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Best-of Awards 2026
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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 awards
2026 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.
This free business checking account offers a very competitive APY: Earn 1.30% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply. There are no transaction limits or overdraft fees, and you get fee-free access to nearly 40,000 MoneyPass ATMs.
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.
This free business checking account offers a very competitive APY: Earn 1.30% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply. There are no transaction limits or overdraft fees, and you get fee-free access to nearly 40,000 MoneyPass ATMs.
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 pretty much everything an online bank should — no minimum opening deposit or monthly fee, 24/7 customer support and a solid APY. You can't deposit cash, but you can withdraw it with no fees at more than 70,000 Allpoint and MoneyPass 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 pretty much everything an online bank should — no minimum opening deposit or monthly fee, 24/7 customer support and a solid APY. You can't deposit cash, but you can withdraw it with no fees at more than 70,000 Allpoint and MoneyPass ATMs.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
No
No cash deposits.
Overdraft fees
N/A
Nerdwallet best-of awards
2026 BEST Brick-and-mortar Business Checking Account
Chase Business Complete Banking®
Best for Accepting in-person payments
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 checking offers access to the brick-and-mortar bank's traditional services, including branches, ATMs and cash deposits. You can also accept tap-to-pay transactions via card or digital wallet with Chase QuickAccept. This account does have a monthly fee, though it can be waived if you meet certain requirements.
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 checking offers access to the brick-and-mortar bank's traditional services, including branches, ATMs and cash deposits. You can also accept tap-to-pay transactions via card or digital wallet with Chase QuickAccept. This account does have a monthly fee, though it can be waived if you meet certain requirements.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
Yes
Up to $5,000 per month.
Overdraft fees
$34
Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking Account
Best for 1% cash back on debit card purchases
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 bank’s free 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 the balance in your account. You also get free, built-in access to Autobooks, as well as business tools like invoicing and cash management.
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 bank’s free 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 the balance in your account. You also get free, built-in access to Autobooks, as well as business tools like invoicing and cash management.
Min. opening deposit
$100
Free cash deposits
No
No cash deposits.
Overdraft fees
$0
Found Small Business Banking
Best for Tax planning, bookkeeping and invoicing tools
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 business checking is a great starter kit for freelancers looking to level up a side hustle. The free online business account offers built-in bookkeeping, invoicing and tax-planning tools, plus direct integration with a variety of popular business apps, including Etsy, PayPal, Uber and more.
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 business checking is a great starter kit for freelancers looking to level up a side hustle. The free online business account offers built-in bookkeeping, invoicing and tax-planning tools, plus direct integration with a variety of popular business apps, including Etsy, PayPal, Uber and more.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
No
$1.75 fee per deposit
Overdraft fees
$0
Relay Business Checking
Best for Low fees on wire transfers
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 online business checking account is a better fit for larger businesses than it is for freelancers, but its particularly low fees on domestic and international wire transfers might make it a good fit for certain solopreneurs.
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 online business checking account is a better fit for larger businesses than it is for freelancers, but its particularly low fees on domestic and international wire transfers might make it a good fit for certain solopreneurs.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
Yes
Unlimited
Overdraft fees
$0
nbkc Business Account
Best for Cash deposits and withdrawals
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 offers a truly free business checking account, with no monthly fees, overdraft fees, stop payment fees or transaction fees. NBKC customers can receive up to $12 per month in third-party ATM fee refunds and make free cash deposits via certain MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs. iPhone users can take credit, debit card and mobile wallet payments using the NBKC app (though you'll have to pay $10 per month for an Autobooks subscription to access that service).
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 offers a truly free business checking account, with no monthly fees, overdraft fees, stop payment fees or transaction fees. NBKC customers can receive up to $12 per month in third-party ATM fee refunds and make free cash deposits via certain MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs. iPhone users can take credit, debit card and mobile wallet payments using the NBKC app (though you'll have to pay $10 per month for an Autobooks subscription to access that service).
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
Yes
Unlimited
Overdraft fees
$0
🧾 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 APY. But this account appears to no longer be available, with the North One website now redirecting to Relay.
Do self-employed workers need a business bank account?
Technically, no. A business bank account isn’t required if you're self-employed.
But opening one is a good idea for the following reasons:
- Not all personal accounts can be used for businesses activity. Some financial institutions specify in their depositor agreement that personal accounts can't be used for business purposes. Business accounts, on the other hand, are designed specifically for business use.
- Managing self-employment taxes can be easier. If you make more than $400 in a year from freelancing, you’ll owe self-employment taxes. The tax rate for those earnings is 15.3%. Keeping your business earnings in a separate account can make it easier to set aside funds for those taxes in advance so that you’re not surprised by a bill at tax time. Some accounts, including Found, will automatically set aside tax payments for you.
- Business bank accounts offer helpful tools. Freelancer business accounts may come with features like invoicing, payment processing and expense tracking, which can make it easier to run your business. Others may integrate directly with payment, e-commerce and gig work apps, helping you access the money you’ve earned sooner.
- Separating your business finances sets you up for the future. If you decide to expand your business in the future, your business bank account will have a record of your revenue and expense history — which can be helpful when applying for a small-business loan.
Takeaways from my time freelancing
I had some freelance clients before I joined NerdWallet, but I didn't have a business checking account.
My system was way more complicated. I used a payment processor to send invoices and take payments. I deposited money into my personal savings account. Then, I kept a spreadsheet to track how much I'd earned and how much I owed in quarterly tax payments. After paying taxes, I transferred the remainder — my income — into my personal checking account.
If I were in the same position today, I'd simplify this dramatically by using a business bank account with built-in invoicing and tax planning tools.
— Rosalie Murphy, lead writer covering small business
What documents do freelancers need to open a business bank account?
The exact documents required will vary by bank and your business type. If you're a sole proprietor, you'll likely need to provide at least the following documents:
- A government-issued photo ID.
- Business license.
- Business tax ID (also called an EIN) or Social Security number.
Other business entities, like single-member LLCs, will require additional information. If you wanted to open a business bank account for an LLC, for instance, you’ll likely need to supply your operating agreement.
Learn more with our complete guide to what you need to open a business bank account.
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.
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.
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.
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.
