Choosing the right business bank is a crucial step for any small business owner. The right banking partner can help you manage cash flow, streamline financial operations, and even save money on fees. With so many options available, it’s important to select a bank that fits your business’s unique needs.
In this article, we’ll explore four popular business banking options—American Express, Found, NBKC, and Charles Schwab—and how they can benefit your business.
Best for: Businesses that want premium rewards and integrated financial tools
American Express is widely known for its business credit cards, but it also offers a business checking account with high-yield interest and built-in benefits.
✅ Business Checking Account – Earn interest on your balance (currently 1.30% APY).
✅ No Monthly Fees – No minimum balance requirement or maintenance fees.
✅ Amex Business Cards – Easily integrate with American Express business credit cards for streamlined spending and rewards.
✅ 24/7 Customer Support – Get dedicated business banking support.
✔️ High-interest checking
✔️ No monthly maintenance fees
✔️ Strong business credit card options
❌ No physical branches
❌ Limited product offerings beyond checking and credit cards
American Express business banking is ideal for business owners who already use Amex credit cards and want a high-yield, low-fee checking account with integrated rewards and financial management tools.
Best for: Freelancers, solopreneurs, and self-employed individuals who need automated bookkeeping
Found is a digital-first banking solution designed for self-employed entrepreneurs. It simplifies business banking by combining a business checking account with invoicing, bookkeeping, and tax management tools.
✅ No Monthly Fees – Free business checking with no minimum balance requirement.
✅ Automated Bookkeeping – Track expenses, categorize transactions, and generate reports.
✅ Tax Tools – Auto-set aside money for taxes and estimate quarterly tax payments.
✅ Easy Invoicing – Create and send invoices directly from the app.
✔️ Free business checking with no hidden fees
✔️ Built-in tax and bookkeeping tools
✔️ User-friendly mobile app
❌ No physical branches
❌ No check-writing or cash deposits
Found is perfect for freelancers, gig workers, and solopreneurs who need a simple business banking solution with integrated tax and bookkeeping features.
Best for: Small businesses looking for a full-service, low-fee online banking experience
NBKC (National Bank of Kansas City) is a hybrid online and branch-based bank offering business accounts with minimal fees and strong digital banking features.
✅ Business Checking with No Monthly Fees – No minimum balance or transaction fees.
✅ High-Interest Savings – Earn competitive interest rates on savings accounts.
✅ Free Bill Pay & Mobile Deposits – Manage finances easily from your phone or computer.
✅ Access to Business Loans – Competitive business lending options, including SBA loans.
✔️ No monthly maintenance fees
✔️ Full-service banking with checking, savings, and lending options
✔️ Nationwide ATM access (refunds up to $12 per month)
❌ Limited physical branches (only in Kansas City)
❌ No business credit cards
NBKC is great for small business owners who want a low-cost, full-service banking option with online convenience and access to business loans.
Best for: Businesses with international transactions and investment needs
Charles Schwab is primarily known for investment accounts, but it also offers business checking accounts with unique perks, especially for businesses that travel or operate internationally.
✅ Schwab Business Checking – No monthly fees and unlimited ATM fee reimbursements worldwide.
✅ High-Yield Business Savings – Competitive interest rates on business savings.
✅ Free International ATM Withdrawals – Great for businesses that travel frequently.
✅ Integration with Investment Accounts – Easily move money between business banking and investment accounts.
✔️ No monthly fees
✔️ Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements worldwide
✔️ Strong investment integration
❌ No business credit cards
❌ No physical branches for traditional banking services
Charles Schwab is ideal for business owners who travel frequently or have international clients, as well as those who want to combine business banking with investing.
Selecting the right business bank depends on your specific needs and how you manage your finances. If you want a high-yield checking account with rewards, American Express may be the best fit. If you're a freelancer or solopreneur, Found’s bookkeeping and tax tools can be a game-changer. For a full-service online banking experience with access to business loans, NBKC is a great option. And if you travel frequently or want to integrate banking with investing, Charles Schwab is worth considering.
No matter which bank you choose, having the right financial tools in place will help you stay organized, save money, and grow your business with confidence.
Disclaimer: This is not legal, financial or tax advice.