Smart Money Moves: Top Picks for Business Banking

Running a business means keeping your personal and business money separate. A good business checking account can help you track spending, manage cash flow, and even earn some extra cash through interest or bonuses. But not all accounts are created equal. Some offer great perks, while others come with hidden fees. Let's break down the best options out there. BlueVine stands out with a solid 2. 00% APY on balances up to $250, 000. To earn this, you need to spend $500 per month with their debit card or receive $2, 500 in customer payments. They also offer unlimited transactions, overdraft protection, and integration with QuickBooks—all for free. Plus, you can access 37, 000 fee-free ATMs and deposit cash at 90, 000 retail locations. LendingClub offers a 1. 50% APY on balances up to $100, 000 and 0. 10% on anything above that. Their debit card gives you 1% cash back on qualifying purchases. The catch? You need to maintain a $500 average monthly balance to avoid a $10 monthly fee. They also refund out-of-network ATM fees, which is a nice perk. American Express Bank offers a 1. 30% APY on balances up to $500, 000. They don’t charge monthly fees or require a minimum deposit. Plus, you can earn 30, 000 points if you meet certain conditions. Their mobile app is available for both iOS and Android, making it easy to manage your account on the go. First Internet Bank offers a 0. 50% APY with no fees or minimum balance requirements. They reimburse up to $10 per month in ATM fees, which is a nice bonus. EverBank also offers a 0. 50% APY, but you need a $1, 500 minimum deposit to open the account. They reimburse ATM fees up to $15 per month for balances under $5, 000. Bethpage Federal Credit Union offers a 0. 20% APY with a $5 minimum deposit. They have 30 branches in New York but offer online banking nationwide. Navy Federal Credit Union offers a 0. 01% APY, but membership is limited to military personnel and their families. They have 350 branches worldwide. Axos Bank doesn’t offer any interest, but they do provide up to $400 in bonuses if you meet certain conditions. U. S. Bank offers a $350 or $800 bonus, depending on your deposit amount. Chase offers a $400 bonus, but you need to maintain a $2, 000 minimum balance to avoid a $15 monthly fee. Choosing the right business checking account depends on your needs. If you want to earn interest, BlueVine, LendingClub, and American Express are great options. If you prefer bonuses, Axos Bank, U. S. Bank, and Chase might be better. And if you need physical branches, U. S. Bank and Chase have plenty of locations. But remember, the best account for you depends on your specific needs. Do your research and choose wisely.