Best Banks for Small Business in California of April 2026

The best banks for small businesses in California offer excellent business checking accounts and accessible customer support. Additional services, like business loans, further allow these banks to meet your business’s changing needs.

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Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.

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
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Monthly fee
Monthly fee
APY
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Bonus
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Bluevine Business Checking

Bluevine Business Checking

NerdWallet mini logo

2026 BEST Online Business Checking Account

5.0 /5
$0

1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

$500

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.
Chase Business Complete Banking®

Chase Business Complete Banking®

NerdWallet mini logo

2026 BEST Brick-and-mortar Business Checking Account

4.5 /5
$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.
  • No fees at 14,000 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.
American Express® Business Checking

American Express® Business Checking

Online banking with 24/7 customer support

4.8 /5
$0

1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

30,000 Points

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.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

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

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)
  • Bill pay includes invoicing for new users.

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

Free business checking + SBA loans

4.5 /5
$0

N/A

$400

Requirements to qualify

Clock icon 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

  • $100 minimum opening deposit.
  • Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
  • High overdraft, wire transfer fees.
  • $1 fee for outgoing domestic ACH transfers.
Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

High-yield business savings

4.5 /5

$0

2.85%

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 maintenance fee or minimum deposit.

Cons

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

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

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.
Best of awards Nerdwallet's badge Nerdwallet best-of awards
2026 BEST Online Business Checking Account

Bluevine Business Checking

Best for Non-bank option for small business

Close
APY
1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$500

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.
Best of awards Nerdwallet's badge Nerdwallet best-of awards
2026 BEST Brick-and-mortar Business Checking Account

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Best for Branch access + business credit cards

Close
APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

Bonus
$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.
  • No fees at 14,000 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.

American Express® Business Checking

Best for Online banking with 24/7 customer support

Close
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

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.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

Best for Loyalty perks

Close
APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$16.00

$0 for the first 12 statement cycles.

Bonus
$400 or $750

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)
  • Bill pay includes invoicing for new users.

Cons

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

U.S. Bank Business Essentials

Best for Free business checking + SBA loans

Close
APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$400

Requirements to qualify

Clock icon 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

  • $100 minimum opening deposit.
  • Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
  • High overdraft, wire transfer fees.
  • $1 fee for outgoing domestic ACH transfers.

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Best for High-yield business savings

Close
APY
2.85%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

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.

Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking

Best for Military members, veterans and their families

Close
APY
0.01%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

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.
Sort by:
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  • NerdWallet rating (high to low)
  • APY (high to low)
  • Monthly fee (low to high)
Best of awards Nerdwallet's badge Nerdwallet best-of awards
2026 BEST Online Business Checking Account

Bluevine Business Checking

Best for Non-bank option for small business

Bluevine Business Checking

Best for Non-bank option for small business

APY
1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$500

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.
Bluevine is a financial technology company, not a bank. But it works with an FDIC-insured bank to offer a free high-yield business checking account. Bluevine also provides business financing and launched a business credit card in 2024. The latter is available by invitation only for eligible Bluevine business checking customers
Read full review
Min. opening deposit
$0

Free cash deposits
No

Fees vary by location.

Overdraft fees
$0

Here are potential fits with this account from our partners:
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1.5%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$750

on Chase's website

Rates & Fees

Capital One Spark Cash
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95

Rewards rate
2%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$1,000

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1%-2%

Cashback

Intro offer
$250

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

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.
Bluevine is a financial technology company, not a bank. But it works with an FDIC-insured bank to offer a free high-yield business checking account. Bluevine also provides business financing and launched a business credit card in 2024. The latter is available by invitation only for eligible Bluevine business checking customers
Read full review
Min. opening deposit
$0

Free cash deposits
No

Fees vary by location.

Overdraft fees
$0

Here are potential fits with this account from our partners:
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1.5%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$750

on Chase's website

Rates & Fees

Capital One Spark Cash
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95

Rewards rate
2%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$1,000

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1%-2%

Cashback

Intro offer
$250

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

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.
Best of awards Nerdwallet's badge Nerdwallet best-of awards
2026 BEST Brick-and-mortar Business Checking Account

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Best for Branch access + business credit cards

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

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 14,000 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.
Chase has more branch locations in the state of California than any other business bank and offers a wide range of services. Business owners can choose from multiple business checking accounts and access payment processing and business lending services. Chase also offers some of the best business credit cards on the market and is among the top three banks for customer satisfaction in the most recent J.D. Power U.S. Small Business Banking Satisfaction Study.
Read full review
Min. opening deposit
$0

Free cash deposits
Yes

Up to $5,000 per month.

Overdraft fees
$34

Here are potential fits with this account from our partners:
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1.5%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$750

on Chase's website

Rates & Fees

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$750

on Chase's website

Rates & Fees

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Annual fee
$95

Rewards rate
1x-5x

Points

Intro offer
100,000

Points

on Chase's website

Rates & Fees

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 14,000 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.
Chase has more branch locations in the state of California than any other business bank and offers a wide range of services. Business owners can choose from multiple business checking accounts and access payment processing and business lending services. Chase also offers some of the best business credit cards on the market and is among the top three banks for customer satisfaction in the most recent J.D. Power U.S. Small Business Banking Satisfaction Study.
Read full review
Min. opening deposit
$0

Free cash deposits
Yes

Up to $5,000 per month.

Overdraft fees
$34

Here are potential fits with this account from our partners:
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1.5%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$750

on Chase's website

Rates & Fees

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$750

on Chase's website

Rates & Fees

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Annual fee
$95

Rewards rate
1x-5x

Points

Intro offer
100,000

Points

on Chase's website

Rates & Fees

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 14,000 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.

American Express® Business Checking

Best for Online banking with 24/7 customer support

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

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 is one of just a handful of business banks, online or otherwise, to offer round-the-clock live customer support. Its business checking account has no monthly fee and accrues interest, and qualifying new account holders can earn a nice welcome offer.
Read full review
Min. opening deposit
$0

Free cash deposits
No

No cash deposits.

Overdraft fees
N/A

Here are potential fits with this account from our partners:
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1%-2%

Cashback

Intro offer
$250

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1x-2x

Points

Intro offer
15,000

Points

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

American Express® Business Gold Card
Annual fee
$375

Rewards rate
1x-4x

Points

Intro offer
100,000

Points

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

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 is one of just a handful of business banks, online or otherwise, to offer round-the-clock live customer support. Its business checking account has no monthly fee and accrues interest, and qualifying new account holders can earn a nice welcome offer.
Read full review
Min. opening deposit
$0

Free cash deposits
No

No cash deposits.

Overdraft fees
N/A

Here are potential fits with this account from our partners:
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1%-2%

Cashback

Intro offer
$250

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1x-2x

Points

Intro offer
15,000

Points

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

American Express® Business Gold Card
Annual fee
$375

Rewards rate
1x-4x

Points

Intro offer
100,000

Points

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

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.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

Best for Loyalty perks

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

Best for Loyalty perks

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$16.00

$0 for the first 12 statement cycles.

Bonus
$400 or $750

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)
  • Bill pay includes invoicing for new users.

Cons

  • $100 minimum opening deposit.
  • Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
  • $16 monthly fee after introductory period ends.
Businesses that qualify for Bank of America's Preferred Rewards for Business program can also earn higher rewards rates on the bank's business credit cards, better interest rates on business savings products and discounts on business loans and other services.
Read full review
Min. opening deposit
$100

Free cash deposits
Yes

Up to $5,000 per statement cycle.

Overdraft fees
$10

Here are potential fits with this account from our partners:
Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1.5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$500

on Bank of America's website

Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1%-3%

Cashback

Intro offer
$500

on Bank of America's website

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1.5x

Points

Intro offer
50,000

Points

on Bank of America's website

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)
  • Bill pay includes invoicing for new users.

Cons

  • $100 minimum opening deposit.
  • Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
  • $16 monthly fee after introductory period ends.
Businesses that qualify for Bank of America's Preferred Rewards for Business program can also earn higher rewards rates on the bank's business credit cards, better interest rates on business savings products and discounts on business loans and other services.
Read full review
Min. opening deposit
$100

Free cash deposits
Yes

Up to $5,000 per statement cycle.

Overdraft fees
$10

Here are potential fits with this account from our partners:
Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1.5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$500

on Bank of America's website

Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1%-3%

Cashback

Intro offer
$500

on Bank of America's website

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1.5x

Points

Intro offer
50,000

Points

on Bank of America's website

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)
  • Bill pay includes invoicing for new users.

Cons

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

U.S. Bank Business Essentials

Best for Free business checking + SBA loans

U.S. Bank Business Essentials

Best for Free business checking + SBA loans

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$400

Requirements to qualify

Clock icon 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

  • $100 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 is one of the few big brick-and-mortar banks to offer a free business checking account. It is also one of the leading SBA lenders in the state, approving nearly 700 SBA 7(a) loans in California in fiscal year 2023.
Read full review
Min. opening deposit
$100

Free cash deposits
Yes

Up to 250 free cash deposit units per statement cycle.

Overdraft fees
$36

Here are potential fits with this account from our partners:
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$750

on U.S. Bank's website

Rates & Fees

U.S. Bank Business Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95

Rewards rate
1x-5x

Points

Intro offer
75,000

Points

on U.S. Bank's website

Rates & Fees

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1.5%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$750

on Chase's website

Rates & Fees

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

  • $100 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 is one of the few big brick-and-mortar banks to offer a free business checking account. It is also one of the leading SBA lenders in the state, approving nearly 700 SBA 7(a) loans in California in fiscal year 2023.
Read full review
Min. opening deposit
$100

Free cash deposits
Yes

Up to 250 free cash deposit units per statement cycle.

Overdraft fees
$36

Here are potential fits with this account from our partners:
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$750

on U.S. Bank's website

Rates & Fees

U.S. Bank Business Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95

Rewards rate
1x-5x

Points

Intro offer
75,000

Points

on U.S. Bank's website

Rates & Fees

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1.5%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$750

on Chase's website

Rates & Fees

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

  • $100 minimum opening deposit.
  • Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
  • High overdraft, wire transfer fees.
  • $1 fee for outgoing domestic ACH transfers.

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Best for High-yield business savings

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Best for High-yield business savings

APY
2.85%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

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.
This online bank consistently offers a top APY on business savings products, including its free high-yield business savings account and suite of business CDs. Live Oak also offers a variety of business checking products, as well as several business lending products, including SBA and USDA loans. In fact, Live Oak was the largest SBA 7(a) lender in California by volume in fiscal year 2023.
Read full review
Min. opening deposit
$0

Free cash deposits
No

No cash deposits

Overdraft fees
N/A

Here are potential fits with this account from our partners:
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1%-2%

Cashback

Intro offer
$250

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1.5%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$750

on Chase's website

Rates & Fees

Capital One Spark Cash
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95

Rewards rate
2%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$1,000

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

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.
This online bank consistently offers a top APY on business savings products, including its free high-yield business savings account and suite of business CDs. Live Oak also offers a variety of business checking products, as well as several business lending products, including SBA and USDA loans. In fact, Live Oak was the largest SBA 7(a) lender in California by volume in fiscal year 2023.
Read full review
Min. opening deposit
$0

Free cash deposits
No

No cash deposits

Overdraft fees
N/A

Here are potential fits with this account from our partners:
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1%-2%

Cashback

Intro offer
$250

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1.5%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$750

on Chase's website

Rates & Fees

Capital One Spark Cash
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95

Rewards rate
2%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$1,000

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

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.

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

APY
0.01%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

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.
California is home to more than 30 U.S. military installations, far more than any other state. And Navy Federal is a top-tier business bank dedicated to serving the unique needs of military members and their families. Active-duty military, veterans, retirees, Department of Defense employees and their families are eligible for membership and can access Navy Federal’s business checking and business loan services.
Read full review
Min. opening deposit
$255

Free cash deposits
Yes

Unlimited

Overdraft fees
$29

Here are potential fits with this account from our partners:
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1%-2%

Cashback

Intro offer
$250

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1.5%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$750

on Chase's website

Rates & Fees

Capital One Spark Cash
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95

Rewards rate
2%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$1,000

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

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.
California is home to more than 30 U.S. military installations, far more than any other state. And Navy Federal is a top-tier business bank dedicated to serving the unique needs of military members and their families. Active-duty military, veterans, retirees, Department of Defense employees and their families are eligible for membership and can access Navy Federal’s business checking and business loan services.
Read full review
Min. opening deposit
$255

Free cash deposits
Yes

Unlimited

Overdraft fees
$29

Here are potential fits with this account from our partners:
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1%-2%

Cashback

Intro offer
$250

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Annual fee
$0

Rewards rate
1.5%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$750

on Chase's website

Rates & Fees

Capital One Spark Cash
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95

Rewards rate
2%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer
$1,000

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

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.

Best banks for business in California

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 2.85% APY. Live Oak also has a 12-month business CD that earns 3.80% 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 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.

American Express

Our pick for: Online banking with 24/7 customer support
NerdWallet star rating: 4.8
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
  • Top-rated business credit cards, including branded hotel and airline business cards for Hilton, Marriott, Delta and Amazon.

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 1.30% 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 1.30% 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).

Chase

Our pick for: Branch access
NerdWallet star rating: 4.5
Chase has hundreds of 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: Loyalty rewards
NerdWallet star rating: 4.5
Those who qualify for Bank of America'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.

Navy Federal Credit Union

Our pick for: Military member, veterans and their families
NerdWallet star rating: 4.3
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: Free business checking + 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 $750 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 3.15% 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.
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.
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Best-of Awards 2026

Bluevine Business Checking
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Bluevine Business Checking

$0 monthly fees. 1.30% APY. Built for small business growth

at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured