5 best online business bank accounts in 2026

Key takeaways

• A top online business account sends and receives payments quickly, avoids costly transaction and account fees, and supports global growth.

• The best online business accounts include Airwallex, Novo, and American Express, based on an analysis of fees, yields, functionality, and features.

• A 2025 survey found 98% of small businesses are satisfied with their fintech products, highlighting growing confidence in digital-first banking.¹

With more than 30 million SMBs in the US, demand for business banking is high.² For many owners, traditional brick-and-mortar branches are no longer the most practical way to manage their money. 

Airwallex, Novo, American Express, Found, and Bluevine are the best online business accounts, with Airwallex standing out for cross-border payments and multi-currency accounts. This guide highlights which online financial services providers are strongest in key areas, making it easier to choose the right business account for a business at any stage.

The best online business accounts and bank accounts at a glance

*Subject to change; qualifying requirements typically apply to earn incentives.

Best online business accounts and bank accounts in the US

Best online business bank account alternative: Airwallex

Ideal for

Airwallex is the premier "all-in-one" financial platform for growth-oriented entrepreneurs and eCommerce businesses that require a unified hub to manage global operations without high overhead. Airwallex Business Accounts combine its global financial infrastructure with intelligent automation to move funds at agentic speed across entities, currencies, and markets. It removes the friction of moving money across borders, with multi-currency accounts and competitively priced transfers to 120+ countries on local rails, plus the ability to collect payments like a local in 70+ countries.

Note: Airwallex is a fintech company, not a bank. U.S. customer funds are held with FDIC-insured partner banks, including Evolve Bank & Trust, and are eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance of up to $250,000 per qualified customer account and banking institution.

Our take

Airwallex is the best online business account for small business owners and entrepreneurs, because it manages all financial needs on a single platform, with no account maintenance fees, minimum deposit, or minimum balance required.

Airwallex is an especially good choice for businesses with global ambitions. Multi-currency accounts let businesses receive money from international customers in their own currency, and convert between currencies only when needed, minimizing conversion fees.

The platform also provides global account details, fast transfers across more than 200 countries in total payout reach, and business tools including corporate cards with 2% cashback and expense management. Airwallex Yield earns daily returns on idle USD balances through a money market portfolio, with no lock-up period and no minimums. It also integrates with popular accounting platforms such as Xero and QuickBooks.

Overall, Airwallex works as a one-stop shop for businesses that want to minimize the time and effort spent managing finances and focus on growth.

Pros

• Fully online application and account activation

• Choose from 3 plan types to suit business needs and budget 

• End-to-end encryption and bank-level security

Cons

• No traditional savings account, though Airwallex Yield earns daily returns on idle USD balances with no lock-up period

• US$15 to $25 fee on SWIFT transfers

• No overdraft facility

Best for no fees: Novo Business

Ideal for

Novo targets US-based startups and small business owners that prioritize cost-efficiency and want to minimize the hassle of day-to-day financial management. By waiving monthly maintenance fees and providing automated invoicing tools with AI-powered bookkeeping, it offers a banking experience that integrates with tools such as Slack and Stripe. This account covers less ground for businesses that frequently send international wire transfers or require a proprietary ATM network.

Our take

Novo Business suits businesses looking to minimize costs. In addition to waiving monthly maintenance fees, it does not charge for ACH transfers, incoming domestic wires, or paper statements.

The Novo account can also reduce the hassle of chasing payments, with automated reminders for invoice follow-ups. Novo users also receive discounts on business tools, including Slack, Dropbox, Microsoft Ads, and Asana.

However, Novo domestic wire fees add up: outgoing wires cost up to US$30, while same-day express ACH transfers cost 1.5% (US$0.50 to max $20). Express check deposits cost up to 2%. International transfers still route through an integrated Wise portal, which carries its own variable costs. Novo also lacks Airwallex's global reach.

Pros

• No minimum balance

• Integrations with Gusto, Stripe, and QuickBooks

• AI-powered bookkeeping

Cons

• No interest on deposits

• Savings accounts not available

• No proprietary ATM network

>Find out more best business bank accounts with no fees

Best for rewards: American Express Business Checking

Ideal for

The American Express Business Checking account is a choice for established business owners who want to earn Membership Rewards points on day-to-day debit card spending. It combines 24/7 customer service with interest on balances up to US$500,000, which suits businesses already in the Amex ecosystem. This account covers less ground for cash-heavy businesses, because it does not support cash deposits.

Our take

The American Express Business Checking account suits businesses looking to get something back on day-to-day spending. American Express Business often has a welcome offer, and it now runs in tiers. (At the time of writing, a qualifying US$5,000 deposit earned 30,000 Membership Rewards points, and a US$10,000 deposit earned 50,000 points, after completing select "qualifying activities.")³

Eligible debit card spending earns a point for every US$2, convertible into account deposits or travel benefits with Amex partners, including airline tickets and guest rooms. There is no cap on rewards, which suits businesses with high card spend.

Although Amex does not match Airwallex on expense management, the account integrates with accounting software such as Xero and QuickBooks. That connection speeds up bookkeeping and reconciliation, and reduces admin at tax time. High-volume businesses should account for the US$25 fee on outgoing domestic wires and the US$10 fee for same-day ACH transfers, costs that add up when moving money frequently.

Pros

• Earn 1.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on balances up to US$500,000

• 24/7 customer service

• No minimum balance requirement

Cons

• Cash deposits not supported

• No overdraft facility

• US$25 fee on outgoing domestic wires

Best for LLCs: Found Business Banking

Ideal for

Found is a mobile-first platform designed for LLCs and independent contractors that want to simplify their finances by combining banking, invoicing, and tax planning in one place. Its built-in tools for identifying tax write-offs and managing 1099 payments for contractors suit small teams looking to reduce reliance on separate accounting software. This account covers less ground for businesses with global ambitions, because it lacks multi-currency support and international payment features.

Our take

Found's three business account options come with built-in tools for invoicing, expense tracking, and tax planning via a mobile-first platform, which appeals to LLCs that want to simplify their finances without relying on separate accounting software.

For example, LLCs can create up to five business accounts under a single login, each with its own checking account, bookkeeping, and tax tools. Account holders also receive real-time reporting and contractor management information, including W-9 collection and 1099 payments.

Paid Plus and Pro account holders earn APY on their balances, while Pro users also get debit card rewards. The Plus plan runs US$35/month and earns 1.5% APY on balances up to US$20,000, while the Pro plan runs US$80/month and earns an uncapped 2.5% APY, plus 1% cashback on qualifying purchases on Found Pro. Pro also comes with two fee breaks worth knowing about: outgoing domestic wires drop to US$10 instead of US$15, and paper checks mail for free instead of costing US$1 each.⁵ Those monthly costs matter when weighing whether Found's tax automation tools and fee breaks suit a given transaction volume.

Found is built for US businesses, and unlike Airwallex, has limited global payments functionality.

Pros

• Free plan with no minimum balance requirement

• Order up to 10 physical cards and 20 virtual cards

• Helps identify relevant tax write-offs

Cons

• Lending and payroll features not available

• No welcome bonus

• Lacks multi-currency support 

> Find out more best business bank account for LLCs

Best for online checking APY: Bluevine

Ideal for

Bluevine targets US-centric small businesses that maintain significant cash reserves and want yield on their everyday checking balance. The Premier account offers 3.0% APY, aimed at companies that want to maximize interest while keeping access to a large ATM network via MoneyPass. This account covers less ground for smaller businesses that cannot meet the balance or spending requirements needed to waive the monthly fee on the Premier tier.

Our take

Bluevine suits businesses focused on earning yield on everyday spending balances. Bluevine now offers three checking tiers: Standard earns 1.30% APY on balances up to US$250,000 with no monthly fee (earning it requires US$500/month in debit card spend or US$2,500/month in customer deposits), Plus earns 1.75% APY on balances up to US$250,000 for US$30/month, and Premier earns an uncapped 3% APY on every dollar for US$95/month.

The yield is not automatic on the free tier, and clearing that activity bar is a condition of earning it. Premier carries no balance cap. Bluevine, as with Found, is geared toward US-centric small businesses, and does not offer multi-currency accounts or competitive foreign exchange (FX) pricing.

Pros

• Waives overdraft fees

• Mobile deposits and app access

• Large ATM network via MoneyPass

Cons

• Bookkeeping limitations

• Outgoing wire fee starting at US$15 on Standard, discounted on Plus and Premier

• ATM withdrawal fee of US$2.50 outside MoneyPass network

> Learn more about Bluevine vs Airwallex

Methodology for choosing the best online business bank account

This list draws on dozens of online providers in the US, evaluated on key factors such as account fees, minimum deposits and account balances, APYs, and global functionality.

The review also considered digital-first features such as mobile apps, fully online applications and account activation, and small business software integrations. Alongside the providers' own websites, it draws on reviews from industry experts and users on social platforms and review sites such as Reddit and Trustpilot.

A note on Airwallex's inclusion: Airwallex publishes this article. The Airwallex Business Account was scored against the same criteria as every other account here, and its trade-offs are listed just as they are for competing accounts.

Understanding online business bank accounts

An online business bank account is a digital-first account designed to help organizations manage their finances through mobile apps, desktop services, and financial platforms.

Types of online business bank accounts

The most common types of accounts for small businesses include:

Business checking

These accounts make and accept payments, cash and write checks, and manage everyday cash flow. Some also include built-in features for tax management, such as income tracking and report generation.

Novo covers simple checking without a monthly maintenance fee or other common charges such as early account closing and paper statement fees. It fits fledgling US-based businesses.

Business savings

Savings accounts set money aside while earning interest on the balance. They are a low-risk way to save for future expenses, planned investments, or upcoming tax bills.

Standalone business savings options include Axos Bank Premium Business Savings, which charges no monthly maintenance fee, offers free domestic and incoming wires, and pays 3.50% APY. It opens with no minimum deposit as part of the Axos Business Bundle, though a standalone account requires US$1,000 to open.⁷

Money Market Accounts (MMAs)

Money market accounts earn interest on business savings while maintaining liquidity. They typically offer higher yields than standard checking or savings accounts, without directly investing the account holder's funds.

The US Bank Platinum Business Money Market account is one option in this category, offering 0.50% APY on balances between US$50,000 and US$999,999.99, 0.75% APY on balances from US$1 million to US$3 million, and 1.14% on US$3 million and above. There is no deposit fee on the first 25 deposit transactions per statement cycle, and a minimum daily ledger balance of US$10,000 waives the US$15 monthly maintenance fee.⁸

Multi-currency accounts

Multi-currency accounts hold, send, and receive money in different currencies from a single account. They reduce the need for frequent currency conversions, which cuts exchange-rate costs.

Airwallex, the best overall online business account on this list, is also a top pick for multi-currency accounts. Businesses can hold balances in 20+ currencies, send transfers to 120+ countries at competitive rates, and open local accounts with domestic bank details in 20+ countries, letting overseas customers pay like a local.

Benefits of online business bank accounts

• Lower fees: Many online tools charge little or no monthly fees, because they do not carry the same overheads as traditional banks.

• Easy access: Managing an account via an app or online platform gives near-immediate access to balances, recent spending, and transaction alerts.

• Business tools: Features such as expense tracking, invoicing, and accounting integrations are key benefits of business bank accounts that dramatically improve cash flow management.

Risk of online business bank accounts

• Limited cash services: Some providers do not support cash deposits, which may not suit cash-based businesses.

• Smaller ATM networks: Most online banks and financial companies do not have physical branches, leaving customers reliant on third-party networks that may charge standalone fees. 

• Problems with tech: Connectivity issues can sometimes cause lags or access problems, particularly for businesses relying on a single account.

Key features of choosing the best online business bank accounts

The features below matter most when comparing online business bank accounts:

• Low costs: Many online accounts charge minimal or no monthly fees and have low balance requirements, which suits small businesses and startups, though the full fee schedule determines actual cost.

• Perks: Some providers offer attractive extras such as competitive interest rates on balances and cash back on debit card spending.

• Service and access: The best online accounts typically include 24/7 support via phone, email, or live chat.

• Tools and integrations: Built-in cash management tools and integrations with accounting software can speed up tax reporting and administrative tasks.

• Scalability: Strong online accounts support growth, with features such as multi-user access and international payments.

> Learn more about how to choose a business bank account

How to apply for an online business bank account 

Opening a business bank account is usually straightforward with the correct information on hand. The process runs as follows:

1. Choose the right provider: Compare potential accounts based on fees, features, and integrations to ensure they meet the business's needs.

2. Prepare documents: Gather key information such as business registration details, proof of address, Employer Identification Number (EIN), Social Security numbers, and personal identification for company owners and directors.

3. Complete the online application: Fill in the provider’s digital application form, which often takes just a few minutes to submit.

4. Verify identity: Upload documents and complete any necessary compliance checks.

5. Activate the account: Once approved, the account can send, receive, and manage business payments.

> Learn more about business account requirements in the U.S. 

Alternatives to online business bank accounts

Other options exist for businesses that an online business account does not suit:

• Traditional banks: Established banks often provide in-branch access, cash-handling services, and financing. They may be a good choice for organizations that prefer face-to-face service or make frequent cash deposits.

• Local credit unions: These accounts typically offer lower fees and more personalized service than online banks, though digital and global features tend to be limited.

• Spend management platforms: These focus on controlling company expenses, issuing company cards, and tracking spending. Many businesses use these alongside a traditional bank account, rather than as a replacement.

Explore different types of business accounts

For a digital company, the business account belongs in the tech stack rather than sitting apart from it. Traditional banks were built for a different pace, and often do not sync with payment processors or automate bookkeeping. What a digital business needs is a hub that handles digital payouts, connects to the rest of the stack, and keeps everything on one platform.

More options below, by business need:

• Business accounts for LLCs

• Business accounts for eCommerce

• Business accounts for international businesses

• Business accounts with no fees

• Business accounts for small businesses

• Multi-currency business accounts

• Business savings accounts

• High yield saving business accounts

• Business bank accounts for sole proprietors

Frequently asked questions about the best online business bank accounts

Can I open a business bank account online? 

Yes, many banks and fintech providers let you open a business bank account entirely online. This process typically involves completing a digital application, uploading documents, and passing identity checks.

Can I open a business bank account with just an EIN?

Many providers accept an Employer Identification Number (EIN) instead of a Social Security number, though you’ll still need to provide personal ID and business formation documents.

What bank account is best for an LLC?

Airwallex is the best business account for global LLCs, given its multi-currency accounts, competitive foreign transaction fees, and all-in-one platform. Found is an alternative for US-only LLCs, with built-in business, accounting, and expense management tools. The best LLC business account depends on the business's needs and goals, so low fees, strong online features, and tools such as multi-user access are the factors worth weighing.

Sources

1. https://www.ftassociation.org/new-state-of-fintech-survey-reveals-high-levels-of-satisfaction-value-and-trust-in-fintech/

2. https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/what-we-do/capabilities/converge/articles/small-business-banking.html 

3. https://www.novo.co/60ca70f6cb7406afbf948a8e/6758945f19eeedcd8bc77e28_NovoFeeSchedule2024.pdf 

4. https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/campaigns/banking/business/checking-account/welcome-bonus-300-5K-deposit-v7/ 

5. https://found.com/legal/fee-schedule-lead 

6. https://www.bluevine.com/business-checking/no-monthly-bank-fees 

7. https://www.axosbank.com/business/savings/business-savings-accounts/business-premium-savings# 

8. https://www.usbank.com/business-banking/banking-products/business-bank-accounts/business-money-market-account.html 

Disclaimer: We last reviewed and updated this article in October 2026. We based the information on our own online research and were not able to manually test each tool or provider. The information is provided for educational purposes only, and a reader should consider the specific requirements of their business when evaluating providers. If you would like to request an update, feel free to contact us at [email protected].