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Best Business Checking Account - Top 9 Places To Put Your Money
11
Min Read
As a business owner, you must make sure that you have the best business checking account set. This allows you to separate your business transactions from your personal expenses, making it much easier for you to keep your business finances in order.
That being said, considering the number of business checking accounts out there, it's rather difficult to pick the right one. Each business has different necessities, so you'll want to select the checking accounts that work best for your purpose.
To make things easier for you, we made a list of the best business accounts for you to do your payments with.
- Bonsai Cash
- Chase
- BlueVine
- Relay
- Novo
- LendingClub
- Kabbage
- Bank Of America
- Mercury
Note: if you want to open the top rated business bank account, try Bonsai Cash. There are no hidden fees, it's easy to set up and it'll simplify your savings. You'll also get access to our all-in-one freelancer hub to manage proposals, invoices and contracts. Claim your 14-day free trial with Bonsai Cash today.
Business Checking Account vs. Personal Checking Account
Small business owners must keep a good eye on their finances, especially if they are running business entities such as LLCs.
While it might be tempting to use your personal accounts to take away the hassle, you might want to consider getting a separate bank account instead.
There are various reasons why you should turn your eye towards business bank accounts. First, they simplify things. By keeping all of your business transactions in one place, it will be much easier to keep up with them.
You will know exactly how much money you spent, where you spent it, what you spent it on and how much you have left. Since it won't get mixed up with your personal funds, you won't end up spending too much accidentally.
This separation will also help your small business when it comes to your taxes. When you are doing your personal tax return, your personal and business expenses won't be mixed up. This will ensure you don't try to get a return for a personal purchase by mistake.
A business checking account may also offer you liability protection in the event that your business runs through any problems.
Your personal account may be gone through to cover your debt, but if you put a business account down instead, the IRS won't use your personal account.
Things to Consider in a Business Checking Account
When getting the best business checking account, there are several things that you may want to compare and consider. These factors may include:
Minimum Opening Deposit
Certain personal and business accounts have some minimum balance requirements. These amounts may vary, and they can go fr0m $0 to more than $15,000.
Ideally, you should go for an online business checking account that does not have a minimum opening deposit. At the same time, you should not write that off completely, as that minimum deposit can occasionally bring you benefits.
Discover more about where to open a business bank account online.
Cash Deposit Limit
Do you have any limits for cash deposits that you need to respect? Do you have to pay a certain fee if you pass the allotted threshold for that billing time? Consider how much money you are going to deposit each month, and choose your best business checking account based on that information.
Transaction Limit
Similarly to cash deposits, you may have transaction limits. For instance, while some of the best business checking accounts will offer unlimited transactions, others may place a limit on how many transactions you can make for free. Choose one that can meet your transaction volume.
Monthly Fees
When looking at how much to open a business account, be sure to ask yourself are there any regular fees that you need to keep in mind? Perhaps you have some monthly maintenance fee to pay for that bank account in particular.
You might want to go for a business checking account that has low monthly fees, or which may be waived if you meet a certain requirement.
ATM Access
Where can you use the debit card for your business bank account? Do you have any ATMs of that bank nearby you? Are there ATM fees associated with withdrawing from another ATM network?
You might want to check if you get ATM access for both withdrawals and cash deposits. If you're dealing with multiple business transactions, you'll need both of them available.
Included Tools
Are there any included tools that might benefit you here? For instance, an online business checking account might allow you to pay bills online or to transfer money online from one account to the other.
You might also want to look for accounts offering mobile transactions, especially if you are commuting a lot. Also, if you work with different currencies than your own, the checking account may offer a currency converter.
Extra Fees
Aside from the monthly fees, are there any additional fees that you will be charged? This can include anything from wire fees to overdraft fees and non-sufficient fund fees. Consider comparing those fees before you settle on the best business account.
Bank Type
Do you want a basic business checking account from your local area, or do you want to go for an international online bank? Perhaps you are in need of a credit union instead. Go for the one that fits your needs the most.
Interest
Some business checking accounts will offer you interest as well, provided you meet the minimum balance requirements. You might want to make sure the monthly maintenance fees do not cancel out the interest. Also, if your aim is to save in the long term, you might want to go for a business savings account instead.
Best Business Checking Accounts to Consider
There are many banks accepting new business accounts. If you are looking to open a business checking account, there are multiple options for you, including.
Bonsai Cash
Bonsai Cash is an online small business checking account that allows you to manage your spending, your funds, and your business savings.
It connects you to a variety of business tools, such as Bonsai Payments, which allows you to use both physical and virtual debit cards.
Bonsai is free to use, making it a good option for small businesses that are only starting and do not have much capital. There are no minimum balance requirements either, which means that you can start at as little as $0.
You can use the debit card at any ATM in your area, and you have a $300 limit for every day.
It also comes with a feature called "Envelopes," which can help you divide your funds. This should help manage your savings, your taxes, equipment funds, and many more.
Pros
- Easy to manage
- Envelopes allow for fund division
- Free to use
- No minimum balance needed
- It provides savings accounts
Cons
- Withdrawal limit
- Only business owners from the U.S. may use it
Note: Open a no fee business checking account with Bonsai Cash today. No hidden charges, virtual credit cards, and simple set-up. Sign up today for a 14-day free trial with our software and manage your finances, taxes and payments easier.
Chase Business Complete Checking
Those looking for an online bank that also offers a brick-and-mortar location might want to try Chase Business Complete Banking. There are around 4,700 U.S. branches that you can go for, along with 16,000 ATMs.
There is no minimum balance required, and you also get unlimited electronic deposits. The free transactions are available with the online app, but you also get 20 physical transactions for free.
Using the mobile Chase app and QuickAccept, you may accept credit card payments. You can choose to open the account online, or you may do so at the actual branch location.
You will need to pay a $15 monthly fee, but it can be waived if you have a $2,000 account balance.
Pros
- The monthly fee may be waived
- No minimum deposit or balance
- Deposits may be made through mobile
- Offers brick-and-mortar locations
- Free ATM withdrawal from Chase networks
Cons
- Limited to 2 free in-person check deposits
- The balance for the monthly fee to be waived is high
BlueVine Business Checking Account
Those of you looking for an account with no fees might take an interest in the BlueVine business checking account.
You get unlimited free transactions, no minimum deposit, no monthly fees, and you also get to deposit up to $7,500 per month. For the latter, you will need to pay a $4,95 deposit fee.
BlueVine has a number of tools that might prove fairly convenient for your business. For instance, you get a mobile check deposit, along with online bill pay.
This should make it easier for you to keep your business transactions in one place.
You also get to use it for savings purposes, as you may earn 1.20% on your account balance. The interest only applies to balances starting at $0 up to $100,000.
Pros
- High savings APY (annual percentage yield)
- No minimum deposit
- No monthly maintenance or overdraft fees
- Unlimited online transactions
Cons
- Can only be used online
- Out-of-network transactions require a fee
Relay Checking Account
Small businesses that need access to multiple accounts and debit cards might want to consider Relay. The banking platform is easy to use and free of charge while offering 24/7 customer support.
Relay gives you access to as many as 20 checking accounts, 10 of which may be used for sole proprietorships. You can also receive up to 50 business debit cards that will require no extra fee.
With Relay, you can make unlimited transactions, and can also withdraw money for free at more than 32,000 Allpoint ATMs. The only issue is that you cannot deposit money at the ATM.
Pros
- No monthly fees or minimum balance required
- No limit to transactions
- Offers up to 20 business accounts and 50 debit cards
Cons
- You cannot deposit cash
- Electronic deposits take up to a week to go through
Novo Business Checking Account
If you need to withdraw money frequently from the ATM, then the Novo checking account may be exactly what you are looking for. Regardless of the ATM and the network that you use, you will get a refund on the ATM fees.
This business banking account comes with no minimum balance requirement, no monthly fees, and no wire of ACH transfer fees.
Most of the online banking activity is done free of charge, but while you can make electronic transfers, you may not deposit cash.
Novo also offers bill pay and unlimited invoicing for those who wish to keep their business payments organized. It can also be integrated with a variety of other business tools, such as Shopify or QuickBooks.
Pros
- Easy integration with a variety of business tools
- Unlimited transactions
- No monthly maintenance fee
- No minimum balance
- No ATM fee
Cons
- Can only be used online
- No cash deposit
LendingClub Tailored Business Checking Account
If you are a side hustler or own a small business for which you need a separate business bank account, then you may want to try the LendingClub Tailored checking account.
This account offers free ATM withdrawals, along with free online bill pay. You also get to make a mobile check deposit, which is not very common with business checking accounts.
The account comes with a $10 monthly fee. However, if you meet the $5,000 minimum balance, the fee can be waived. You also get 1% cashback for all of your debit card purchases.
Pros
- No ATM fee
- Free bill paying
- Low monthly fee
- Allows users to earn interest
- Can be used at any ATM
Cons
- The minimum balance to waive the monthly fee is rather high
- Only available online
Kabbage Checking Account
Small businesses that wish to earn interest while enjoying unlimited free transactions may consider using the Kabbage checking account.
Featuring an APY of 1.10% for deposits up to $100,000, your checking account may also double as a savings account.
Digital transfers, such as wire transfers, are free of charge. That being said, a cash deposit may charge a fee of up to $4.95. Mainly, it depends on how much money you deposit.
Similar to the average personal bank account, this one charges no monthly fee, needs no minimum deposit and has no minimum daily balance.
Pros
- High APY on deposits
- No monthly maintenance or withdrawal fees
- Needs no minimum deposit
- Free access to more than 19,000 Allpoint ATMs
Cons
- The cash deposit is charged
- Doesn't offer integration with third-party tools
- Mobile check deposits are rather slow
Bank of America Business Advantage Fundamentals
If you are looking for a bank that offers high cash deposit allowances, then Bank of America is certainly the bank account that you will want to go for.
You can choose between the two checking accounts: Business Advantage Fundamentals and Business Advantage Relationship. Fundamentals is the more basic type of account, whereas Relationship gives you higher thresholds.
You can deposit up to $7,500 in cash free of charge with the Advantage Fundamentals account, and even $20,000 with the Advantage Relationship account.
Bank of America does charge a monthly maintenance fee - $16 for Fundamentals and $29,95 for Relationship. That being said, the fee may be waived with a minimum balance of $5,000.
Unlike other banks, this one offers you online and mobile banking features - which means that you won't have to go to the brick-and-mortar bank to open an account.
Pros
- High cash deposit allowance
- Unlimited electronic transactions
- Fee can be waived using minimum balance
- Can be used exclusively online
Cons
- The monthly fee can be high
- Limit on cash deposits
Mercury Business Bank Account
If you have a startup and need a banking tool to handle your business money, then the Mercury Business Bank Account might be the one for you. In terms of fees, you get plenty of benefits.
With Mercury, you get a free checking business account, as well as a savings account. Plus, you will be asked for no incoming wire fees and no overdraft fees.
You can withdraw money for free from more than 55,000 Allpoint ATMs. You will get reimbursed for the withdrawal fee. Plus, Mercury has a few digital tools that allow you to keep track of your expenses, which can be very efficient for tax purposes.
Pros
- No monthly maintenance fees
- No minimum deposit
- No transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawal
- Advanced digital tools for expense tracking
- Includes both checking and savings accounts
Cons
- Not a good choice for sole proprietors
- You cannot make a cash deposit
The Bottom Line
No matter the type of business that you are running, it is always a good idea to get a business banking account rather than using your old personal one. This way, you can keep your business finances separate from your personal finances.
Each business has its own requirements, so make sure that you know what yours are. Otherwise, you will end up using business checking accounts that do not really match your business model.
What Defines a Verbal Contract?
A verbal contract (formally called an oral contract) refers to an agreement between two parties that's made —you guessed it— verbally.
Formal contracts, like those between an employee and an employer, are typically written down. However, some professional transactions take place based on verbally agreed terms.
Freelancers are a good example of this. Often, freelancers will take on projects having agreed on the terms and payment via the phone, or an email. Unfortunately, sometimes clients don't pull through on their agreements, and hardworking freelancers can find themselves out of pocket and wondering whether a legal battle is worth all the hassle.
The main differences between written and oral contracts are that the former is signed and documented, whereas the latter is solely attributed to verbal communication.
Verbal contracts are a bit of a gray area for most people unfamiliar with contract law —which is most of us, right?— due to the fact that there's no physical evidence to support the claims made by the implemented parties.
When is a Verbal Agreement Legally Binding?
For any contract (written or verbal) to be binding, there are four major elements which need to be in place. The crucial elements of a contract are as follows:
- Offer and acceptance: An offer is made and accepted by another party involved in the agreement;
- Consideration: The involved parties must exchange something of value (money, a service, time, etc), this is known as consideration;
- Intention and certainty: All parties must fully understand the terms of the contract and intend to make a legally binding agreement freely; and
- Capacity: The parties must have the capacity to legally enter into the contract; they're above age and of a stable mindset.
Therefore, an oral agreement has legal validity if all of these elements are present. However, verbal contracts can be difficult to enforce in a court of law. In the next section, we take a look at how oral agreements hold up in court.
How strong is a verbal agreement in court?
Most business professionals are wary of entering into contracts orally because they can difficult to enforce in the face of the law.
If an oral contract is brought in front of a court of law, there is increased risk of one party (or both!) lying about the initial terms of the agreement. This is problematic for the court, as there's no unbiased way to conclude the case; often, this will result in the case being disregarded. Moreover, it can be difficult to outline contract defects if it's not in writing.
That being said, there are plenty of situations where enforceable contracts do not need to be written or spoken, they're simply implied. For instance, when you buy milk from a store, you give something in exchange for something else and enter into an implied contract, in this case - money is exchanged for goods.
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get started nowWhen are verbal agreements not enforceable?
There are some types of contracts which must be in writing.
The Statute of Frauds is a legal statute which states that certain kinds of contracts must be executed in writing and signed by the parties involved. The Statute of Frauds has been adopted in almost all U.S states, and requires a written contract for the following purposes:
- The sale of real estate or vehicles
- Real estate leases lasting longer than one year.
- Property transfer following the death of the owner.
- The case of a party agreeing to pay debt for someone else.
- Any contract that requires more than a year to fulfil.
- A contract involving and exceeding a specified amount of money (which varies by state).
Typically, a court of law won't enforce an oral agreement in any of these circumstances under the statute. Instead, a written document is required to make the contract enforceable.
Contract law is generally doesn't favor contracts agreed upon verbally. A verbal agreement is difficult to prove, and can be used by those intent on committing fraud. For that reason, it's always best to put any agreements in writing and ensure all parties have fully understood and consented to signing.
How are Verbal Contracts Enforced?
Verbal agreements can be proven with actions in the absence of physical documentation. Any oral promise to provide the sale of goods or perform a service that you agreed to counts as a valid contract. So, when facing a court of law, what evidence can you provide to enforce a verbal agreement?
How can you prove an oral contract?
Unfortunately, without solid proof, it may be difficult to convince a court of the legality of an oral contract. Without witnesses to testify to the oral agreement taking place or other forms of evidence, oral contracts won't stand up in court. Instead, it becomes a matter of "he-said-she-said" - which legal professionals definitely don't have time for!
If you were to enter into a verbal contract, it's recommended to follow up with an email or a letter confirming the offer, the terms of the agreement , and payment conditions. The more you can document the elements of a contract, the better your chances of legally enforcing a oral contract.
Another option is to make a recording of the conversation where the agreement is verbalized. This can be used to support your claims in the absence of a written agreement. However, it's always best to gain the permission of the other involved parties before hitting record.
Written vs Verbal Contracts: What's the Verdict?
Fundamentally, most verbal agreements are legally valid as long as they meet all the requirements for a contract. However, if you were to go to court over one party not fulfilling the terms of the contract, proving that the interaction took place can be extremely taxing.
So, ultimately, the question is: written or verbal agreements?
Any good lawyer, contract law firm, or legal professional would advise you to make sure you formalize any professional agreement with a written agreement. Written contracts provide a secure testament to the conditions that were agreed and signed by the two parties involved. If it comes to it, a physical contract is much easier to eviden in legal circumstances.
Freelancers, in particular, should be aware of the extra security that digital contracts may provide. Many people choose to stick to executing contracts verbally because they're not sure how to write a contract, or they think writing out the contract terms is too complicated or requires expensive legal advice. However, this is no longer the case.
Say hello to digital contracts
Today, we have a world of resources available at our fingertips. The internet is a treasure trove of invaluable information, platforms, and software that simplifies our lives. Creating, signing, and sending contracts has never been easier. What's more, you don't have to rely on a hiring a lawyer to explain all that legal jargon anymore.
There are plenty of tools available online for freelancers to use for guidance when drafting digital contracts. Tools like Bonsai provide a range of customizable, vetted contract templates for all kinds of freelance professionals. No matter what industry you're operating in, Bonsai has a professional template to offer.
Benefits of written contracts
A written contract makes the agreement much easier to prove the terms of the agreement in case something were to go awry. The two parties involved can rest assured that they're legal rights are protected, and the terms of the contract are sufficiently documented. Plus, it provides both parties with peace of mind to focus on the tasks at hand.
Create Professional Contracts with Bonsai
Bonsai's product suite for freelancers allows users to make contracts from scratch, or using professional templates, and sign them using an online signature maker.
With Bonsai, you can streamline and automate all of the boring back-office tasks that come with being a freelancer. From creating proposals that clients can't say no to, to sealing the deal with a professional contract - Bonsai will revolutionize the way you do business as a freelancer.
Why not secure your business today and sign up for a free trial?
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