Best Banks for Small Business of January 2026

The best banks for small business help you manage your everyday expenses with a free or low-fee business checking account. Beyond that, they can help you get financing, take payments and save for the future.

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Best overall online business checking account

Bluevine Business Checking

APY
1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$500

Requirements to qualify

at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Best overall online business checking account

Bluevine Business Checking

APY
1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$500

Requirements to qualify

at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Axos Bank® Basic Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$200

Requirements to qualify

Clock icon Unlimited transactions

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

Axos Bank® Basic Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$200

Requirements to qualify

Clock icon Unlimited transactions

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

Relay Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Relay, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Relay Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Relay, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking Account

APY
1.35%

With $25,000 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

Clock icon Cash back on debit

at Grasshopper Bank, Member FDIC

Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking Account

APY
1.35%

With $25,000 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

Clock icon Cash back on debit

at Grasshopper Bank, Member FDIC

American Express® Business Checking

APY
1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
30,000 Points

Requirements to qualify

at American Express National Bank, Member FDIC

American Express® Business Checking

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

Mercury Business Bank Account

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$300

Requirements to qualify

at Mercury, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Mercury Business Bank Account

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$300

Requirements to qualify

at Mercury, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Brex Business Account

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Brex, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Brex Business Account

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Brex, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

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

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

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

Found Small Business Banking

APY
2.00%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$125

Requirements to qualify

at Found, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Found Small Business Banking

APY
2.00%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$125

Requirements to qualify

at Found, Deposits are FDIC Insured

U.S. Bank Business Essentials

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$400

Requirements to qualify

Clock icon Best free account

at U.S. Bank, Member FDIC

U.S. Bank Business Essentials

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$400

Requirements to qualify

Clock icon Best free account

at U.S. Bank, Member FDIC

North One Standard Business Checking

APY
2.50%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

North One Standard Business Checking

APY
2.50%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

nbkc Business Account

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at nbkc bank, Member FDIC

nbkc Business Account

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at nbkc bank, Member FDIC

First Internet Bank Do More Business™ Checking

APY
0.50%

With $10,000 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at First Internet Bank, Member FDIC

First Internet Bank Do More Business™ Checking

APY
0.50%

With $10,000 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at First Internet Bank, Member FDIC

Rho Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$350

Requirements to qualify

at Rho, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Rho Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$350

Requirements to qualify

at Rho, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Chase Business Complete Banking®

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

Bonus
$500

Requirements to qualify

at Chase, Member FDIC

Chase Business Complete Banking®

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

Bonus
$500

Requirements to qualify

at Chase, Member FDIC

Capital One Business Basic Checking®

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

Bonus
N/A

at Capital One, Member FDIC

Capital One Business Basic Checking®

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

Bonus
N/A

at Capital One, Member FDIC

Lili Basic Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Lili, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Lili Basic Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Lili, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Novo Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Novo, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Novo Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Novo, Deposits are FDIC Insured

TD Business Simple Checking℠

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$10.00

Bonus
$500

Requirements to qualify

TD Business Simple Checking℠

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$10.00

Bonus
$500

Requirements to qualify

Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking℠ Account

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$10.00

Waived with $500 minimum balance

Bonus
N/A

Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking℠ Account

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$10.00

Waived with $500 minimum balance

Bonus
N/A

Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking

APY
0.01%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking

APY
0.01%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

Huntington Business Checking 100

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$1,000

Requirements to qualify

Huntington Business Checking 100

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$1,000

Requirements to qualify

PNC Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$12.00

Waived with $500 average monthly balance

Bonus
$400

Requirements to qualify

PNC Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$12.00

Waived with $500 average monthly balance

Bonus
$400

Requirements to qualify

APY
3.00%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

QuickBooks Money

APY
3.00%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

Citizens Bank Clearly Better Business Checking®

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

Citizens Bank Clearly Better Business Checking®

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

Santander Bank Basic Business Checking

Santander Bank Basic Business Checking

3.0

 
APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$7.50

Waived with $1,500 minimum balance

Bonus
N/A

Santander Bank Basic Business Checking

Santander Bank Basic Business Checking

3.0

 
APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$7.50

Waived with $1,500 minimum balance

Bonus
N/A

BMO Simple Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$10.00

Waived with $100 minimum balance

Bonus
$1,000

Requirements to qualify

BMO Simple Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$10.00

Waived with $100 minimum balance

Bonus
$1,000

Requirements to qualify

Truist Simple Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

Truist Simple Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

APY
3.00%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Live Oak Bank, Member FDIC

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

APY
3.00%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Live Oak Bank, Member FDIC

Money Transfer

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Square, Inc.

Money Transfer

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Square, Inc.

CitiBusiness® Streamlined Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$15.00

Waived with $5,000 minimum balance

Bonus
N/A

CitiBusiness® Streamlined Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$15.00

Waived with $5,000 minimum balance

Bonus
N/A

Regions LifeGreen Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$12.00

Waived with $2,500 minimum balance

Bonus
N/A

Regions LifeGreen Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$12.00

Waived with $2,500 minimum balance

Bonus
N/A

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Matching you with the right bank...

Bank Account Finder

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Will you make more than 200 monthly transactions?

Is your business structure...

Do you need to deposit cash?

Will you use ATMs often?

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Best banks for small business

  • American Express: Best for 24/7 customer support.
  • Axos Bank: Best for high APY on savings.
  • Bluevine: Best non-bank option. Banking services are provided by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC.
  • Capital One: Best for cash deposits and withdrawals.
  • Chase: Best for brick-and-mortar banking.
  • Grasshopper Bank: Best online bank with interest and cash back on checking.
  • Live Oak Bank: Best for business savings accounts, SBA loans.
  • Navy Federal Credit Union: Best for military-affiliated entrepreneurs.
  • nbkc: Best for straightforward online banking.
  • U.S. Bank: Best for free checking account at a national brick-and-mortar bank.
Bank/institution Best for NerdWallet rating Monthly fee APY Bonus Learn more
American Express® Business Checking

American Express® Business Checking

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 with your debit card.

Cons

  • Can’t deposit cash.
  • No outgoing international wire transfers.
  • Does not offer jointly owned accounts.
Bluevine Business Checking

Bluevine Business Checking

Non-bank option

5.0 /5
$0

1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

$500

Requirements to qualify

at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Pros

  • No requited 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.
Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking Account

Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking Account

Online banking with interest, cash back

5.0 /5
$0

1.35%

With $25,000 min. balance for APY

N/A

Clock icon Cash back on debit

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.
nbkc Business Account

nbkc Business Account

Straightforward online banking

4.8 /5
$0

N/A

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.
U.S. Bank Business Essentials

U.S. Bank Business Essentials

Free checking account at a national brick-and-mortar bank

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.
Chase Business Complete Banking®

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Brick-and-mortar banking

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 15,400 Chase ATMs and access to around 4,900 branches.
  • Receive and send payments via Zelle.

Cons

  • $15 monthly fee.
  • Monthly limit on physical transactions (20).
  • Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
Business Premium Savings Account

Business Premium Savings Account

High APY on savings

5.0 /5

$0

3.60%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

$600

Requirements to qualify

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

Pros

  • Industry-leading APY.
  • No minimum balance to earn interest.
  • Access to Insured Cash Sweep network for expanded FDIC insurance.

Cons

  • Fee for excess transactions.
  • No ATM or debit card access.
Capital One Business Basic Checking®

Capital One Business Basic Checking®

Cash deposits and withdrawals

4.4 /5
$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

N/A

N/A

at Capital One, Member FDIC

Pros

  • Unlimited fee-free digital transactions, including mobile deposits, ACH transfers and some bill pay.
  • Full suite of business services, including business credit cards and loans.
  • No fees at nearly 80,000 ATMs, including the Capital One, MoneyPass and Allpoint networks.
  • No fee on cash deposits at Capital One and select Allpoint ATMs.

Cons

  • No free business checking account options.
  • Potential for up to 4 overdraft fees per day.
Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Business savings, SBA loans

4.5 /5

$0

3.00%

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-affiliated entrepreneurs

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.
Bank/institution
Bank/institution
Best for
Best for
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet rating
Monthly fee
Monthly fee
APY
APY
Bonus
Bonus
Learn more
Learn more
American Express® Business Checking

American Express® Business Checking

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

Bluevine Business Checking

Bluevine Business Checking

Non-bank option

5.0 /5
$0

1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

$500

Requirements to qualify

at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking Account

Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking Account

Online banking with interest, cash back

5.0 /5
$0

1.35%

With $25,000 min. balance for APY

N/A

Clock icon Cash back on debit

at Grasshopper Bank, Member FDIC

nbkc Business Account

nbkc Business Account

Straightforward online banking

4.8 /5
$0

N/A

N/A

at nbkc bank, Member FDIC

U.S. Bank Business Essentials

U.S. Bank Business Essentials

Free checking account at a national brick-and-mortar bank

4.5 /5
$0

N/A

$400

Requirements to qualify

Clock icon Best free account

at U.S. Bank, Member FDIC

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Brick-and-mortar banking

4.5 /5
$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

N/A

$500

Requirements to qualify

at Chase, Member FDIC

Business Premium Savings Account

Business Premium Savings Account

High APY on savings

5.0 /5

$0

3.60%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

$600

Requirements to qualify

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

Capital One Business Basic Checking®

Capital One Business Basic Checking®

Cash deposits and withdrawals

4.4 /5
$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

N/A

N/A

at Capital One, Member FDIC

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Business savings, SBA loans

4.5 /5

$0

3.00%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

N/A

at Live Oak Bank, Member FDIC

Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking

Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking

Military-affiliated entrepreneurs

4.3 /5
$0

0.01%

With $0 min. balance for APY

N/A

American Express® Business Checking

Best for 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 with your debit card.

Cons

  • Can’t deposit cash.
  • No outgoing international wire transfers.
  • Does not offer jointly owned accounts.
Best overall online business checking account

Bluevine Business Checking

Best for Non-bank option

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 requited 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.

Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking Account

Best for Online banking with interest, cash back

Close
APY
1.35%

With $25,000 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

Clock icon Cash back on debit

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.

nbkc Business Account

Best for Straightforward online banking

Close
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.

U.S. Bank Business Essentials

Best for Free checking account at a national brick-and-mortar bank

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.

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Best for Brick-and-mortar banking

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 15,400 Chase ATMs and access to around 4,900 branches.
  • Receive and send payments via Zelle.

Cons

  • $15 monthly fee.
  • Monthly limit on physical transactions (20).
  • Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.

Business Premium Savings Account

Best for High APY on savings

Close
APY
3.60%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$600

Requirements to qualify

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

Pros

  • Industry-leading APY.
  • No minimum balance to earn interest.
  • Access to Insured Cash Sweep network for expanded FDIC insurance.

Cons

  • Fee for excess transactions.
  • No ATM or debit card access.

Capital One Business Basic Checking®

Best for Cash deposits and withdrawals

Close
APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

Bonus
N/A

at Capital One, Member FDIC

Pros

  • Unlimited fee-free digital transactions, including mobile deposits, ACH transfers and some bill pay.
  • Full suite of business services, including business credit cards and loans.
  • No fees at nearly 80,000 ATMs, including the Capital One, MoneyPass and Allpoint networks.
  • No fee on cash deposits at Capital One and select Allpoint ATMs.

Cons

  • No free business checking account options.
  • Potential for up to 4 overdraft fees per day.

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Best for Business savings, SBA loans

Close
APY
3.00%

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-affiliated entrepreneurs

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:

American Express® Business Checking

Best for 24/7 customer support

APY
1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
30,000 Points

Requirements to qualify

at American Express National Bank, Member FDIC

American Express® Business Checking

Best for 24/7 customer support

Best for 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

Best overall online business checking account

Bluevine Business Checking

Best for Non-bank option

APY
1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$500

Requirements to qualify

at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Best overall online business checking account

Bluevine Business Checking

Best for Non-bank option

Best for Non-bank option

APY
1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$500

Requirements to qualify

at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking Account

Best for Online banking with interest, cash back

APY
1.35%

With $25,000 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

Clock icon Cash back on debit

at Grasshopper Bank, Member FDIC

Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking Account

Best for Online banking with interest, cash back

Best for Online banking with interest, cash back

APY
1.35%

With $25,000 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

Clock icon Cash back on debit

at Grasshopper Bank, Member FDIC

nbkc Business Account

Best for Straightforward online banking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at nbkc bank, Member FDIC

nbkc Business Account

Best for Straightforward online banking

Best for Straightforward online banking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at nbkc bank, Member FDIC

U.S. Bank Business Essentials

Best for Free checking account at a national brick-and-mortar bank

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$400

Requirements to qualify

Clock icon Best free account

at U.S. Bank, Member FDIC

U.S. Bank Business Essentials

Best for Free checking account at a national brick-and-mortar bank

Best for Free checking account at a national brick-and-mortar bank

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$400

Requirements to qualify

Clock icon Best free account

at U.S. Bank, Member FDIC

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Best for Brick-and-mortar banking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

Bonus
$500

Requirements to qualify

at Chase, Member FDIC

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Best for Brick-and-mortar banking

Best for Brick-and-mortar banking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

Bonus
$500

Requirements to qualify

at Chase, Member FDIC

Business Premium Savings Account

Best for High APY on savings

APY
3.60%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$600

Requirements to qualify

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

Business Premium Savings Account

Best for High APY on savings

Best for High APY on savings

APY
3.60%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$600

Requirements to qualify

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

Capital One Business Basic Checking®

Best for Cash deposits and withdrawals

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

Bonus
N/A

at Capital One, Member FDIC

Capital One Business Basic Checking®

Best for Cash deposits and withdrawals

Best for Cash deposits and withdrawals

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

Bonus
N/A

at Capital One, Member FDIC

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Best for Business savings, SBA loans

APY
3.00%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Live Oak Bank, Member FDIC

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Best for Business savings, SBA loans

Best for Business savings, SBA loans

APY
3.00%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Live Oak Bank, Member FDIC

Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking

Best for Military-affiliated entrepreneurs

APY
0.01%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking

Best for Military-affiliated entrepreneurs

Best for Military-affiliated entrepreneurs

APY
0.01%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

Logo iconJump to

How I made this list
Should your business bank be local?
The best banks for small-business owners
How to choose a bank for your small business
Should you have accounts at multiple business banks?

How I made this list

To choose the banks on this list, I did the following:
  • Started with FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions. I looked at the 50+ with business checking accounts we rate. I included fintech companies with FDIC-insured partners, though only our top-rated fintech, Bluevine, made the final cut.
  • Considered how broad their reach is. This refers to both service area and products. I removed regional options, though your local bank is always worth a look. Then, I focused on great services beyond a checking account. That includes things like offering a high APY or easy-to-use merchant services, as well as being a preferred SBA lender.
  • Talked to business owners and bankers. The relationship between a business owner and their bank is an important one. To learn more about how to weight it, I spoke to business owners who use all sorts of banks. I also interviewed business bankers at Bank of America and Five Star Bank and product managers at Bluevine, Lili, Mercury and Relay.

Should your business bank be local?

I haven’t reviewed business banking options from all 4,000-plus FDIC-insured banks in the U.S. So there’s a good chance your local bank or credit union isn’t on our list. That doesn’t mean its offerings are lacking — especially when it comes to having a relationship with a banker.
Take time to see what your local institutions offer before making a decision. Ask other people in your city or your industry what they think. Then, email the bank or drop by for a business account schedule of fees.
Smaller institutions often have clunkier software and fewer ATMs than their national counterparts. But internally, they have fewer people and departments. If your banker knows their colleagues who make lending decisions, they may be better able to help you get what you need.

WHAT BANKERS SAY

"You’re creating an advocate for you within an organization that’s deciding whether or not they want to take risks on you … If you have a great relationship with that banker, they’re going to want to go to bat when things get tough internally. They’re not only selling the business owners, they’re now selling internally to the credit approvers."
— DJ Kurtze, San Francisco Bay Area President and Executive Vice President at Five Star Bank

The best banks for small-business owners

I've arranged these banks in order of NerdWallet's star rating for their business checking account, since that's what business owners are likely to interact with most often. But our top picks all offer several services, which are highlighted.

Grasshopper

Best for: Online bank with interest and cash back on checking
Why we like it: Grasshopper is a great choice for startups seeking a free online business checking account — it pays interest and cash back on your debit card purchases. The bank also offers financing options, including SBA loans. And Grasshopper also assigns every customer to a dedicated customer support representative.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: You want access to branches. Grasshopper is online-only, though it is an FDIC-insured bank.
Additional services:
Grasshopper does not offer business credit cards (it refers customers to Ramp). It does offer a variety of loans, however — including SBA 7(a) loans of $250,000 and up, SBA 504 loans, commercial real estate loans of $1 million and up (in greater New York City only, including parts of New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania) and a variety of lending products designed for private equity and venture capital firms. You do not have to be a Grasshopper business checking customer to apply for these loans. Also, founders who are raising funds have the option to tap Grasshopper for access to its investor network.
Grasshopper does not offer merchant accounts.
Phone support is available to all customers from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST on weekdays. Grasshopper does not have branch locations.

Bluevine

Best for: Non-bank option. Banking services are provided by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC
Why we like it: Bluevine is a technology company, not a bank. Customer funds are held on deposit with Coastal Community Bank and protected by FDIC insurance.
Its business checking account offers a competitive APY and standout digital tools like invoicing, accounts payable management tools and tap-to-pay credit card acceptance. Once you’re a customer, Bluevine may offer perks like lower rates on its line of credit.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: You aren’t comfortable banking with a fintech company.
Additional services:
Bluevine's business line of credit offers up to $250,000 and can fund in as little as 24 hours. Existing business checking account holders may also qualify for Bluevine’s business credit card, which pays 1.5% cash back on all spending with no annual fee. (This card is not available unless you bank with Bluevine.) You can’t have both lending products at once, however.
Bluevine does not offer merchant accounts. Their software does include an accounts payable management feature, though.
Customer support is available via live chat. A Bluevine representative told NerdWallet that phone support is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST on weekdays, though these hours aren’t listed publicly. Bluevine does not have branch locations.

NBKC

Best for: Straightforward online banking
Why we like it: NBKC’s online business checking account charges very few fees while still delivering plenty of value. The bank also has a money market account that pays a competitive APY.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: You want access to a branch and don’t live in the Kansas City area.
Additional services:
NBKC offers SBA loans and business lines of credit, plus loans for equipment, construction and real estate, to business owners in the Kansas City area. Existing customers can apply for an NBKC credit card issued by Elan Financial Services.
Small-business customers can use the NBKC app to accept tap-to-pay credit card payments. You can also send invoices via a built-in integration with Autobooks, as well as charge your customers using ACH debits.
Phone support is available on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST. Live chat is staffed at the same times, plus Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST. NBKC has four branches in greater Kansas City.

Chase

Best for: Brick-and-mortar banking
Why we like it: Chase stands out for its payment processing services, which are available at no additional charge to its business checking accounts, and its top-rated business credit cards. It also has a presence in 48 U.S. states and Washington, D.C.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: Your checking account balance regularly dips below $2,000. That's the average you'll need to maintain to avoid a monthly fee.
Additional services:
The Chase Ink suite of business credit cards has some of the best cards on the market — including one of our top overall options, the no-annual-fee Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card. The company also has several co-branded hotel and airline business credit cards.

Chase

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Rates and Fees

NerdWallet Rating

5.0

Annual Fee

$0

on Chase's website

Chase offers business lines of credit and term loans of up to $500,000, plus SBA loans and commercial real estate loans.
Chase offers merchant accounts (Chase Payment Solutions), plus the ability to create a lightweight point-of-sale system in an app and to accept tap-to-pay payments on your iPhone. You can also use Chase to set up a 401(k) plan for your employees.

Chase

Chase Payment Solutions℠

NerdWallet Rating

4.5

on Chase's website

Chase has locations in 48 states, with more than 4,700 branches and 15,000 ATMs. Chase phone support is available to existing customers 24/7.

U.S. Bank

Best for: Free checking account at a national brick-and-mortar bank
Why we like it: U.S. Bank stands out for offering a free business checking account. The bank also has merchant services and plenty of additional services, including loans, business cards and discounts on payroll software.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: You want to avoid typical brick-and-mortar bank fees.
Additional services:
Like other national banks, U.S. Bank offers a variety of business loan options — several different business line of credit products, as well as SBA loans, commercial real estate loans and equipment financing. It also has specific financing options for medical, dental and veterinary practices.
U.S. Bank’s business credit cards include popular cash-back and travel card options; the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card is an especially good choice for small-business owners looking for a gas rewards card. And the bank’s commercial rewards card is a good option for businesses large enough to consider corporate cards.

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card

Rates and Fees

NerdWallet Rating

4.5

Annual Fee

$0

on U.S. Bank's website

U.S. Bank offers its own payment processing and merchant services through a subsidiary. Most notably, the bank’s “Everyday Funding” option means that customer payments can arrive in a U.S. Bank checking account within a day.

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank Merchant Services

NerdWallet Rating

3.9

on U.S. Bank's website

U.S. Bank also facilitates gift card programs and prepaid debit cards that you can load employee payments onto, plus reduced pricing on payroll services with ADP.
Phone-based customer support is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. CST on Saturdays. You can also visit a branch for in-person service — U.S. Bank has more than 2,000 branches in 26 states.

American Express

Best for: 24/7 customer support
Why we like it: American Express’s online business checking account comes with a solid APY, ATM withdrawals and 24/7 customer support. They also offer well regarded business lines of credit and credit cards.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: Your business takes many payments in cash (AmEx doesn’t accept cash deposits).
American Express issues business lines of credit ranging from $2,000 to $250,000. American Express business credit cards include some great options — like The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, which offers the following: Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on the first $50,000 of purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement. Terms Apply. AmEx also has branded hotel and airline business cards for Hilton, Marriott, Delta and Amazon.

American Express

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Rates and Fees

NerdWallet Rating

4.5

Annual Fee

$0

on American Express' website

American Express offers merchant accounts and multiple bill pay services, as well as a tool for creating employee and virtual credit cards that you can use to pay suppliers.
Business checking account and card holders have access to 24/7 phone-based customer support. Other hours vary by product type. AmEx does not have branch locations.

Axos

Best for: High APY on savings
Why we like it: Axos’s business savings account offers a high APY and a massive amount of FDIC insurance. Its online business checking account is also worth a look for businesses that frequently withdraw cash. You can qualify for a big sign-up bonus if you open both.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: Your checking account is your top priority. Axos's is good, but there are options that offer better software tools or pay interest.
Additional services:
Axos Bank does not offer business credit cards. The company partners with Centerstone SBA Lending to help facilitate SBA loans, but does not offer its own small-business loans. (Commercial financing options are available, though.)
Axos partners with Celero to provide merchant services to its business banking customers. The bank also provides discounted access to Roll by ADP, a payroll service.
Business banking relationship managers are available by phone from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST on weekdays. Axos does not have branch locations.

Capital One

Best for: Cash deposits and withdrawals
Why we like it: Capital One is the rare brick-and-mortar bank to offer a business checking account with no excess transaction fees. There are no fees to deposit cash at ATMs, no matter the volume. Its suite of business credit cards is highly regarded, too.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: You live outside CapOne’s service area and want to visit branches in person. (Fee-free ATMs are available nationwide, though.)
Additional services:
Capital One offers a suite of business credit cards with the ability to earn unlimited rewards, access free employee cards and incur no foreign transaction fees. It’s also the rare issuer that offers a business credit card — the Capital One Spark Classic — to business owners with fair credit (typically a FICO score between 630 and 690).
The bank also makes commercial real estate loans; SBA 7(a), 504 and Express loans; and lines of credit. Capital One business banking customers may qualify for better rates.
Capital One’s merchant services are provided by Worldpay and include both a merchant account and credit card processing. Customers also get fee-free access to accounts payable software, which lets you pay vendors using either a credit card or your bank account.
Capital One phone support is available daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST. You can also visit a branch in a limited number of U.S. states, including Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Washington, D.C. Capital One also has cafes, which have limited banking services, in 18 states.

Navy Federal Credit Union

Best for: Military-affiliated entrepreneurs
Why we like it: Navy Federal Credit Union offers business owners with military affiliations all the banking basics, including checking and savings accounts, credit cards and loans.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: You or one of your business partners can’t qualify for membership. Veterans, current or retired members of the U.S. armed forces, the National Guard, Department of Defense employees, as well as family members of those groups, are eligible.
Additional services:
Navy Federal has a no-frills business credit card that charges no annual fee. It earns 1 point per dollar spent, and points can be redeemed as statement credits, cash or for gift cards at a rate of 1 cent each — essentially a 1% cash back business credit card.
Navy Federal also offers its business members lines of credit, commercial auto loans and commercial real estate loans.
Navy Federal Credit Union does not have merchant accounts. It refers members to Heartland Merchant Solutions for payment processing and merchant services.
Navy Fed business members can get phone-based customer support on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. The credit union has more than 360 branches worldwide, and members can use Navy Federal ATMs as well as 30,000 CO-OP Network ATMs.

Live Oak Bank

Best for: Business savings accounts, SBA loans
Why we like it: Live Oak offers an excellent business savings account and is a top SBA 7(a) lender.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: You take payments in cash (Live Oak doesn’t accept cash deposits) or you often do app-based banking (Live Oak's apps have low ratings).
Additional services:
Live Oak Bank has been one of the largest SBA 7(a) lenders in the U.S. by volume for years. The bank also makes U.S. Department of Agriculture loans, term loans of up to $500,000 and asset-based loans in the form of credit lines. Live Oak does not offer business credit cards.
Live Oak Bank does not offer merchant services.
Live Oak’s Customer Success Managers are available on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. Live Oak Bank does not have branch locations.

How to choose a bank for your small business

Follow these steps while you’re choosing your business bank.
1. Start with a checking account
Above all, using your checking account should be easy. Look for one that offers:
  • No monthly maintenance fee, or one that is easy for you to waive by maintaining the required minimum balance. 
  • Access to the ATMs and branches you need.
  • A simple, useful online dashboard and mobile app.
  • Customer service you can get a hold of when you have an urgent problem, like a frozen account.
  • Easy money movement via unlimited electronic debit transactions. Fees should be manageable on other transactions, like wire transfers and cash deposits.
Everything else is a cherry on top. That might mean interest on your balances, a banker you know personally or software that makes running your business easier.
Just need a checking account to get started? Here are our top picks. You can always shop around for a deeper banking relationship after your business is up and running.
2. Explore the software
When you’re just starting out, an online business checking account can be a one-stop shop for lots of different things.
Many of these accounts come with easy-to-use software — one less thing to focus on while you’re getting started. Their tools often let you send invoices, manage your books and accept payments from customers.
The drawback: You can’t pop into a branch when you have a complicated question. Some online banks assign dedicated bankers or customer support representatives to accountholders; others don’t. If that relationship is important to you, email the fintech company before signing up to ask what they offer. Again, you can always switch banks down the road.
3. Meet with a banker
If you’re considering a credit union or brick-and-mortar bank, try to meet a member of their team face-to-face before you commit. That could be the start of an ongoing relationship.
At best, that person can become an advocate for you when you’re ready to apply for a business loan. They might personally know people who work on loans and will decide whether or not to take a risk on you. If so, your banker may be able to make a case for you.

WHAT BANKERS SAY

"The more you have a relationship and the more a banker and a bank knows you, the easier it is for us to be able to frame up what kind of access to capital you need. When's the right time to take a different kind of bank loan? What do you need to be able to show us to do that? It's always good to plan that ahead."
— Cathleen Callahan, Senior Vice President and Business Banking Northeast Region Executive at Bank of America

4. Compare your options
Ready to decide? Make sure you’ve asked:
  • What fees does the bank charge? Some business banks charge monthly fees for checking and savings accounts, although many waive those fees if you keep your balance above a certain level. 
  • Do you use cash? If your business takes in a lot of cash, look for a business bank account that lets you make unlimited free cash deposits — and if you spend cash often, look for free ATM access and refunds on ATM fees, too.
  • Is financing in your future? Starting a relationship with a bank or credit union that offers financing may give you a leg up when it comes to applying for a business loan.
  • Do you use business credit cards? You should choose the best business credit card for your company based on features like rewards, travel perks and annual fees, but there may be benefits to using a credit card linked to your bank. Bank of America business credit cards, for instance, offer higher rewards rates to certain B of A customers.

Should you have accounts at multiple business banks?

It can make sense to open multiple business bank accounts if you have more than $250,000 on deposit. The FDIC only insures up to that amount per depositor per institution — which means if your business bank fails, then the federal government only promises to cover your losses up to $250,000.
Some financial providers increase this coverage via Insured Cash Sweep accounts, which spread deposits across multiple FDIC-backed banks behind the scenes. But even if you use this service — or you’re not worried about hitting the $250,000 max — using more than one business bank can minimize the impact of potential issues like an unexpected account freeze.
Avoid diversifying too much, though. Bankers told me that the more tied into their ecosystem you are, the more important your business is to the bank — and the higher priority you’ll be.

WHAT BANKERS SAY

"The bank can spend more time with you if we, as the bank, know we have your full wallet of business. So if you're doing your merchant with us, if you’re doing your card with us, if you are doing your bank accounts with us as opposed to spreading that all around among different vendors… your bank is going to pay more attention to you because they have more growth opportunity with you."
— Cathleen Callahan, Senior Vice President and Business Banking Northeast Region Executive at Bank of America

A good first step is to store an emergency fund at a different bank than your business checking account (especially if that helps you get the highest APY on your savings). If your business keeps significantly more cash on hand — if you’re a startup with venture funding, for instance — a business cash management account may be a better fit to maximize potential returns.
Notes from providers
Note on American Express® Business Checking: At Allpoint® and MoneyPass® locations in the U.S., you can withdraw cash and get balance information with no fee. Access to ATMs outside of the Allpoint® and MoneyPass® networks are subject to fees by the ATM owner and/or network. ATM withdrawal limits apply. American Express applies foreign exchange fees to withdrawals in foreign currencies. American Express does not accept ATM cash deposits into your Business Checking account at this time. Visit americanexpress.com/atm-locator to find participating ATMs in the U.S.
The information about the Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ account has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.
Last updated on January 5, 2026