11 best banks for small business of September 2026

Key takeaways

• The best bank for small business depends on your business’s growth stage and whether you handle cash, operate internationally, or need financing.

• 60% of small businesses still use traditional banks, but 16% have turned to online banks¹ for their business accounts. Regional banks and credit unions also offer small business bank accounts.

• We recommend Airwallex as the best alternative to a business bank account, Chase Bank as the best traditional bank, Columbia Bank as the best regional bank, and America First Credit Union as the best credit union.

Choosing the right bank for your business helps you control your finances, minimize payment fees, and get access to the resources you need to grow. But with so many options – including traditional banks, fintechs, credit unions, and more – it can be hard to know where to start.

In this guide, we'll highlight the best small business banks in 2026, plus the best alternative to a business bank account, and help you choose the right provider for your needs.

The best banks and platforms for small business at a glance

Best banks and platforms for small businesses

There are many types of small business banks and platforms, each with its benefits and drawbacks. Below, we’ll explain the most popular account types and highlight the best provider for each.

The best alternative to a business bank account: Airwallex

Ideal for

Airwallex is ideal for eCommerce, travel, and online businesses who want to collect, hold, and spend in 20+ currencies natively, so revenue earned in one currency doesn't have to be converted before it's spent. Interbank FX rates and built-in automation let small and mid-sized LLCs transact like a local entity in 70+ countries. Airwallex isn't a bank. It's a business account built for companies whose money moves across borders.²

Our take

Airwallex is a small business-friendly fintech with a wide range of features to help your company grow. It's a business account rather than a bank account. For example, the Airwallex Business Account includes physical and virtual debit cards for you and your employees so you can get the supplies you need quickly. Spend management software and accounting integrations also make it easy for you to monitor your cash flow. Payment acceptance features let you send invoices and payment links, accept online card and e-wallet payments, and even set up recurring subscriptions.

Airwallex especially stands out for eCommerce and growing businesses with international customers and vendors, thanks to its Multi-Currency Accounts. These let you hold, send, and receive funds in 20+ currencies and collect funds like a local in 70+ countries. Cross-border payments are incredibly fast, with 93% of international payments arriving the same day they're sent, and many arriving instantly. International transfer pricing is competitive, from $1 to $7 per transfer to 200+ countries and regions at interbank exchange rates. See Airwallex pricing to learn more.

Airwallex Yield lets your idle USD cash earn institutional-grade returns through a J.P. Morgan money market fund with same-day liquidity, so your working capital stays accessible.

Pros

• Supports US and international bill pay

• Earn 2% cashback on corporate card spend

• Integrates with eCommerce marketplaces like Amazon and Shopify

• Airwallex Yield lets you put your idle USD balances to work, earning up to a 3.49% return through a J.P. Morgan money market fund, with net yields structured at 3.17% on the Explore plan and 3.32% on the Grow plan

Cons

• No lending products

Best traditional business account: Chase Bank

Ideal for

Chase is the premier choice for U.S.-based small businesses that prioritize physical branch access and a full-service banking ecosystem. It is perfect for companies that handle frequent cash deposits or value the security of a massive nationwide ATM network. This option is not ideal for digital-first businesses that require advanced spend management tools or those looking to avoid high international wire fees.

Our take

Chase Bank has the largest branch and ATM network in the US, with more than 5,000 locations and 14,000 ATMs. The Business Complete Banking account lets you take advantage of this network with 20 free in-person transactions per month and unlimited monthly ATM transactions. The account also includes a debit card, invoicing, payment processing for credit and debit cards, and online bill pay.

Chase Bank also has a range of business lending products, including small business loans, lines of credit, and credit cards. The Business Complete Banking account costs $15 per month, but there are multiple ways to have the fee waived, including by keeping a minimum balance of just $2,000.

You can also earn a cash bonus of up to $500 when you open a new account and complete qualifying activities before October 15, 2026.

Pros

• No fee for ATM deposits

• Earn cashback on eligible purchases through Chase Offers

• Business savings account available

Cons

• Hefty fees for international payments

• Limited integrations

• Doesn’t include spend management tools

Best for regional banking: Columbia Bank

Ideal for

Columbia Bank is a strong fit for small businesses operating within its nine-state Western footprint that prefer a community-focused banking experience. It is particularly well-suited for businesses seeking specialized expertise in SBA and USDA loans alongside high limits for check and cash transactions. This option is not ideal for businesses located outside the Pacific Northwest or those that need modern accounting integrations and cashback rewards.

Our take

Columbia Bank is a Western regional bank with more than 350 branches across nine states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Following its merger with Pacific Premier Bank, Columbia is migrating Pacific Premier's systems and digital accounts onto its own platforms starting in January 2026. With its Community Business Checking account, you get up to 200 check transactions per month and $10,000 in cash transactions per month. The account also offers online bill pay, mobile check deposits, and debit cards with spend management features.

Columbia Bank also has a business savings account, credit cards, and business loans to help you grow. The Community Business Checking account costs $10 per month, or $7 with paperless statements, and the fee is waived if you keep a $1,000 minimum daily balance or a $2,500 average monthly balance.

Pros

• Lets you add secondary account users

• Offers Small Business Administration (SBA) and USDA loans

• Low transaction fees

Cons

• Doesn’t offer cashback on card purchases

• No accounting integrations

• Branches in only nine states

Best for SBA 7(a) Loans and Local Membership: America First Credit Union

Ideal for

This credit union is the top pick for small business owners in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona who want personalized service from a preferred SBA 7(a) lender. It serves businesses looking for a fee-free checking structure that rewards higher balances with dividends. This option is not ideal for international businesses or those that require robust digital spend management software to track employee expenses.

Our take

America First Credit Union's Basic Business Checking account has no minimum opening deposit and no maintenance fees, with 50 free transaction items per month and $0.15 each after that. The credit union has around 116 branches in Utah and Nevada, with its first Arizona branches opening in September 2026, and it participates in the CO-OP Network of surcharge-free ATMs. That means you can also transact in person at thousands of other credit unions nationwide.

America First Credit Union is a preferred lender for the SBA 7(a) loan program, so it’s a good choice if you’re considering an SBA loan. It also offers business credit cards, equipment loans, and lines of credit.

Pros

• Offers business savings accounts and certificates of deposit

• Low fees after free transaction limits

• Retail point-of-sale available

Cons

• No integrations or spend management tools

• Limited branch and ATM network

• High fees for international wires

Best business bank accounts based on business stages

You can also choose a business account based on your business’s growth phase.

Best for startups: Mercury

Ideal for

Mercury is designed for tech-forward startups and time-strapped teams that need a fully digital banking experience with Slack and software integrations built in. It is excellent for those seeking venture debt financing and high-yield savings without the hassle of monthly fees. This option is not ideal for businesses that require traditional brick-and-mortar support or those that frequently handle physical cash deposits.

Our take

Mercury is a startup-focused fintech that offers business checking and savings accounts starting at $0 per month. It supports free ACH, wire, and check payments, including free international USD wires. Mercury is a fintech rather than a chartered bank, so deposits sit with its partner banks, which is where the FDIC coverage comes from. In April 2026 it received conditional OCC approval for a national bank charter, a step toward Mercury Bank, N.A. rather than a charter it holds today. For now, it remains an excellent choice for venture-backed teams, offering up to $5 million in FDIC protection through its multi-bank sweep network. Automations and a Slack integration cut the manual work for time-strapped teams.

Mercury also supports startups with venture debt financing that’s more nimble than traditional business loans. Discounts on productivity software help your business operate efficiently, while premium plans offer more features and support for growing teams.

Pros

• Fully online application process

• Includes spend management software

• Balances are Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured up to $5 million

Cons

• No traditional term loans, though Mercury now offers Working Capital Loans for ecommerce businesses

• International fees apply to card purchases

• Reimbursements are free for up to 5 users per month; larger teams need a paid plan starting at $35/month

Best for business growth: Brex

Notice: Brex has recently been acquired by Capital One. Learn how this transition affects your account and rewards structure: Brex acquired by Capital One.

Ideal for

Brex is the premier platform for venture-backed startups and fast-growing companies that need high-limit corporate cards without a personal guarantee. It excels at unifying global spend, offering AI-powered expense management, travel booking, and the ability to manage multiple international entities from a single dashboard. This option is not ideal as a sole proprietor bank account or for small local businesses that handle physical cash, as Brex is a digital-only platform with strict eligibility requirements.

Our take

Brex is a fintech rather than a bank. Capital One's $5.15 billion acquisition in April 2026 puts a chartered bank behind the platform, but the business account itself remains a cash management product held at partner banks. That ownership now combines Brex's AI-powered expense platform with the underwriting depth and balance sheet of a Tier 1 bank, meaning more stable credit limits and a lower cost of funding for high-growth companies.

Brex lets you have multiple business entities in different countries, send wires in local currencies, and pay employees worldwide. It also offers low transaction fees for payments, corporate cards with no international fees, and spend management tools to control employee expenses.

Brex also offers tools for booking travel, integrating with enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, and earning yield on saved cash. There’s a free plan available, and the growth-oriented Premium plan costs $12 per user per month. 

Pros

• AI-powered automations reduce admin time

• Customizable expense and approval workflows

• Local currency debit cards for 50+ countries

Cons

• Only one currency allowed per entity

• Limited payment acceptance features

• No eCommerce integrations

Best for business maturity: Bank of America

Ideal for

Bank of America is ideal for established, mature businesses that need a massive financial ecosystem including investment banking, supply chain financing, and private stock placements. It suits companies that have outgrown basic fintech tools and require a sophisticated global payment infrastructure. This option is not ideal for early-stage startups or solopreneurs who want to avoid high monthly maintenance fees and complex fee structures.

Our take

Bank of America is a major US bank that offers business checking and savings accounts, plus a wide range of loan products. It runs two tiers: the Business Advantage Fundamentals account for $16/month, waived with a $5,000 combined average monthly balance, $500 in net qualified debit card purchases, or Preferred Rewards for Business membership, and the Business Advantage Relationship Banking plan for $29.95/month, which adds a second checking account and fee-free incoming wires. Both tiers include payment acceptance tools, corporate cards, and FX tools for international payments.

Mature businesses can take advantage of Bank of America’s massive financial ecosystem, which includes a Business Investment Account, accounts receivable management, and supply chain financing. Bank of America’s investment banking arm can also help companies hold a stock sale or issue bonds.

Pros

• Advanced asset management and lending programs

• 3,500+ branches nationwide

• Tailored solutions for global payments

Cons

• Above-average banking fees

• Only supports USD balances

• Limited automations for invoicing or expense management

Best for freelancers and solopreneurs: Novo

Ideal for

Novo is the perfect match for freelancers and independent contractors who need a simple, fee-free platform with built-in invoicing and automated tax reserves. Its deep integrations with marketplaces like Fiverr and Stripe make it a streamlined hub for managing solo ventures. This option is not ideal for scaling companies that need multi-user spend management controls or a native solution for international payments.

Our take

Novo is a freelancer-focused fintech rather than a bank, with a fee-free online account and deposits held at its partner bank. It offers free domestic ACH payments and incoming wires, making it easy to get paid, though outgoing domestic wires cost up to $30, a cost many newer digital competitors have eliminated.

It also lets you send invoices and offers built-in bookkeeping to track expenses and revenue. Plus, Novo Reserves helps you set aside money for taxes, operating costs, retirement savings, and more, and you'll get up to $7 back each month in refunded ATM fees. Novo offers a business credit card with 2% cashback and business loans to help you expand your small business. The application process is fully online, and it’s quick to get started.

Pros

• Funds go straight to your Novo account when clients pay invoices

• Integrations with freelancer marketplaces like Fiverr

• No overdraft fees

Cons

• Doesn’t offer scalable plans with more features

• $30 for domestic wires

• No spend management controls

Best business bank accounts for specific needs

Here are the best small business bank accounts for specific needs such as quick funding and savings interest.

Best for funding speed: American Express

Ideal for

American Express is the best choice for businesses that need immediate access to capital through a business line of credit or integrated corporate card rewards. It is ideal for owners who want to earn interest on their checking balances while maintaining the ability to draw funds in minutes. This option is not ideal for businesses that require standard term loans or those that frequently send international payments.

Our take

American Express offers fee-free business checking with quick access to funding. You can get pre-approved and apply for a business line of credit up to $250,000 in just a few minutes. Once you're approved, you can draw funds at any time and have them deposited immediately in your American Express Business Checking account. The account earns 1.30% APY on balances up to $500,000, a solid return for a $0-fee checking account. Eligible debit card purchases also earn one Membership Rewards point per $2 spent, which can be redeemed as statement credits back into your account.

American Express also offers business credit cards and corporate cards, including some with no annual fees and others with no international fees.

Pros

• Earn interest on checking balances up to $500,000

• No fee at thousands of ATMs

• 24/7 customer support by phone and live chat 

Cons

• Doesn’t offer standard business term loans

• High international payment fees

• No spend management tools

Best for lines of credit and loans: Bluevine

Ideal for

Bluevine is a top-tier choice for small business owners who want their operating capital to work harder through high-yield checking and fast access to revolving lines of credit. Its "all-in-one" approach is perfect for service-based businesses that need integrated invoicing, automated accounts payable, and the ability to organize finances across up to 50 sub-accounts, depending on your plan. This option is not ideal for businesses that require a wide international footprint in multiple currencies or those who need physical branch access for in-person support.

Our take

Bluevine is an online business banking platform offering checking accounts, business lines of credit, and term loans. It's a fintech rather than a bank: its checking account and its FDIC sweep coverage both run through partner banks. You can get a line of credit up to $250,000 at competitive rates. Term loans are available up to $500,000, with terms of up to 24 months. Bluevine also offers SBA 7(a) loans up to $350,000.

The Bluevine checking account charges no monthly fees on its Standard plan, lets you earn 1.3% APY on balances up to $250,000, and sweeps your cash across partner banks for up to $3 million in FDIC coverage. To unlock that rate you'll need to spend at least $500/month on your Bluevine debit card or deposit $2,500 in customer payments.

Businesses that want more yield can upgrade to the new Plus plan (1.75% APY, $30/month waivable) or Premier plan (3.0% APY, $95/month waivable). You can also get paid online with invoices and payment links, accept international payments in 39 currencies for a flat fee, and use corporate cards with basic spend management tools.

Pros

• Get funding in minutes if you already have a Bluevine checking account

• Three scalable plans 

• Manage budgets or financial goals with sub-accounts

Cons

• International wire fees start at $25 and FX markups at 1.5% on Standard, falling on Plus and Premier

• Only holds USD balances

• No physical branches

> Learn more about Bluevine vs Airwallex

Best for simple business checking: Grasshopper

Ideal for

Grasshopper is ideal for digital-native businesses that want a high-yield checking account with FDIC insurance coverage up to $125 million. It is a great fit for owners looking for a "set it and forget it" account that offers unlimited cashback on debit purchases and automated bill pay. This option is not ideal for businesses that deal with physical cash or those that require hands-on spend management software.

Our take

Grasshopper is a digital bank with a free checking account you can open online in minutes. The account pays 1.00% under $25,000, 1.35% from $25,000 to $250,000, then 1.00% above, and carries FDIC insurance up to $125 million. You also get free unlimited ACH transfers and automated bill pay.

Grasshopper’s checking account comes with a corporate debit card that earns unlimited 1% cashback on purchases if you keep a $10,000 average monthly balance. You can use 37,000+ MoneyPass and 8,500+ SUM ATMs with no fees, and deposit checks instantly with the Grasshopper mobile app.

Pros

• Below-average fees for international transfers

• Accounting integrations 

• Offers a savings account with boosted APYs

Cons

• Doesn’t support cash deposits

• No physical branches

• No spend management tools

Best for business savings: Live Oak

Ideal for

Live Oak is the top contender for businesses looking to maximize their idle cash with a high-yield savings account offering 2.85% APY. It is perfect for companies that prioritize interest earnings and high FDIC insurance limits over daily transactional features. This option is not ideal for businesses that need a primary checking account with physical branch access or those that require business lines of credit.

Our take

Live Oak is an online bank that offers 2.85% APY on unlimited balances in your business savings account. There’s no monthly account fee and you get millions in aggregate FDIC coverage through the IntraFi network, with a $350,000 minimum for ICS. Live Oak also offers certificates of deposit (CDs) from three months to five years with rates up to 4.10% APY on the 1-year term.

Live Oak doesn’t have branches and doesn’t support cash deposits, but it offers scalable business checking accounts and business loans. Another plus: You don’t need a Live Oak checking account to open a business savings account.

Pros

• Much higher interest rates than average

• No minimum deposit or balance requirements

• Savings accounts support ACH transfers and wires

Cons

• Above-average fees for checking accounts

• Doesn’t offer business lines of credit

• High international payment fees

Checklist for choosing a business bank account for a small business

Here are some things to look for when choosing the best bank for a small business account.

• Branch and ATM networks: For cash-heavy businesses, physical branches and ATMs matter.  Digital-focused businesses may benefit more from an online business bank account with lower fees.

• Debit cards and spend management tools: Employee debit cards make paying vendors easier and cut administrative work, but look for spend management software that lets you set limits on employee purchases and easily track expenses.

• Payments support: Consider payment features like automated bill pay and fee-free transfers. If you have international suppliers, choose a bank account with low or zero international payment fees.

• Payment acceptance: Many small business banks offer point-of-sale (POS) devices or online payment gateways. If you have international customers, choose an account like Airwallex that supports local payment methods and doesn’t require currency conversion.

• Integrations: Choose a business bank account that integrates with the software your business already uses, including accounting and eCommerce systems.

• Transaction limits: Most small business banks put monthly limits on free transactions. Decide whether you can stay within these limits and how much it’ll cost if you don’t.

• Lending products: Growing businesses can benefit from access to business loans, credit cards, and lines of credit. Consider what lending products a bank offers and whether its rates are competitive.

• Fees: Avoid accounts with hefty monthly fees and transaction fees that eat into your revenue. Check if any maintenance fees are waivable, and whether you’ll consistently meet the requirements.

Business bank account vs. personal bank account

A business bank account is available only to business owners, while a personal bank account is available to anyone. Both allow you to hold, send, and receive funds. When comparing a business bank account vs personal bank account, business accounts typically cost more, but they also offer business-specific financial management tools such as employee debit cards, sub-accounts, and accounting integrations.

Traditional vs online vs credit unions for your small business bank

Traditional banks have the largest networks of physical branches and ATMs. They’re a good option for small businesses that handle cash or want in-person banking, but they usually have higher fees than online banks or credit unions.

Online banks are ideal for businesses that do all their banking digitally. They typically offer low fees and have scalable plans and financial management tools for growing businesses. Non-bank providers like Airwallex sit alongside them, catering to international businesses by supporting multiple currencies. While some online banks provide ATM access, many don’t support cash transactions.

Credit unions have small branch and ATM networks and charge fees that usually fall between those of traditional banks and online banks. They often offer loan products tailored to local businesses and share profits with members. Credit unions typically lack financial management features or advanced software tools.

Methodology: How we ranked the best small business banks

We explored more than 70 banks, credit unions, and fintechs to find the best small business bank accounts in the US. We considered each bank’s small business offerings, including checking and savings accounts, lending products, payment tools, and other financial management features. We also evaluated the online experience, access to in-person banking, fees, and balance requirements to identify the best bank for small businesses.

Explore different types of business bank accounts

For a small business, your bank shouldn't just be a place to store revenue; it needs to be a tool that simplifies your day. One of the primary benefits of business bank accounts is that the right account saves you time by automating your bookkeeping and saves you money by avoiding the maintenance fees that eat into your profit. Whether you need a local branch for cash deposits or a high-yield digital account to grow your reserves, you need a partner that scales alongside you.

We provide more options below to fit your specific business needs:

• Business accounts for LLCs

• Business accounts for eCommerce

• Business accounts for international businesses

• Online business accounts

• Business accounts with no fees

• Multi-currency business accounts

• Business savings accounts

• High-yield savings business accounts

• Business bank accounts for sole proprietors

Frequently asked questions about the best banks for small business

What's the best account for an LLC in 2026?

Among banks, Chase Bank is a strong pick for LLCs that need branch access. If your LLC operates internationally, Airwallex offers the best business account for LLCs with a fully online application process, no minimum deposit, and no monthly fee. It's a business account rather than a bank.

Can I open a business bank account with only an EIN?

Banks require you to provide detailed personal information about yourself and your co-owners to open a business bank account. You may also need to provide your business’s formation documents (e.g., Articles of Incorporation).

Do I really need a separate business bank account?

Yes, it’s essential for separating your business and personal finances. It’s not legally required for sole proprietors or LLCs, but you need a business bank account to get a merchant account or a business loan.

What's the best business account for no fees?

Airwallex is the best business account with no monthly fee. It's an alternative to a business bank account, not a bank. It lets you hold, send, and receive 20+ currencies, transact globally using local payment rails, and accept customer payments using 160+ payment methods.

Can I open a business bank account online with no deposit?

Yes, many of the best small business bank accounts don't require a minimum deposit. Chase Bank and Columbia Bank both let you open an account with $0 in deposits, as does the Airwallex business account.

What bank is best for business owners? 

This depends on your business's needs. Digital-first owners will find a lot to love in the Airwallex business account, a non-bank alternative built for cross-border business. Startup owners may like Mercury for its scalable plans. Cash business owners may prefer Chase Bank because of its large ATM network.

What is the best bank for a business account?

Among traditional banks, Chase Bank offers the best combination of branch access and low fees. If you don't need a bank, Airwallex is the best business account for domestic and international payments with no monthly fee.

Does my personal credit score affect my business bank account?

Your personal credit score can impact your ability to open a business bank account, but most banks don’t run a full credit check. Instead, many banks look only at your banking history. Your personal credit score matters a lot more if you want to get a business credit card or business loan.

Sources

1. https://www.bai.org/news/bai-research-reveals-large-banks-still-lead-in-small-business-banking-but-neo-banks-are-making-fast-inroads/

2. /en-us/business-account/

3. https://www.chase.com/business/banking/checking/business-complete-banking

4. https://www.columbiabank.com/business-banking/checking/community-business-checking/

5. https://www.americafirst.com/business/checking-accounts/business-checking.html

6. https://mercury.com/business-banking

7. https://www.brex.com/product/business-account

8. https://business.bankofamerica.com/en/deposits/checking-accounts

9. https://www.novo.co/business-banking

10. https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/checking/

11. https://www.bluevine.com/business-checking

12. https://www.grasshopper.bank/banking-solutions/startup-banking/

13. https://www.liveoak.bank/business-savings/