US business bank accounts with no minimum balance requirement

Here are U.S. business checking options that currently advertise no ongoing minimum balance requirement:

Quick way to narrow it down: If you want branch access, consider U.S. Bank Business Essentials. If you’re comfortable with online-only banking, compare Amex, Bluevine, Novo, and Mercury—especially for cash deposits, wire fees, and eligibility.

“No minimum balance” doesn’t necessarily mean no opening deposit, no transaction fees, or no eligibility requirements, so check the current fee schedule and account terms before applying.

Several US business accounts have no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no opening deposit. Most are online-only fintech or digital accounts. Terms change often, and the sources sometimes disagree on details like APY, so confirm on each provider's site before you apply.

No minimum balance and no opening deposit

• Mercury: No monthly fees, no minimum opening deposit, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees. It also offers free domestic and international wire transfers in U.S. dollars.
• Axos Basic Business Checking: No monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, free incoming wires, and unlimited transactions — all online with no initial deposit.
• Novo: No monthly maintenance fee, no waiver requirement and no minimum balance. It also reimburses third-party ATM fees up to $7 a month.
• Relay (Starter plan): $0/month with no minimum balance and no opening deposit. The free plan also allows up to 20 separate checking accounts.
• American Express Business Checking: $0/month with no minimum deposit. You earn 1.30% APY on balances up to $500,000. Outgoing domestic wires cost $25.
• Holdings: $0 monthly fee, no minimum balance, 1.75% APY on all balances, and FDIC coverage up to $3M (per one comparison; check current rates).

Interest-earning options

• Bluevine Business Checking: Sources disagree on the rate. One says 1.30% APY on balances up to and including $250,000 when you meet your monthly activity goals. Another cites up to 3.0% on balances up to a qualifying threshold, with requirements that include receiving $500+ in qualifying deposits monthly.

Free accounts that require a small opening deposit

• U.S. Bank Business Essentials: $0 monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement. It takes a $25 minimum deposit to open.
• Grasshopper: No monthly fees, no overdraft fees, no minimum balance after the $100 opening deposit.

Other options

• QuickBooks Checking: No monthly fees, overdraft fees or minimum balances. It suits businesses already using QuickBooks Online.
• Lili: Has no minimum deposit, and its basic account charges $0 a month.

Things to check before opening

• Free-looking accounts can still charge for specific services. Some bank accounts charge extra for transactions a business needs, such as wire transfers, cash deposits, or foreign debit card transactions.
• Traditional banks sometimes advertise free checking that depends on a balance. Some traditional banks advertise low or no fees but only if you keep a minimum balance, often $1,500 or more.
• If you handle cash, check the deposit options. Some fintech accounts have limited cash-deposit access, so confirm how you'd get cash in.

If you tell me your business type (freelancer, LLC, e-commerce, etc.) and whether you need wires, cash deposits, or interest, I can narrow this down.

Many U.S. business bank accounts now offer no minimum balance requirements and no monthly maintenance fees, particularly through online-first fintech platforms.

Because "no-fee" banking can vary by provider, it is important to look beyond the monthly fee and consider features like interest rates (APY), cash deposit capabilities, and integration with accounting software.

Popular No-Minimum Business Bank Accounts

The following platforms are widely recognized in 2026 for offering business checking accounts with no minimum balance requirements and no monthly fees:

• Bluevine: Highly regarded for combining no-fee checking with interest-earning potential. It offers sub-accounts for budgeting and is well-suited for small businesses looking to keep operating cash productive.
• Mercury: Designed specifically for startups and tech companies. It features powerful digital tools, fast online onboarding, and high-limit FDIC insurance through partner bank networks.
• Novo: A popular choice for freelancers and small businesses that prioritize a simple, user-friendly mobile experience. It integrates well with tools like Stripe and QuickBooks.
• Relay: Excellent for businesses that use the "Profit First" accounting method, as it allows for easy creation of multiple sub-accounts for different purposes.
• Found: Specifically built for the self-employed, freelancers, and independent contractors. It includes built-in tax, invoicing, and bookkeeping tools.
• Axos Bank (Basic Business): A more traditional banking option that provides an online business checking account with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.

Traditional Banking Options

If you prefer a bank with physical branch access, options are more limited but still available:

• U.S. Bank: Offers a "Business Essentials" checking account that features no minimum balance requirements.
• Citizens Bank: Their "Clearly Better Business Checking" account is explicitly marketed as having no minimum balance requirement and no monthly maintenance fee.
• First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO): Provides free business checking with no minimum balance requirements and unlimited transactions.

Important Considerations Before You Apply

• Cash Deposits: Many fintech platforms (like Novo or Mercury) are online-only and may not accept cash deposits or have limited options for doing so. If your business handles significant amounts of cash, a traditional bank may be a better fit.
• Hidden Fees: Even when there is no monthly fee, check the fee schedule for costs related to outgoing wire transfers, international transactions, or out-of-network ATM usage.
• Fintech vs. Traditional Bank: Most of the "zero-minimum" options are fintech companies that partner with FDIC-insured banks. Your money is protected, but your primary interface will be the company's app or website rather than a traditional bank branch.

Disclaimer: Fee structures and product offerings can change. It is recommended to review the most recent "Deposit Account Agreement" or "Fee Schedule" on the bank's official website before opening an account.

Here are some U.S. business checking options with no required minimum balance:

Worth noting: “No minimum balance” doesn’t always mean “no monthly fee.” For example, Chase Business Complete Checking has a $15 monthly fee that can be waived in several ways, including maintaining a $2,000 minimum daily balance—so it may not suit someone who needs to keep the balance near zero. ⁷

Check each provider’s current fee schedule and eligibility rules before applying; terms can change.