Which US business bank accounts have low or no fees?

Several U.S. business checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee. A good shortlist:

If you want a branch: U.S. Bank Silver or NBKC may be worth a look. If you mostly bank online: Bluevine, Amex, Mercury, and Novo are options to compare.

“No monthly fee” doesn’t mean no fees at all. Check the schedule for outgoing wires, cash deposits, ATM use, paper checks, and transaction limits—and confirm that the provider’s deposit-insurance arrangement and services fit your needs. If you tell me whether you need branch access, cash deposits, or frequent wires, I can narrow this down.

Several US business checking accounts charge no monthly fee and require no minimum balance. The main ones, according to recent 2026 comparisons:

Online-first, $0 base plans

• Mercury: Its base plan costs nothing per month and has no minimum balance. Domestic ACH and wires are free, and USD international wires cost $0 (SHA) or $15 (OUR). It suits startups and tech companies.
• Relay: Its Starter plan is free, with Unlimited transactions and no cash deposits. It has sub-accounts and debit cards for team spending, and one review calls it the top pick for most small businesses.
• Bluevine Standard: Monthly cost is $0 with no minimum. It can pay interest, but only with conditions. One source says the rate of 1.30% up to $250,000 applies only in months you spend $500+ on the debit card or receive $2,500+.
• Novo: Free, with no minimum and unlimited transactions, but it pays no interest. It's aimed at freelancers and solo operators.
• Found: The standard plan is free but does not pay interest. It is aimed at self-employed people and includes bookkeeping tools. Cash deposits are possible at retail locations for a fee.
• Lili Core: Free checking, with cash deposits available through Green Dot for a per-deposit fee.
• Holdings: Free, with built-in bookkeeping. One review says your entire checking balance earns 1.75% APY. Verify that rate on the provider's site, since the sources are not consistent on it.

Traditional banks with free options

• NBKC Business Account: It has no minimum deposit requirement and charges no monthly maintenance, overdraft, incoming wire, stop payment, bill pay, or check deposit fees. It is well suited to businesses that deal mainly online and rarely need cash services.
• U.S. Bank Business Essentials: Its base plan is free with no waiver needed, and it offers branch access.
• Axos Basic Business Checking: Unlimited transactions with no monthly fees, and it reimburses all domestic ATM fees.
• Capital One Business Checking: Unlimited transactions, free ACH transfers, and access to a large fee-free ATM network.
• Amex Business Checking: Free with no minimum deposit, and it offers interest on balances.

Accounts that are free only with conditions

• Chase Business Complete, Wells Fargo Initiate, and Bank of America's Business Advantage Fundamentals charge monthly fees unless you meet a balance, deposit, or spending requirement. Chase Business Complete Banking and Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking charge $15 a month, and Bank of America Business Advantage Fundamentals charges $16 after its first 12 months, unless you meet a waiver condition.

Things to check before you open one

• Cash deposits: Many fintech accounts don't accept cash directly. If your business handles a lot of cash, look at NBKC, Chase, or the workarounds listed above.
• Interest: Free accounts often pay nothing. One source notes that Novo charges nothing and also pays nothing, so a free account with interest may be worth more.
• Other fees: Check ATM, wire, and per-transaction fees, plus any limits on monthly transactions.
• Deposit insurance: FDIC coverage varies a lot. Some platforms advertise up to $3M or $5M through partner banks, while others cover only $250K.

These comparisons come from financial blogs and review sites, which may earn affiliate commissions. Confirm current fees and terms on each provider's own website before you apply.

In 2026, many US business bank accounts offer no monthly maintenance fees, making them highly accessible for small businesses, freelancers, and startups. However, it is important to remember that a "$0 monthly fee" does not always mean a completely free experience; you should still look out for costs related to wire transfers, cash deposits, and out-of-network ATM usage.

Popular No-Monthly-Fee Business Accounts

Several fintech platforms and traditional banks are known for their fee-friendly structures:

• Fintech Platforms (Best for online/digital-first businesses):
  • Mercury: Popular with startups and online businesses; typically features no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements.
  • Bluevine: Offers a business checking account with no monthly fees and the added benefit of earning interest (APY) on balances.
  • Novo: Designed for freelancers and small businesses, emphasizing a simple, free, and digital-only experience.
  • Relay: Focuses on cash flow management and "Profit First" budgeting, with a $0 monthly fee tier.
• Traditional Banks (Best for businesses needing physical branches/cash deposits):
  • U.S. Bank: Offers the "Business Essentials" checking account, which has no monthly maintenance fee. It is a strong choice if you need the security of a large, established bank with physical branches.
  • American Express Business Checking: A competitive option that combines no monthly fees with the ability to earn interest and rewards on debit card purchases.
  • First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO): Provides a "Free Business Checking" account with no minimum balance requirements and unlimited transactions.

What to Watch for Behind "Free"

Even with no monthly maintenance fees, your total cost of banking can rise due to other operational charges. When comparing accounts, check for these "hidden" costs:

• Wire Transfer Fees: Many accounts charge for outgoing domestic or international wires (often $15–$50). If your business frequently sends wires, prioritize accounts that offer a certain number of free or low-cost wires.
• Cash Deposit Limits: If your business handles physical cash, check the limits on free monthly cash deposits. Many accounts will charge a fee (e.g., $0.30 per $100) once you exceed a certain threshold.
• ATM Access: If you need to use ATMs, ensure the account provides a large network of fee-free ATMs or offers reimbursements for out-of-network charges.
• Account Structure: Some banks offer "conditionally waived" fees—meaning the fee is $0 only if you maintain a certain balance or hit specific transaction volumes. Always verify if the "$0" is unconditional or conditional.

How to Choose

• If you are a freelancer or solopreneur: Fintech options like Novo or Bluevine are often the easiest to set up and have the fewest barriers to entry.
• If you handle cash or need in-person support: A traditional bank like U.S. Bank is likely a better fit, as digital-first fintechs often have limited or no capabilities for physical cash deposits.
• If you carry high balances: Look for an account that offers competitive interest rates (APY) on your balance, such as Bluevine or American Express Business Checking, to ensure your money is working for you.

Disclaimer: Fee structures can change. Always review the latest "Schedule of Fees" provided by the bank or financial technology company before opening an account.

Several U.S. business checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee, though transaction, wire, cash-deposit, and other charges can still apply:

• Bluevine Standard — $0 monthly fee, no minimum balance, free standard ACH, and unlimited transactions. Outgoing wires, same-day ACH, and some other services cost extra. ¹³
• U.S. Bank Silver Checking — $0 monthly fee and a $25 minimum opening deposit. It includes 125 free transactions per statement cycle; additional transactions cost $0.50 each. Cash deposits also have limits before fees apply. ⁶¹⁴
• Bank of America Fundamentals Banking — no monthly fee for the first 12 months; afterward, the fee is $16 unless you meet the bank’s waiver requirements. ⁸

Quick take: Bluevine may suit a business that mainly uses online transfers and wants no monthly fee or minimum balance. U.S. Bank Silver may be worth comparing if you prefer a traditional bank and your transaction volume fits its free allowance. Before opening an account, check the current fee schedule for the services you actually use—especially cash deposits, outgoing wires, checks, and ATM access. ¹⁶¹⁴