Picking the right bank for your small business isn’t just about finding a place to park your cash—it’s about choosing a financial partner that can help your business thrive. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. 

So what really matters when you’re shopping for a business bank? We’ll look at everything from fees and minimum balances to apps and integrations. Whether you’re a startup watching every penny or an established business looking for all the bells and whistles, this guide will help you find the bank with the right features for you. 

1. North One

North One is the premier choice for small business banking. This digital-first bank offers features that go beyond traditional banking services, providing tools and capabilities that can significantly streamline operations and boost financial management efficiency for small businesses.

With access to instant payouts from clients, North One simplifies one of the most pressing issues for small businesses: cash flow management. This feature alone can be a game-changer, allowing businesses to reinvest or cover expenses without the typical delays associated with traditional banking systems. North One’s same-day bill payment feature further enhances cash flow control.

Their unique Envelopes feature helps business owners budget. It allows for intuitive categorization and allocation of funds, as well as clear insights into financial health and cash flow patterns. Coupled with accounting software integrations that simplify financial record-keeping, business owners can save hours each week that used to be spent on bookkeeping.

North One does not charge a monthly maintenance fee, unlike many other banks. The pricing structure is transparent, with clear fees for additional services like wire transfers and physical checks. This allows businesses to plan their banking expenses effectively. However, one drawback is that North One does not have any physical branches, which can be inconvenient if you handle large amounts of cash. They also do not offer savings accounts at this time.

Ultimately, however, the bank’s combination of cutting-edge features, user-friendly tools and transparent pricing make North One an attractive financial partner for small businesses.

2. American Express Business 

Small business owners looking for a straightforward, no-fee checking account might find American Express Business Checking appealing. With no monthly fee and a competitive 1.30% APY, business owners can earn interest on their funds without any minimum balance requirements. This feature can be particularly attractive for new businesses or those with fluctuating cash flows—they can start benefiting from interest earnings immediately, without worrying about maintaining a specific balance. They also offer a user-friendly, convenient app to manage your funds on the go. For those looking for savings accounts, and additional features, they offer credit cards, lines of credit and more.

3. U.S. Bank 

U.S. Bank’s business account offerings stands out, thanks to $800 bonus opportunity. This can be a great opportunity for new businesses looking for an initial cash boost. The no-fee structure and allowance for free cash deposits up to $2,500 per month make it a solid option for small to medium-sized businesses, with moderate cash handling needs. U.S. Bank also offers savings accounts, lines of credit, credit cards and merchant services, among other business-focused features.

4. Bank of America

For businesses that value the reputation and extensive network of a large, established bank, Bank of America’s business accounts might be appealing. While it does have a monthly fee, it’s waived for the first 12 cycles. This gives new businesses time to establish themselves. The $200 bonus and the allowance for up to 200 free transactions per statement cycle can be attractive for businesses that handle significant amounts of checks and cash. Business accounts have access to Zelle and can integrate with QuickBooks. Business owners can apply for credit cards, lines of credit, rewards programs and more.

5. Chase Business 

Chase’s business checking account offers a balance-based approach to fee waiving—this can benefit businesses that are able to maintain the $2,000 minimum balance. The $300 bonus opportunity and the allowance for free cash deposits up to $5,000 per month make it an attractive option for businesses with steady cash flows. Plus, it’s great for those looking for a well-known bank that offers a wide network of branches and ATMs. Chase rounds out their business checking offerings with business savings, payment processing services, credit cards and rewards programs.

6. Navy Federal Credit Union

Navy Federal Credit Union offers business banking solutions that could appeal to small business owners with military connections. The credit union’s tiered checking account structure allows businesses to choose an option that best fits their transaction volume and cash flow needs. A key advantage is the low or no monthly fees across their accounts, which can be especially appealing to new or small businesses watching their overhead costs. The Business Premium Checking account offers competitive APY tiers, offering higher interest rates as balances increase. This could be a significant draw for businesses with larger cash reserves.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. The transaction limits on the Basic and Plus checking accounts might be restrictive for businesses with high transaction volumes. The requirement for a minimum balance of $2,500 to earn dividends on the Money Market Savings Account could also be a hurdle for some smaller businesses or startups. 

7. nbkc 

Small business owners who prioritize simplicity and freedom from fees might find an nbkc Business Account appealing. With no monthly fee and unlimited free cash deposits, this account can be particularly beneficial for cash-intensive businesses. While it doesn’t offer interest on the balance, the lack of fees can translate to savings for the business. The bank also offers money market savings accounts, CDs and commercial lending services.

8. Axos Bank 

Axos Bank’s offering combines the benefits of online banking with some features of traditional banks. The $400 bonus opportunity and unlimited free cash deposits can be attractive to a wide range of businesses. This account might particularly appeal to businesses comfortable with primarily online banking—but who still need the ability to deposit cash regularly. Axos Bank has a range of other business-related solutions, too, including premium savings accounts, lines of credit, merchant services and more.

9. Relay 

Relay’s business checking account offers a modern approach to business banking. While it doesn’t offer interest or a bonus, the ability to open multiple checking accounts at no additional cost can be helpful. This feature, combined with unlimited free cash deposits, makes Relay an interesting option for businesses seeking flexibility in their banking setup. Like many other banks on this list, Relay offers savings accounts, merchant services, credit cards and integrations with QuickBooks and Xero.

10. Bluevine 

Bluevine has a highly competitive APY, starting from a $0 balance. This high interest rate can be especially appealing for businesses with significant cash reserves, as it allows them to maximize their earnings on idle funds. Plus, the $300 bonus opportunity (subject to certain requirements) provides an extra incentive for new customers. However, business owners should be aware of the potential fees for cash deposits, which may be a consideration for cash-heavy businesses. In addition to checking accounts, Bluevine also offers business loans and credit cards.

11. Grasshopper 

Similar to Bluevine, Grasshopper offers a 2.00% APY starting from a $0 balance, making it another online option for businesses looking to earn interest on their checking account balance. The absence of a monthly fee allows business owners to keep more of their earnings. This account could be suitable for businesses that primarily deal with electronic transactions and don’t require frequent cash deposits. They also provide business lines of credit and limited fintech options for small businesses.

Methodology: How We Selected the Best Bank for Small Business

To identify the best banks for small businesses, we considered a range of factors crucial to entrepreneurs. We examined fee structures and minimum balance requirements to determine overall cost-effectiveness. We also assessed the range of services offered, including business loans, savings options, and digital banking features, to ensure they meet diverse business needs. Additionally, we considered each bank’s unique benefits, such as cash deposit limits and transaction allowances, to provide a comprehensive overview tailored to various types of small businesses.

The Right Bank Account for Your Small Business

As we’ve shown here, while North One certainly stands out, there’s no one-size-fits-all business banking solution. The key is to carefully assess your specific needs, from transaction volumes and cash flow patterns to the digital tools and support services that will help your business grow.

Don’t be afraid to shop around, ask questions and even test-drive a few options before making your decision. And keep in mind that as your business evolves, your banking needs may change, too. The right banking partner will be able to grow with you, adapting their services to support your business at every stage.