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Best-of Awards 2026
Note: The star ratings on this list are specific to the bank's entry-level business checking account, not the overall institution. The exception is Live Oak Bank, which we've highlighted for its standout business savings account.
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No monthly fee- No minimum deposit
- No overdraft fees
- ATM fee reimbursement
- Free cash deposits
- Interest-earning
- Physical checks
- Cash deposits
- Insured cash sweep
- Invoicing
- Payment processing
- Sub-accounts
- Branch access
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Showing 0 out of 7 cards
Truist Simple Business Checking
Best for In-person banking in North Carolina
APY
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Bonus
N/A
Pros
- Free business checking available, including an option for nonprofits.
- Large branch network.
- Receive and send payments via Zelle.
Cons
- Restrictive transaction limit on Simple Business Checking.
- Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
- Multiple extra fees, including for ACH service and QuickBooks integration.
Truist Bank’s main office is in Charlotte, and the bank has a strong presence in North Carolina with nearly 300 bank locations across the state — more than any other bank. Truist offers a bare bones starter business checking account for new businesses, plus a more robust option with fewer restrictions for growing businesses. There’s also a Community Checking option for nonprofits that has no monthly fee or cap on cash deposits.
Min. opening deposit
$100
Free cash deposits
N/A
Overdraft fees
N/A
Pros
- Free business checking available, including an option for nonprofits.
- Large branch network.
- Receive and send payments via Zelle.
Cons
- Restrictive transaction limit on Simple Business Checking.
- Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
- Multiple extra fees, including for ACH service and QuickBooks integration.
Truist Bank’s main office is in Charlotte, and the bank has a strong presence in North Carolina with nearly 300 bank locations across the state — more than any other bank. Truist offers a bare bones starter business checking account for new businesses, plus a more robust option with fewer restrictions for growing businesses. There’s also a Community Checking option for nonprofits that has no monthly fee or cap on cash deposits.
Min. opening deposit
$100
Free cash deposits
N/A
Overdraft fees
N/A
Nerdwallet best-of awards2026 BEST Online Business Checking Account
Bluevine Business Checking
Best for Non-bank option for small businesses
APY
1.30%
Earn 1.30% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply.
With $0 min. balance for APY
Monthly fee
$0
Bonus
$500
Earn a $500 bonus when you open a new Bluevine Business Checking account and meet eligibility requirements. Apply with referral code NW500.
Requirements to qualify
at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured
Pros
- No required monthly fee, minimum opening deposit, excess transaction or overdraft fees.
- Earn 1.30% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply.
- Access up to $3 million in FDIC insurance with Insured Cash Sweep.
- No fees at MoneyPass ATMs.
- Bill pay tools and invoicing with built-in payment links, plus tap-to-pay card acceptance.
Cons
- No fee-free cash deposits.
- Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
- Does not offer jointly-owned accounts.
Bluevine is a financial technology company that partners with an FDIC-insured bank to offer a free high-yield business checking account and business lines of credit.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
No
Fees vary by location.
Overdraft fees
$0
Pros
- No required monthly fee, minimum opening deposit, excess transaction or overdraft fees.
- Earn 1.30% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply.
- Access up to $3 million in FDIC insurance with Insured Cash Sweep.
- No fees at MoneyPass ATMs.
- Bill pay tools and invoicing with built-in payment links, plus tap-to-pay card acceptance.
Cons
- No fee-free cash deposits.
- Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
- Does not offer jointly-owned accounts.
Bluevine is a financial technology company that partners with an FDIC-insured bank to offer a free high-yield business checking account and business lines of credit.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
No
Fees vary by location.
Overdraft fees
$0
Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking
Best for Loyalty perks
APY
N/A
Monthly fee
$16.00
$0 for the first 12 statement cycles.
Bonus
$400 or $750
Click 'Learn More' for details
Requirements to qualify
at Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC
Pros
- No monthly fee for the first 12 statement cycles.
- Welcome offer for new accountholders.
- Loyalty perks via Preferred Rewards for Business program.
- Relatively low overdraft fees ($10 per item, limited to two per day)
Cons
- $100 minimum opening deposit.
- Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
- $16 monthly fee after introductory period ends.
Bank of America offers a full suite of business services, and customers get access to a team of small-business specialists for support. Headquartered in Charlotte, Bank of America has more than 100 branch locations across the state, making it easily accessible for many North Carolina business owners. Account holders who qualify for the bank's Preferred Rewards for Business program can earn higher rewards rates on business credit cards and may get lower interest rates on loans.
Min. opening deposit
$100
Free cash deposits
Yes
Up to $5,000 per statement cycle.
Overdraft fees
$10
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.
Bank of America offers a full suite of business services, and customers get access to a team of small-business specialists for support. Headquartered in Charlotte, Bank of America has more than 100 branch locations across the state, making it easily accessible for many North Carolina business owners. Account holders who qualify for the bank's Preferred Rewards for Business program can earn higher rewards rates on business credit cards and may get lower interest rates on loans.
Min. opening deposit
$100
Free cash deposits
Yes
Up to $5,000 per statement cycle.
Overdraft fees
$10
Nerdwallet best-of awards2026 BEST Brick-and-mortar Business Checking Account
Chase Business Complete Banking®
Best for All-in-one business bank
APY
N/A
Monthly fee
$15.00
Waived with $2,000 minimum balance
Bonus
Earn up to $500
Earn up to $500 when you open a new Chase Business Complete Checking® account. For new Chase business checking customers with qualifying activities.
Requirements to qualify
at Chase, Member FDIC
Pros
- Welcome bonus for new customers (terms apply).
- Unlimited fee-free electronic and debit card transactions.
- No fee on cash deposits at Chase ATMs.
- Overdraft grace period/amount (24 hours and up to $50).
- Built-in invoicing and Zelle for Business.
- Accept credit card payments using the Chase mobile app.
Cons
- $15 monthly service fee.
- Fee for using out-of-network ATMs, no ATM fee refunds.
- High overdraft, wire transfer fees.
- Does not earn interest.
Chase offers a wide range of business banking services, including multiple business checking accounts, payment processing, business loans and a suite of top-rated business credit cards.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
Yes
Up to $5,000 per month.
Overdraft fees
$34
Pros
- Welcome bonus for new customers (terms apply).
- Unlimited fee-free electronic and debit card transactions.
- No fee on cash deposits at Chase ATMs.
- Overdraft grace period/amount (24 hours and up to $50).
- Built-in invoicing and Zelle for Business.
- Accept credit card payments using the Chase mobile app.
Cons
- $15 monthly service fee.
- Fee for using out-of-network ATMs, no ATM fee refunds.
- High overdraft, wire transfer fees.
- Does not earn interest.
Chase offers a wide range of business banking services, including multiple business checking accounts, payment processing, business loans and a suite of top-rated business credit cards.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
Yes
Up to $5,000 per month.
Overdraft fees
$34
nbkc Business Account
Best for No-fee business banking checking
APY
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Bonus
N/A
at nbkc bank, Member FDIC
Pros
- No monthly fee, minimum opening deposit, excess transaction or overdraft fees.
- Up to $12 in monthly refunds for ATM fees charged by other banks worldwide.
- Unlimited cash deposits via MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs.
- Accept contactless payments via the NBKC app (iOS only). Fees apply.
- Unlimited debit cards.
Cons
- Must pay a fee to use built-in software features via Autobooks.
NBKC’s online business checking has no fees, no transaction limits and no cap on cash deposits. The bank also has a free business money market account that earns 2.75% APY as of this writing.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
Yes
Unlimited
Overdraft fees
$0
Pros
- No monthly fee, minimum opening deposit, excess transaction or overdraft fees.
- Up to $12 in monthly refunds for ATM fees charged by other banks worldwide.
- Unlimited cash deposits via MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs.
- Accept contactless payments via the NBKC app (iOS only). Fees apply.
- Unlimited debit cards.
Cons
- Must pay a fee to use built-in software features via Autobooks.
NBKC’s online business checking has no fees, no transaction limits and no cap on cash deposits. The bank also has a free business money market account that earns 2.75% APY as of this writing.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
Yes
Unlimited
Overdraft fees
$0
Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking
Best for Military members, veterans and their families
APY
0.01%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Monthly fee
$0
Bonus
N/A
Pros
- No monthly fee and unlimited fee-free electronic transactions.
- No dollar limit on cash deposits (other limits may apply).
- 24/7 member service.
- No fees to deposit cash at Navy Federal or Co-Op Network ATMs.
Cons
- High opening deposit (up to $255).
- $29 fee for overdrafts, insufficient funds.
- Eligibility limited to veterans, military members, Department of Defense employees and their families.
- Does not offer jointly owned accounts.
- No spend controls on employee debit cards.
Active-duty military, veterans, retirees and their families are all eligible for Navy Federal membership — including Navy Federal’s business checking and business loan services. That accounts for a large group of current and prospective business owners in North Carolina, which is home to one of the largest military bases in the world: Fort Liberty (formerly known as Fort Bragg) supports roughly 91,000 military and civilian personal and family members.
Min. opening deposit
$255
Free cash deposits
Yes
Unlimited
Overdraft fees
$29
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.
Active-duty military, veterans, retirees and their families are all eligible for Navy Federal membership — including Navy Federal’s business checking and business loan services. That accounts for a large group of current and prospective business owners in North Carolina, which is home to one of the largest military bases in the world: Fort Liberty (formerly known as Fort Bragg) supports roughly 91,000 military and civilian personal and family members.
Min. opening deposit
$255
Free cash deposits
Yes
Unlimited
Overdraft fees
$29
Live Oak Bank Business Savings
Best for High-yield business savings + SBA loans
APY
2.75%
Earn 2.85% APY with a minimum balance of $0.01.
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.
Live Oak is one of the most active SBA lenders in the Tar Heel State, approving more than $126 million in SBA 7(a) loans in North Carolina in the 2023 fiscal year. The online bank’s free high-yield business savings account also shines with 2.75% APY on all balances.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
No
No cash deposits
Overdraft fees
N/A
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.
Live Oak is one of the most active SBA lenders in the Tar Heel State, approving more than $126 million in SBA 7(a) loans in North Carolina in the 2023 fiscal year. The online bank’s free high-yield business savings account also shines with 2.75% APY on all balances.
Min. opening deposit
$0
Free cash deposits
No
No cash deposits
Overdraft fees
N/A
Best banks for business accounts in North Carolina
Live Oak
Best for: High-yield business savings + SBA loans
NerdWallet star rating: 4.5
Live Oak is one of the most active SBA 7(a) lenders in North Carolina. The online bank also consistently offers some of the best interest rates on the market with its business savings products, including a top-notch high-yield business savings account that earns 2.75% APY and multiple business CD options that earn more than 3.50% APY as of this writing.
- Three business checking options.
- Business Essential Checking has a $10 monthly fee (waived with $1,000 average daily balance) and no monthly transaction limits.
- Live Oak does not support cash deposits; accounts can be funded via ACH, wire transfer or check.
- No weekend customer support.
- Fee-free access to more than 55,000 Allpoint ATMs (savings accounts don’t have ATM access).
Additional services:
- High-yield savings account that earns 2.75% APY with a balance of at least $0.01.
- A cash sweep account that provides FDIC insurance for up to $10 million in deposits.
- Business CDs that earn upwards of 3.50% APY.
- Issued more SBA 7(a) loans by dollar amount than any other lender in fiscal year 2023 and the second-most in 2024.
» Read our full Live Oak Bank business accounts review
NBKC
Best for: No-fee business banking checking
NerdWallet star rating: 4.8
NBKC’s free business checking is an attractive option for business owners in North Carolina who won’t mind a fully online banking experience. NBKC has only four branch locations, and they’re all in the Kansas City area. However, customers can access their account through NBKC’s mobile app and website, as well as 90,000+ MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs (which include numerous locations at Han-Dee Hugo’s, Sheetz and 7-Eleven).
- Free business checking account that can be opened online anywhere in the U.S.
- Account includes unlimited fee-free transactions and no incoming domestic wire fees, overdraft, stop payment or similar incidental fees.
- Fee-free access to over 90,000 MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs across the country; up to $12 in monthly refunds for ATM fees charged by other banks worldwide.
- Ability to deposit cash fee-free at eligible MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs using your NBKC business debit card.
- Free online and mobile banking with mobile check deposit and online bill pay included.
- Option to customize your checking account by adding desktop deposit, ACH credit and debits, merchant processing and Autobooks invoicing software.
Additional services
- Free business money market account, which earns 2.75% APY as long as you have a balance of at least 1 cent.
- NBKC Visa business credit card.
» Read our full NBKC business checking review
Bluevine
Best for: Non-bank option for small businesses
NerdWallet star rating: 5
Bluevine isn’t a bank, but rather a technology company that offers FDIC-insured business banking products via a partner financial institution. Bluevine’s online business checking account is backed by Coastal Community Bank and insured by the FDIC for up to $3 million via the IntraFi sweep network. The account has no monthly fees and an APY, too: Earn 1.30% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply. Beyond business checking, Bluevine also offers business lines of credit and (currently by invitation only) a newly launched business credit card.
- Bluevine Standard: No monthly fee, minimum deposit, overdraft fees or transaction limits. Earn 1.30% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply.
- Bluevine Premier: Earn 3% APY on balances up to $3 million (terms apply). Monthly fee of $95 is waived if you meet daily balance and spending requirements. Premier customers receive discounted wire and same-day ACH transfers.
- One-time and recurring bill payments via ACH, wire transfer or check.
- No ATM fees at more than 37,000 MoneyPass ATMs.
- Cash deposits available via Green Dot and compatible Allpoint+ ATMs. Fees and limits apply.
Additional services:
- Business lines of credit up to $250,000.
- Cash-back business credit card available for eligible Bluevine business checking customers (by invitation only).
» Read our full Bluevine business checking review
Chase
Best for: All-in-one business bank
NerdWallet star rating: 4.7
Chase’s entry-level business bank account packs in a lot of useful business features, including unlimited electronic transactions and integrated payment processing via the Chase mobile app. While Chase is a huge national bank, it may not be the best option for in-person banking depending on where your business is in North Carolina. There are only about 30 branches in the state, primarily in larger cities like Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte and Greensboro.
- Chase Business Complete Checking℠ is $15 per month, but there are multiple ways to avoid the fee.
- Unlimited electronic deposits. In-person and paper transactions are limited to 20 per month for Chase Business Complete and 250 per month for Chase Performance Business Checking®.
- Payment processing through the Chase mobile app with QuickAccept℠, no additional point-of-sale equipment needed.
- Live customer service available by phone 24/7.
Additional services:
- A full suite of Chase Ink business rewards credit cards, which offer generous sign-up bonuses, as well as other Chase business credit cards.
- A variety of small-business loans, including lines of credit, equipment financing and SBA loans.
- Chase offers payment services for e-commerce and retail businesses, including Chase QuickAccept, which lets business owners accept credit card payments from the mobile app.
» Read our full Chase business checking review
Bank of America
Best for: Full-service business banking
NerdWallet star rating: 4.5
Bank of America’s Business Advantage Fundamentals checking account includes up to $5,000 in cash deposits per month — higher than some other brick-and-mortar banks that cap monthly cash deposits at $2,500. Bank of America also rewards customers who keep their business in-house, with perks like higher savings and cash-back rates on certain products via its Preferred Rewards for Business program.
- Two account options with respective fees of $16 and $29.95 per month, though both can be avoided if you meet average monthly balance requirements. Both require a minimum opening deposit of $100.
- Bank of America Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking includes unlimited electronic transactions, up to 20 non-electronic transactions (checks paid, other debits, deposited items) and up to $5,000 in cash deposits per statement cycle.
- Opportunity to earn a welcome bonus. Terms apply.
Additional services:
- Suite of business credit cards including a secured business card for business owners with poor or limited personal credit history.
- Multiple business savings accounts, including a high-yield business CD.
- Bank of America business loans include secured and unsecured loans and lines of credit, SBA loans and franchise financing.
» Read our full Bank of America business checking review
Navy Federal Credit Union
Best for: Military member, veterans and their families
NerdWallet star rating: 4.3
Navy Federal Credit Union caters specifically to the military community. You can choose from multiple business checking and savings options, and can get access to a variety of business loans, if you qualify. Beyond that, Navy Federal’s business specialists can help you tap in to the network of resources available for veteran-owned businesses.
- Free, interest-bearing business checking account.
- Unlimited fee-free electronic transactions.
- No dollar limit on cash deposits.
- High opening deposit requirement — $250 for sole proprietors and $255 for other entity types.
- Fee-free access to more than 30,000 ATMs, including Navy Federal ATMs and the CO-OP network.
Additional services:
- 357 branches worldwide.
- 24/7 general customer support.
- Money market accounts and business certificates of deposit.
- Business credit card with no annual fee.
- Business loans and lines of credit.
» Read our full Navy Federal Credit Union business checking review
Truist
Best for: In-person banking in North Carolina
NerdWallet star rating: 4
Truist Bank has nearly 300 branch locations across North Carolina, making it a standout option for business owners who prefer to bank in person. While Truist’s free business checking account leaves a lot to be desired — the transaction limits are particularly stingy compared with competitors — the bank’s Dynamic Business Checking gives you more runway and it’s relatively easy to avoid the monthly fee.
- Three business checking account options, including a free account for nonprofit organizations.
- Transaction limits range from 50 to 500 per month, depending on the account. Virtually all deposits, debits and transfers count toward your transaction limit.
- Business accounts can be opened entirely online.
- Access to more than 3,000 Truist Bank ATMs; fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
- Business savings, money market and certificates of deposit available.
Additional services:
- Business credit cards that offer rewards boost for Truist business checking customers.
- Multiple business loan options, including term loans, equipment loans and business lines of credit.
» Read our full Truist business checking review
Other North Carolina-based business banks to consider
First Citizens Bank: This bank’s free business checking account has no minimum balance requirement and includes up to 100 transactions and $5,000 in cash deposits per month.
North State Bank: With four business checking options, North State Bank offers something for nearly every business size. Accounts include QuickBooks integration and some also offer a healthy welcome bonus.
Self-Help Credit Union: This mission-driven credit union is dedicated to providing banking services and economic opportunity to underserved communities. While Self-Help doesn’t offer a business checking account, the credit union does offer many other business banking services, including business loans, money market accounts and certificates of deposits with very competitive terms.
Notes from our partners:
To view rates and fees of The American Express Blue Business Cash® Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, see this page.
Methodology
NerdWallet’s writers and editors evaluate more than 60 business bank accounts from national, regional and online banks. Collectively, these accounts represent the largest banks by assets and the largest credit unions by membership, along with notable and emerging fintech companies and online banks.
We consider more than 20 data points for each account, including services, fees, features and rewards. We gather this information from rates and fees documents, deposit account agreements, financial institution websites and company representatives.
Our editorial team regularly reviews and updates our data to ensure consistency and accuracy. We also update our scoring on an ongoing basis to reflect changing industry norms and business owner needs. For instance, in 2026, we adjusted our expectations for APYs due to falling interest rates.
Final ratings range from one to five stars. A five-star score represents the best available product for the largest number of business owners. Learn more about how we rate business checking accounts.
