Selecting the right bank is crucial for the success of small businesses. Your choice can impact your access to capital, cash flow management and day-to-day operations. A great bank doesn’t just offer basic services; it provides personalized support, expert financial guidance, tailored solutions and strategic insights into the local market.

For the more than 1.1 million small businesses in the Keystone State, finding the right bank can be a game-changer. We’ve done the legwork for you by evaluating business account types, fees, loan offerings, technology and customer service to compile a list of the best banks for small businesses in Pennsylvania.

The Top Banks for Small Businesses in Pennsylvania

The six banks that made our list offer low or no-fee business bank accounts, cutting-edge financial tools, stellar customer service, loan products and more to help Pennsylvania small businesses thrive:

1. North One

North One doesn’t have physical branches in Pennsylvania, but its focus on tech-driven features makes it a standout choice for small businesses in the state. Their user-friendly online platform allows you to manage your finances from anywhere and offers a suite of tools specifically designed to make life easier for small businesses.

For instance, North One integrates with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, saving you time and ensuring your books are always up-to-date. This seamless integration allows you to reconcile statements, generate reports and gain a deeper understanding of your financial health with just a few clicks. North One automates finance tasks, freeing up your valuable time to focus on running your business.

North One also caters to the collaborative nature of many small businesses by offering unique logins and debit cards for each co-owner. This fosters transparency by providing each team member with a clear view of their spending and company finances. It simplifies expense management by eliminating the need for confusing spreadsheets or shared logins, making it easier to track spending and ensure proper accountability. This can be especially beneficial for businesses with multiple owners or employees who need to make purchases on behalf of the company.

Lastly, with over 90,000 GreenDot ATMs across the nation, you can deposit and withdraw cash when you need it.

2. MCS Bank

In contrast to large national banks, MCS Bank takes pride in being a local community partner for Pennsylvania small businesses. Founded in 1923, they’ve built a strong understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by businesses in Mifflin, Huntingdon and Snyder Counties. Their focus isn’t just on transactions; they aim to develop relationships and offer personalized advice to help your business thrive. 

MCS Bank provides a host of financial products and services designed to streamline your business operations and grow your bottom line. Whether you need a basic checking account with unlimited check writing or an interest-bearing option to maximize your idle cash, they have you covered. They also offer business savings accounts, money market accounts and certificates of deposit with competitive rates to help you manage your cash flow effectively. Additionally, MCS Bank stays up-to-date with technology, offering convenient online banking and bill pay services that save you valuable time and keep your finances organized. 

MCS Bank offers a variety of loan options to support your ambitions. Their loan portfolio includes real estate loans to help you purchase or refinance a commercial property, lines of credit that provide greater financial flexibility and term loans for a wide range of business expenses. They even have a program that allows you to leverage your home equity to finance your business goals. Furthermore, MCS Bank’s Merchant Card Services can equip you to accept major credit and debit cards, increasing your customer payment options and potentially boosting sales. 

3. Fulton Bank

Established in 1882, Fulton Bank prioritizes fostering deep connections with Pennsylvania’s small businesses. Fulton Bank goes beyond traditional banking with a comprehensive suite of tools to streamline your operations and manage your finances. They provide a variety of business checking accounts with features like unlimited check writing and interest-earning options to help you optimize your cash flow.

Fulton Bank also offers a robust SBA loan program. This program provides access to flexible financing solutions with easier qualifications and potentially lower down payments compared to traditional loans. Additionally, they boast a variety of credit card options with attractive benefits like cash-back programs and competitive interest rates.

Furthermore, Fulton Bank empowers you to accept payments conveniently through various methods. Their Merchant Services enable you to accept credit cards, mobile payments and contactless transactions, ensuring a smooth customer experience. ACH solutions facilitate electronic payments, streamlining your accounts receivable process. Fulton Bank also prioritizes security by offering a suite of sophisticated fraud prevention tools. These tools safeguard your accounts against unauthorized ACH debits, fraudulent check payments and other potential risks. 

To further enhance your banking experience, Fulton Bank offers user-friendly online and mobile banking platforms. This allows you to manage your finances remotely, deposit checks electronically and make payments on the go, saving you valuable time and keeping your business running smoothly.

4. Univest Bank and Trust 

With a history dating back nearly 150 years, Univest Bank and Trust has deep roots in Pennsylvania. Unlike large national banks with a one-size-fits-all approach, Univest prioritizes fostering strong relationships with local communities, particularly small businesses. 

Univest provides tools to streamline your operations and manage your finances effectively. They offer a variety of business checking accounts with features like mobile deposit capture, allowing you to conveniently deposit checks on the go, and unlimited check writing for those who still prefer paper checks. Additionally, treasury management services help you securely track and control your cash flow, giving you a clear picture of your financial health.

Univest offers a variety of financing options to help you take your business to the next level. Their convenient Business Express loan options and credit lines provide quick access to working capital for unexpected expenses or strategic investments. They can also help you navigate the SBA loan program, which can potentially offer easier qualification and potentially lower down payments compared to traditional loans.

5. S&T Bank

Founded in 1902, S&T Bank is a Pennsylvania institution with a rich history built on the philosophy of “People-Forward Banking™.” This translates to a commitment to building genuine relationships with their clients, understanding that small business owners value personalized service and a partner who understands their unique needs.  S&T Bank goes beyond simply processing transactions; they aim to be a trusted advisor, working collaboratively with you to achieve your business goals.

S&T Bank caters specifically to small businesses by offering financial products and services designed to help you manage your day-to-day operations and plan for future growth.  Their account options include a Basic Business Checking account with rewards programs to incentivize keeping your business banking with them. This can be particularly advantageous for businesses that generate a high volume of transactions. Additionally, S&T Bank recognizes that access to capital is often key for small businesses. They offer a robust selection of loan programs, including SBA loans, which are known for potentially easier qualification and lower down payments compared to traditional loans. 

S&T Bank’s offerings extend beyond traditional banking products. They can also help you explore investment solutions, enabling you to strategically manage your business’s financial future and potentially generate additional income streams.  

6. Community Bank 

Community Bank, dating back to 1866, is a community-oriented bank with a strong presence in Pennsylvania. They pride themselves on building genuine relationships with their clients and go the extra mile to understand their specific needs. This focus on personalized service makes them a good fit for small business owners in Pennsylvania seeking a banking partner who is invested in their success.

Community Bank offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services specifically designed to cater to small businesses. They offer a variety of loan options, including lines of credit, to help you manage cash flow, invest in equipment or cover unexpected expenses. They also participate in SBA loan programs, which can potentially offer easier qualifications and lower down payments compared to traditional loans.

Beyond loans, Community Bank provides additional resources to streamline your business operations. Their treasury management solutions can help you securely track and control your cash flow, and their online payroll service can simplify the process of paying your employees. 

Methodology: How We Chose the Best Banks for Small Business in Pennsylvania

To determine the best banks for small businesses in Pennsylvania, we used a multi-faceted approach that considered important factors for business growth. We examined account fees, including monthly maintenance charges and per-transaction costs, as well as loan options and their corresponding interest rates. We also recognize the importance of convenience, so we reviewed the quality of online and mobile banking features offered by each bank. Finally, we factored in customer service reputation and availability, understanding that responsive and helpful support is key for a smooth banking experience. By weighing these essential elements, we aimed to identify banks that provide a comprehensive and cost-effective financial solution for Pennsylvania’s small businesses.

How to Select a Bank Account for Your Small Business

Securing the right banking partner is a fundamental step for any Pennsylvania small business. By prioritizing factors like fees, loan options, digital tools, and customer service, as outlined above, you can ensure your bank actively supports your financial goals. We encourage you to carefully consider your specific needs and delve deeper into the offerings of the highlighted banks to find the perfect fit that empowers your business to thrive.