Best Banks for Small Business in California of June 2025

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Best overall online business checking account
Bluevine Business Checking
Best overall online business checking account

Bluevine Business Checking

Bluevine Business Checking

at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured

The best banks for small businesses in California make it easier to run your business with excellent business checking accounts, digital tools and integrations, and accessible customer support. Additional services, like business loans, credit cards and payment processing, further allow these banks to meet your business’s changing needs.
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.

Best banks for small businesses in California

  • American Express: Best for online banking with 24/7 customer support.
  • Axos: Best online bank for easy cash deposits.
  • Bank of America: Best for cash deposits + loyalty perks.
  • Beneficial State Bank: Best for banking with a CDFI.
  • Bluevine: Best non-bank option for small businesses.
  • California Bank & Trust: Best for business CDs.
  • Chase: Best for branch access + business credit cards.
  • Live Oak Bank: Best for high-yield business savings.
  • Navy Federal Credit Union: Best for military members, veterans and their families.
  • Self-Help Federal Credit Union: Best for mission-driven credit union.
  • U.S. Bank: Best for customer support + SBA loans.
250+ small-business products reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
80+ years of combined experience covering small-business and personal finance.
60+ business bank accounts rated with our objective, comprehensive business bank account rubrics (Methodology).
NerdWallet's business banking content — including our ratings, reviews and recommendations — is produced by a team of writers and editors who specialize in small-business finances. Their journalism has appeared in The Associated Press, Washington Post, MarketWatch, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur, ABC News, MSN and other national and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our coverage.

Best Banks for Small Business in California

Bank/institution Best for NerdWallet rating Monthly fee APY Bonus Learn more
Bluevine Business Checking

Bluevine Business Checking

at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Non-bank option for small business

$0

1.50%

With $0 min. balance for APY

$300

Requirements to qualify

at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Pros

  • No monthly fees or minimum opening deposit.
  • Unlimited fee-free transactions; no overdraft fees.
  • Earn 1.50% 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.
  • Account holders are assigned to a dedicated banker or customer support representative.

Cons

  • No fee-free cash deposits.
  • Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
  • Does not offer jointly-owned accounts.
Chase Business Complete Banking®

Chase Business Complete Banking®

at Chase, Member FDIC

Branch access + business credit cards

$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

N/A

$500

Requirements to qualify

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.
  • 24/7 customer support.
  • No fees at 16,000 Chase ATMs and access to around 4,700 branches.
  • Supports Zelle for Business.

Cons

  • $15 monthly fee.
  • Monthly limit on fee-free cash deposits ($5,000) and physical transactions (20).
  • Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
American Express® Business Checking

American Express® Business Checking

at American Express National Bank, Member FDIC

Online banking with 24/7 customer support

$0

1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

$30,000

Requirements to qualify

at American Express National Bank, Member FDIC

Pros

  • No monthly fees or minimum opening deposit.
  • No excess transaction fees and no charge for domestic incoming wires.
  • Earn 1.30% APY on balances up to $500,000.
  • 24/7 customer support.
  • No fees on withdrawals at more than 70,000 MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs in the U.S.

Cons

  • Can’t deposit cash.
  • No outgoing international wire transfers.
  • Does not offer jointly owned accounts.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

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

Cash deposits + loyalty perks

$16.00

$0 for the first 12 statement cycles.

N/A

N/A

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.
U.S. Bank Business Essentials

U.S. Bank Business Essentials

at U.S. Bank, Member FDIC

Customer support + SBA loans

$0

N/A

$500

Requirements to qualify

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.
  • Supports Zelle for Business.
  • Account holders are assigned to a dedicated banker or customer support representative.
  • Accept payments with free mobile card reader, no monthly software fee. Processing fees apply.

Cons

  • $100 minimum opening deposit.
  • Low limit on fee-free cash deposits.
  • Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
  • High overdraft, wire transfer fees.
  • $1 fee for outgoing domestic ACH transfers.
Axos Bank® Basic Business Checking

Axos Bank® Basic Business Checking

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

Online bank with easy cash deposits

$0

N/A

$400

Requirements to qualify

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

Pros

  • No monthly fees or minimum opening deposit.
  • Unlimited fee-free transactions and free incoming wires.
  • Automatic refunds of all ATM fees (domestic).
  • Cash deposits via Allpoint ATMs.
  • Welcome bonus for new customers (terms apply).

Cons

  • $25 fee for insufficient funds/uncollected funds returned.
  • No third-party app integrations.
Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

at Live Oak Bank, Member FDIC

High-yield business savings

$0

3.35%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

N/A

at Live Oak Bank, Member FDIC

Pros

  • High APY.
  • Earn interest on balances of $0.01 and higher.
  • No monthly fee or minimum deposit.
  • Access up to $10 million in FDIC insurance with Insured Cash Sweep.

Cons

  • No ATM or debit card access.
  • No weekend customer support.
Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking

Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking

Military members, veterans and their families

$0

0.01%

With $0 min. balance for APY

N/A

Pros

  • No monthly fees.
  • Unlimited fee-free electronic transactions and free incoming wires.
  • No dollar limit on cash deposits (other limits may apply).
  • 24/7 customer 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.
Bank/institution Best for NerdWallet rating Monthly fee APY Bonus Learn more
Bluevine Business Checking

Bluevine Business Checking

at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Non-bank option for small business

$0

1.50%

With $0 min. balance for APY

$300

Requirements to qualify

at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Chase Business Complete Banking®

at Chase, Member FDIC

Branch access + business credit cards

$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

N/A

$500

Requirements to qualify

at Chase, Member FDIC

American Express® Business Checking

American Express® Business Checking

at American Express National Bank, Member FDIC

Online banking with 24/7 customer support

$0

1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

$30,000

Requirements to qualify

at American Express National Bank, Member FDIC

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

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

Cash deposits + loyalty perks

$16.00

$0 for the first 12 statement cycles.

N/A

N/A

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

U.S. Bank Business Essentials

U.S. Bank Business Essentials

at U.S. Bank, Member FDIC

Customer support + SBA loans

$0

N/A

$500

Requirements to qualify

at U.S. Bank, Member FDIC

Axos Bank® Basic Business Checking

Axos Bank® Basic Business Checking

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

Online bank with easy cash deposits

$0

N/A

$400

Requirements to qualify

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

at Live Oak Bank, Member FDIC

High-yield business savings

$0

3.35%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

N/A

at Live Oak Bank, Member FDIC

Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking

Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking

Military members, veterans and their families

$0

0.01%

With $0 min. balance for APY

N/A

Best Banks for Small Business in California

Best overall online business checking account

Bluevine Business Checking

Best for Non-bank option for small business

APY
1.50%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$300

Requirements to qualify

at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Best overall online business checking account

Bluevine Business Checking

Best for Non-bank option for small business

APY
1.50%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$300

Requirements to qualify

at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Best for Branch access + business credit cards

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

Bonus
$500

Requirements to qualify

at Chase, Member FDIC

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Best for Branch access + business credit cards

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

Bonus
$500

Requirements to qualify

at Chase, Member FDIC

American Express® Business Checking

Best for Online banking with 24/7 customer support

APY
1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
30,000 points

Requirements to qualify

at American Express National Bank, Member FDIC

American Express® Business Checking

Best for Online banking with 24/7 customer support

APY
1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
30,000 points

Requirements to qualify

at American Express National Bank, Member FDIC

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

Best for Cash deposits + loyalty perks

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$16.00

$0 for the first 12 statement cycles.

Bonus
N/A

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

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

Best for Cash deposits + loyalty perks

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$16.00

$0 for the first 12 statement cycles.

Bonus
N/A

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

U.S. Bank Business Essentials

Best for Customer support + SBA loans

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$500

Requirements to qualify

at U.S. Bank, Member FDIC

U.S. Bank Business Essentials

Best for Customer support + SBA loans

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$500

Requirements to qualify

at U.S. Bank, Member FDIC

Axos Bank® Basic Business Checking

Best for Online bank with easy cash deposits

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$400

Requirements to qualify

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

Axos Bank® Basic Business Checking

Best for Online bank with easy cash deposits

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$400

Requirements to qualify

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Best for High-yield business savings

APY
3.35%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Live Oak Bank, Member FDIC

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Best for High-yield business savings

APY
3.35%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Live Oak Bank, Member FDIC

Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking

Best for Military members, veterans and their families

APY
0.01%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking

Best for Military members, veterans and their families

APY
0.01%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

Best banks for business in California

Axos

Our pick for: Online bank with easy cash deposits
NerdWallet star rating: 4.7
Online banks typically charge a fee for cash deposits, if they accept them at all. But Axos Bank lets you deposit cash at compatible Allpoint and MoneyPass ATMs for no additional fee. And if you’re charged a fee by a third-party ATM owner, Axos will automatically refund the fee (domestic ATMs only).
  • Two business checking accounts: one free and one interest-earning account.
  • Business Interest Checking is $10 per month unless you maintain an average daily balance of $5000. The account earns up to 1.01% APY.
  • Basic Business Checking has no monthly fee or minimum opening deposit requirement and includes unlimited fee-free transactions.
  • No ATM fees, regardless of the ATM you use, plus unlimited rebates for ATM fees you incur from other banks.
  • Both accounts allow cash deposits via compatible Allpoint and MoneyPass ATMs.
Additional services
  • Business savings accounts, money market accounts and certificates of deposit.
  • Merchant services, including point-of-sale systems, e-commerce solutions, and credit and debit card acceptance through Cerelo Merchant Services.
  • Small-business loans, including SBA 7(a) loans, real estate and equipment financing, and working capital loans.

Live Oak

Our pick for: High-yield business savings
NerdWallet star rating: 4.5
One way to make your money work harder is to stash your savings in a high-yield account. And Live Oak’s free business savings account is one of the best on the market with a 3.35% APY. Live Oak also has a 12-month business CD that earns 4.10% APY, as of this writing. Beyond its high-yield options, this online bank also offers multiple business checking and lending products.
  • 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 3.35% 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 4.00% APY.
  • Issued more SBA 7(a) loans by dollar amount than any other lender in fiscal year 2023 and the second-most in 2024.

American Express

Our pick for: Online banking with 24/7 customer support
NerdWallet star rating: 5
American Express business checking account has no monthly fee and earns up to 1.30% APY. American Express business banking customers also enjoy 24/7 access to live customer support.
  • Online business checking account with no monthly fees. Earn 1.30% APY on balances up to $500,000.
  • No limit on transactions and no charges for incoming wire transfers or stop payments.
  • 24/7 customer support online, by phone or via the app.
  • Cannot deposit cash.
Additional services

Bluevine

Our pick for: Non-bank option for small businesses
NerdWallet star rating: 5
Bluevine partners with an FDIC-insured bank to offer business checking and lending products. The bank’s free business checking account earns 1.50% APY (terms apply). Businesses with substantial cash flow, and those who send a lot of wires or same-day ACH transfers, can also consider Bluevine Premier, which has a hefty monthly fee but offers discounted payments and a much higher APY.
  • Bluevine Standard: No monthly fee, minimum deposit, overdraft fees or transaction limits. Earn 1.50% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply.
  • Bluevine Premier: Earn 3.7% 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).

Chase

Our pick for: Branch access
NerdWallet star rating: 4.6
Chase has more than 900 branch locations across California, making it easier for business owners to get facetime with their business banker. And Chase backs up its physical presence with some top-notch digital tools. Chase’s mobile app has built-in payment processing via Chase QuickPay, a feature that’s included in Chase Business Complete Banking℠.
  • 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.

Bank of America

Our pick for: Cash deposits + loyalty rewards
NerdWallet star rating: 4.4
Businesses that make frequent cash deposits will appreciate Bank of America’s cash deposit allowance — $5,000 or $20,000 per month, depending on the account. And those who qualify for the bank’s loyalty program (Preferred Rewards for Business) earn a number of perks, including discounted rates on certain business loans, a higher APY on select business savings products and a better rewards rate on Bank of America business credit cards.
  • 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.
Our pick for: Military member, veterans and their families
NerdWallet star rating: 4.2
Navy Federal Credit Union specializes in veteran-owned businesses, as well as those run by military members and their families. You’ll find business checking, savings and lending services with competitive terms, along with insurance and payroll processing. All listed owners of the business must be Navy Federal members to qualify. Membership is available to military members (active duty, veteran and retired), Department of Defense employees and their families.
  • 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.

U.S. Bank

Our pick for: Customer support + SBA loans
NerdWallet star rating:
U.S. Bank checks a lot of boxes for business owners. Free business checking? Check. Generous welcome offer? Check. Top-rated customer support? Check. In fact, U.S. Bank ranked second in J.D. Power’s most recent Small Business Banking Satisfaction study. It is also one of the most active SBA 7(a) lenders in California.
  • Multiple account options, including a Nonprofit Checking account. Monthly fees range from $0 to $30 per month. All require an opening deposit of at least $100.
  • U.S. Bank Business Essentials Checking ($0) includes unlimited electronic deposits and withdrawals, up to 25 free in-person and/or paper transactions, and up to $2,500 in fee-free cash deposits per month.
  • More than 2,000 branches across 26 states. Account holders do not incur fees at U.S. Bank and MoneyPass ATMs.
Additional services:
  • Three business credit cards, including the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card, which has a $500 welcome bonus (terms apply), no annual fee and earns 1%-5% cash back.
  • Full suite of small-business loans, including lines of credit, SBA loans, equipment financing, term loans and commercial real estate financing.
  • Business savings, CDs and money market accounts.
  • Payment processing services range from online credit card processing to in-store payment terminals.

Other California-based business banks to consider

Beneficial State Bank: This bank offers free business checking, along with business lending, savings and cash management tools. It’s also a certified B Corporation and community development financial institution (CDFI), so the bank actively works to protect the environment and support low-income communities.
California Bank & Trust: California Bank & Trust has more than 85 branch locations across the state and offers a suite of business banking services, including multiple business checking and savings options. The bank has business CD terms that earn more than 4.00% APY (as of this writing).
Self-Help Federal Credit Union: Self-Help Federal Credit Union has more than 20 branch locations scattered across the state, including offices in the Bay Area, Central Valley, Los Angeles and San Diego. This mission-driven credit union, which is dedicated to providing banking services and economic opportunity to underserved communities, offers business banking, lending and savings products.
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.
Last updated on March 26, 2024