What to look for, what to avoid, and our top recommendations
Choosing the right business bank account might seem like a small decision — but it has a big impact on how confident, organized, and profitable your business can be.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to streamline your finances, your bank should make it easy to separate your money, automate your transfers, and avoid fees that eat into your profit.
In this guide, you’ll learn what makes a great business bank account, the red flags to watch out for, and our top recommendations for 2025.
What Makes a Good Business Bank Account?
A great business bank should support your structure, not complicate it. Here’s what to look for:
No (or low) monthly fees
Your bank shouldn’t penalize you for having a slower month. Look for accounts with no minimum balance requirements and no monthly service fees.
Easy account setup
You’ll want to open multiple accounts as part of your Core 4 system — Income, Owner Pay, Business Expenses, and Taxes. Choose a bank that makes it easy to open multiple accounts online.
High transfer limits
If you’re moving money regularly between accounts, make sure your bank allows same-day or recurring transfers without limits or delays.
Good mobile app and dashboard
You need to see your money clearly and manage it on the go. A clunky interface makes it harder to stay on top of your finances.
Integrations with accounting tools
Banks that sync with bookkeeping platforms like QuickBooks or Wave help you avoid manual entry and make tax time smoother.
Great customer service
If you need help, you should be able to talk to a real person quickly — not wait days for an email reply.
What to Avoid in a Business Bank
Not all banks are built with small business owners in mind. Watch out for:
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Excessive fees (monthly, wire transfer, overdraft, etc.)
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Hard-to-navigate websites or apps
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Limits on how many accounts you can open
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No ability to automate transfers or set recurring rules
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Outdated branch-only processes that don’t work for online businesses
Our Top Business Bank Recommendations for 2025
Here are a few banks that consistently stand out for small business owners — especially those using The Small Business Planner’s Core 4 Account Setup.
Relay
Relay is a modern, online business banking platform designed with multiple accounts and automation in mind. You can open up to 20 checking accounts, name them however you want, and automate transfers with rules.
Why we love it:
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No fees
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Easy to use
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Built specifically for cash flow structure
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Integrates with QuickBooks and Xero
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Excellent for the Core 4 system
Bluevine
A strong option for businesses that want to earn interest. Bluevine offers a high-yield business checking account with no monthly fees and good transfer functionality.
Why we love it:
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Earn interest on your balance
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Free ATM access at 37,000+ locations
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Can open multiple sub-accounts
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Mobile app is user-friendly
Novo
Novo is a great option for solopreneurs or side hustlers. It’s lightweight, has solid app functionality, and connects with popular business tools.
Why we love it:
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Fast approval process
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No hidden fees
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Free transfers and mailed checks
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Great integrations with Stripe, Shopify, and more
What About Traditional Banks?
If you prefer working with a local branch or already have a relationship with a traditional bank, that can still work — as long as they allow you to open multiple checking accounts with minimal fees.
That said, many traditional banks still struggle with digital tools, automation, and quick support — which are key to running a lean and profitable small business.
Final Takeaway: The Right Bank Makes a Big Difference
Your business bank account isn’t just where money lives — it’s how your business operates behind the scenes.
When you choose the right bank, you make it easier to separate your funds, automate your cash flow, and pay yourself consistently without stress.
If you’re ready to set up the Core 4 Account System, The Small Business Planner walks you through it step by step — and includes a full bank account checklist to help you get started.
Explore the planner at https://smallbusinessplanner.com/products/planner