9 Best Business Checking Accounts of 2026

1. 1

   Mercury

   Online business checking and savings with free USD transfers, cards and invoicing, provided through partner banks.

   9.1overall

   Online business checking and savings with free USD transfers, cards and invoicing, provided through partner banks.

   Best forStartups and online businesses that send wires and want high FDIC coverage

   Adoption data

   300,000+Mercury said in its May 2026 Series D announcement that more than 300,000 customers use its platform, including one in three U.S. startups.

   Mercury, Series D announcement (2026): “More than 300,000 customers choose Mercury, including one in three U.S. startups”

   Mercury is the account most venture-backed founders open first, and its pricing page explains why: business checking and savings, company cards, bill pay, invoicing and expense tools are all included at $0 a month, with no overdraft penalties or minimum balance. USD ACH, wires, real-time payments and checks are free, which matters for companies paying contractors and vendors by wire. Deposits are spread across partner banks and their sweep networks for up to $5M in FDIC insurance, twenty times the standard limit. Paid plans start at $35 a month and add recurring invoices, ACH debit invoicing and unlimited 1099 filings, while Mercury Pro at $299 a month adds a relationship manager. In May 2026 Mercury reported more than 300,000 customers. The limits are structural: Mercury is a fintech company rather than a bank, and there are no branches, so businesses that handle cash every day will find a branch bank more practical.

   Strengths

   • +Free USD domestic wires on the $0 plan
   • +Highest published FDIC coverage on this list, tied with Novo, at $5M
   • +More than 300,000 customers per its May 2026 release

   Limitations

   • −Not a bank; accounts are provided through partner banks
   • −No branches for cash deposits
   • −Mercury Pro costs $299 per month for a relationship manager

   SummaryMercury is the best business checking account for startups and online businesses because it charges $0 a month, includes free USD wires and offers up to $5M in FDIC insurance. Cash-heavy businesses should pick a branch bank.

2. 2

   Bluevine

   Online business checking that pays interest, with sub-accounts, bill pay and lines of credit up to $250K.

   8.9overall

   Online business checking that pays interest, with sub-accounts, bill pay and lines of credit up to $250K.

   Best forSmall businesses that want interest on their checking balance

   Adoption data

   1M+Bluevine says on its homepage that more than 1 million businesses bank with it.

   Bluevine, Bluevine homepage (2026): “Join the 1M+ businesses banking with confidence.”

   Bluevine is built around one idea that the big banks rarely offer on business checking: interest. The Standard plan has no monthly fee and pays 1.3% APY on balances up to $250,000 if you spend $500 a month on the Bluevine Business Debit Mastercard or receive $2,500 in customer payments. Plus costs $30 a month and pays 1.75% with no activity requirement, and Premier costs $95 a month and pays 3.3% on all balances, with both fees waivable under Bluevine's rules. Accounts carry FDIC insurance up to $3,000,000 through Coastal Community Bank and its program banks. Bluevine does not charge overdraft fees, incoming domestic wire or ACH fees, or in-network ATM fees, and there is no minimum balance. It also offers lines of credit up to $250K, which helps owners who want banking and credit from one provider. Outgoing wires and international payments cost extra, so heavy wire senders may do better at Mercury.

   Strengths

   • +No monthly, overdraft or incoming ACH fees on Standard
   • +Interest on checking without a paid plan
   • +Largest business count among the fintechs here, at 1M+

   Limitations

   • −Standard interest requires $500 card spend or $2,500 in customer payments each month
   • −Outgoing wires and international payments carry fees
   • −Not a bank; deposits are held at Coastal Community Bank

   SummaryBluevine is the best choice for owners who want interest on checking because its $0 Standard plan pays 1.3% APY with a simple activity goal. Wire-heavy businesses should compare Mercury.

3. 3

   Chase Business Complete Banking

   Branch-backed small business checking from Chase with built-in card acceptance through QuickAccept.

   8.6overall

   Branch-backed small business checking from Chase with built-in card acceptance through QuickAccept.

   Best forBusinesses that deposit cash and want branch access

   Adoption data

   7.4 millionJPMorganChase's 2025 annual report says its Consumer & Community Banking business serves 7.4 million small businesses.

   JPMorganChase, 2025 Annual Report: Letter from Marianne Lake, CEO, Consumer & Community Banking (2025): “serving 86.6 million consumers and 7.4 million small businesses”

   Chase Business Complete Banking is the account to beat for owners who still need a branch. It is a small business checking account with card acceptance built in through Chase QuickAccept, plus digital invoices sent from Chase Business Online or the Chase Mobile app. Each statement cycle includes debit card purchases, up to 20 checks and banker transactions, and $5,000 of in-branch cash deposits at no extra charge, and there is no charge for deposits at a Chase ATM. There is no minimum deposit to open. The cost is a $15 monthly service fee, which Chase lets you waive in five ways, such as a $2,000 minimum daily ending balance or $2,000 in eligible deposits from Chase QuickAccept. JPMorganChase's 2025 annual report says its consumer and small business arm serves 7.4 million small businesses, the largest base on this list. Online-only accounts beat it on fees and interest, so it fits best when cash deposits or in-person service matter.

   Strengths

   • +Largest small business customer base on this list
   • +Branch cash deposits included each cycle
   • +Card acceptance built into the checking account

   Limitations

   • −$15 monthly fee unless a waiver condition is met
   • −Fees apply beyond the included transactions and cash deposits
   • −No interest on the checking balance

   SummaryChase Business Complete Banking is the best choice for cash-handling businesses because it includes $5,000 of in-branch cash deposits per cycle. Its $15 fee only goes away if you meet a waiver condition.

4. 4

   Relay

   Online business banking with up to 20 checking accounts, unlimited users and spend controls on the free plan.

   8.5overall

   Online business banking with up to 20 checking accounts, unlimited users and spend controls on the free plan.

   Best forTeams that budget with many separate accounts

   Adoption data

   110,000+Relay says on its homepage that it has served more than 110,000 businesses.

   Relay, Relay homepage (2026): “110,000+ businesses served”

   Relay is designed for owners who split money into buckets. The free Starter plan includes 20 checking accounts per business, up to 50 credit and debit cards, unlimited users, invoicing and accounting integrations, with no minimum balance and no overdraft fees. Grow costs $30 a month and adds multi-step approval rules, recurring invoices, bookkeeping automations and a higher savings rate of 1.87% APY, while Scale, listed at $90 a month during a discount, adds 50 checking accounts and free same-day ACH. Banking services are provided by Thread Bank, and deposits can qualify for up to $3,000,000 in FDIC coverage when Thread Bank places them across its sweep program banks. Relay reports more than 110,000 businesses served, fewer than the larger fintechs here, which lowers its adoption score. Some wires and same-day ACH carry transaction fees, so check the fee table if you move money urgently.

   Strengths

   • +Twenty checking accounts on the $0 plan suit profit-first budgeting
   • +Unlimited users without per-seat fees
   • +No minimum balance or overdraft fees

   Limitations

   • −Smaller published customer base than Mercury or Bluevine
   • −Transaction fees apply to some wires and same-day ACH
   • −Not a bank; banking services are provided by Thread Bank

   SummaryRelay is the best choice for teams that budget by account because its $0 Starter plan includes 20 checking accounts and unlimited users. Owners who want interest on checking should look at Bluevine.

5. 5

   Novo

   Free online business checking for independent businesses, with invoicing, reserves and ATM fee refunds.

   8.4overall

   Free online business checking for independent businesses, with invoicing, reserves and ATM fee refunds.

   Best forFreelancers and independent businesses that want zero monthly fees

   Adoption data

   250,000+Novo says on its homepage that it is trusted by more than 250,000 independent businesses.

   Novo, Novo homepage (2026): “Trusted by 250,000+ independent businesses”

   Novo keeps its fee sheet short. Business checking has a $0 monthly maintenance fee with no waiver requirement and no minimum balance, standard ACH transfers cost nothing, and Novo does not charge ATM fees while reimbursing third-party ATM fees up to $7 per customer each month. Invoicing, reserve accounts for setting money aside and bookkeeping tools are free, and the account connects to payroll and business credit products. Banking services are provided by Middlesex Federal Savings, and Novo says eligible deposits can be insured up to $5,000,000 through Middlesex and other banks in its sweep network. Novo says it is trusted by more than 250,000 independent businesses. The trade-offs are modest: Express ACH costs extra, the ATM refund is capped, and there are no branches for cash deposits. For a freelancer or sole owner who wants a free account with tools for getting paid, it is one of the simplest choices here.

   Strengths

   • +No monthly fee and no waiver conditions to track
   • +ATM fee refunds up to $7 a month
   • +FDIC coverage up to $5M

   Limitations

   • −Express ACH carries a fee
   • −ATM refunds are capped at $7 a month
   • −Not a bank; services are provided by Middlesex Federal Savings

   SummaryNovo is the best choice for freelancers who want a free account because it has a $0 monthly fee with no waiver conditions and refunds ATM fees up to $7 a month. Businesses that need interest should compare Bluevine.

6. 6

   Lili

   Business banking with built-in bookkeeping, tax savings and invoicing, on a free Core plan or paid tiers.

   8.2overall

   Business banking with built-in bookkeeping, tax savings and invoicing, on a free Core plan or paid tiers.

   Best forSelf-employed owners who want banking and bookkeeping in one app

   Adoption data

   200K+Lili says on its About page that it has served more than 200,000 businesses.

   Lili, About Lili (2026): “200K+ businesses served”

   Lili pairs a business checking account with the bookkeeping chores that solo owners usually do in spreadsheets. Lili Core costs $0 a month and includes business checking with a Visa debit card, ACH, check and wire payments, integrations and 7-day support. Lili Pro at $15 a month adds expense categorization and receipt capture for taxes, Smart at $35 adds accounting software with bookkeeping automation, and Premium at $55 adds bill management and priority service; each paid plan has a 30-day free trial and an introductory discount. Banking services are provided by Sunrise Banks, with FDIC insurance up to $3M through a sweep network. Savings earn 2.25% APY on balances up to $500,000 and 4.00% on balances above that up to $1M, so the headline rate only applies to large balances. Lili reports more than 200,000 businesses served. If you already pay for accounting software, the paid tiers duplicate it.

   Strengths

   • +Free Core plan with 7-day customer support
   • +Bookkeeping and tax tools included from $15 a month
   • +30-day free trial on paid plans

   Limitations

   • −Accounting features require Smart at $35 a month or higher
   • −Highest savings rate applies only to balances over $500,000
   • −Not a bank; services are provided by Sunrise Banks

   SummaryLili is the best choice for self-employed owners who want banking and bookkeeping in one place because its $15 Pro plan adds tax categories and receipt capture to a free account. Owners with separate accounting software can stay on Core.

7. 7

   Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking

   Entry-level business checking from Wells Fargo with branch and ATM access nationwide.

   8.2overall

   Entry-level business checking from Wells Fargo with branch and ATM access nationwide.

   Best forSmall businesses that want a national branch bank

   Adoption data

   3 million+Wells Fargo says it supports more than 3 million small business customers.

   Wells Fargo, Wells Fargo: Say and do (2026): “Supporting over 3 million small business customers”

   Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking is the bank's account for the most common business banking needs, aimed at lower balances and fewer transactions. The monthly service fee is $15, or $0 if you keep a $2,000 minimum daily balance, a $5,000 average combined business deposit balance, or own an eligible Wells Fargo premium personal checking account. Opening requires a $25 deposit. The account includes Wells Fargo Business Online and mobile banking with Business Bill Pay and mobile deposit, and access to more than 11,000 ATMs across the country. Wells Fargo says it supports more than 3 million small business customers, the second-largest base on this list after Chase. The account does not pay interest, and businesses with larger balances would move to a higher tier with a $25 fee. Compared with online accounts, it costs more if you cannot meet a waiver, but it gives you branches for cash and in-person help.

   Strengths

   • +Large branch and ATM network
   • +More than 3 million small business customers
   • +Low $25 opening deposit

   Limitations

   • −$15 monthly fee unless you meet a waiver
   • −No interest on Initiate Business Checking
   • −Online fintechs offer higher FDIC limits through sweep networks

   SummaryWells Fargo Initiate Business Checking is a good choice for owners who want a national branch bank because the $15 fee drops to $0 with a $2,000 minimum daily balance. Chase offers more included cash deposits.

8. 8

   American Express Business Checking

   Online business checking from American Express National Bank that earns Membership Rewards points on debit purchases.

   7.7overall

   Online business checking from American Express National Bank that earns Membership Rewards points on debit purchases.

   Best forAmex card members who want rewards on debit spending

   American Express Business Checking is an online account from a bank, which sets it apart from the fintech accounts on this list that rely on partner banks. There is no minimum balance requirement and no monthly fee. The account earns interest on balances up to $500k, compounded daily and paid monthly, and the Business Debit Card earns 1 Membership Rewards point for every $2 of eligible purchases, with no cap on points. Cash withdrawals are fee-free at more than 70,000 Allpoint and MoneyPass ATMs, checks can be deposited in the Amex App, and support is available 24/7. Amex also offers Business Savings alongside it. The drawbacks are the lack of branches for cash deposits and the absence of a published business checking customer count, which keeps its adoption score conservative. It is most useful for businesses that already hold an Amex business card and want points from debit spending too.

   Strengths

   • +No monthly fee or minimum balance
   • +Rewards points on debit card spending
   • +Deposits held directly at an FDIC-insured bank

   Limitations

   • −Interest applies only to balances up to $500k
   • −No branches for cash deposits
   • −No published business checking customer count

   SummaryAmerican Express Business Checking is the best choice for Amex card members because its debit card earns 1 Membership Rewards point per $2 with no monthly fee. Businesses that need cash deposits should pick a branch bank.

9. 9

   Axos Basic Business Checking

   No-fee online business checking from Axos Bank with free incoming wires and expanded FDIC coverage.

   7.6overall

   No-fee online business checking from Axos Bank with free incoming wires and expanded FDIC coverage.

   Best forNew businesses that receive wires from clients

   Axos Basic Business Checking is Axos Bank's account for new businesses, and its fee line is plain: no monthly maintenance fee, no initial deposit and no minimum balance fees. Its most distinctive feature is free incoming wires, both domestic and international, which helps consultants and exporters paid by overseas clients. Standard FDIC insurance covers up to $250,000 for individual accounts, and Axos offers expanded FDIC coverage up to $265 million for larger balances. Owners who want interest can choose Business Interest Checking, which earns up to 1.01% APY with a $100 opening deposit and no monthly fee at a $5,000 minimum average daily balance. A $200 welcome bonus is available with promo code START200 through January 31, 2027, paid in $50 installments when you hold a $3,000 average daily balance. Axos does not publish a business checking customer count we could cite, and as an online bank it has no branches for cash.

   Strengths

   • +Free incoming international wires, which many accounts charge for
   • +No opening deposit
   • +Very high expanded FDIC coverage

   Limitations

   • −Basic Business Checking does not pay interest
   • −No branches for cash deposits
   • −No published business customer count

   SummaryAxos Basic Business Checking is the best choice for businesses paid by international wire because incoming wires are free and there is no monthly fee. Owners who want interest should compare Bluevine.

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