Best Banks for Small Business in North Carolina of September 2025
Nerdwallet analyzed national, regional and online financial institutions to find the best banks for small businesses in North Carolina. Here are our picks for the best overall banks available, plus some local options worth considering.
Senior writer | Small business banking and credit cards, Paycheck Protection Program, consumer spending, and household finances
Kelsey Sheehy is a NerdWallet authority on small business. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Nasdaq and MarketWatch, among other publications. Kelsey has appeared on the <a href="https://www.today.com/video/christmas-in-july-sales-to-take-advantage-of-now-64075333536">"Today"</a> show, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/tax-code-changes-leave-many-americans-with-unhappy-returns-1440385091860">NBC News</a> and <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/cost-smartphones-reaching-time-high-54166111">"ABC World News Tonight"</a> and has been quoted by the Los Angeles Times, CNBC and American Banker, among other publications. Email: <a href="mailto:ksheehy@nerdwallet.com">ksheehy@nerdwallet.com</a>.
Senior writer | Small business banking and credit cards, Paycheck Protection Program, consumer spending, and household finances
Kelsey Sheehy is a NerdWallet authority on small business. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Nasdaq and MarketWatch, among other publications. Kelsey has appeared on the <a href="https://www.today.com/video/christmas-in-july-sales-to-take-advantage-of-now-64075333536">"Today"</a> show, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/tax-code-changes-leave-many-americans-with-unhappy-returns-1440385091860">NBC News</a> and <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/cost-smartphones-reaching-time-high-54166111">"ABC World News Tonight"</a> and has been quoted by the Los Angeles Times, CNBC and American Banker, among other publications. Email: <a href="mailto:ksheehy@nerdwallet.com">ksheehy@nerdwallet.com</a>.
Ryan Lane is an editor on the small-business team and a NerdWallet authority on student loans. He spent more than a decade as a writer and editor for student loan guarantor American Student Assistance and was a managing editor for publisher Cell Press. Ryan’s work has been featured by The Associated Press, USA Today and MarketWatch, and he previously co-authored the U.S. News & World Report Student Loan Ranger blog. Email: <a href="mailto:rlane@nerdwallet.com”">rlane@nerdwallet.com</a>.
Ryan Lane is an editor on the small-business team and a NerdWallet authority on student loans. He spent more than a decade as a writer and editor for student loan guarantor American Student Assistance and was a managing editor for publisher Cell Press. Ryan’s work has been featured by The Associated Press, USA Today and MarketWatch, and he previously co-authored the U.S. News & World Report Student Loan Ranger blog. Email: <a href="mailto:rlane@nerdwallet.com”">rlane@nerdwallet.com</a>.
NerdWallet's content is
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It undergoes a thorough review process involving writers and editors to ensure
the information is as clear and complete as possible. Learn more by checking
our
Editorial Guidelines.
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
Why trust NerdWallet
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.
Advertiser disclosure
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We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with
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objective, independent, straightforward — and free.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence
which products we review and write about (and where those products
appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or
advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our
partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products
or services. Here is a list of our partners .
Senior writer | Small business banking and credit cards, Paycheck Protection Program, consumer spending, and household finances
Kelsey Sheehy is a NerdWallet authority on small business. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Nasdaq and MarketWatch, among other publications. Kelsey has appeared on the <a href="https://www.today.com/video/christmas-in-july-sales-to-take-advantage-of-now-64075333536">"Today"</a> show, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/tax-code-changes-leave-many-americans-with-unhappy-returns-1440385091860">NBC News</a> and <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/cost-smartphones-reaching-time-high-54166111">"ABC World News Tonight"</a> and has been quoted by the Los Angeles Times, CNBC and American Banker, among other publications. Email: <a href="mailto:ksheehy@nerdwallet.com">ksheehy@nerdwallet.com</a>.
Senior writer | Small business banking and credit cards, Paycheck Protection Program, consumer spending, and household finances
Kelsey Sheehy is a NerdWallet authority on small business. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Nasdaq and MarketWatch, among other publications. Kelsey has appeared on the <a href="https://www.today.com/video/christmas-in-july-sales-to-take-advantage-of-now-64075333536">"Today"</a> show, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/tax-code-changes-leave-many-americans-with-unhappy-returns-1440385091860">NBC News</a> and <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/cost-smartphones-reaching-time-high-54166111">"ABC World News Tonight"</a> and has been quoted by the Los Angeles Times, CNBC and American Banker, among other publications. Email: <a href="mailto:ksheehy@nerdwallet.com">ksheehy@nerdwallet.com</a>.
Ryan Lane is an editor on the small-business team and a NerdWallet authority on student loans. He spent more than a decade as a writer and editor for student loan guarantor American Student Assistance and was a managing editor for publisher Cell Press. Ryan’s work has been featured by The Associated Press, USA Today and MarketWatch, and he previously co-authored the U.S. News & World Report Student Loan Ranger blog. Email: <a href="mailto:rlane@nerdwallet.com”">rlane@nerdwallet.com</a>.
Ryan Lane is an editor on the small-business team and a NerdWallet authority on student loans. He spent more than a decade as a writer and editor for student loan guarantor American Student Assistance and was a managing editor for publisher Cell Press. Ryan’s work has been featured by The Associated Press, USA Today and MarketWatch, and he previously co-authored the U.S. News & World Report Student Loan Ranger blog. Email: <a href="mailto:rlane@nerdwallet.com”">rlane@nerdwallet.com</a>.
NerdWallet's content is
fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness, and relevance by humans.
It undergoes a thorough review process involving writers and editors to ensure
the information is as clear and complete as possible. Learn more by checking
our
Editorial Guidelines.
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
Why trust NerdWallet
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.
Advertiser disclosure
You’re our first priority.
Every time.
We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with
confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or
financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance
we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are
objective, independent, straightforward — and free.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence
which products we review and write about (and where those products
appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or
advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our
partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products
or services. Here is a list of our partners .
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.
Free business checking available, including an option for nonprofits.
Large branch network.
Supports Zelle for Business.
Cons
Restrictive transaction limit on Simple Business Checking.
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
Multiple extra fees, including for ACH service and QuickBooks integration.
Truist Bank’s main office is in Charlotte, and the bank has a strong presence in North Carolina with nearly 300 bank locations across the state — more than any other bank. Truist offers a bare bones starter business checking account for new businesses, plus a more robust option with fewer restrictions for growing businesses. There’s also a Community Checking option for nonprofits that has no monthly fee or cap on cash deposits.
Free business checking available, including an option for nonprofits.
Large branch network.
Supports Zelle for Business.
Cons
Restrictive transaction limit on Simple Business Checking.
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
Multiple extra fees, including for ACH service and QuickBooks integration.
Truist Bank’s main office is in Charlotte, and the bank has a strong presence in North Carolina with nearly 300 bank locations across the state — more than any other bank. Truist offers a bare bones starter business checking account for new businesses, plus a more robust option with fewer restrictions for growing businesses. There’s also a Community Checking option for nonprofits that has no monthly fee or cap on cash deposits.
Phone customer support available until 11 p.m. ET on weekdays and on Saturdays and Sundays.
No fees at Wells Fargo ATMs and access to around 4,900 branch locations.
Supports Zelle for Business.
Cons
No free business checking account option.
Limit of 100 fee-free transactions per month.
Wells Fargo is one of the largest banks in the U.S. and has more than 200 branch locations in North Carolina. Business owners can choose from multiple business checking accounts and have access to business loans, payroll services and merchant services with Wells Fargo.
Phone customer support available until 11 p.m. ET on weekdays and on Saturdays and Sundays.
No fees at Wells Fargo ATMs and access to around 4,900 branch locations.
Supports Zelle for Business.
Cons
No free business checking account option.
Limit of 100 fee-free transactions per month.
Wells Fargo is one of the largest banks in the U.S. and has more than 200 branch locations in North Carolina. Business owners can choose from multiple business checking accounts and have access to business loans, payroll services and merchant services with Wells Fargo.
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.
Bill pay tools and invoicing with built-in payment links.
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 that partners with an FDIC-insured bank to offer a free high-yield business checking account and business lines of credit.
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.
Bill pay tools and invoicing with built-in payment links.
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 that partners with an FDIC-insured bank to offer a free high-yield business checking account and business lines of credit.
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.
Axos offers around-the-clock customer support — a rare feature for business banks, especially online ones like Axos. Business products include a free business checking account, which includes unlimited ATM refunds, as well as SBA loans and merchant services.
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.
Axos offers around-the-clock customer support — a rare feature for business banks, especially online ones like Axos. Business products include a free business checking account, which includes unlimited ATM refunds, as well as SBA loans and merchant services.
Loyalty perks via Preferred Rewards for Business program.
Relatively low overdraft fees ($10 per item, limited to two per day)
Cons
$100 minimum opening deposit.
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
$16 monthly fee after introductory period ends.
Bank of America offers a full suite of business services, and customers get access to a team of small-business specialists for support. Headquartered in Charlotte, Bank of America has more than 100 branch locations across the state, making it easily accessible for many North Carolina business owners.
Loyalty perks via Preferred Rewards for Business program.
Relatively low overdraft fees ($10 per item, limited to two per day)
Cons
$100 minimum opening deposit.
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
$16 monthly fee after introductory period ends.
Bank of America offers a full suite of business services, and customers get access to a team of small-business specialists for support. Headquartered in Charlotte, Bank of America has more than 100 branch locations across the state, making it easily accessible for many North Carolina business owners.
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 15,400 Chase ATMs and access to around 4,900 branches.
Cons
$15 monthly fee.
Monthly limit on fee-free cash deposits ($5,000) and physical transactions (20).
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
Chase offers a wide range of business banking services, including multiple business checking accounts, payment processing, business loans and a suite of top-rated business credit cards.
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 15,400 Chase ATMs and access to around 4,900 branches.
Cons
$15 monthly fee.
Monthly limit on fee-free cash deposits ($5,000) and physical transactions (20).
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
Chase offers a wide range of business banking services, including multiple business checking accounts, payment processing, business loans and a suite of top-rated business credit cards.
Unlimited fee-free transactions, no overdraft fees and free incoming domestic wires.
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
High fee ($45) for international wire transfers.
Phone support only available during business hours.
No third-party app integrations.
NBKC’s online business checking has no fees, no transaction limits and no cap on cash deposits. The bank also has a free business money market account that earns 2.75% APY as of this writing.
Unlimited fee-free transactions, no overdraft fees and free incoming domestic wires.
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
High fee ($45) for international wire transfers.
Phone support only available during business hours.
No third-party app integrations.
NBKC’s online business checking has no fees, no transaction limits and no cap on cash deposits. The bank also has a free business money market account that earns 2.75% APY as of this writing.
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.
Active-duty military, veterans, retirees and their families are all eligible for Navy Federal membership — including Navy Federal’s business checking and business loan services. That accounts for a large group of current and prospective business owners in North Carolina, which is home to one of the largest military bases in the world: Fort Liberty (formerly known as Fort Bragg) supports roughly 91,000 military and civilian personal and family members.
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.
Active-duty military, veterans, retirees and their families are all eligible for Navy Federal membership — including Navy Federal’s business checking and business loan services. That accounts for a large group of current and prospective business owners in North Carolina, which is home to one of the largest military bases in the world: Fort Liberty (formerly known as Fort Bragg) supports roughly 91,000 military and civilian personal and family members.
No ATM or debit card access for Business Savings account.
No weekend customer support.
Live Oak is one of the most active SBA lenders in the Tar Heel State, approving more than $126 million in SBA 7(a) loans in North Carolina in the 2023 fiscal year. The online bank’s free high-yield business savings account also shines with 3.15% APY on all balances.
No ATM or debit card access for Business Savings account.
No weekend customer support.
Live Oak is one of the most active SBA lenders in the Tar Heel State, approving more than $126 million in SBA 7(a) loans in North Carolina in the 2023 fiscal year. The online bank’s free high-yield business savings account also shines with 3.15% APY on all balances.
Best banks for business accounts in North Carolina
Axos
Best for: 24/7 customer support
NerdWallet star rating: 4.7
Online banks can often fall short on live customer support. Not Axos. This online-only bank offers live, 24/7 phone support for business customers. Other standout features include the ability to easily make cash deposits at compatible ATMs and automatic refunds of any ATM fees, including those charged by third-party operators.
Axos business banking highlights
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 is one of the most active SBA 7(a) lenders in North Carolina. The online bank also consistently offers some of the best interest rates on the market with its business savings products, including a top-notch high-yield business savings account that earns 3.15% APY and multiple business CD options that earn more than 4.00% APY as of this writing.
Live Oak business banking highlights
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 3.15% 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.
NBKC’s free business checking is an attractive option for business owners in North Carolina who won’t mind a fully online banking experience. NBKC has only four branch locations, and they’re all in the Kansas City area. However, customers can access their account through NBKC’s mobile app and website, as well as 90,000+ MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs (which include numerous locations at Han-Dee Hugo’s, Sheetz and 7-Eleven).
NBKC business banking highlights
Free business checking account that can be opened online anywhere in the U.S.
Account includes unlimited fee-free transactions and no incoming domestic wire fees, overdraft, stop payment or similar incidental fees.
Fee-free access to over 90,000 MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs across the country; up to $12 in monthly refunds for ATM fees charged by other banks worldwide.
Ability to deposit cash fee-free at eligible MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs using your NBKC business debit card.
Free online and mobile banking with mobile check deposit and online bill pay included.
Option to customize your checking account by adding desktop deposit, ACH credit and debits, merchant processing and Autobooks invoicing software.
Additional services
Free business money market account, which earns 2.75% APY as long as you have a balance of at least 1 cent.
Bluevine isn’t a bank, but rather a technology company that offers FDIC-insured business banking products via a partner financial institution. Bluevine’s online business checking account is backed by Coastal Community Bank and insured by the FDIC for up to $3 million via the IntraFi sweep network. The account has no monthly fees and an APY, too: Earn 1.50% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply. Beyond business checking, Bluevine also offers business lines of credit and (currently by invitation only) a newly launched business credit card.
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’s entry-level business bank account packs in a lot of useful business features, including unlimited electronic transactions and integrated payment processing via the Chase mobile app. While Chase is a huge national bank, it may not be the best option for in-person banking depending on where your business is in North Carolina. There are only about 30 branches in the state, primarily in larger cities like Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte and Greensboro.
Chase business banking highlights
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’s Business Advantage Fundamentals checking account includes up to $5,000 in cash deposits per month — higher than some other brick-and-mortar banks that cap monthly cash deposits at $2,500. Bank of America also rewards customers who keep their business in-house, with perks like higher savings and cash-back rates on certain products via its Preferred Rewards for Business program.
Bank of America business banking highlights
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.
Best for: Military member, veterans and their families
NerdWallet star rating: 4.2
Navy Federal Credit Union caters specifically to the military community. You can choose from multiple business checking and savings options, and can get access to a variety of business loans, if you qualify. Beyond that, Navy Federal’s business specialists can help you tap in to the network of resources available for veteran-owned businesses.
Navy Federal business banking highlights
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.
Wells Fargo has more than 200 branches across North Carolina and offers a wide range of banking services — including business checking, savings and financing options — for business owners who prefer to bank in person.
Wells Fargo business banking highlights
Three business checking accounts with monthly maintenance fees ranging from $10 for the bank's entry-level checking account (Initiate Business Checking) to $75 for a premium checking account that earns credits to offset fees (Optimize Business Checking).
Transaction limits range from 100 to 250 per month, depending on the account. Wells Fargo counts all withdrawals, debits and deposits, including mobile deposits, toward your transaction limit. Debit card purchases and payments do not count toward the limit.
Up to $20,000 in cash deposits per month, depending on the account type.
All business checking accounts can be opened online, over the phone or by visiting a branch.
Additional services:
Small-business loans, including commercial real estate and equipment financing. Wells Fargo also offers SBA loans.
Profit-sharing, 401(k) and IRA options for business owners and their employees.
Truist Bank has nearly 300 branch locations across North Carolina, making it a standout option for business owners who prefer to bank in person. While Truist’s free business checking account leaves a lot to be desired — the transaction limits are particularly stingy compared with competitors — the bank’s Dynamic Business Checking gives you more runway and it’s relatively easy to avoid the monthly fee.
Three business checking account options, including a free account for nonprofit organizations.
Transaction limits range from 50 to 500 per month, depending on the account. Virtually all deposits, debits and transfers count toward your transaction limit.
Business accounts can be opened entirely online.
Access to more than 3,000 Truist Bank ATMs; fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
Business savings, money market and certificates of deposit available.
Additional services:
Business credit cards that offer rewards boost for Truist business checking customers.
Multiple business loan options, including term loans, equipment loans and business lines of credit.
Other North Carolina-based business banks to consider
First Citizens Bank: This bank’s free business checking account has no minimum balance requirement and includes up to 100 transactions and $5,000 in cash deposits per month.
North State Bank: With four business checking options, North State Bank offers something for nearly every business size. Accounts include QuickBooks integration and some also offer a healthy welcome bonus.
Self-Help Credit Union: This mission-driven credit union is dedicated to providing banking services and economic opportunity to underserved communities. While Self-Help doesn’t offer a business checking account, the credit union does offer many other business banking services, including business loans, money market accounts and certificates of deposits with very competitive terms.
Last updated on March 4, 2024
Methodology
NerdWallet evaluates more than 50 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 2025, we introduced bonus points for notable built-in software features, like the ability to accept tap-to-pay payments from customers using a mobile app.
Final star ratings are presented on a scale of one to five stars, where 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.
Learn more