9 Best Small Business Checking Accounts: Top Picks for 2025

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post with regularly updated account details.

The best small business checking accounts combine affordability with functionality, offering low or no monthly fees, minimal transaction costs (including deposits, withdrawals, ACH transfers, wires, and ATM usage), and easy access through a dependable online platform with a mobile app. Whether from a traditional bank or a fintech provider, they should deliver strong business support, such as lending options, merchant services, and the ability to earn interest on deposits.

Here are my nine picks for the best small business checking accounts, with links directly to the provider:

• U.S. Bank
  

  
  Member Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC)
  : Best overall for no-fee business checking from a traditional bank

• Relay
  

  
  Provider is a fintech platform backed by and FDIC-insured through a supporting bank partnership with Thread Bank; Member FDIC
  : Best for collaborative banking and streamlined bookkeeping integrations

• Found
  

  
  Provider is a fintech platform backed by and FDIC-insured through a supporting bank partnership with Piermont Bank.
  : Best digital-only provider for self-employed professionals

• Novo
  

  
  Provider is a fintech platform backed by and FDIC-insured through a supporting bank partnership with Middlesex Federal Savings.
  : Best digital-only provider for rapid access to funds and faster payments

• Mercury
  

  
  Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Deposits in checking and savings accounts are held by our banking services partners, Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust®; Members FDIC. Deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through insurance to apply.
  : Best for tech companies, startups, and businesses needing additional FDIC insurance

• Grasshopper
  

  
  Member FDIC
  : Best digital-only bank for high yield and integrated free payment software

• Chase
  

  
  Member FDIC
  : Best for full-service small business banking tools and premium checking

• Bluevine
  

  
  Provider is a fintech platform backed by and FDIC-insured through a supporting bank partnership with Coastal Community Bank.
  : Best fintech for interest-earning account with best line of credit

• Baselane
  

  
  Provider is a fintech platform backed by and FDIC-insured through a supporting bank partnership with Thread Bank; Member FDIC
  : Best for real estate investors managing rental property finances

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With a decade of banking experience, my solid financial background helps me provide the best answers to our audience in line with the Fit Small Business editorial policy.

I strive for accuracy, clarity, and objectivity in writing reviews and guides to ensure that small business owners can access impartial and critical information that supports their business decisions.

I also completed a Business degree and have substantial experience in facilitating account opening, performing KYC, and cross-selling different banking and investment products and services to both retail and preferred clients.

• 10 years in Consumer and Preferred banking
• Client onboarding experience for retail banking and securities trading
• Business graduate

Banking & Credit Cards Expert at Fit Small Business

Best small business checking accounts at a glance

U.S. Bank: Best overall for no-fee business checking from a traditional bank

When to choose U.S. Bank

• You seek an account with no monthly fee: U.S. Bank Business Essentials Checking stands out as a top business checking account due to no monthly fees, ranking number one among the best free business checking accounts on the market.
• You want to earn a welcome bonus: You can earn a $500 bonus when you open a Business Essentials Checking account online (promo code: Q2AFL25) between April 3, 2025, and June 30, 2025. To qualify, deposit at least $5,000 in new money within 30 days and maintain this balance until day 60. You will also need to complete five qualifying transactions within 60 days. Other terms apply. Offer valid through June 30, 2025. Member FDIC. For details on how to qualify, see our article on the best bank account promos and offers.
• You value unlimited digital transactions: With unlimited free online, mobile, and ACH transactions, the Business Essentials Checking account supports modern business needs without charging for everyday activity.
• You prefer a hybrid banking experience: U.S. Bank offers the flexibility of digital banking paired with branch support, making it more versatile than digital-only providers like Novo or Found.

When to consider an alternative

• You need nationwide physical access: Chase (48 states) outperforms U.S. Bank (26 states) in branch availability, making Chase the better fit if in-person service is important.

Relay: Best for collaborative banking and streamlined bookkeeping integrations

When to choose Relay

• You manage finances collaboratively with team members: Compared with traditional banks like U.S. Bank or Chase, Relay offers far more team-friendly features. You can open up to 20 checking accounts and issue 50 debit cards with role-based controls, making it ideal for teams needing shared access.
• You want built-in bookkeeping tools: Relay integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, Gusto, and Plaid, simplifying expense tracking and reconciliation. Features like automatic receipt capture and real-time transaction syncing streamline financial workflows and reduce time spent on manual entry.
• You value fee transparency and simplicity: Relay’s no-fee model, unlimited transactions, and surcharge-free Allpoint ATM access make it more predictable and affordable than many digital and even traditional providers.

When to consider an alternative

• You want an interest-earning account: Relay doesn’t offer APY on its checking products. If earning yield on your balance is important, Bluevine and Grasshopper are strong contenders.

Found: Best digital-only provider for self-employed professionals

When to choose Found

• You’re a freelancer looking for detailed expense tracking with integrated bookkeeping: Found offers detailed expense tracking, receipt capture, and custom rules within its app. It also provides unlimited free invoicing, customizable with your company logo and colors, and lets you accept invoice payments via Cash App, PayPal, Square, Venmo, and eBay. That is why Found leads our roundup of the best banks for sole proprietorships.
• You manage or hire contractors: Unlike most providers on this list, Found allows you to handle W-9s, generate 1099s, and pay contractors directly. That level of contractor management is uncommon in the space, making it especially valuable for gig-based businesses.
• You need built-in tax prep: Found is uniquely equipped to help with quarterly and annual tax filings, even letting you file Schedule C and pay taxes from the app. This makes it a stronger option than Novo or Bluevine if you want banking and tax management under one roof.

When to choose an alternative

• You want to earn interest without a monthly fee: Found Plus offers 1.5% APY, but only with a paid plan. In contrast, Bluevine and Grasshopper provide fee-free interest-bearing accounts, placing them higher in this list.

Note: Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Piermont Bank, Member FDIC. The Found Mastercard debit card is issued by Piermont Bank pursuant to a license from Mastercard Inc. Found’s core features are free. Found also offers a paid product, Found Plus.

Novo: Best digital-only provider for rapid access to funds and faster payments

When to choose Novo

• You rely on Stripe or payment platforms and need speed: Novo Boost delivers faster access to Stripe payouts — up to 95% faster than standard transfers. For online sellers, this makes it a better choice than traditional options like U.S. Bank or Chase, which don’t offer expedited payment features.
• You need same-day ACH payments: Express ACH allows same-day transfers, giving Novo an edge over providers like Relay or Found, which don’t offer real-time ACH. It’s one of the best checking accounts for business owners who prioritize speed over yield. The combination of Novo Boost and Express ACH gives you access to your money faster than other digital-only providers, making Novo top our list of the best banks for ecommerce businesses.
• You want a low-cost, digital-only account: Novo eliminates monthly fees, nonsufficient funds (NSF) fees, and transaction limits. Unlike many traditional banks and even some fintechs, Novo is more accessible for new or budget-conscious entrepreneurs. It also refunds up to $7 per month in ATM fees, which is rare among the best banks for business checking accounts.

When to choose an alternative

• You need robust business services or financing: Novo offers limited financial products. If you’re looking for lending, credit lines, or high-tier business features, consider Bluevine or Mercury.

Mercury: Best for tech companies, startups, and businesses needing additional FDIC insurance

When to choose Mercury

• You’re a tech company or startup with large balances: Mercury’s Treasury account lets you earn interest on balances over $500,000 and provides up to $5 million in FDIC insurance through a sweep network. This makes it one of our leading banks for startups and best business savings accounts.
• When to choose Mercury: You’re a startup or tech company managing large cash reserves. Mercury’s Treasury account lets you earn interest on balances over $500,000 and offers up to $5 million in FDIC insurance through a sweep network, making it a strong choice for startups and one of our top picks for high-yield business savings.
• You want enhanced FDIC coverage: Through its Vault feature and a sweep network of partner banks, Mercury offers up to $5 million in FDIC insurance, far surpassing the $250,000 limit found with most banks. Extra insurance is critical, especially if you are looking for the best crypto-friendly business bank accounts.
• You need multiple debit cards with a large ATM network for cash withdrawals: Mercury offers both physical and virtual debit cards, with access to 55,000 Allpoint ATMs for free withdrawals. While Mercury doesn’t charge for out-of-network ATM withdrawals, third-party operator fees may apply.

When to choose an alternative

• You are a sole proprietor or operate as a trust: Mercury does not support those business structures. For unincorporated individuals, Found (a fintech) or Chase (a traditional bank) offers broader eligibility.

Note: Deposits in Mercury checking and savings accounts are held by Mercury’s partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC. Through sweep networks, these funds become eligible for up to $5 million in FDIC Insurance. Visit Mercury’s website for more information.

Grasshopper: Best digital-only bank for high yield and integrated free payment software

When to choose Grasshopper

• You want to earn interest: Balances under $25,000 or over $250,000 earn 1.00% APY, while balances from $25,000 to $250,000 earn 1.8%. To qualify, you must maintain a minimum average balance of $10,000 with no NSF items in the past 12 months. Due to its strong rates, Grasshopper earned a spot in our roundup of the best banks for real estate investors.
• You seek cash back rewards on online and in-store debit card purchases: Grasshopper’s debit card earns 1% cash back on all online and in-store debit card purchases, setting it apart from most competitors on this list.
• You want an all-digital bank with built-in tools: Grasshopper integrates seamlessly with accounting software like QuickBooks and offers free access to Autobooks for invoicing and cash flow management. These features place it above traditional banks like U.S. Bank or Chase, which require external platforms. That’s also why Grasshopper’s featured in our guide to the best online business bank accounts.

When to choose an alternative

• You regularly deposit cash: Grasshopper does not support cash deposits, which could be a dealbreaker if you have a retail, service, or food business. Consider Bluevine, U.S. Bank, or Chase, which offer better support for cash-based businesses.

Chase: Best for full-service small business banking tools and premium checking

When to choose Chase

• You want a full-service banking relationship: Chase, one of our leading banks for small businesses, offers a broader range of financial services than most competitors, including three tiers of business checking, lending products, merchant services, and credit cards. Compared with digital-first accounts like those of Novo and Found, Chase delivers a more comprehensive business ecosystem, ideal if you’re looking for the best business checking account with room to grow.
• You want a cash back bonus for a new account: If you open a Business Complete Checking account, you can qualify for a bonus of up to $500 as long as you meet other qualifying actions.
• You need national branch and ATM access: With over 4,700 branches in 48 states and over 16,000 ATMs, Chase is a great choice for all businesses, especially if you travel frequently. That’s why Chase is one of our top banks for trucking businesses.

When to consider an alternative

• You want a business checking account with no monthly fees: Chase allows you to waive your monthly fees, but if you want a bank that doesn’t charge them, U.S. Bank is a great traditional bank, whereas Bluevine is an excellent online fintech.

Bluevine: Best fintech for interest-earning account with best line of credit

When to choose Bluevine

• You want an interest-earning checking account: Earn up to 1.5% APY on balances up to $250,000 with Bluevine by spending $500 on your debit card or receiving $2,500 in monthly deposits via ACH, wire transfer, mobile check deposit, or a merchant payment processing provider. This makes Bluevine a top choice for self-employed individuals and freelancers seeking passive income. This is why Bluevine is our leading bank for self-employed professionals.
• You need a line of credit: Bluevine leads our list of the standout small business lines of credit. Interest earnings combined with the ability to get a credit line from the same fintech is one of the reasons the provider also earned the top spots in our guides to the best banks for small business loans and leading business bank accounts for LLCs.
• You need to send international payments: Bluevine allows international payments to 32 countries in 15 currencies, earning it a spot on our roundup of best banks for international businesses. Payments are sent directly from your Bluevine dashboard and can arrive in as fast as 24 hours.

When to consider an alternative

• You regularly deposit or withdraw cash: While Bluevine allows cash deposits, it charges $4.95 at Green Dot locations or $1 + 0.5% at Allpoint+ ATMs. That makes it less cost-effective than traditional banks like Chase, which allow higher monthly deposit limits before fees.

Baselane: Best for real estate investors managing rental property finances

When to choose Baselane

• You’re a real estate investor managing multiple rental units: You can create unlimited checking accounts, each linked to a specific property or unit. This is particularly valuable if you’re juggling multiple income streams.
• You want an all-in-one platform for banking and rent collection: Baselane integrates banking, bookkeeping, and rent collection into one system. You can send ACH transfers, pay vendors, track expenses, and receive rent payments from one dashboard, making it a top choice for real estate professionals. This is why it tops our guide to the best banks for real estate investors.
• You want to help tenants build credit while collecting rent: With optional rent reporting to credit bureaus, Baselane helps tenants improve their credit scores. Rent payouts are made in as little as two business days, and landlords can choose whether to cover ACH fees or pass them on to tenants.

When to consider an alternative

• You need in-person banking services: Baselane is a fully digital platform with no physical branches. If your real estate business requires in-person support or frequent visits to a local branch, consider a traditional bank like U.S. Bank or Chase.

How I evaluated the best business checking accounts

To curate this list of the nine best small business checking accounts, I focused on what business owners need most, such as affordable, easy-to-manage options that support daily operations and long-term growth. My business checking account comparison considered both traditional banks and fintechs offering strong digital tools and scalable services.

I used a rubric to compare each account across several key areas, including:

• Fee structure and access: I prioritized accounts with no or low monthly fees and easy-to-meet waiver conditions. Accessibility mattered, too, so I factored in minimum balance and opening deposit requirements, especially for startups.
• Transaction and deposit limits: Many small businesses handle frequent payments and deposits, so I reviewed each account’s transaction caps and cash deposit allowances. The best banks for business checking accounts offer higher limits with fewer penalties.
• ATM and wire access: Free or reimbursed ATM access and competitive wire transfer fees were considered essential, especially for businesses managing physical transactions or vendor payments.
• Digital features and integrations: I looked for banks with robust online platforms and integrations with tools like QuickBooks, Stripe, and PayPal. Extras like invoicing and receipt tracking helped compare small business checking accounts with similar costs but added value.
• Lending and business services: While not required, I favored accounts backed by institutions offering credit lines, SBA loans, and other financial tools, ideal for businesses planning to scale.
• Customer experience: Strong app ratings, intuitive online banking, and reliable support channels were important. The best business checking accounts offer smooth digital experiences with real-time access and help when you need it.
• Overall value: I also considered unique benefits like interest-earning balances, built-in automation, or team access features.

This guide is based on data available as of May 2025. Always verify the latest terms before opening an account to ensure it aligns with your business needs.

How to choose the best business checking account

While I used my own criteria to select the best small business checking accounts for this list, here are some things you should review before making a selection:

• Eligibility criteria: Some accounts are limited by business organization type or location. Confirm with the provider if your business type can open an account.
• Fee structure: Look for accounts with no or low monthly fees and waivable conditions. Many of the best small business checking accounts offer free transactions and simple fee policies.
• Physical branches: If your business handles cash or requires in-person visits, choose a bank with nearby branches.
• Online account opening: Some businesses can open accounts online, while others, like LLCs or corporations, may need to visit a branch for account opening. Check with the bank.
• Customer reviews: Our individual bank reviews include a customer review section, which covers both business and personal accounts. Be sure to focus on those relevant to your business.

Reasons to consider a business checking account

• Keeps business and personal finances separate. To maintain the accuracy of your business’s financial records, separating your business and personal finances is essential.
• Helps build your business credit. When you open a business bank account, credit bureaus begin tracking your business’s credit history.
• Allows easy assessment of your business performance. With your income and expenses running through a dedicated account, it becomes easier to analyze your business’s performance.
• Lends credibility to your business. Customers will see your business as more trustworthy when payments come from a business account.
• Simplifies tax season. Using a business checking account helps maintain a record of income and expenses, simplifying your tax preparation at the end of the year.
• Helps build a banking relationship. It can be beneficial if you need business financing from the same business banking provider in the future.

What you need to open a small business checking account

Though each provider above may require different documents to open a business bank account, here is a general list of what you will need:

• Employer identification number (EIN) or Social Security number if you’re a sole proprietor
• Fictitious business name certificate or doing-business-as (DBA) certificate
• Business formation documents
• Organization documents, including your ownership agreements
• Business licenses
• Government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Who has the best business checking account?

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