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Best-of Awards 2026
Best business bank accounts
Here are our complete picks, in alphabetical order:
- American Express® Business Checking: Best for 24/7 customer support.
- Axos Business Premium Savings Account: Best for business savings account.
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking: Best for full-service business banking.
- Bluevine Business Checking: Best for online banking.
- Chase Business Complete Banking®: Best for branch access, payment processing.
- Found Small Business Banking: Best for paying contractors and saving for taxes.
- Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking Account: Best for earning interest and cash back.
- Mercury Business Account: Best for all-in-one financial management.
- nbkc Business Account: Best for low-fee online banking.
- Relay Business Checking: Best for expense management tools.
- U.S. Bank Business Essentials: Best for free checking at a brick-and-mortar bank.
You can apply for the accounts highlighted below via NerdWallet's partners. Those relationships do not influence our editorial team's selections. Our small-business writers and editors chose the best business bank accounts based on their independent research and ratings.
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No monthly fee- No minimum deposit
- No overdraft fees
- ATM fee reimbursement
- Free cash deposits
- Interest-earning
- Physical checks
- Cash deposits
- Insured cash sweep
- Invoicing
- Payment processing
- Sub-accounts
- Branch access
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Nerdwallet best-of awards2026 BEST Online Business Checking Account
Bluevine Business Checking
Best for Online banking
APY
1.30%
Earn 1.30% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply.
With $0 min. balance for APY
Monthly fee
$0
Bonus
$500
Earn a $500 bonus when you open a new Bluevine Business Checking account and meet eligibility requirements. Apply with referral code NW500.
Requirements to qualify
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.
The Bluevine Business Checking account has no monthly fees, overdraft fees or transaction fees and does not require a minimum opening deposit. This high-yield account also boasts a great interest rate: 1.30% APY on balances up to $250,000. But you only earn that in months when you either spend $500 on your Bluevine debit card or deposit at least $2,500 in customer payments.
Businesses with bigger balances can upgrade to Bluevine Plus ($30/month) or Bluevine Premier ($95/month) to earn more interest with fewer conditions. These plans also include discounted rates on wires and same-day payments, among other perks. Monthly fees for both plans can be waived, but the requirements are steep.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
No
Fees vary by location.
Overdraft fees
$0
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.
The Bluevine Business Checking account has no monthly fees, overdraft fees or transaction fees and does not require a minimum opening deposit. This high-yield account also boasts a great interest rate: 1.30% APY on balances up to $250,000. But you only earn that in months when you either spend $500 on your Bluevine debit card or deposit at least $2,500 in customer payments.
Businesses with bigger balances can upgrade to Bluevine Plus ($30/month) or Bluevine Premier ($95/month) to earn more interest with fewer conditions. These plans also include discounted rates on wires and same-day payments, among other perks. Monthly fees for both plans can be waived, but the requirements are steep.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
No
Fees vary by location.
Overdraft fees
$0
American Express® Business Checking
Best for 24/7 customer support
APY
1.00%
Earn 1.00% APY (annual percentage yield) on balances up to $500,000 as of 09/15/2026. APY is subject to change at any time without notice before and after a Business Checking Account is opened.
Monthly fee
$0
Bonus
35,000 Points
Earn 35,000 Membership Rewards® points. Convert Membership Rewards® points into deposits directly into your American Express® Business Checking account. Other redemption options available. Terms apply. For new members: Points you earn, including the Welcome Bonus and from making Business Debit Card purchases, can be converted into deposits made directly into your Business Checking account. Terms apply. For Membership Rewards-enrolled Card holders: You can choose to convert points into deposits directly into your Business Checking account or use them the same way you always have – for travel, gift cards, and more. Terms apply. *Participating partners and available rewards are subject to change without notice.
1) Deposit a total of $5,000 or more in eligible deposits within 30 days of opening your first account, AND
▪ Eligible deposits are any deposits except deposits using our Redeem for Deposits feature, deposits from interest payments, and deposits from any other American Express Business Checking accounts.
2) Maintain an average account balance of $5,000 for the next 60 days,
AND
3) Make 5 or more qualifying transactions within 60 days of opening your account
▪ Qualifying transactions are mobile deposits, check deposits by mail, and electronic/online transactions including ACH, Wire, and Bill Payments. Business Debit Card transactions and deposits using our Redeem for Deposits feature are not qualifying transactions.
4) American Express is currently accepting applications from eligible U.S. businesses. Not all applicants will be approved for a Business Checking account. Select industries or businesses engaged in certain activities are currently ineligible, such as money service businesses, cryptocurrency, internet gambling businesses, and marijuana related businesses.
Requirements to qualify
at American Express National Bank, Member FDIC
Pros
- No monthly fee, minimum opening deposit or excess transaction fee.
- 24/7 customer support.
- No fees on withdrawals at more than 70,000 MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs in the U.S.
- Earn 1 Membership Rewards® point for every $2 spent on eligible business debit card purchases.
Cons
- Can’t deposit cash.
- No outgoing international wire transfers.
- Does not offer jointly owned accounts.
American Express offers a top online business checking account. It pays a solid interest rate, offers 24/7 customer support, charges no monthly fees and has a highly rated mobile app. You can't deposit cash, though you can withdraw it fee free from MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
No
No cash deposits.
Overdraft fees
N/A
Pros
- No monthly fee, minimum opening deposit or excess transaction fee.
- 24/7 customer support.
- No fees on withdrawals at more than 70,000 MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs in the U.S.
- Earn 1 Membership Rewards® point for every $2 spent on eligible business debit card purchases.
Cons
- Can’t deposit cash.
- No outgoing international wire transfers.
- Does not offer jointly owned accounts.
American Express offers a top online business checking account. It pays a solid interest rate, offers 24/7 customer support, charges no monthly fees and has a highly rated mobile app. You can't deposit cash, though you can withdraw it fee free from MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
No
No cash deposits.
Overdraft fees
N/A
U.S. Bank Business Essentials
Best for Free checking at a brick-and-mortar bank
APY
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Bonus
$400
Earn a $400 bonus when you open a U.S. Bank Business Essentials Account online with promo code Q3DIG26 and complete qualifying activities. Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through September 27, 2026. Member FDIC.
Requirements to qualify
Best free account
at U.S. Bank, Member FDIC
Pros
- No monthly service fee.
- Welcome bonus for new customers (terms apply).
- Unlimited fee-free electronic and debit card transactions.
- Receive and send payments via Zelle.
- Accept payments with free mobile card reader, no monthly software fee. Processing fees apply.
Cons
- $25 minimum opening deposit.
- Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
- High overdraft, wire transfer fees.
- $1 fee for outgoing domestic ACH transfers.
U.S. Bank Business Essentials stands out for a few reasons. For starters, it's one of the only free business checking accounts offered by a big brick-and-mortar bank. It also has a host of new features, including mobile payment processing and a bill pay tool that lets you import invoices via photo or email.
Business Essentials does have low monthly cash deposit limits — just 25 “units” or around $2,500 per month. Other large banks, including Chase, Bank of America, Capital One and Wells Fargo, allow up to $5,000 in cash deposits per month with their entry-level business checking account.
Min. opening deposit
$25
Free cash deposits
Yes
Up to 25 free cash deposit units per statement cycle.
Overdraft fees
$36
Pros
- No monthly service fee.
- Welcome bonus for new customers (terms apply).
- Unlimited fee-free electronic and debit card transactions.
- Receive and send payments via Zelle.
- Accept payments with free mobile card reader, no monthly software fee. Processing fees apply.
Cons
- $25 minimum opening deposit.
- Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
- High overdraft, wire transfer fees.
- $1 fee for outgoing domestic ACH transfers.
U.S. Bank Business Essentials stands out for a few reasons. For starters, it's one of the only free business checking accounts offered by a big brick-and-mortar bank. It also has a host of new features, including mobile payment processing and a bill pay tool that lets you import invoices via photo or email.
Business Essentials does have low monthly cash deposit limits — just 25 “units” or around $2,500 per month. Other large banks, including Chase, Bank of America, Capital One and Wells Fargo, allow up to $5,000 in cash deposits per month with their entry-level business checking account.
Min. opening deposit
$25
Free cash deposits
Yes
Up to 25 free cash deposit units per statement cycle.
Overdraft fees
$36
Nerdwallet best-of awards2026 BEST Brick-and-mortar Business Checking Account
Chase Business Complete Banking®
Best for Branch access, payment processing
APY
N/A
Monthly fee
$15.00
Waived with $2,000 minimum balance
Bonus
Earn up to $500
Earn up to $500 when you open a new Chase Business Complete Checking® account. For new Chase business checking customers with qualifying activities.
Requirements to qualify
at Chase, Member FDIC
Pros
- Welcome bonus for new customers (terms apply).
- Unlimited fee-free electronic and debit card transactions.
- No fee on cash deposits at Chase ATMs.
- Overdraft grace period/amount (24 hours and up to $50).
- Built-in invoicing and Zelle for Business.
- Accept credit card payments using the Chase mobile app.
Cons
- $15 monthly service fee.
- Fee for using out-of-network ATMs, no ATM fee refunds.
- High overdraft, wire transfer fees.
- Does not earn interest.
Chase Business Complete Banking® is a digital-friendly small-business bank account that includes access to more than 5,100 branches across 48 states and the District of Columbia.
This Chase business checking account carries a $15 monthly service fee, which is waived if you maintain a daily minimum balance of $2,000 or meet other designated criteria. Account holders receive unlimited electronic deposits and can earn up to a $500 sign-up bonus. Chase users can take credit card payments in person via the Chase app, too.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
Yes
Up to $5,000 per month.
Overdraft fees
$34
Pros
- Welcome bonus for new customers (terms apply).
- Unlimited fee-free electronic and debit card transactions.
- No fee on cash deposits at Chase ATMs.
- Overdraft grace period/amount (24 hours and up to $50).
- Built-in invoicing and Zelle for Business.
- Accept credit card payments using the Chase mobile app.
Cons
- $15 monthly service fee.
- Fee for using out-of-network ATMs, no ATM fee refunds.
- High overdraft, wire transfer fees.
- Does not earn interest.
Chase Business Complete Banking® is a digital-friendly small-business bank account that includes access to more than 5,100 branches across 48 states and the District of Columbia.
This Chase business checking account carries a $15 monthly service fee, which is waived if you maintain a daily minimum balance of $2,000 or meet other designated criteria. Account holders receive unlimited electronic deposits and can earn up to a $500 sign-up bonus. Chase users can take credit card payments in person via the Chase app, too.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
Yes
Up to $5,000 per month.
Overdraft fees
$34
Relay Business Checking
Best for Expense management tools
APY
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Bonus
N/A
at Relay, Deposits are FDIC Insured
Pros
- No required monthly fee, minimum opening deposit, excess transaction or overdraft fees.
- No foreign transaction fees when you use your Relay Visa® Debit abroad.
- Free incoming wires and low outgoing wire transfer fees.
- Up to 50 debit cards.
Cons
- No bill pay feature in the free plan.
Relay's free online banking platform offers unlimited fee-free transactions, along with free incoming wires and low-cost outgoing wires. Users can have up to 20 business checking accounts and up to 50 business debit cards (physical or virtual) with the Relay platform, making it a good option for businesses with larger teams. Account holders can also assign card permissions to other team members and set up spending limits and approval workflows.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
Yes
Unlimited
Overdraft fees
$0
Pros
- No required monthly fee, minimum opening deposit, excess transaction or overdraft fees.
- No foreign transaction fees when you use your Relay Visa® Debit abroad.
- Free incoming wires and low outgoing wire transfer fees.
- Up to 50 debit cards.
Cons
- No bill pay feature in the free plan.
Relay's free online banking platform offers unlimited fee-free transactions, along with free incoming wires and low-cost outgoing wires. Users can have up to 20 business checking accounts and up to 50 business debit cards (physical or virtual) with the Relay platform, making it a good option for businesses with larger teams. Account holders can also assign card permissions to other team members and set up spending limits and approval workflows.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
Yes
Unlimited
Overdraft fees
$0
Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking Account
Best for Interest and cash back
APY
1.35%
Earn 1.00% APY on balances up to $24,999 and on balances greater than $250,000. Earn 1.35% APY on balances of $25,000 to $250,000.
With $25,000 min. balance for APY
Monthly fee
$0
Bonus
$300
Boost your earnings with a $300 sign-on bonus when you open an eligible Innovator Business Checking Account with promo code NW300 and complete qualifying activities. Terms Apply.
Requirements to qualify
at Grasshopper Bank, Member FDIC
Pros
- Unlimited 1% cash back on qualified debit card purchases.
- Earn up to 1.35% APY.
- No monthly fees, transaction fees or overdraft charges.
- Free, built-in bookkeeping and invoicing software.
- Low fees on wire transfers.
- All account holders are assigned to a dedicated banker or customer support representative.
Cons
- $100 minimum opening deposit.
Grasshopper's online business checking account pays you two ways: You can earn unlimited 1% cash back on qualified purchases and up to 1.35% APY on your account balance. Terms apply.
An important note: Grasshopper Bank is set to be acquired by Enova International, a fintech that specializes in online lending. That deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026.
Min. opening deposit
$100
Free cash deposits
No
No cash deposits.
Overdraft fees
$0
Pros
- Unlimited 1% cash back on qualified debit card purchases.
- Earn up to 1.35% APY.
- No monthly fees, transaction fees or overdraft charges.
- Free, built-in bookkeeping and invoicing software.
- Low fees on wire transfers.
- All account holders are assigned to a dedicated banker or customer support representative.
Cons
- $100 minimum opening deposit.
Grasshopper's online business checking account pays you two ways: You can earn unlimited 1% cash back on qualified purchases and up to 1.35% APY on your account balance. Terms apply.
An important note: Grasshopper Bank is set to be acquired by Enova International, a fintech that specializes in online lending. That deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026.
Min. opening deposit
$100
Free cash deposits
No
No cash deposits.
Overdraft fees
$0
Mercury Business Account
Best for All-in-one financial management
APY
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Bonus
$300
$300 bonus to users on deposits $10K or more in their first 90 days.
Requirements to qualify
at Mercury, Deposits are FDIC Insured
Pros
- Free domestic and international U.S. dollar wire transfers.
- Unlimited refunds on all domestic ATM fees.
- No monthly fee, minimum opening deposit, excess transaction fee on U.S. dollar transactions or overdraft fees.
- Users can apply for the rewards-earning Mercury IO Card, a corporate credit card with numerous expense control tools.
Cons
- Can’t deposit cash.
- Choice Financial Group, one of Mercury’s banking partners, is currently under a federal consent order.
Mercury describes itself as a "business banking platform." That means it includes not only a business checking account, but also savings and treasury accounts, corporate cards and expense management software. It's a good option if your finance leaders want visibility into how employees and departments spend money. Plus: All wire transfers in U.S. dollars, incoming and outgoing, are free.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
No
No cash deposits.
Overdraft fees
$0
Pros
- Free domestic and international U.S. dollar wire transfers.
- Unlimited refunds on all domestic ATM fees.
- No monthly fee, minimum opening deposit, excess transaction fee on U.S. dollar transactions or overdraft fees.
- Users can apply for the rewards-earning Mercury IO Card, a corporate credit card with numerous expense control tools.
Cons
- Can’t deposit cash.
- Choice Financial Group, one of Mercury’s banking partners, is currently under a federal consent order.
Mercury describes itself as a "business banking platform." That means it includes not only a business checking account, but also savings and treasury accounts, corporate cards and expense management software. It's a good option if your finance leaders want visibility into how employees and departments spend money. Plus: All wire transfers in U.S. dollars, incoming and outgoing, are free.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
No
No cash deposits.
Overdraft fees
$0
nbkc Business Account
Best for Low-fee online banking
APY
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Bonus
N/A
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.
NBKC’s Business Account is a free business checking account with no deposit and no minimum balance requirement. This account includes unlimited transactions, fee-free ATM access through the MoneyPass and Allpoint networks (with the ability to deposit cash) and up to $12 in monthly refunds for ATM fees charged by other banks worldwide.
Unlike other business accounts, NBKC does not limit the amount of cash you can deposit per month, and there are no fees for cash deposits. There are also no incidental fees for incoming domestic wires, overdrafts or stop payments.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
Yes
Unlimited
Overdraft fees
$0
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.
NBKC’s Business Account is a free business checking account with no deposit and no minimum balance requirement. This account includes unlimited transactions, fee-free ATM access through the MoneyPass and Allpoint networks (with the ability to deposit cash) and up to $12 in monthly refunds for ATM fees charged by other banks worldwide.
Unlike other business accounts, NBKC does not limit the amount of cash you can deposit per month, and there are no fees for cash deposits. There are also no incidental fees for incoming domestic wires, overdrafts or stop payments.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
Yes
Unlimited
Overdraft fees
$0
Found Small Business Banking
Best for Paying contractors and saving for taxes
APY
2.00%
New customers signing up after 11/1/25 can earn 2.00% APY on balances up to $20K when you spend $5000 on qualifying transactions in a month.¹
Terms Apply¹
Monthly fee
$0
None Required*
Bonus
$125
Earn $125 when you deposit $5,000 within the first 30 days of account creation and maintain it for another 30 days. Offer valid until 12/31/26. Terms Apply.
Bonus Terms Apply²
at Lead Bank, Deposits are FDIC Insured
Pros
- No required monthly fee*, minimum opening deposit, excess transaction or overdraft fees.
- Built-in invoicing, bookkeeping and tax-planning features.
- Built-in payroll features for contractors.
- Can manage up to 5 businesses from a single login.
Cons
- No weekend or after-hours phone support.
- Subscription required to earn interest.
Found offers a free business checking account with no minimum opening deposit and unlimited fee-free transactions. On top of that, owner-operators may want to take advantage of built-in tools for invoicing, tax planning and processing payroll for contractors.
Found is best for digital-first businesses, as cash withdrawals and deposits are limited. There are no limits on direct deposits and transfers from payment apps, though.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
No
$1.75 fee per deposit
Overdraft fees
$0
Pros
- No required monthly fee*, minimum opening deposit, excess transaction or overdraft fees.
- Built-in invoicing, bookkeeping and tax-planning features.
- Built-in payroll features for contractors.
- Can manage up to 5 businesses from a single login.
Cons
- No weekend or after-hours phone support.
- Subscription required to earn interest.
Found offers a free business checking account with no minimum opening deposit and unlimited fee-free transactions. On top of that, owner-operators may want to take advantage of built-in tools for invoicing, tax planning and processing payroll for contractors.
Found is best for digital-first businesses, as cash withdrawals and deposits are limited. There are no limits on direct deposits and transfers from payment apps, though.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
No
$1.75 fee per deposit
Overdraft fees
$0
Business Premium Savings Account
Best for Business savings account
APY
3.50%
Earn 3.50% APY on all balances.
With $0.01 min. balance for APY
Monthly fee
$0
Bonus
$600
Earn a bonus of up to $600 when you bundle a new Business Premium Savings account with a new Basic Business Checking account and use promo code SBB600. Terms apply. Offer expires 06/30/2026.
Requirements to qualify
at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC
Pros
- Industry-leading APY.
- No minimum balance to earn interest.
- Access to Insured Cash Sweep network for expanded FDIC insurance.
Cons
- Fee for excess transactions.
- No ATM or debit card access.
Axos Business Premium Savings Account is our top overall pick for best business savings account. The online account earns 3.50% APY on all balances. There is no monthly fee or minimum opening deposit.
Axos does not offer ATM or debit card access.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
N/A
Overdraft fees
N/A
Pros
- Industry-leading APY.
- No minimum balance to earn interest.
- Access to Insured Cash Sweep network for expanded FDIC insurance.
Cons
- Fee for excess transactions.
- No ATM or debit card access.
Axos Business Premium Savings Account is our top overall pick for best business savings account. The online account earns 3.50% APY on all balances. There is no monthly fee or minimum opening deposit.
Axos does not offer ATM or debit card access.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
N/A
Overdraft fees
N/A
Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking
Best for Full-service business banking
APY
N/A
Monthly fee
$16.00
$0 for the first 12 statement cycles.
Bonus
$400 or $750
Click 'Learn More' for details
Requirements to qualify
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.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking will waive your monthly service fee for the first year (longer if you meet certain requirements). And growing businesses can earn perks like waived fees, better loan rates and rewards bonuses through Bank of America's loyalty program.
Min. opening deposit
$100
Free cash deposits
Yes
Up to $5,000 per statement cycle.
Overdraft fees
$10
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.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking will waive your monthly service fee for the first year (longer if you meet certain requirements). And growing businesses can earn perks like waived fees, better loan rates and rewards bonuses through Bank of America's loyalty program.
Min. opening deposit
$100
Free cash deposits
Yes
Up to $5,000 per statement cycle.
Overdraft fees
$10
Jump to
How we chose the best business bank accounts
What is a business account?
Types of small-business bank accounts
How to choose a business bank account
Can you have multiple business bank accounts?
NerdWallet Small-Business Advisory Board
This article has been informed by members of our NerdWallet Small-Business Advisory Board, a select group of small-business owners who help shape our content.
How we chose the best business bank accounts
Our editorial team evaluated more than 50 business checking accounts and a dozen business savings accounts in 2026. That was my starting point to select our picks for best business bank accounts. From there, I took the following steps to narrow this list down to the best options:
- Eliminated accounts rated below 4.5 stars.
- Focused on accounts with built-in tools, like invoicing, payment acceptance and tax planning. These features make day-to-day operations easier.
- Selected business savings accounts with consistently high APYs. No high balance requirement or promotion needed.
NerdWallet also surveys financial institutions annually. We collect details on customer support, transaction limits, payment tools and software integrations, among other things. That information informs our ratings, as well as inclusion in this list.
I also tapped our Small-Business Advisory Board for insights into the factors they consider when choosing a business bank account.
🧾 Important product updates
August 2026: We removed North One Standard Business Checking from this page. We previously listed it as our top pick for a high-yield checking account. But this account appears to no longer be available, with the North One website now redirecting to Relay.
April 2026: Mercury, a fintech company, received conditional approval to form its own chartered bank — Mercury Bank, N.A. It’s still in the organizing phase and needs final FDIC approval. In the meantime, Mercury continues operating through partner banks Choice Financial Group and Column N.A.
December 2025: Enova International, an online lender, agreed to acquire Grasshopper Bank. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026.
April 2025: U.S. Bank launched Business Essentials Checking. The new account effectively replaced U.S. Bank’s Silver Business Banking (on this list and in the bank’s lineup). Business Essentials retained some of Silver’s best features: no monthly fee, an outstanding welcome offer and a dedicated business support center. It has some new features too, including mobile payment processing, Bill Pay for Business and unlimited, fee-free electronic transactions.
What is a business account?
A business account is a bank account opened in the name of a business rather than an individual. It's used to handle the company's money separately from personal finances.
Most businesses start with a business checking account for daily transactions. These accounts often include business tools, like invoicing, accounts payable and tax planning.
Other types of business accounts include business savings accounts, certificates of deposit, cash management accounts and merchant accounts. Most businesses use more than one type of business account.
Types of small-business bank accounts
Here is an overview of some common business bank accounts you might want to consider:
Best for: Everyday use. | Best for: Medium- to long-term savings. | Best for: Maximizing large cash reserves. | Best for: Accepting debit and credit card payments. |
Open one if: You’re starting or formalizing your business. Every business should have a checking account. | Open one if: You have extra cash on hand, like a rainy-day fund or savings for a future expense. | Open one if: You have cash reserves in the millions. | Open one if: You plan to take card payments from customers online or via a point-of-sale system. |
What to keep in mind:
| What to keep in mind:
| What to keep in mind:
| What to keep in mind:
|
How to choose a business bank account
If you're not sure what you need, a business checking account is a great start. These accounts are designed for managing everyday cash flow. You’ll need one to open a merchant services account if you accept debit and credit card payments.
As your business grows, high-yield business savings accounts and business money market accounts can help put your savings to work, with some earning more than 3% APY. And if you have large cash reserves (for instance, if your business is a startup with venture funding), a business cash management account could further increase your yield.
Once you know what type of account you need, consider whether you want an online business account, an in-person banking experience or a combination of the two.
- Monthly fees: Recurring fees eat into your bottom line, so look for a free business checking account or one with a monthly fee you’ll easily qualify to waive.
- Transaction and deposit limits: Most accounts place some restrictions on transactions and deposits. Some banks only limit in-person transactions, while others cap all activity. Online banks rarely limit the number of transactions you can make, but most impose other limits, such as how much you can transfer or deposit each month.
- ATM access: Note the size and location of your bank’s ATM network before opening a business bank account. For savings accounts, also consider whether the account includes ATM access at all (many do not).
- Customer support: If you want to be able to talk to a banker face-to-face, open an account at a bank or credit union with branches close to your home or business. If you're OK with phone support, most online banks offer it — just make sure it's available on evenings and weekends if you work during those times.
- Incidental fees: Additional fees on your business account can add up fast. Check the schedule of fees for your account to understand what extra charges could apply when you send wire transfers, deposit cash or accidentally overdraft.
- Value-added features: Some business accounts offer tax-planning tools, which are great for sole proprietors and freelancers. Other accounts offer easy integration with software like QuickBooks Online and Gusto to streamline your business operations. And some business banking platforms for startups offer sophisticated expense management tools, including corporate credit cards that can help you control and monitor spending across your company.
Choosing a business account: traditional banks vs. non-banks
Nicole Pomije is the founder and CEO of The Cookie Cups, a Minnesota-based company that develops hands-on baking and cooking kits. She is also a member of NerdWallet’s Small-Business Advisory Board.
Pomije has two business checking accounts: one with Bank of America and the other with Shopify, her e-commerce platform. Shopify Balance is part of a growing trend of business tools entering the banking game. QuickBooks and Square also have business checking accounts.
These accounts don’t make sense for everyone. But if your business is already plugged into the platform, Pomije says the convenience is unmatched. Simplicity is only one part of the equation, though.
“When you are already running your business through Shopify, having financial tools integrated into that ecosystem can make it much easier to see sales, manage cash flow and move money without constantly jumping between different platforms.
“That said, I think business owners should look at these products as part of their overall financial system rather than automatically replacing a traditional business bank.
“Access to funds and reliability are extremely important, especially when you are managing inventory, payroll, vendors and large expenses. I like the simplicity and integration, but I still believe it is important to have a banking relationship that gives you broader support as your business grows.”
- Nicole Pomije, Founder & CEO, The Cookie Cups
Can you have multiple business bank accounts?
Yes, you can have multiple business bank accounts. In fact, using more than one account makes sense for most growing businesses.
Separate accounts can protect you from disruptions due to account freezes and fraud. They also help you set aside dedicated funds for taxes, payroll or savings goals.
How many business bank accounts you need depends on the size and complexity of your business.
- Just starting out? One business checking account can cover all your bases. Use it for revenue and business expenses, and transfer money to your personal account to pay yourself. You can use a sub-account to set money aside for taxes.
- Got employees on the books? A dedicated checking account for payroll helps ensure you always have enough cash on hand to pay your team. Set up automatic transfers from your main operating account to keep it funded.
- Holding substantial cash reserves? Open a business savings or money market account to earn a higher APY on idle funds. If you're holding more than $250,000, spread deposits across multiple banks — FDIC insurance only covers up to that amount. Some accounts also offer Insured Cash Sweep programs, which can extend your coverage into the millions.
Managing multiple accounts doesn't have to be complicated. Choose accounts with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Sync them with your accounting software for a unified view of cash flow. And consider a business credit card to ease pressure on your checking balances.
One important note: Each business should have its own separate accounts. Mixing finances from two businesses makes bookkeeping and taxes significantly harder.
Notes from providers
Note on American Express® Business Checking: At Allpoint® and MoneyPass® locations in the U.S., you can withdraw cash and get balance information with no fee. Access to ATMs outside of the Allpoint® and MoneyPass® networks are subject to fees by the ATM owner and/or network. ATM withdrawal limits apply. American Express applies foreign exchange fees to withdrawals in foreign currencies. American Express does not accept ATM cash deposits into your Business Checking account at this time. Visit americanexpress.com/atm-locator to find participating ATMs in the U.S.
Relay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Thread Bank, Member FDIC. The Relay Visa Debit Card is issued by Thread Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used anywhere Visa cards are accepted.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Notes on Found: Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. The funds in your account are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor for each account ownership category. FDIC insurance only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured depository institution.
*Found's core features are free. Optional subscriptions to Found Plus for $35/month or $315/year or Found Pro for $80/month or $720/year. There are no monthly account maintenance fees, but other fees such as transactional fees for wires, instant transfers, and ATM apply. Read Found Fee Schedule.
¹Customers who have signed up for an account after Nov. 1, 2025 will earn a bonus equal to 2.00% Annual Percentage Yield on the portion of their account balance up to $20,000 for a given month only if they spend $5,000 in qualifying debit card transactions during the month and satisfy other eligibility requirements as described in the Card Spend Bonus Terms. No bonus will be earned on the portion of account balances over $20,000.
²Welcome offer: Earn $125 when you deposit $5,000 within the first 30 days of account creation and maintain it for another 30 days. Offer valid until 12/31/26. Terms Apply.
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.
