Live offers across tracked providers in United States — updated daily from the Giraffy database.
What is Business Banking in the US?
Business banking provides checking accounts, payments, cards and cash management built for companies rather than individuals. In the United States a dedicated business account keeps company and personal finances separate—important for liability protection and clean bookkeeping—and gives access to features like invoicing, multiple sub-accounts, employee cards and accounting integrations. It serves everyone from solo freelancers and LLCs to funded startups and established small businesses.
How the US market works
The market splits between traditional banks with branches and relationship managers, and fintech providers that partner with chartered banks to offer fee-free, digital-first accounts. Fintechs are not themselves banks; they hold deposits at FDIC-member partner banks, often spreading balances across several to extend insurance coverage. To open an account, a US business typically needs an EIN from the IRS, formation documents and a beneficial-ownership disclosure required under federal anti-money-laundering rules.
Benefits
Clean separation — Keeping business and personal money apart protects your liability shield and simplifies taxes.
No or low fees — Many fintech accounts charge no monthly fee, no minimum balance and no overdraft fees.
Built-in tools — Invoicing, expense management, sub-accounts and accounting integrations come bundled.
Extended FDIC coverage — Sweep networks can insure balances well beyond the standard $250,000 limit.
How to choose
Decide whether you need cash and check deposits and in-person service, which favor a traditional bank, or whether a fully digital account will do. Compare monthly fees, minimum balances, transaction limits, wire and ACH costs, and whether the provider supports your business structure. Startups seeking venture funding often prioritize providers with corporate cards and treasury features, while service businesses value invoicing and accounting sync. Check integrations with tools like QuickBooks and your payment processor, and confirm whether the account supports the number of users and cards your team needs. If you plan to borrow, look at providers that also offer lines of credit or SBA lending so you can grow the relationship over time.
Leading providers in the US
Mercury and Brex are favorites among funded startups for treasury, corporate cards and software integrations. Relay Financial and Novo focus on small businesses with fee-free checking and multiple sub-accounts, Bluevine adds interest-earning checking and lines of credit, and Found and Lili target freelancers and the self-employed with built-in tax and bookkeeping tools. Chase represents the traditional banks, offering branch access, merchant services and lending for businesses that need a full-service relationship.
What it costs
Many fintech business accounts are genuinely free—no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance—earning revenue from interchange and premium tiers. Traditional bank business checking often carries a monthly fee in the low tens of dollars that can be waived by keeping a minimum balance. Additional costs may include outgoing wire fees, cash-deposit fees at fintechs, and charges for premium features or higher transaction volumes.
Protections and regulation
Deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor at the chartered bank holding the funds; fintechs disclose their partner banks and often use sweep programs to multiply coverage. Providers must comply with the Bank Secrecy Act, Know-Your-Customer and beneficial-ownership rules, and are overseen by federal banking regulators and the CFPB for consumer-facing conduct. Always confirm which bank actually holds your money and how insurance is structured.
Common questions
Do I need an EIN? Most business accounts require an EIN, though sole proprietors can sometimes use a Social Security number. Are fintech accounts FDIC-insured? The deposits are, via partner banks—confirm the arrangement. Can I deposit cash? Traditional banks handle cash easily; many fintechs charge fees or use retail networks for cash deposits.
The cheapest Business Banking in United States is $0 $0/mo from Mercury.
Business Banking in United States — FAQ
What is the best business bank account in United States?
Giraffy tracks 5 business banking options across Mercury,Relay Financial,Novo,Bluevine,Found providers in United States. Compare by monthly fee, included transactions, international transfer costs, and integration with accounting software to find the right fit for your business.
Do I need a separate business bank account?
Legally you must have a separate business account if you're a limited company. Sole traders can use a personal account, but a dedicated business account simplifies bookkeeping, gives a more professional image, and makes tax returns easier. Most accounting software integrates directly with business accounts.
What documents do I need to open a business bank account?
Requirements in United States typically include: Certificate of Incorporation (for limited companies), business address proof, director and beneficial owner IDs, and a description of business activities. FDIC-insured banks are required to conduct Know Your Customer (KYC) checks — digital-first providers often complete this online.
What are typical business bank account fees?
Business accounts usually charge a monthly fee (£5–£40 equivalent) plus per-transaction fees for cash handling and international transfers. Digital-only business banks like Tide, Starling, and Monzo Business offer lower-cost or fee-free entry plans. Traditional banks typically include more cashflow tools and relationship banking.
Can I get a business credit card or overdraft with my account?
Many business bank accounts include access to a business credit card, overdraft facility, or invoice financing. These are subject to a business credit check. Separating business credit from personal credit helps protect your personal score if the business encounters cash flow difficulties.
How long does it take to open a business bank account?
Digital-first providers can open accounts in 24–48 hours. Traditional banks typically take 5–15 working days due to enhanced business due diligence. Having all documents ready (company certificate, director IDs, utility bills) in advance significantly speeds up the process.