Rosalie Murphy covers small business topics for NerdWallet. Previously, she led editorial strategy for a local news startup and covered business at The Desert Sun. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Southern California and is currently pursuing an MBA.
Rosalie Murphy covers small business topics for NerdWallet. Previously, she led editorial strategy for a local news startup and covered business at The Desert Sun. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Southern California and is currently pursuing an MBA.
Ryan Lane is an editor on the small-business team and a NerdWallet authority on student loans. He spent more than a decade as a writer and editor for student loan guarantor American Student Assistance and was a managing editor for publisher Cell Press. Ryan’s work has been featured by The Associated Press, USA Today and MarketWatch, and he previously co-authored the U.S. News & World Report Student Loan Ranger blog. Email: <a href="mailto:rlane@nerdwallet.com”">rlane@nerdwallet.com</a>.
Ryan Lane is an editor on the small-business team and a NerdWallet authority on student loans. He spent more than a decade as a writer and editor for student loan guarantor American Student Assistance and was a managing editor for publisher Cell Press. Ryan’s work has been featured by The Associated Press, USA Today and MarketWatch, and he previously co-authored the U.S. News & World Report Student Loan Ranger blog. Email: <a href="mailto:rlane@nerdwallet.com”">rlane@nerdwallet.com</a>.
NerdWallet's content is
fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness, and relevance by humans.
It undergoes a thorough review process involving writers and editors to ensure
the information is as clear and complete as possible. Learn more by checking
our
Editorial Guidelines.
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
Why trust NerdWallet
250+ small-business products reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
80+ years of combined experience covering small-business and personal finance.
60+ business bank accounts rated with our objective, comprehensivebusiness bank account rubrics(Methodology).
NerdWallet's business banking content — including our ratings, reviews and recommendations — is produced by a team of writers and editors who specialize in small-business finances. Their journalism has appeared in The Associated Press, Washington Post, MarketWatch, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur, ABC News, MSN and other national and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our coverage.
Advertiser disclosure
You're our first priority.
Every time.
We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with
confidence. While we don’t cover every company or financial product on
the market, we work hard to share a wide range of offers and objective
editorial perspectives.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us for advertisements
that appear on our site. This compensation helps us provide tools and
services - like free credit score access and monitoring. With the
exception of mortgage, home equity and other home-lending products or
services, partner compensation is one of several factors that may affect
which products we highlight and where they appear on our site. Other
factors include your credit profile, product availability and
proprietary website methodologies.
However, these factors do not influence our editors’ opinions or ratings, which are based on independent research and analysis. Our partners cannot
pay us to guarantee favorable reviews.
Here is a list of our partners.
Rosalie Murphy covers small business topics for NerdWallet. Previously, she led editorial strategy for a local news startup and covered business at The Desert Sun. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Southern California and is currently pursuing an MBA.
Rosalie Murphy covers small business topics for NerdWallet. Previously, she led editorial strategy for a local news startup and covered business at The Desert Sun. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Southern California and is currently pursuing an MBA.
Ryan Lane is an editor on the small-business team and a NerdWallet authority on student loans. He spent more than a decade as a writer and editor for student loan guarantor American Student Assistance and was a managing editor for publisher Cell Press. Ryan’s work has been featured by The Associated Press, USA Today and MarketWatch, and he previously co-authored the U.S. News & World Report Student Loan Ranger blog. Email: <a href="mailto:rlane@nerdwallet.com”">rlane@nerdwallet.com</a>.
Ryan Lane is an editor on the small-business team and a NerdWallet authority on student loans. He spent more than a decade as a writer and editor for student loan guarantor American Student Assistance and was a managing editor for publisher Cell Press. Ryan’s work has been featured by The Associated Press, USA Today and MarketWatch, and he previously co-authored the U.S. News & World Report Student Loan Ranger blog. Email: <a href="mailto:rlane@nerdwallet.com”">rlane@nerdwallet.com</a>.
NerdWallet's content is
fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness, and relevance by humans.
It undergoes a thorough review process involving writers and editors to ensure
the information is as clear and complete as possible. Learn more by checking
our
Editorial Guidelines.
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
Why trust NerdWallet
250+ small-business products reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
80+ years of combined experience covering small-business and personal finance.
60+ business bank accounts rated with our objective, comprehensivebusiness bank account rubrics(Methodology).
NerdWallet's business banking content — including our ratings, reviews and recommendations — is produced by a team of writers and editors who specialize in small-business finances. Their journalism has appeared in The Associated Press, Washington Post, MarketWatch, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur, ABC News, MSN and other national and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our coverage.
Advertiser disclosure
You're our first priority.
Every time.
We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with
confidence. While we don’t cover every company or financial product on
the market, we work hard to share a wide range of offers and objective
editorial perspectives.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us for advertisements
that appear on our site. This compensation helps us provide tools and
services - like free credit score access and monitoring. With the
exception of mortgage, home equity and other home-lending products or
services, partner compensation is one of several factors that may affect
which products we highlight and where they appear on our site. Other
factors include your credit profile, product availability and
proprietary website methodologies.
However, these factors do not influence our editors’ opinions or ratings, which are based on independent research and analysis. Our partners cannot
pay us to guarantee favorable reviews.
Here is a list of our partners.
Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us
when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not
influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.
No monthly fee, minimum opening deposit or excess transaction fee.
24/7 customer support.
No fees on withdrawals at more than 70,000 MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs in the U.S.
Earn 1 Membership Rewards® point for every $2 spent on eligible business debit card purchases.
Cons
Can’t deposit cash.
No outgoing international wire transfers.
Does not offer jointly owned accounts.
The American Express® Business Checking account charges no monthly fees, pays a competitive 1.3% APY on balances up to $500,000 and offers 24/7 customer support. It’s best for businesses that don’t use cash often, though — while account holders can access fee-free ATMs via the MoneyPass network, they can’t deposit cash.
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.
The Bluevine Business Checking account offers a competitive APY: Earn 1.30% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply. The free online account also includes unlimited transactions and free ATM access through the MoneyPass network. Plus, it has lots of useful software tools, like invoicing, tap-to-pay payment acceptance and accounts payable tools.
Chase Business Complete Banking®
2026 BEST Brick-and-mortar Business Checking Account
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 thousands of Chase ATMs and access to around 5,000 branches.
Receive and send payments via Zelle.
Cons
$15 monthly fee.
Monthly limit on physical transactions (20).
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
Chase Business Complete Banking offers the benefits of a large brick-and-mortar bank — like access to in-person business bankers and ATMs nationwide — plus digital tools, like the ability to take payments on the go via Chase QuickAccept. While the bank's entry-level business checking account carries a $15 monthly fee, it can be waived with a minimum account balance of $2,000 or proof of military service.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking
Loyalty perks via Preferred Rewards for Business program.
Relatively low overdraft fees ($10 per item, limited to two per day)
Bill pay includes invoicing for new users.
Cons
$100 minimum opening deposit.
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
$16 monthly fee after introductory period ends.
Bank of America Business Checking is another solid choice for business owners who prefer brick-and-mortar banking. Its $16 monthly fee kicks in after the first 12 statement cycles, but there are multiple ways to avoid it, including spending $500 or more per month on your business debit card. Some Bank of America business customers also qualify for higher rewards rates on the bank's business credit cards and discounts on its business loans and lines of credit.
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.
Navy Federal Credit Union offers membership to veterans, current and retired military members, and their families and household members. Department of Defense civilian personnel are also eligible. If all the owners of your business qualify, you can take advantage of the credit union's business account — with no monthly fee, 24/7 customer service and no monthly limit on cash deposits.
No ATM or debit card access for Business Savings account.
No weekend customer support.
Live Oak Bank Business Savings is a savings account, not a checking account. But it can be a useful tool for businesses that have extra cash on hand and want to earn interest. That’s because this account earns 2.85% APY — one of the highest rates on the market — with no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements.
Note that this account does not accept cash deposits or offer ATM access; you’ll need to handle those day-to-day transactions with a checking account.
The nbkc bank Business Money Market Account has no monthly fees and no minimum opening deposit requirement. While this isn’t a checking account either — it’s best used as a savings vehicle, like a savings account, given that it earns 2.75% APY — it does include checks and a debit card, which makes accessing your funds easier.
Like the nbkc business checking account, the bank’s money market account charges no transaction fees, no overdraft or nonsufficient funds fees, no stop payment or returned item fees and no fees for incoming domestic wires. Essentially the only fees you’ll pay are for sending domestic wires ($5 each) and sending or receiving international wires ($45 each).
1.30% Earn 1.30% APY (annual percentage yield) on balances up to $500,000 as of 10/12/2022.
With $0.10 min. balance for APY
Monthly fee
$0
Bonus
30,000 Points Earn 30,000 Membership Rewards® points. Convert Membership Rewards® points into deposits directly into your American Express® Business Checking account. Other redemption options available. Terms apply. For new members: Points you earn, including the Welcome Bonus and from making Business Debit Card purchases, can be converted into deposits made directly into your Business Checking account. Terms apply. For Membership Rewards-enrolled Card holders: You can choose to convert points into deposits directly into your Business Checking account or use them the same way you always have – for travel, gift cards, and more. Terms apply. *Participating partners and available rewards are subject to change without notice.
1) Deposit a total of $5,000 or more in eligible deposits within 30 days of opening your first account, AND
▪ Eligible deposits are any deposits except deposits using our Redeem for Deposits feature, deposits from interest payments, and deposits from any other American Express Business Checking accounts.
2) Maintain an average account balance of $5,000 for the next 60 days,
AND
3) Make 5 or more qualifying transactions within 60 days of opening your account
▪ Qualifying transactions are mobile deposits, check deposits by mail, and electronic/online transactions including ACH, Wire, and Bill Payments. Business Debit Card transactions and deposits using our Redeem for Deposits feature are not qualifying transactions.
4) American Express is currently accepting applications from eligible U.S. businesses. Not all applicants will be approved for a Business Checking account. Select industries or businesses engaged in certain activities are currently ineligible, such as money service businesses, cryptocurrency, internet gambling businesses, and marijuana related businesses.
No monthly fee, minimum opening deposit or excess transaction fee.
24/7 customer support.
No fees on withdrawals at more than 70,000 MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs in the U.S.
Earn 1 Membership Rewards® point for every $2 spent on eligible business debit card purchases.
Cons
Can’t deposit cash.
No outgoing international wire transfers.
Does not offer jointly owned accounts.
The American Express® Business Checking account charges no monthly fees, pays a competitive 1.3% APY on balances up to $500,000 and offers 24/7 customer support. It’s best for businesses that don’t use cash often, though — while account holders can access fee-free ATMs via the MoneyPass network, they can’t deposit cash.
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.
The Bluevine Business Checking account offers a competitive APY: Earn 1.30% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply. The free online account also includes unlimited transactions and free ATM access through the MoneyPass network. Plus, it has lots of useful software tools, like invoicing, tap-to-pay payment acceptance and accounts payable tools.
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.
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 thousands of Chase ATMs and access to around 5,000 branches.
Receive and send payments via Zelle.
Cons
$15 monthly fee.
Monthly limit on physical transactions (20).
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
Chase Business Complete Banking offers the benefits of a large brick-and-mortar bank — like access to in-person business bankers and ATMs nationwide — plus digital tools, like the ability to take payments on the go via Chase QuickAccept. While the bank's entry-level business checking account carries a $15 monthly fee, it can be waived with a minimum account balance of $2,000 or proof of military service.
Loyalty perks via Preferred Rewards for Business program.
Relatively low overdraft fees ($10 per item, limited to two per day)
Bill pay includes invoicing for new users.
Cons
$100 minimum opening deposit.
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
$16 monthly fee after introductory period ends.
Bank of America Business Checking is another solid choice for business owners who prefer brick-and-mortar banking. Its $16 monthly fee kicks in after the first 12 statement cycles, but there are multiple ways to avoid it, including spending $500 or more per month on your business debit card. Some Bank of America business customers also qualify for higher rewards rates on the bank's business credit cards and discounts on its business loans and lines of credit.
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.
Navy Federal Credit Union offers membership to veterans, current and retired military members, and their families and household members. Department of Defense civilian personnel are also eligible. If all the owners of your business qualify, you can take advantage of the credit union's business account — with no monthly fee, 24/7 customer service and no monthly limit on cash deposits.
No ATM or debit card access for Business Savings account.
No weekend customer support.
Live Oak Bank Business Savings is a savings account, not a checking account. But it can be a useful tool for businesses that have extra cash on hand and want to earn interest. That’s because this account earns 2.85% APY — one of the highest rates on the market — with no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements.
Note that this account does not accept cash deposits or offer ATM access; you’ll need to handle those day-to-day transactions with a checking account.
The nbkc bank Business Money Market Account has no monthly fees and no minimum opening deposit requirement. While this isn’t a checking account either — it’s best used as a savings vehicle, like a savings account, given that it earns 2.75% APY — it does include checks and a debit card, which makes accessing your funds easier.
Like the nbkc business checking account, the bank’s money market account charges no transaction fees, no overdraft or nonsufficient funds fees, no stop payment or returned item fees and no fees for incoming domestic wires. Essentially the only fees you’ll pay are for sending domestic wires ($5 each) and sending or receiving international wires ($45 each).
1.30% Earn 1.30% APY (annual percentage yield) on balances up to $500,000 as of 10/12/2022.
With $0.10 min. balance for APY
Monthly fee
$0
Bonus
30,000 Points Earn 30,000 Membership Rewards® points. Convert Membership Rewards® points into deposits directly into your American Express® Business Checking account. Other redemption options available. Terms apply. For new members: Points you earn, including the Welcome Bonus and from making Business Debit Card purchases, can be converted into deposits made directly into your Business Checking account. Terms apply. For Membership Rewards-enrolled Card holders: You can choose to convert points into deposits directly into your Business Checking account or use them the same way you always have – for travel, gift cards, and more. Terms apply. *Participating partners and available rewards are subject to change without notice.
1) Deposit a total of $5,000 or more in eligible deposits within 30 days of opening your first account, AND
▪ Eligible deposits are any deposits except deposits using our Redeem for Deposits feature, deposits from interest payments, and deposits from any other American Express Business Checking accounts.
2) Maintain an average account balance of $5,000 for the next 60 days,
AND
3) Make 5 or more qualifying transactions within 60 days of opening your account
▪ Qualifying transactions are mobile deposits, check deposits by mail, and electronic/online transactions including ACH, Wire, and Bill Payments. Business Debit Card transactions and deposits using our Redeem for Deposits feature are not qualifying transactions.
4) American Express is currently accepting applications from eligible U.S. businesses. Not all applicants will be approved for a Business Checking account. Select industries or businesses engaged in certain activities are currently ineligible, such as money service businesses, cryptocurrency, internet gambling businesses, and marijuana related businesses.
No monthly fee, minimum opening deposit or excess transaction fee.
24/7 customer support.
No fees on withdrawals at more than 70,000 MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs in the U.S.
Earn 1 Membership Rewards® point for every $2 spent on eligible business debit card purchases.
Cons
Can’t deposit cash.
No outgoing international wire transfers.
Does not offer jointly owned accounts.
The American Express® Business Checking account charges no monthly fees, pays a competitive 1.3% APY on balances up to $500,000 and offers 24/7 customer support. It’s best for businesses that don’t use cash often, though — while account holders can access fee-free ATMs via the MoneyPass network, they can’t deposit cash.
No monthly fee, minimum opening deposit or excess transaction fee.
24/7 customer support.
No fees on withdrawals at more than 70,000 MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs in the U.S.
Earn 1 Membership Rewards® point for every $2 spent on eligible business debit card purchases.
Cons
Can’t deposit cash.
No outgoing international wire transfers.
Does not offer jointly owned accounts.
The American Express® Business Checking account charges no monthly fees, pays a competitive 1.3% APY on balances up to $500,000 and offers 24/7 customer support. It’s best for businesses that don’t use cash often, though — while account holders can access fee-free ATMs via the MoneyPass network, they can’t deposit cash.
No monthly fee, minimum opening deposit or excess transaction fee.
24/7 customer support.
No fees on withdrawals at more than 70,000 MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs in the U.S.
Earn 1 Membership Rewards® point for every $2 spent on eligible business debit card purchases.
Cons
Can’t deposit cash.
No outgoing international wire transfers.
Does not offer jointly owned accounts.
The American Express® Business Checking account charges no monthly fees, pays a competitive 1.3% APY on balances up to $500,000 and offers 24/7 customer support. It’s best for businesses that don’t use cash often, though — while account holders can access fee-free ATMs via the MoneyPass network, they can’t deposit cash.
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.
The Bluevine Business Checking account offers a competitive APY: Earn 1.30% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply. The free online account also includes unlimited transactions and free ATM access through the MoneyPass network. Plus, it has lots of useful software tools, like invoicing, tap-to-pay payment acceptance and accounts payable tools.
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.
The Bluevine Business Checking account offers a competitive APY: Earn 1.30% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply. The free online account also includes unlimited transactions and free ATM access through the MoneyPass network. Plus, it has lots of useful software tools, like invoicing, tap-to-pay payment acceptance and accounts payable tools.
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.
The Bluevine Business Checking account offers a competitive APY: Earn 1.30% interest on account balances up to and including $250,000. Terms apply. The free online account also includes unlimited transactions and free ATM access through the MoneyPass network. Plus, it has lots of useful software tools, like invoicing, tap-to-pay payment acceptance and accounts payable tools.
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.
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 thousands of Chase ATMs and access to around 5,000 branches.
Receive and send payments via Zelle.
Cons
$15 monthly fee.
Monthly limit on physical transactions (20).
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
Chase Business Complete Banking offers the benefits of a large brick-and-mortar bank — like access to in-person business bankers and ATMs nationwide — plus digital tools, like the ability to take payments on the go via Chase QuickAccept. While the bank's entry-level business checking account carries a $15 monthly fee, it can be waived with a minimum account balance of $2,000 or proof of military service.
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 thousands of Chase ATMs and access to around 5,000 branches.
Receive and send payments via Zelle.
Cons
$15 monthly fee.
Monthly limit on physical transactions (20).
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
Chase Business Complete Banking offers the benefits of a large brick-and-mortar bank — like access to in-person business bankers and ATMs nationwide — plus digital tools, like the ability to take payments on the go via Chase QuickAccept. While the bank's entry-level business checking account carries a $15 monthly fee, it can be waived with a minimum account balance of $2,000 or proof of military service.
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 thousands of Chase ATMs and access to around 5,000 branches.
Receive and send payments via Zelle.
Cons
$15 monthly fee.
Monthly limit on physical transactions (20).
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
Chase Business Complete Banking offers the benefits of a large brick-and-mortar bank — like access to in-person business bankers and ATMs nationwide — plus digital tools, like the ability to take payments on the go via Chase QuickAccept. While the bank's entry-level business checking account carries a $15 monthly fee, it can be waived with a minimum account balance of $2,000 or proof of military service.
Loyalty perks via Preferred Rewards for Business program.
Relatively low overdraft fees ($10 per item, limited to two per day)
Bill pay includes invoicing for new users.
Cons
$100 minimum opening deposit.
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
$16 monthly fee after introductory period ends.
Bank of America Business Checking is another solid choice for business owners who prefer brick-and-mortar banking. Its $16 monthly fee kicks in after the first 12 statement cycles, but there are multiple ways to avoid it, including spending $500 or more per month on your business debit card. Some Bank of America business customers also qualify for higher rewards rates on the bank's business credit cards and discounts on its business loans and lines of credit.
Loyalty perks via Preferred Rewards for Business program.
Relatively low overdraft fees ($10 per item, limited to two per day)
Bill pay includes invoicing for new users.
Cons
$100 minimum opening deposit.
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
$16 monthly fee after introductory period ends.
Bank of America Business Checking is another solid choice for business owners who prefer brick-and-mortar banking. Its $16 monthly fee kicks in after the first 12 statement cycles, but there are multiple ways to avoid it, including spending $500 or more per month on your business debit card. Some Bank of America business customers also qualify for higher rewards rates on the bank's business credit cards and discounts on its business loans and lines of credit.
Loyalty perks via Preferred Rewards for Business program.
Relatively low overdraft fees ($10 per item, limited to two per day)
Bill pay includes invoicing for new users.
Cons
$100 minimum opening deposit.
Fee for using out-of-network ATMs.
$16 monthly fee after introductory period ends.
Bank of America Business Checking is another solid choice for business owners who prefer brick-and-mortar banking. Its $16 monthly fee kicks in after the first 12 statement cycles, but there are multiple ways to avoid it, including spending $500 or more per month on your business debit card. Some Bank of America business customers also qualify for higher rewards rates on the bank's business credit cards and discounts on its business loans and lines of credit.
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.
Navy Federal Credit Union offers membership to veterans, current and retired military members, and their families and household members. Department of Defense civilian personnel are also eligible. If all the owners of your business qualify, you can take advantage of the credit union's business account — with no monthly fee, 24/7 customer service and no monthly limit on cash deposits.
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.
Navy Federal Credit Union offers membership to veterans, current and retired military members, and their families and household members. Department of Defense civilian personnel are also eligible. If all the owners of your business qualify, you can take advantage of the credit union's business account — with no monthly fee, 24/7 customer service and no monthly limit on cash deposits.
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.
Navy Federal Credit Union offers membership to veterans, current and retired military members, and their families and household members. Department of Defense civilian personnel are also eligible. If all the owners of your business qualify, you can take advantage of the credit union's business account — with no monthly fee, 24/7 customer service and no monthly limit on cash deposits.
No ATM or debit card access for Business Savings account.
No weekend customer support.
Live Oak Bank Business Savings is a savings account, not a checking account. But it can be a useful tool for businesses that have extra cash on hand and want to earn interest. That’s because this account earns 2.85% APY — one of the highest rates on the market — with no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements.
Note that this account does not accept cash deposits or offer ATM access; you’ll need to handle those day-to-day transactions with a checking account.
No ATM or debit card access for Business Savings account.
No weekend customer support.
Live Oak Bank Business Savings is a savings account, not a checking account. But it can be a useful tool for businesses that have extra cash on hand and want to earn interest. That’s because this account earns 2.85% APY — one of the highest rates on the market — with no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements.
Note that this account does not accept cash deposits or offer ATM access; you’ll need to handle those day-to-day transactions with a checking account.
No ATM or debit card access for Business Savings account.
No weekend customer support.
Live Oak Bank Business Savings is a savings account, not a checking account. But it can be a useful tool for businesses that have extra cash on hand and want to earn interest. That’s because this account earns 2.85% APY — one of the highest rates on the market — with no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements.
Note that this account does not accept cash deposits or offer ATM access; you’ll need to handle those day-to-day transactions with a checking account.
The nbkc bank Business Money Market Account has no monthly fees and no minimum opening deposit requirement. While this isn’t a checking account either — it’s best used as a savings vehicle, like a savings account, given that it earns 2.75% APY — it does include checks and a debit card, which makes accessing your funds easier.
Like the nbkc business checking account, the bank’s money market account charges no transaction fees, no overdraft or nonsufficient funds fees, no stop payment or returned item fees and no fees for incoming domestic wires. Essentially the only fees you’ll pay are for sending domestic wires ($5 each) and sending or receiving international wires ($45 each).
The nbkc bank Business Money Market Account has no monthly fees and no minimum opening deposit requirement. While this isn’t a checking account either — it’s best used as a savings vehicle, like a savings account, given that it earns 2.75% APY — it does include checks and a debit card, which makes accessing your funds easier.
Like the nbkc business checking account, the bank’s money market account charges no transaction fees, no overdraft or nonsufficient funds fees, no stop payment or returned item fees and no fees for incoming domestic wires. Essentially the only fees you’ll pay are for sending domestic wires ($5 each) and sending or receiving international wires ($45 each).
The nbkc bank Business Money Market Account has no monthly fees and no minimum opening deposit requirement. While this isn’t a checking account either — it’s best used as a savings vehicle, like a savings account, given that it earns 2.75% APY — it does include checks and a debit card, which makes accessing your funds easier.
Like the nbkc business checking account, the bank’s money market account charges no transaction fees, no overdraft or nonsufficient funds fees, no stop payment or returned item fees and no fees for incoming domestic wires. Essentially the only fees you’ll pay are for sending domestic wires ($5 each) and sending or receiving international wires ($45 each).
If you want to keep banking with a military-serving institution, then Navy Federal Credit Union is a natural next step. But make sure your chosen account meets all your business needs.
Ask the following questions as you search for business banking services:
Do you want access to a branch? This will help you sort through your options quickly. If you want to be able to walk into a local branch, focus your search on national banks, like Chase and Bank of America; local and regional banks, like Huntington and PNC; and business accounts at credit unions, including those that serve members of the military.
How often does your business deal with cash and checks? If your business relies on these services, a brick-and-mortar bank is probably the best fit whether you want branch access or not. Online business checking accounts don’t always let you deposit cash or write your own checks. Those that do may not make it easy — for instance, you might have to order a check and have it sent to your supplier. They may also charge fees for cash deposits and limit the amount you can deposit each day or month.
What fees are you OK with? The downside of traditional banks is that many charge monthly fees unless you maintain a certain average balance. They’re also more likely to charge overdraft fees. In general, most free business checking accounts are from online banks and neobanks (financial technology companies that parter with banks).
Do you want to earn interest? A handful of business checking accounts pay APYs on your balance. Some also offer cash back on debit card transactions. But there’s another way to earn interest, too: Put your business’s emergency fund in a business savings account. In general, NerdWallet recommends keeping such a fund at a separate business bank from your primary account to minimize any potential business interruptions.
What integrations do you need? Your business checking account should integrate with your accounting software, at least. Some accounts also offer built-in expense tracking and tax planning tools, which can be especially helpful for freelancers managing their own business finances.
Notes from issuers
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.
*Accounts offered by American Express National Bank. Member FDIC.
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.
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.
Last updated on January 5, 2026
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.
Best-of Awards 2026
Bluevine Business Checking
$0 monthly fees. 1.30% APY. Built for small business growth