deposit. Fee for using out-of-network ATMs. $16 monthly fee after introductory period ends.

Chase Business Complete Banking®	2026 BEST Brick-and-mortar Business Checking Account	4.5 /5	$15.00 Waived with $2,000 minimum balance	N/A	Earn up to $500 Requirements to qualify	Learn more at Chase, Member FDIC
Pros No minimum opening deposit. Unlimited fee-free electronic and debit card transactions. Integrated credit card processing. No overdraft fee unless account is overdrawn by more than $50; 24-hour grace period applies to overdrafts beyond that amount. No fees at thousands of Chase ATMs and access to around 5,000 branches. Receive and send payments via Zelle. Cons $15 monthly fee. Monthly limit on physical transactions (20). Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.

nbkc Business Account	No-fee business banking checking	4.8 /5	$0	N/A	N/A	Learn more at nbkc bank, Member FDIC
Pros No monthly fee, minimum opening deposit, excess transaction or overdraft fees. Up to $12 in monthly refunds for ATM fees charged by other banks worldwide. Unlimited cash deposits via MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs. Accept contactless payments via the NBKC app (iOS only). Fees apply. Unlimited debit cards. Cons Must pay a fee to use built-in software features via Autobooks.

Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking	Military members, veterans and their families	4.3 /5	$0	0.01% With $0 min. balance for APY	N/A	Read review
Pros No monthly fee and unlimited fee-free electronic transactions. No dollar limit on cash deposits (other limits may apply). 24/7 member service. No fees to deposit cash at Navy Federal or Co-Op Network ATMs. Cons High opening deposit (up to $255). $29 fee for overdrafts, insufficient funds. Eligibility limited to veterans, military members, Department of Defense employees and their families. Does not offer jointly owned accounts. No spend controls on employee debit cards.

Live Oak Bank Business Savings	High-yield business savings + SBA loans	4.5 /5	$0	2.85% With $0.01 min. balance for APY	N/A	Learn more at Live Oak Bank, Member FDIC
Pros High APY. Earn interest on balances of $0.01 and higher. No monthly maintenance fee or minimum deposit. Cons No ATM or debit card access for Business Savings account. No weekend customer support.

Truist Simple Business Checking

Best for In-person banking in North Carolina

4.0

Read expert review

APY

N/A

Monthly fee

Bonus

N/A

Read Review

Pros

Free business checking available, including an option for nonprofits.
Large branch network.
Receive and send payments via Zelle.

Cons

Restrictive transaction limit on Simple Business Checking.
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
Multiple extra fees, including for ACH service and QuickBooks integration.

Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking℠ Account

Best for Branch access + business loans

Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking℠ Account

4.1

Read expert review

APY

N/A

Monthly fee

$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

Bonus

$400

Requirements to qualify

Read Review

Pros

Welcome bonus for new customers (terms apply).
Free incoming wire transfers.
Receive and send payments via Zelle.
No fees at ~11,000 Wells Fargo ATMs and access to around 4,200 branches.

Cons

$15 monthly service fee (increased March 2026).
$25 minimum opening deposit.
Limit of 100 fee-free transactions per month.
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.

Nerdwallet best-of awards

2026 BEST Online Business Checking Account

Bluevine Business Checking

Best for Non-bank option for small businesses

5.0

Read expert review

APY

1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee

Bonus

$500

Requirements to qualify

Learn more

at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Pros

No required monthly fee, minimum opening deposit, excess transaction or overdraft fees.
Earn 1.30% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply.
Access up to $3 million in FDIC insurance with Insured Cash Sweep.
No fees at MoneyPass ATMs.
Bill pay tools and invoicing with built-in payment links, plus tap-to-pay card acceptance.

Cons

No fee-free cash deposits.
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
Does not offer jointly-owned accounts.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

Best for Loyalty perks

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

4.5

Read expert review

APY

N/A

Monthly fee

$16.00

$0 for the first 12 statement cycles.

Bonus

$400 or $750

Requirements to qualify

Learn more

at Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC

Pros

No monthly fee for the first 12 statement cycles.
Welcome offer for new accountholders.
Loyalty perks via Preferred Rewards for Business program.
Relatively low overdraft fees ($10 per item, limited to two per day)

Cons

$100 minimum opening deposit.
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
$16 monthly fee after introductory period ends.

Nerdwallet best-of awards

2026 BEST Brick-and-mortar Business Checking Account

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Best for All-in-one business bank

4.5

Read expert review

APY

N/A

Monthly fee

$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

Bonus

Earn up to $500

Requirements to qualify

Learn more

at Chase, Member FDIC

Pros

No minimum opening deposit.
Unlimited fee-free electronic and debit card transactions.
Integrated credit card processing.
No overdraft fee unless account is overdrawn by more than $50; 24-hour grace period applies to overdrafts beyond that amount.
No fees at thousands of Chase ATMs and access to around 5,000 branches.
Receive and send payments via Zelle.

Cons

$15 monthly fee.
Monthly limit on physical transactions (20).
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.

nbkc Business Account

Best for No-fee business banking checking

4.8

Read expert review

APY

N/A

Monthly fee

Bonus

N/A

Learn more

at nbkc bank, Member FDIC

Pros

No monthly fee, minimum opening deposit, excess transaction or overdraft fees.
Up to $12 in monthly refunds for ATM fees charged by other banks worldwide.
Unlimited cash deposits via MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs.
Accept contactless payments via the NBKC app (iOS only). Fees apply.
Unlimited debit cards.

Cons

Must pay a fee to use built-in software features via Autobooks.

Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking

Best for Military members, veterans and their families

Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking

4.3

Read expert review

APY

0.01%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee

Bonus

N/A

Read Review

Pros

No monthly fee and unlimited fee-free electronic transactions.
No dollar limit on cash deposits (other limits may apply).
24/7 member service.
No fees to deposit cash at Navy Federal or Co-Op Network ATMs.

Cons

High opening deposit (up to $255).
$29 fee for overdrafts, insufficient funds.
Eligibility limited to veterans, military members, Department of Defense employees and their families.
Does not offer jointly owned accounts.
No spend controls on employee debit cards.

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Best for High-yield business savings + SBA loans

4.5

Read expert review

APY

2.85%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee

Bonus

N/A

Learn more

at Live Oak Bank, Member FDIC

Pros

High APY.
Earn interest on balances of $0.01 and higher.
No monthly maintenance fee or minimum deposit.

Cons

No ATM or debit card access for Business Savings account.
No weekend customer support.

Best banks for business accounts in North Carolina

Live Oak

Best for: High-yield business savings + SBA loans

NerdWallet star rating: 4.5

Live Oak is one of the most active SBA 7(a) lenders in North Carolina. The online bank also consistently offers some of the best interest rates on the market with its business savings products, including a top-notch high-yield business savings account that earns 2.85% APY and multiple business CD options that earn more than 3.50% APY as of this writing.

Three business checking options.
Business Essential Checking has a $10 monthly fee (waived with $1,000 average daily balance) and no monthly transaction limits.
Live Oak does not support cash deposits; accounts can be funded via ACH, wire transfer or check.
No weekend customer support.
Fee-free access to more than 55,000 Allpoint ATMs (savings accounts don’t have ATM access).

Additional services:

High-yield savings account that earns 2.85% APY with a balance of at least $0.01.
A cash sweep account that provides FDIC insurance for up to $10 million in deposits.
Business CDs that earn upwards of 3.50% APY.
Issued more SBA 7(a) loans by dollar amount than any other lender in fiscal year 2023 and the second-most in 2024.

» Read our full Live Oak Bank business accounts review

NBKC

Best for: No-fee business banking checking

NerdWallet star rating: 4.8

NBKC’s free business checking is an attractive option for business owners in North Carolina who won’t mind a fully online banking experience. NBKC has only four branch locations, and they’re all in the Kansas City area. However, customers can access their account through NBKC’s mobile app and website, as well as 90,000+ MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs (which include numerous locations at Han-Dee Hugo’s, Sheetz and 7-Eleven).

Free business checking account that can be opened online anywhere in the U.S.
Account includes unlimited fee-free transactions and no incoming domestic wire fees, overdraft, stop payment or similar incidental fees.
Fee-free access to over 90,000 MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs across the country; up to $12 in monthly refunds for ATM fees charged by other banks worldwide.
Ability to deposit cash fee-free at eligible MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs using your NBKC business debit card.
Free online and mobile banking with mobile check deposit and online bill pay included.
Option to customize your checking account by adding desktop deposit, ACH credit and debits, merchant processing and Autobooks invoicing software.

Additional services

Free business money market account, which earns 2.75% APY as long as you have a balance of at least 1 cent.
NBKC Visa business credit card.

» Read our full NBKC business checking review

Bluevine

Best for: Non-bank option for small businesses

NerdWallet star rating: 5

Bluevine isn’t a bank, but rather a technology company that offers FDIC-insured business banking products via a partner financial institution. Bluevine’s online business checking account is backed by Coastal Community Bank and insured by the FDIC for up to $3 million via the IntraFi sweep network. The account has no monthly fees and an APY, too: Earn 1.30% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply. Beyond business checking, Bluevine also offers business lines of credit and (currently by invitation only) a newly launched business credit card.

» MORE: Best online business checking accounts

Bluevine Standard: No monthly fee, minimum deposit, overdraft fees or transaction limits. Earn 1.30% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply.
Bluevine Premier: Earn 3% APY on balances up to $3 million (terms apply). Monthly fee of $95 is waived if you meet daily balance and spending requirements. Premier customers receive discounted wire and same-day ACH transfers.
One-time and recurring bill payments via ACH, wire transfer or check.
No ATM fees at more than 37,000 MoneyPass ATMs.
Cash deposits available via Green Dot and compatible Allpoint+ ATMs. Fees and limits apply.

Additional services:

Business lines of credit up to $250,000.
Cash-back business credit card available for eligible Bluevine business checking customers (by invitation only).

» Read our full Bluevine business checking review

Chase

Best for: All-in-one business bank

NerdWallet star rating: 4.5

Chase’s entry-level business bank account packs in a lot of useful business features, including unlimited electronic transactions and integrated payment processing via the Chase mobile app. While Chase is a huge national bank, it may not be the best option for in-person banking depending on where your business is in North Carolina. There are only about 30 branches in the state, primarily in larger cities like Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte and Greensboro.

Chase Business Complete Checking℠ is $15 per month, but there are multiple ways to avoid the fee.
Unlimited electronic deposits. In-person and paper transactions are limited to 20 per month for Chase Business Complete and 250 per month for Chase Performance Business Checking®.
Payment processing through the Chase mobile app with QuickAccept℠, no additional point-of-sale equipment needed.
Live customer service available by phone 24/7.

Additional services:

A full suite of Chase Ink business rewards credit cards, which offer generous sign-up bonuses, as well as other Chase business credit cards.
A variety of small-business loans, including lines of credit, equipment financing and SBA loans.
Chase offers payment services for e-commerce and retail businesses, including Chase QuickAccept, which lets business owners accept credit card payments from the mobile app.

» Read our full Chase business checking review

Bank of America

Best for: Full-service business banking

NerdWallet star rating: 4.5

Bank of America’s Business Advantage Fundamentals checking account includes up to $5,000 in cash deposits per month — higher than some other brick-and-mortar banks that cap monthly cash deposits at $2,500. Bank of America also rewards customers who keep their business in-house, with perks like higher savings and cash-back rates on certain products via its Preferred Rewards for Business program.

Two account options with respective fees of $16 and $29.95 per month, though both can be avoided if you meet average monthly balance requirements. Both require a minimum opening deposit of $100.
Bank of America Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking includes unlimited electronic transactions, up to 20 non-electronic transactions (checks paid, other debits, deposited items) and up to $5,000 in cash deposits per statement cycle.
Opportunity to earn a welcome bonus. Terms apply.

Additional services:

Suite of business credit cards including a secured business card for business owners with poor or limited personal credit history.
Multiple business savings accounts, including a high-yield business CD.
Bank of America business loans include secured and unsecured loans and lines of credit, SBA loans and franchise financing.

» Read our full Bank of America business checking review

Navy Federal Credit Union

Best for: Military member, veterans and their families

NerdWallet star rating: 4.3

Navy Federal Credit Union caters specifically to the military community. You can choose from multiple business checking and savings options, and can get access to a variety of business loans, if you qualify. Beyond that, Navy Federal’s business specialists can help you tap in to the network of resources available for veteran-owned businesses.

Free, interest-bearing business checking account.
Unlimited fee-free electronic transactions.
No dollar limit on cash deposits.
High opening deposit requirement — $250 for sole proprietors and $255 for other entity types.
Fee-free access to more than 30,000 ATMs, including Navy Federal ATMs and the CO-OP network.

Additional services:

357 branches worldwide.
24/7 general customer support.
Money market accounts and business certificates of deposit.
Business credit card with no annual fee.
Business loans and lines of credit.

» Read our full Navy Federal Credit Union business checking review

Wells Fargo

Best for: Branch access + business loans

NerdWallet star rating: 4.1

Wells Fargo has more than 200 branches across North Carolina and offers a wide range of banking services — including business checking, savings and financing options — for business owners who prefer to bank in person.

Three business checking accounts with monthly maintenance fees ranging from $10 for the bank's entry-level checking account (Initiate Business Checking) to $75 for a premium checking account that earns credits to offset fees (Optimize Business Checking).
Transaction limits range from 100 to 250 per month, depending on the account. Wells Fargo counts all withdrawals, debits and deposits, including mobile deposits, toward your transaction limit. Debit card purchases and payments do not count toward the limit.
Up to $20,000 in cash deposits per month, depending on the account type.
All business checking accounts can be opened online, over the phone or by visiting a branch.

Additional services:

Small-business loans, including commercial real estate and equipment financing. Wells Fargo also offers SBA loans.
Profit-sharing, 401(k) and IRA options for business owners and their employees.
Point-of-sale systems available through Clover.
Payroll services available through ADP.

» Read our full Wells Fargo business checking review

Truist

Best for: In-person banking in North Carolina

NerdWallet star rating: 4

Truist Bank has nearly 300 branch locations across North Carolina, making it a standout option for business owners who prefer to bank in person. While Truist’s free business checking account leaves a lot to be desired — the transaction limits are particularly stingy compared with competitors — the bank’s Dynamic Business Checking gives you more runway and it’s relatively easy to avoid the monthly fee.

» MORE: Best free business checking accounts

Three business checking account options, including a free account for nonprofit organizations.
Transaction limits range from 50 to 500 per month, depending on the account. Virtually all deposits, debits and transfers count toward your transaction limit.
Business accounts can be opened entirely online.
Access to more than 3,000 Truist Bank ATMs; fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
Business savings, money market and certificates of deposit available.

Additional services:

Business credit cards that offer rewards boost for Truist business checking customers.
Multiple business loan options, including term loans, equipment loans and business lines of credit.

» Read our full Truist business checking review

Other North Carolina-based business banks to consider

First Citizens Bank: This bank’s free business checking account has no minimum balance requirement and includes up to 100 transactions and $5,000 in cash deposits per month.

North State Bank: With four business checking options, North State Bank offers something for nearly every business size. Accounts include QuickBooks integration and some also offer a healthy welcome bonus.

Self-Help Credit Union: This mission-driven credit union is dedicated to providing banking services and economic opportunity to underserved communities. While Self-Help doesn’t offer a business checking account, the credit union does offer many other business banking services, including business loans, money market accounts and certificates of deposits with very competitive terms.

Notes from our partners:

To view rates and fees of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, see this page.

To view rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, see this page.

To view rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, see this page.

Last updated on March 4, 2026

Methodology

NerdWallet’s writers and editors evaluate more than 60 business bank accounts from national, regional and online banks. Collectively, these accounts represent the largest banks by assets and the largest credit unions by membership, along with notable and emerging fintech companies and online banks.

We consider more than 20 data points for each account, including services, fees, features and rewards. We gather this information from rates and fees documents, deposit account agreements, financial institution websites and company representatives.

Our editorial team regularly reviews and updates our data to ensure consistency and accuracy. We also update our scoring on an ongoing basis to reflect changing industry norms and business owner needs. For instance, in 2026, we adjusted our expectations for APYs due to falling interest rates.

Final ratings range from one to five stars. A five-star score represents the best available product for the largest number of business owners. Learn more about how we rate business checking accounts.

Meet the editorial team

Kelsey Sheehy

Senior writer | Small business, personal finance

Kelsey Sheehy is a senior writer and NerdWallet authority on small business. She started at NerdWallet in 2015 and spent six years as a personal finance writer and spokesperson before switching gears to cover the financial decisions and challenges faced by small-business owners. Kelsey’s work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Nasdaq and MarketWatch, among other publications. Kelsey has appeared on the "Today" show, NBC News and ABC’s "World News Tonight" and has been quoted by the Los Angeles Times, CNBC, American Banker, NPR and Vice, among other publications. Prior to joining NerdWallet, Kelsey covered college (and how to pay for it) for U.S. News & World Report. She is based in Washington, D.C.

Best Banks for Small Business in North Carolina of July 2026

Truist Simple Business Checking

Best for In-person banking in North Carolina

Truist Simple Business Checking

Best for In-person banking in North Carolina

Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking℠ Account

Best for Branch access + business loans

Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking℠ Account

Best for Branch access + business loans

Bluevine Business Checking

Best for Non-bank option for small businesses

Bluevine Business Checking

Best for Non-bank option for small businesses

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

Best for Loyalty perks

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

Best for Loyalty perks

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Best for All-in-one business bank

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Best for All-in-one business bank

nbkc Business Account

Best for No-fee business banking checking

nbkc Business Account

Best for No-fee business banking checking

Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking

Best for Military members, veterans and their families

Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking

Best for Military members, veterans and their families

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Best for High-yield business savings + SBA loans

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Best for High-yield business savings + SBA loans

Best banks for business accounts in North Carolina

Live Oak

NBKC

Bluevine

Chase

Bank of America

Navy Federal Credit Union

Wells Fargo

Truist

Other North Carolina-based business banks to consider

Methodology