Best Banks for Startups and New Businesses of 2025

If you’re bootstrapping, choose a small-business bank with low fees that can grow with you. If you have professional funding, look for Insured Cash Sweep coverage to protect your reserves.

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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

North One Standard Business Checking

APY
2.50%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at North One, Deposits are FDIC Insured

North One Standard Business Checking

APY
2.50%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at North One, Deposits are FDIC Insured

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$16.00

$0 for the first 12 statement cycles.

Bonus
N/A

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$16.00

$0 for the first 12 statement cycles.

Bonus
N/A

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

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

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

nbkc Business Account

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$250

Requirements to qualify

at nbkc bank, Member FDIC

nbkc Business Account

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$250

Requirements to qualify

at nbkc bank, Member FDIC

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

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

Novo Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$300

Requirements to qualify

at Novo, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Novo Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$300

Requirements to qualify

at Novo, Deposits are FDIC Insured

BMO Simple Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$10.00

Waived with $100 minimum balance

Bonus
$600

Requirements to qualify

BMO Simple Business Checking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$10.00

Waived with $100 minimum balance

Bonus
$600

Requirements to qualify

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take the quiz again or get back to the full roundup for more options

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Matching you with the right bank...

Bank Account Finder

Do you plan to bank in person?

Do you need national branch access?

Are you OK paying a monthly maintenance fee?

Are you OK paying a minimum deposit?

Will you make more than 200 monthly transactions?

Do you want 24/7 customer support?

Is your business structure...

Do you need to deposit cash?

Will you use ATMs often?

Do you want weekend phone support?

Best banks for startups

  • American Express: Best for 24/7 customer support.
  • Axos: Best for welcome bonuses on checking and savings accounts.
  • Bank of America: Best for discounts and rewards for business owners.
  • Bluevine: Best for free business checking and business lines of credit.
  • Brex: Best for venture-backed startups with travel needs.
  • Chase: Best for full-service business banking.
  • Grasshopper: Best for free business checking and loans designed for startups.
  • Live Oak Bank: Best for business savings accounts and SBA loans.
  • Mercury: Best for expense management platform with financing options.
  • Relay: Best for multiple accounts.
  • Rho: Best for expense management platform with high FDIC insurance limits.
Bank/institution Best for NerdWallet rating Monthly fee APY Bonus Learn more
Bluevine Business Checking

Bluevine Business Checking

Free business checking and business lines of credit

$0

1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

$500

Requirements to qualify

at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Pros

  • No monthly fees or minimum opening deposit.
  • Unlimited fee-free transactions; no overdraft fees.
  • Earn 1.30% 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.
  • 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.
American Express® Business Checking

American Express® Business Checking

24/7 customer support

$0

1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

$30,000

Requirements to qualify

at American Express National Bank, Member FDIC

Pros

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

Cons

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

Relay Business Checking

Multiple accounts

$0

N/A

N/A

at Relay, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Pros

  • No required monthly fee or minimum balance requirement.
  • Unlimited fee-free transactions; no 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.
  • Direct integration with Shopify.

Cons

  • Deposited checks may be held for up to 6-7 business days.
  • No bill pay feature in the free plan.
Chase Business Complete Banking®

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Full-service business banking

$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.

Cons

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

Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking Account

Free business checking and loans designed for startups

$0

1.35%

With $25,000 min. balance for APY

N/A

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.
  • Free incoming domestic wires; low fees on other wire transfers.

Cons

  • Can’t deposit cash.
  • $100 minimum opening deposit.
  • No weekend support.
Mercury Business Bank Account

Mercury Business Bank Account

Expense management platform with financing options

$0

N/A

$300

Requirements to qualify

at Mercury, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Pros

  • No monthly fees or minimum opening deposit.
  • Unlimited fee-free U.S. dollar transactions; no overdraft fees.
  • Free domestic and international U.S. dollar wire transfers.
  • Advanced digital tools including API access to automate and customize your banking.
  • Unlimited refunds on all domestic ATM fees.

Cons

  • Can’t deposit cash.
  • Mercury is not part of a fee-free ATM network.
Axos Bank® Basic Business Checking

Axos Bank® Basic Business Checking

Welcome bonuses on checking and savings accounts

$0

N/A

$200

Requirements to qualify

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

Pros

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

Cons

  • $25 fee for insufficient funds/uncollected funds returned.
  • No third-party app integrations.
Capital One Business Basic Checking®

Capital One Business Basic Checking®

Cash deposits

$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.
Rho Business Checking

Rho Business Checking

Expense management platform with high FDIC insurance limits

$0

N/A

$350

Requirements to qualify

at Rho, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Pros

  • No monthly fees or minimum opening deposit.
  • Unlimited fee-free transactions.
  • Free domestic wires, same-day ACH transfers.
  • No charge for international wires (third-party fees may apply).

Cons

  • No cash deposits or ATM access.
  • Not available to sole proprietors.
  • Long hold time for deposited checks.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

Discounts and rewards for business owners

$16.00

$0 for the first 12 statement cycles.

N/A

N/A

Pros

  • No monthly fee for the first 12 statement cycles.
  • Welcome offer for new accountholders.
  • Loyalty perks via Preferred Rewards for Business program.
  • Relatively low overdraft fees ($10 per item, limited to two per day)

Cons

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

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Business savings accounts and SBA loans

$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.
Brex Business Account

Brex Business Account

Venture-backed startups with travel needs

$0

N/A

N/A

at Brex, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Pros

  • No monthly fee or minimum opening deposit.
  • Unlimited fee-free transactions.
  • Ability to put cash in a money market fund to earn yield.
  • Includes rewards-earning Brex corporate credit card.
  • Free domestic and international wire transfers.

Cons

  • Can't deposit or withdraw cash.
  • Only available to venture-backed startups and mid-market companies.
  • Not available to sole proprietors or other unincorporated businesses.
Bank/institution
Bank/institution
Best for
Best for
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet rating
Monthly fee
Monthly fee
APY
APY
Bonus
Bonus
Learn more
Learn more
Bluevine Business Checking

Bluevine Business Checking

Free business checking and business lines of credit

$0

1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

$500

Requirements to qualify

at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured

American Express® Business Checking

American Express® Business Checking

24/7 customer support

$0

1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

$30,000

Requirements to qualify

at American Express National Bank, Member FDIC

Relay Business Checking

Relay Business Checking

Multiple accounts

$0

N/A

N/A

at Relay, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Full-service business banking

$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

N/A

$500

Requirements to qualify

at Chase, Member FDIC

Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking Account

Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking Account

Free business checking and loans designed for startups

$0

1.35%

With $25,000 min. balance for APY

N/A

at Grasshopper Bank, Member FDIC

Mercury Business Bank Account

Mercury Business Bank Account

Expense management platform with financing options

$0

N/A

$300

Requirements to qualify

at Mercury, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Axos Bank® Basic Business Checking

Axos Bank® Basic Business Checking

Welcome bonuses on checking and savings accounts

$0

N/A

$200

Requirements to qualify

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

Capital One Business Basic Checking®

Capital One Business Basic Checking®

Cash deposits

$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

N/A

N/A

at Capital One, Member FDIC

Rho Business Checking

Rho Business Checking

Expense management platform with high FDIC insurance limits

$0

N/A

$350

Requirements to qualify

at Rho, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

Discounts and rewards for business owners

$16.00

$0 for the first 12 statement cycles.

N/A

N/A

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Business savings accounts and SBA loans

$0

3.00%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

N/A

at Live Oak Bank, Member FDIC

Brex Business Account

Brex Business Account

Venture-backed startups with travel needs

$0

N/A

N/A

at Brex, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Best overall online business checking account

Bluevine Business Checking

Best for Free business checking and business lines of credit

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 monthly fees or minimum opening deposit.
  • Unlimited fee-free transactions; no 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.
  • 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.

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

Cons

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

Relay Business Checking

Best for Multiple accounts

Close
APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Relay, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Pros

  • No required monthly fee or minimum balance requirement.
  • Unlimited fee-free transactions; no 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.
  • Direct integration with Shopify.

Cons

  • Deposited checks may be held for up to 6-7 business days.
  • No bill pay feature in the free plan.

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Best for Full-service business 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.

Cons

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

Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking Account

Best for Free business checking and loans designed for startups

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.
  • Free incoming domestic wires; low fees on other wire transfers.

Cons

  • Can’t deposit cash.
  • $100 minimum opening deposit.
  • No weekend support.

Mercury Business Bank Account

Best for Expense management platform with financing options

Close
APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$300

Requirements to qualify

at Mercury, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Pros

  • No monthly fees or minimum opening deposit.
  • Unlimited fee-free U.S. dollar transactions; no overdraft fees.
  • Free domestic and international U.S. dollar wire transfers.
  • Advanced digital tools including API access to automate and customize your banking.
  • Unlimited refunds on all domestic ATM fees.

Cons

  • Can’t deposit cash.
  • Mercury is not part of a fee-free ATM network.

Axos Bank® Basic Business Checking

Best for Welcome bonuses on checking and savings accounts

Close
APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$200

Requirements to qualify

Clock icon Unlimited transactions

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

Pros

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

Cons

  • $25 fee for insufficient funds/uncollected funds returned.
  • No third-party app integrations.

Capital One Business Basic Checking®

Best for Cash deposits

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.

Rho Business Checking

Best for Expense management platform with high FDIC insurance limits

Close
APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$350

Requirements to qualify

at Rho, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Pros

  • No monthly fees or minimum opening deposit.
  • Unlimited fee-free transactions.
  • Free domestic wires, same-day ACH transfers.
  • No charge for international wires (third-party fees may apply).

Cons

  • No cash deposits or ATM access.
  • Not available to sole proprietors.
  • Long hold time for deposited checks.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

Best for Discounts and rewards for business owners

Close
APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$16.00

$0 for the first 12 statement cycles.

Bonus
N/A

Pros

  • No monthly fee for the first 12 statement cycles.
  • Welcome offer for new accountholders.
  • Loyalty perks via Preferred Rewards for Business program.
  • Relatively low overdraft fees ($10 per item, limited to two per day)

Cons

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

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Best for Business savings accounts and 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.

Brex Business Account

Best for Venture-backed startups with travel needs

Close
APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Brex, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Pros

  • No monthly fee or minimum opening deposit.
  • Unlimited fee-free transactions.
  • Ability to put cash in a money market fund to earn yield.
  • Includes rewards-earning Brex corporate credit card.
  • Free domestic and international wire transfers.

Cons

  • Can't deposit or withdraw cash.
  • Only available to venture-backed startups and mid-market companies.
  • Not available to sole proprietors or other unincorporated businesses.
Sort by:
Best overall online business checking account

Bluevine Business Checking

Best for Free business checking and business lines of credit

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 Free business checking and business lines of credit

Best for Free business checking and business lines of credit

APY
1.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$500

Requirements to qualify

at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured

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

Relay Business Checking

Best for Multiple accounts

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Relay, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Relay Business Checking

Best for Multiple accounts

Best for Multiple accounts

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Relay, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Best for Full-service business 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 Full-service business banking

Best for Full-service business banking

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

Bonus
$500

Requirements to qualify

at Chase, Member FDIC

Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking Account

Best for Free business checking and loans designed for startups

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 Free business checking and loans designed for startups

Best for Free business checking and loans designed for startups

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

Mercury Business Bank Account

Best for Expense management platform with financing options

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$300

Requirements to qualify

at Mercury, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Mercury Business Bank Account

Best for Expense management platform with financing options

Best for Expense management platform with financing options

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$300

Requirements to qualify

at Mercury, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Axos Bank® Basic Business Checking

Best for Welcome bonuses on checking and savings accounts

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

Best for Welcome bonuses on checking and savings accounts

Best for Welcome bonuses on checking and savings accounts

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$200

Requirements to qualify

Clock icon Unlimited transactions

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

Capital One Business Basic Checking®

Best for Cash deposits

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

Best for Cash deposits

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$15.00

Waived with $2,000 minimum balance

Bonus
N/A

at Capital One, Member FDIC

Rho Business Checking

Best for Expense management platform with high FDIC insurance limits

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$350

Requirements to qualify

at Rho, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Rho Business Checking

Best for Expense management platform with high FDIC insurance limits

Best for Expense management platform with high FDIC insurance limits

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
$350

Requirements to qualify

at Rho, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

Best for Discounts and rewards for business owners

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$16.00

$0 for the first 12 statement cycles.

Bonus
N/A

Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

Best for Discounts and rewards for business owners

Best for Discounts and rewards for business owners

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$16.00

$0 for the first 12 statement cycles.

Bonus
N/A

Live Oak Bank Business Savings

Best for Business savings accounts and 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 accounts and SBA loans

Best for Business savings accounts and SBA loans

APY
3.00%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Live Oak Bank, Member FDIC

Brex Business Account

Best for Venture-backed startups with travel needs

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Brex, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Brex Business Account

Best for Venture-backed startups with travel needs

Best for Venture-backed startups with travel needs

APY
N/A

Monthly fee
$0

Bonus
N/A

at Brex, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Logo iconJump to

Best banks for new businesses

American Express

Best for: 24/7 customer support
Why we like it: American Express Business Checking is a great choice for small-business owners who value convenience and round-the-clock customer support. Between that account’s 1.3% APY and the startup-friendly suite of AmEx business credit cards, this institution offers a lot of value for entrepreneurs.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: Your business takes many payments in cash (AmEx doesn’t accept cash deposits).
Free business checking accounts
Business savings options
Business lines of credit
SBA loans
Business credit cards
Expanded FDIC insurance through insured cash sweep
Interest on your checking account balances
Corporate cards
Rewards on debit card or corporate card spending

Axos

Best for: Welcome bonuses on checking and savings accounts
Why we like it: Axos's business checking account isn't particularly special, but the bank offers a competitive business savings account that pays 3.6% APY as of this writing. Both offer great sign-up bonuses. And customers with high balances can take advantage of an Insured Cash Sweep network to expand their FDIC insurance to up to $265 million in deposits.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: You want to develop a relationship with a lending institution. Axos offers SBA loans through a partner but isn't a lender itself.
Free business checking accounts
Business savings options
✅ (Savings accounts, money market accounts and CDs)
Business lines of credit
SBA loans
✅ (Through a partner)
Business credit cards
Expanded FDIC insurance through insured cash sweep
Interest on your checking account balances
✅ (Only on the Business Interest Checking account, which has a monthly fee)
Corporate cards
Rewards on debit card or corporate card spending

Bank of America

Best for: Discounts and rewards for business owners
Why we like it: Bank of America offers all the services you’d expect from a national bank — business checking and savings accounts, business lines of credit, credit cards and even SBA loans. And if your average checking account balance exceeds $20,000, you can qualify for bonus credit card rewards, a higher interest rate on savings and discounts on business loans, payment processing and payroll services.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: You want to avoid a monthly fee or fees on services like wire transfers — Bank of America, like many brick-and-mortar banks, charges relatively high ones.
Free business checking accounts
Business savings options
✅ (Savings accounts and CDs)
Business lines of credit
SBA loans
Business credit cards
Expanded FDIC insurance through insured cash sweep
Interest on your checking account balances
Corporate cards
Rewards on debit card or corporate card spending

Bluevine

Best for: Free business checking and business lines of credit
Why we like it: Bluevine’s free business checking account is a good fit for small-business owners seeking to maximize value and convenience. While Bluevine is a financial technology company, not a bank, it offers all of the banking services most entrepreneurs need via a partnership with Coastal Community Bank — like FDIC insurance, unlimited fee-free transactions, checks, wires and a top-of-the-line 1.3% APY (which can go higher for paying customers). Bluevine also says it can fund business lines of credit in as little as 24 hours. Read our review.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: You make frequent or large cash deposits, as Bluevine's fees may add up.
Free business checking accounts
Business savings options
Business lines of credit
SBA loans
Business credit cards
✅ (Qualifying Bluevine customers only)
Expanded FDIC insurance through insured cash sweep
Interest on your checking account balances
Corporate cards
Rewards on debit card or corporate card spending

Capital One

Best for: Cash deposits
Why we like it: Capital One's business checking accounts include unlimited in-person and electronic transactions with no fees, which is rare for a brick-and-mortar bank. Its cash deposit fees are low — $5,000 in fee-free deposits each month and then just $1 per $1,000, and deposits at certain Allpoint+ ATMs are free. Plus, Capital One also offers some excellent business credit cards.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: You don't live near a Capital One branch. They're concentrated in eight states and Washington, D.C.
Free business checking accounts
Business savings options
✅ (Savings accounts and CDs)
Business lines of credit
SBA loans
Business credit cards
Expanded FDIC insurance through insured cash sweep
Interest on your checking account balances
Corporate cards
Rewards on debit card or corporate card spending

Chase Bank

Best for: Full-service business banking
Why we like it: Chase is best for small-business owners who want a traditional banking experience, including branch access and an ongoing relationship with a banker. Chase serves businesses of all sizes and offers a variety of loan, credit card and business savings products. Read our review.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: You want to avoid paying many fees on your checking account — Chase, like most brick-and-mortar banks, charges quite a few.
Free business checking accounts
Business savings options
✅ (Savings accounts and CDs)
Business lines of credit
SBA loans
Business credit cards
Expanded FDIC insurance through insured cash sweep
Interest on your checking account balances
Corporate cards
Rewards on debit card or corporate card spending

Grasshopper

Best for: Free business checking and loans designed for startups
Why we like it: Grasshopper Bank serves startups specifically. Its business checking account is a good fit for businesses that don’t handle cash, as account holders can’t access ATMs — but the account offers lots of value in other ways, including up to 1.35% APY on balances and cash back on debit card purchases. Grasshopper also makes SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, general partner loans, fund capital call lines of credit and net asset value loans. Read our review.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: Your business takes many payments in cash (Grasshopper doesn’t accept cash deposits).
Free business checking accounts
Business savings options
✅ (Money market accounts)
Business lines of credit
SBA loans
Business credit cards
Expanded FDIC insurance through insured cash sweep
Interest on your checking account balances
Corporate cards
Rewards on debit card or corporate card spending

Live Oak Bank

Best for: Business savings accounts and SBA loans
Why we like it: Live Oak Bank was the second-largest SBA 7(a) lender in the U.S. by dollar amount in the 2024 fiscal year. You don’t have to bank with Live Oak to apply for its SBA loans — but it’s worth a look for its business savings account, which pays 3% APY. That makes it a great place for your emergency fund. Read our review.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: Your top priority is a checking account — Live Oak's doesn't have much to offer.
Free business checking accounts
Business savings options
✅ (Savings accounts and CDs)
Business lines of credit
SBA loans
Business credit cards
Expanded FDIC insurance through insured cash sweep
Interest on your checking account balances
Corporate cards
Rewards on debit card or corporate card spending

Relay

Best for: Multiple accounts
Why we like it: Relay is a fintech company that offers a standout free business checking account. Users can create up to 20 sub-accounts, which makes Relay a good fit for larger small businesses with more complex budgeting systems. Startups may also want to note Relay’s low wire transfer fees: Incoming wires are free, and outgoing wires cost just $5 for domestic transfers and $10 for international transfers. The company's savings account is worth a look, too. Read our review.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: You want to turn to your banking partner for financing someday. Relay offers credit cards to certain customers, but you'll need to go elsewhere for a business line of credit or term loan.
Free business checking accounts
Business savings options
✅ (Savings accounts)
Business lines of credit
SBA loans
Business credit cards
✅ (Qualifying Relay customers only)
Expanded FDIC insurance through insured cash sweep
Interest on your checking account balances
Corporate cards
Rewards on debit card or corporate card spending

Bank accounts designed for venture-backed startups

Brex

Best for: Venture-backed startups with travel needs
Why we like it: Brex offers both banking and corporate card services designed for venture-backed startups and mid-market companies. Its program is a particularly good fit for businesses with lots of travel needs, as Brex offers its own travel management platform and you’ll earn higher rewards rates on travel bookings than on other types of spending. Read our review.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: Your business hasn't raised venture funding. To qualify for Brex, you'll need at least $100,000 in angel funding plus $50,000 in cash or at least $1 million per year in annual revenue.
Free business checking accounts
Business savings options
✅ (Treasury accounts)
Business lines of credit
SBA loans
Business credit cards
Expanded FDIC insurance through insured cash sweep
Interest on your checking account balances
Corporate cards
Rewards on debit card or corporate card spending

Mercury

Best for: Expense management platform with financing options
Why we like it: Mercury customers can open a business checking account and use a treasury account to grow their business savings, and wire transfers in U.S. dollars are free. Through Mercury’s corporate credit card program and its associated software, you can issue physical and virtual cards to your team members and set controls on each one. And this fintech also offers working capital loans and venture debt financing. Read our review.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: Phone-based customer support matters to you — Mercury’s is primarily offered via email and messaging.
Free business checking accounts
Business savings options
✅ (Treasury accounts)
Business lines of credit
SBA loans
Business credit cards
Expanded FDIC insurance through insured cash sweep
Interest on your checking account balances
Corporate cards
Rewards on debit card or corporate card spending

Rho

Best for: Expense management platform with high FDIC insurance limits
Why we like it: Like Mercury and Brex, Rho offers business checking and treasury accounts along with corporate cards and spend management software. Rho also offers a whopping $75 million in FDIC insurance coverage via its Insured Cash Sweep network, though — far more than Mercury’s $5 million or Brex’s $6 million. Read our review.
🚫 Look elsewhere if: You routinely take payments via check. Rho offers free wire transfers and same-day ACH transfers, but deposited checks may take as long as six or seven business days to clear.
Free business checking accounts
Business savings options
✅ (Savings and treasury accounts)
Business lines of credit
SBA loans
Business credit cards
Expanded FDIC insurance through insured cash sweep
Interest on your checking account balances
Corporate cards
Rewards on debit card or corporate card spending

How to choose a startup business bank

The best banks for startups typically offer a free business checking account, or one with minimal fees that are easy to get waived. That will help you separate your business and personal finances right away, which is essential to your business's financial health.
From there, look for the following:
  • Additional banking products. Business credit cards for startups, business lines of credit and startup business loans can help support your new business through multiple stages of growth. 
  • The right kind of customer service. If your business is brand new, personalized attention from a banker at a local bank or credit union might offer more useful support than the customer service offered by a national bank or fintech company. If you’re a founder chasing fast growth, a fintech company that focuses on serving businesses like yours may be a better fit.
  • Tools to help fill gaps or streamline your operations. Many of the top banks for startups have built-in bookkeeping and invoicing software or dashboards that help you track spending and generate cash flow projections. 
  • Seamless integrations with popular business software. Even if you outgrow those free, built-in tools, your business bank account syncing with popular products like QuickBooks or Zoho can help ensure it scales with you.
  • Ample protection for your deposits. Split your deposits between multiple business banks to stay within the FDIC-insured cap ($250,000 per depositor, per institution, per ownership category) and maintain access to funds in an emergency. Alternatively, you can seek out a sweep network.
  • Sweep accounts that leverage a network of banks. Banks in the IntraFi Network can offer two different services — Insured Cash Sweep service, or ICS, and Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service, or CDARS — that spread your deposits across multiple financial institutions within the network. No more than $250,000 in principal and interest is kept with any one bank, so you can have full FDIC insurance on millions of dollars in deposits. (Neobanks that partner with banks in this network may also offer these accounts.) Cash management accounts, like the ones offered by Brex or Arc Technologies, function in a similar manner. These accounts are typically a good option for startups with deposits in the millions.

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.
*Terms apply. See Axos website for complete eligibility details.
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.
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.
Last updated on April 3, 2025

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.