Bank Accounts for Your Small Business

Top 8 Bank Accounts for Your Small Business

US Banks

Minimum balance: $2,500 for the first 60 days to receive the $500 bonus, $1,500 afterward to avoid fees
APY: 0%
Transaction limits: 100 per month, unlimited electronic deposits, $5,000 per month cash deposits
Fees: No fees if $1,500 minimum balance is maintained

Chase is a branch of the JP Morgan family and boasts over 4,900 branches and 16,000 ATMs worldwide.

Minimum balance: $25 to open
APY: Variable and dependent – you need to contact a banker for rates
Transaction limits: 500 per month – excess fees $0.50 per item and $0.30 per $100 cash
Fees: $40 per month – waived with an average balance of $500 (simple business accounts) or $25,000 or $40,000 combined balance.

Wells Fargo boasts 7,400 locations and 13,000 ATMs in 32 countries.

Its Platinum Business Checking Account is best for businesses that handle a lot of cash, as the first 500 transactions and $20,000 cash deposits are fee-free.

Minimum balance: $1,000 to open
Transaction limits: 200 per month – $0.30 per item afterward
Fees: No monthly service fee

Axos was the first digital bank in the US. Having begun trading in 2000, it now has over $11 billion in assets.

Minimum balance: None
APY: 0%
Transaction limits: 150 per month – $0.50 per item afterward
Fees: $5 for a paper statement

US Bank is the fifth-largest bank in the US, having been in operation since 1863 and specializes in supporting small businesses.

UK Banks

Monthly fees: None
FSCS protection: Yes, up to £85,000
Additional information: £7 per month toolkit that includes invoicing, auto-matching email integration and VAT record

Starling is one of the UK's best digital banks and considered one of the best for small-business banking.

Monthly fees: Free for a basic account, £9.99 for a Plus account and £49.99 for a Cashback account
FSCS protection: No
Additional information: Plus account comes with one free expense card; the Cashback card includes all features and £0.05 cashback

Tide is another fast-growing digital bank based in the UK.

Monthly fees: Free for 18 months, then £6.50 per month
FSCS protection: Yes
Additional information: To keep up with fintech, HSBC has launched the Kinetic Current Account, which can be accessed through the banking app and is designed for small businesses.

Monthly fees: £3.60 per month for the Side Hustle plan and £12 per month for the Professional plan
FSCS protection: No

Coconut is not a bank, but a specially dedicated digital business current account designed to help you manage and streamline your finances.

What Is a Business Bank Account?

Regardless of the stage of your business, having a business bank account is essential for your financial operations.

Business bank accounts follow the same concepts as a personal account – money in and money out – but they often come with additional services such as:

• Business and financial advising
• Invoicing
• Running payroll
• Helping with taxes

Business accounts sometimes come with a service charge and transaction fees.

As most financial institutions offer business banking services, they may also offer joining bonuses and incentives.

What Are the Advantages of Having a Business Bank Account?

Looks More Professional

If you run a business that sends out invoices, it looks more professional if that document has an official business name.

It also provides a layer of trust between you and your customer as their money is going to a legitimate business account rather than a personal one.

Easier for Tax and Accounting

As all your business transactions are in one place, it is easier for your accountant to offset expenses and assess how much tax you need to pay.

It also saves time as neither party needs to work through a year's worth of both personal and business transactions.

Additional Resources

Not every business account offers the same package, but most provide additional services such as HR, payroll and relationship managers.

Build your Business’s Credit Rating

Building good credit allows you to access more funds either through loans or credit cards.

There are credit cards that help you build credit but managing your finances through a current account shows you are a responsible business person.

Who Needs a Business Bank Account?

In the US, if you are operating a business under a different name or as a separate legal entity such as an LLC or C-corp, you are required to have a business bank account.

In the UK, limited companies are legally required to separate their personal and professional finances.

Sole traders, freelancers and contract workers do not need a separate account as they are their business. However, if they want to keep their finances separate and enjoy the advantages of a business bank account, self-employed people can open business accounts.

Sole traders, freelancers and contract workers should also consider a business account if they offset a lot of business expenses, such as travel.

What Do You Need to Open a Business Account?

For businesses in the US:

• Employee Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (if sole proprietor)
• Business formation documents
• Ownership agreements
• Business license
• Personal photo identification for account signers
• May need a minimum deposit

For businesses based in the UK with a turnover under £6.5 million, a clearly defined ownership structure and with all owners operating in the UK:

For proof of identification, one of the following:

• Full and valid UK or foreign passport
• National Identification photocard
• Full UK paper driving license
• Full UK or foreign photocard driving license issued by UK or member states of EU and EEA

For proof of UK address, one of the following:

• Full UK paper driving license
• Full UK or foreign photocard driving license issued by UK or member states of EU and EEA
• UK or foreign bank/credit card statement – less than three months old and not printed from the internet
• UK mortgage statement – less than 12 months old and not printed from the internet
• Council tax bill, payment book or exemption card – less than 12 months old
• Utilities letter or bill – less than six months old, not printed from the internet, and ideally not a mobile phone bill

For proof of business, all of the following:

• Companies House registration number
• Business details – turnover, tax information, other capital
• Details of directors or partners – full name, date of birth, address, National Insurance number

Depending on your employment status, you may not need to show all of the above.

For example, sole traders and freelancers may not have many business details or a registration number.

How Do I Find the Best Business Bank Account?

The best business bank account depends on the size of your business and its needs. Every business owner looks for something different.

First, you need to consider what type of income and transactions your business generates.

Most accounts have different fees for different transactions. You need to find an account that charges the least for the type of transactions you complete the most.

You need to assess:

• Monthly fees
• Transaction fees
• Check fees
• Automated payment facilities and fees
• Overdraft availability and charges
• Added extras
• Access to additional funds
• Integrations with accounting software

In summary, the best one is the account that ticks all or most of your boxes.

Top Tip

When choosing your business bank account, select the one that suits your needs for the next 12 months, not where you see the business in three to five years.

Each year reassess your finances and goals and switch to a different account if you need or want to.

This ensures that your account is serving you and your business. You can also take advantage of any signup bonuses or incentives.

Final Thoughts

Having a separate business bank account is essential for certain types of businesses.

Even if you’re a freelancer or sole trader, it may be worth opening a business bank account to keep your expenses and transactions separate to your personal current account.

If chosen incorrectly, however, a business bank account can end up costing you more money in the long term.

Before making your final decision, thoroughly assess your business needs and finances to see which bank account is best for you.