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If you’re a business owner, it makes sense to have banking dedicated to your business needs. However, not all accounts are the same. Some may charge fees and require a high minimum deposit, while others will give you interest on your balance and a welcome bonus for signing up.
Let’s take a look at the best free business accounts, the pros and cons of these accounts, and why we’ve picked these options as the best.
Best Free Business Accounts of 2023
- Best Big Bank: American Express: Business Checking
- Best Regional Bank: Nbkc: Business Checking
- Best Credit Union: Navy Federal: Business Checking
- Best APY: Bluevine: Business Checking
- Best With New Account Promotion: Axos Bank: Basic Business Checking
- Best With a Minimum Balance to Open: U.S. Bank: Silver Business Checking
- Best FinTech: Lili: Basic Business Checking
Best Big Bank : American Express : Business Checking
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American Express
- APY: 1.30%
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Minimum Balance: $0
No minimum balance required
$300 account bonus after qualifying activities
No overdraft, insufficient funds, or monthly fees
Earn American Express Membership Rewards on purchases
Only earn interest on first $500,000
No cash deposits available
$2.50 out-of-network ATM fee
2.7% foreign transaction fee
Few fee-free business checking accounts charge as fewer fees than American Express Business Checking. This means you have very little to lose if you don’t have a lot to invest, become overdrawn, or have insufficient funds.
And although the American Express Business Checking account charges out-of-network ATM fees, it also relies on the Moneypass ATM network, which gives account holders access to approximately 40,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.
The account rewards cardholders with American Express Membership Rewards points on purchases, which is unique in the world of totally free business checking accounts.
The American Express Business Checking Account offers 24/7 remote support and a long list of fee-free transactions, including no minimum deposit to open the account. Plus, you’ll earn one Membership Rewards point for every two dollars you spend.
Your Membership Rewards can either be converted into cash or used for travel, gift cards, and more if you also hold an eligible credit card.
This account features a 1.30% APY on the first $500,000, no monthly fees, and is FDIC insured up to $250,000.
Best Regional Bank : Nbkc : Business Checking
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NBKCB
- APY: 0%
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Minimum Balance: $0
Zero required balance to open and maintain
Few fees
Reimburses out-of-network ATM fees
No welcome bonus
Expensive international wires
No weekend or after-hours support
Along with no fees on most transactions—including overdraft fees, insufficient funds, stopped payments, and returned items—you’ll also have access to approximately 40,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.
If you’re traveling abroad or accessing an ATM outside of your network, Nbck’s Business Checking account also reimburses up to $12 per month in ATM fees.
Although you’ll only find four in-person locations for Nbkc, you’ll still have access to nearly any ATM thanks to a partnership with Moneypass and the ability to receive fee reimbursements. Along with no balance minimums and no deposit required to open, the Nbkc Business Checking account is simple to maintain, no matter what type of business you run.
This account is FDIC insured up to $250,000.
Best Credit Union : Navy Federal : Business Checking
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Navy Federal Credit Union logo
- APY: 0.01%
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Minimum Balance: $0
No monthly fees
No cash deposit fees
Low APY
Limited fee-free transactions
Charges out-of-network ATM fees
Navy Federal Credit Union is well-known for how it treats its customers and this business checking account is no different. With 24/7 access to representatives and 350 branches worldwide, accessing your account is simple.
Most account holders also are able to receive two free notarizations per week (with the exception of California and Louisiana), which can provide substantial savings if you’re a frequent user.
However, be wary of fees; this account charges overdraft fees, insufficient funds fees, and a $0.25 transaction fee after 30 non-electronic transactions per month.
You’ll need at least $250 to fund the Navy Federal Business Checking account, but after that, you won’t need to maintain a minimum balance, which makes this account simple to keep open.
Aside from this, account holders can take advantage of a low 1% foreign transaction fee and similarly low bank wire fees. Combined with free notary services, this account can make sense for those who will take advantage of such offerings.
The APY for this business account is 0.01% with no balance limit. It’s insured by the NCUA for up to $250.000.
Best APY : Bluevine : Business Checking
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Bluevine
- APY: 2.0%
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Minimum Balance: $0
High APY
Almost no fees
No minimum balance
Cash deposits cost $4.95
$2.50 out-of-network ATM fee
Bluevine’s 2.0% APY is industry-leading for a free business checking account. This makes it easy to earn interest on your balance without needing to swap between savings accounts, certificates of deposit, or other high-yield products.
Equally interesting is the ability to complete cash deposits via Green Dot. It’ll cost you $4.95 to do so, but you’ll have access to deposits at more than 90,000 locations nationwide.
The Bluevine Business Checking account features a high 2.0% APY, but only if you meet qualifying requirements. This means either spending $500 in a calendar month with your debit card or receive/deposit $2,500 in client payments in a calendar month. This can be done through ACH, wire transfer, mobile deposit, or as a transfer from your merchant payment processing provider.
Bluevine’s banking services are provided by Coastal Community Bank, which is FDIC insured up to $250,000.
Best With New Account Promotion : Axos Bank : Basic Business Checking
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Axos Bank
- APY: 0%
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Minimum Balance: $0
Includes $200 welcome bonus
First 50 checks free
Unlimited ATM reimbursements
No interest earned
Only 60 remote deposits per month
Charges overdraft and insufficient funds fees
Although the Axos Bank Business Checking account doesn’t pay any interest, it does have a number of other notable features. The most exciting is the $200 bonus for new businesses. You’ll need to show your business formed after June 1, 2020. and maintain an average daily balance in the account of at least $2,500 to earn it.
And then there are the fee reimbursements Axos offers. These reimbursements extend to unlimited ATMs fee reimbursements within the United States, and also includes two domestic wire fee reimbursements each month. If you’re a frequent user, that can easily add $40 of savings back into your pocket every month.
Note that there are both overdraft and insufficient funds fees, although you won’t have to pay a monthly maintenance fee, even if your account balance is at zero.
If your business is not “new,” you’re still eligible for a bonus. Rather than the $200 welcome bonus for new businesses, you’ll receive $100.
This account is FDIC insured up to $250,000.
Best With a Minimum Balance to Open : U.S. Bank : Silver Business Checking
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U.S. Bank logo
- APY: 0%
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Minimum Balance: $0
No minimum balance
Free cash deposits
$500 welcome bonus
Charges overdraft fee
Limited free cash deposits
U.S. Bank is easily accessible to millions of customers with more than 2,000 branches in 26 different states. This makes it a great option for those dealing in cash transactions, with the ability to deposit up to $2,500 (or 25 transactions) each month at no cost.
There is currently a limited-time welcome bonus when you sign up for this account. By entering in the code Q1BUS23 during your application, you’ll receive a free $500 bonus after completing qualifying activities. This offer expires March 31, 2023.
Account holders will also receive 125 free transactions per statement cycle; after this, it’ll cost you $0.50 for every transaction.
As a new business checking account customer, you’ll receive a 50% discount on your first check order, up to $50. This offer is only valid during the first 90 days of account opening.
U.S. Bank and your business checking account are insured up to $250,000.
Best FinTech : Lili : Basic Business Checking
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Lili Bank
- APY: 0%
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Minimum Balance: $0
No minimum balance
Includes a debit card
Fee-free ATM withdrawals from MoneyPass
Doesn’t earn interest
No cash deposits available
No checks
Lili is a fintech banking solution for those looking to stay digital. Lili Basic, which requires no monthly fees, is light on the benefits but includes a heavy-duty app that’ll help you organize your expenses. This potentially makes it one of the best free small business accounting software products available for banking accounts.
And since it utilizes the MoneyPass network, customers with a Lili Basic checking account have access to approximately 40,000 fee-free ATMs across the nation.
Be aware of the fees associated with your Lili account, which include a $2.50 out-of-network fee in domestic locations and $5 when abroad. You’ll also be on the hook for a $5 card replacement fee after your first free card replacement.
Note that Lili itself is not a bank. Instead, it goes through Choice Financial Group, which is insured by the FDIC up to $250,000.
It’s easy to get confused between Lili Basic and Lili Pro, which offers better benefits but costs $9 per month.
Final Verdict
When it comes to the top free business checking accounts, there are a few options available for customers. American Express’ offering tops out with a decent welcome bonus, the ability to earn points on purchases, and very few fees.
However, if you’re looking for the absolute best when it comes to interest rates—and you don’t have more than $100,000 in your account—nothing will beat Bluevine’s 2% APY.
Axos Bank is best for those who move money around a lot, with unlimited ATM fee reimbursements and up to two free domestic wire transfers each month.
Compare the Best Free Business Accounts
Promotion | APY | Minimum Deposit | Minimum Balance | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
American Express Business Checking | 1.30% | $0 | $0 | $300 new account bonus |
Nbkc Business Checking | 0% | $0 | $0 | Out-of-network fee reimbursement |
Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking | 0.01% | $0 | $0 | No cash deposit fees |
Bluevine Business Checking | 2.0% | $0 | $0 | Cash deposits via GreenDot (for a fee) |
Axos Basic Business Checking | 0% | $0 | $0 | $200 new business bonus |
U.S. Bank Silver Bank Business Checking | 0% | $0 | $0 | $500 new account bonus |
Lili Basic Business Checking | 0% | $0 | $0 | Full-featured business-finance app |
Guide to Choosing a Free Business Checking Account
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Business Checking Account
- Fees and account requirements: Knowing what types of fees your account will charge is imperative, especially when it comes to monthly maintenance fees. Understanding what will be charged and when can make a big difference in how much you’ll be paying each month in fees (if anything).
- Account features and tools: A bare-bones account may be simple to navigate, but taking advantage of perks such as 24/7 customer service can make life easier as an account holder.
- Software integration: Some business accounts come with integration tools such as Quickbooks, which can save tons of time when it comes to navigating payments.
- Cash benefits and discounts: Take advantage of a cash bonus or the ability to earn points with your business account.
- ATM access: Depending on how you run your business, you may need access to many different ATMs. Finding fee-free options—or receiving reimbursements—may make a big difference each month.
- Location: Not all banks operate nationwide. You’ll want to find one that services your location.
Why Do You Need a Business Bank Account?
As soon as you start sending or receiving money as a business, you should open a business bank account. Not only does this help you separate your business finances from your personal finances, many business bank accounts come with perks that aren’t offered with personal bank accounts.
As noted above, these can include benefits such as reimbursement for wire transfers, free notarizing, and waived fees for overdrafts or insufficient funds.
How to Open a Free Business Checking Account
The documentation you’ll need to open a business checking account can vary, especially if you’re applying as a sole proprietor. Check with your individual bank, but be prepared to have proof of your business on hand, such as your Employer Identification Number or your business license.
Once you’ve got your documentation in order, you can usually apply online for an account. You can also call, or, if possible, head to an in-person branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the Difference Between a Free Business Account and a Regular One?
As you’d expect, a free business account is free. This means that it doesn’t charge you any monthly maintenance fees. It can still opt to charge you other fees, such as overdraft fees or returned check fees, but this will vary according to the bank.
Regular business accounts may feature a monthly fee, but in return, it’s possible you’ll receive more benefits. This can include a higher APY on your account, better access to invoicing tools, or earning rewards on your purchases.
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Can You Open a Business Checking Account With No Money?
Yes. It’s possible to open a business checking account without any money. While some banks require a minimum deposit to fund your account when opening, there are plenty of others that don’t.
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Is It Difficult to Get Approved for a Business Account?
Getting approved for a business account is going to be up to your individual bank, but as long as you have the proper documentation on hand, you should not face any issues.
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What Are the Disadvantages of a Free Business Checking Account?
While a free business checking account is nice in that it won’t cost you to have it, it may have some downsides when compared to other options. As mentioned above, business checking accounts that charge a monthly fee may feature more robust benefits, such as cash back on your purchases and a better interest rate.
Methodology
Investopedia is dedicated to providing consumers with unbiased, comprehensive reviews. To rate free checking accounts, we collected hundreds of data points, APYs, fees, and account requirements to ensure that our reviews help users make informed decisions about their banking needs.
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