As a small business owner, it’s good to have a lot of small business bank accounts to choose from. These banks compete for your business by offering you better deals and more tools tailored to your unique needs. But it can be hard to sift through all your choices. How do you know what to look for? Who offers the best incentives and features that will work with your business needs? 

This introduction to small business bank accounts provides an overview of some of the best options for small business owners. Whether you need QuickBooks integrations, high-yield interest rates or fee-free accounts, there’s bound to be a small business bank account that is right for you.

What to Look for in a Small Business Bank Account

The right small business bank account for you will depend on your personal preferences as well as your specific business needs. Whether you’re looking for checking, savings or other types of accounts, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

  • Personal Preferences and Business Needs: The right small business bank account depends on your individual preferences and specific business requirements. Consider what type of account you need first to narrow down your options.
  • Associated Fees: Pay attention to any fees related to ATM usage, overdrafts, or excess deposits, as these can reduce your profits, especially when starting out. Also, check for minimum balance requirements. While maintaining a minimum balance can waive monthly maintenance fees, it may limit your access to funds.
  • Interest and Bonuses: Look for accounts that offer interest or sign-up bonuses as a way to earn additional money. However, remember that the bank with the highest APY or best bonuses may not necessarily be the best fit for your needs.
  • Banking Features: Consider essential features such as online and mobile banking, which allow you to manage your finances on the go. Mobile check deposits can save time, and banks that offer integrations with tools like QuickBooks or Xero can enhance efficiency.
  • Customer Support and Accessibility: Reflect on your banking needs regarding support and accessibility. Some businesses may only require online features, while others might benefit from physical branches and traditional ATM networks. Understanding the type of customer support offered—whether online, by phone or email—can also influence your decision.

Types of Small Business Bank Accounts

There’s more than just one type of small business bank account available, and you may need more than one to effectively manage your finances. The table below outlines the key features of three common small business bank account types—business checking, business savings, and high-yield business savings—to help you determine which options best suit your business needs and financial goals.

Type of Business Bank AccountOverviewBest For
Business CheckingDesigned for daily transactions with features like debit cards and online banking, it typically has low transaction limits and monthly fees.Day-to-day business operations
Business SavingsUsed for saving excess funds and earning interest, it often has limited withdrawal options and may include monthly fees that can be waived with a minimum balance.Building reserves and earning interest
High-Yield Business SavingsOffers higher interest rates compared to standard savings accounts; typically has similar withdrawal limits and requirements.Businesses looking to maximize savings growth

Best Small Business Bank Checking Accounts

If your business is looking for a bank account for day-to-day operations, consider these accounts that offer essential features like easy access to funds, low or no monthly fees, and the ability to process transactions efficiently. These are the best small business checking accounts:

1. North One

When you’re looking for online banking that’s specifically tailored to small business owners, look no further than North One. When you sign up for an account, you’ll avoid monthly fees and minimum balance requirements. North One offers a large ATM network, unlimited transactions and high limits on ACH and wire transfers. 

In addition to these features, account holders can also earn cash-back rewards on eligible debit card purchases, making this a great option for boosting cash flow. The platform integrates with QuickBooks and includes a mobile app and website. 

While North One does not offer savings accounts yet, account holders have access to business loans (up to $250,000). The accounts are FDIC-insured up to $250,000. However, some owners may prefer traditional banking branches and ATM networks.

Ultimately, North One boasts customer service with over a 90% satisfaction rate and no hidden fees, making it a smart choice for small businesses across North America.

2. American Express Business Checking

If business checking bonuses sound good to you, American Express might be a good option. American Express checking accounts offer a 1.30% APY on balances up to $500,000. Plus, there are no monthly fees or minimum deposit requirements, and customers can earn Membership Reward points.

However, it’s important to note that American Express doesn’t allow cash deposits. (They do offer fee-free access to over 70,000 MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs.) The business checking account also does not allow outgoing international wire transfers, so if your company engages in global operations, this could be a major drawback.

3. Chase Business Complete Banking

Chase provides traditional business checking accounts with unlimited fee-free electronic transactions, plus integrated credit card processes. One drawback, however, is that they can carry $15 to $95 monthly fees—but those fees can be waived with a minimum balance.  

If you like the convenience of a large ATM network and physical branches, Chase can be a great choice. However, they do place limitations on their fee-free cash deposits and physical transactions, as well as out-of-network ATMs. It’s important to review those limitations to ensure they work with your business structure. 

4. U.S. Bank Silver Business Checking

The Silver Business Checking option at U.S. Bank is a nice option for small businesses with basic banking needs. There are no monthly fees, a $100 minimum opening deposit and 25 free cash deposits per month. There is a mobile app and a debit card available. However, the checking accounts do not offer interest.

Business owners can earn up to $800 as a welcome bonus, if they meet eligibility requirements. It’s important to note that U.S. Bank limits account holders to 125 fee-free transactions per month, and has a $1 outgoing domestic ACH transfer fee. Plus, overdraft fees are $36 per transaction, which can add up fast.

5. Bank of America Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking

Bank of America offers great business checking options for anyone who prefers traditional banking. They have a mobile app, QuickBooks integrations and access to Zelle, which helps owners manage their funds while on the go. However, the bank charges a $16 monthly fee (waived for the first 12 statement cycles), has a $100 minimum opening deposit and charges fees for out-of-network ATMs.

Bank of America’s business checking accounts also come with loyalty perks. The Preferred Rewards for Business program is available for those who use multiple Bank of America banking productions.

Best Small Business Savings Accounts

If you need business savings accounts in addition to business checking, try these great offerings:

1. Axos

Axos Bank’s Business Premium Savings helps business owners earn a 4.01 APY, regardless of your balance—making it a great choice for companies with any size savings. Their fee-free approach means that you won’t have to pay monthly maintenance fees or maintain a minimum account balance. This extends to their free incoming domestic and international wire transfers.

Axos allows account holders to integrate with QuickBooks and other popular software. They’re FDIC-insured up to $250,000, but business owners can expand their coverage up to $250 million with IntraFi Network Deposits. Finally, they are currently offering up to $375 in sign-up bonuses when you meet certain balance requirements in your first four statement cycles.

Thanks to the free incoming international wire transfers, Axos could be a good option for those who frequently do business in other countries.

2. Live Oak

Live Oak Banking Company offers business savings with high-yield APYs—their Business Savings Account has a four percent APY, no maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements. Any business requiring extended FDIC coverage can expand theirs to up to $10 million, thanks to their partnership with the IntraFi Network. With their online banking options and QuickBooks integration, your company can easily manage funds and streamline operations. They also offer fixed-rate Certificates of Deposit (CDs) that range from three-month to five-year terms. 

3. Chase

If you’re looking for a traditional bank savings option, Chase’s Business Total Savings and Chase Business Premier Savings allow owners to save money and even earn interest. The Business Total Savings account is a good choice for small businesses who want to build their savings. Owners can waive the $10 monthly service fee by maintaining a $1,000 average balance, or by linking to another qualified account. The account offers up to 15 fee-free deposits per month, and $5,000 in cash before incurring fees. 

The Business Premier Savings is for businesses with higher cash reserves. The $20 monthly fee can be waived by linking a qualifying account or keeping a $25,000 average balance. However, to earn interest, account holders must link their savings account to another qualified account. These higher requirements and lower interest potential can be a drawback for business owners.

Set Your Business Up for Success this Year

The right small business bank account will vary from owner to owner—but these eight account options offer plenty of features and incentives. From North One’s digital-first approach to traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America and U.S. Bank, there’s something for everyone. Remember to research your options thoroughly, and don’t be afraid if you have to test-drive a few options. Finding the right option for you will be worth the time you spend learning.