Best bank for freelancers in 2026

For freelancers, solopreneurs, and independent contractors, choosing the right bank is a critical business decision that directly impacts your financial health and efficiency. Finding the best business account for self-employed individuals isn't just about separating personal and professional finances; it's about unlocking tools that save you time and money. This guide breaks down the essential factors to consider, from monthly fees to integration capabilities and loan access, helping you make an informed choice for your enterprise.

Quick breakdown

• Bluevine offers freelancers a powerful, high-yield checking account combined with seamless payment solutions to help manage and grow their business efficiently.
• Other options for freelancers include Lili, Relay, American Express, and Chase Business.
• When picking a bank for freelancers, consider essential factors like fee structures, mobile banking features, and integration with business tools to ensure the account meets your specific operational needs.
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Best banks for freelancers

Bluevine

Bluevine is a financial technology company¹ that delivers an all-in-one digital banking platform built to empower small businesses and freelancers. The platform integrates a high-yield business checking account for eligible customers with a full suite of tools for payments, invoicing, and automated accounts payable, streamlining financial operations from a single dashboard. This powerful combination of no monthly fees for their Standard plan and high-yield interest allows freelancers to reduce overhead while maximizing the earning potential of their funds. Its digital-first approach ensures business finances can be managed from anywhere, without ever needing to visit a physical bank.

Bank account features

• Monthly fee: $0 for Standard plan²
• Annual percentage yield: up to 3.0%³
• Overdraft fee: $0
• Transaction limits: unlimited⁴
• ATM access: 37,000+ no-fee ATMs⁵
• Mobile check deposit: available
• Accounting software integration: QuickBooks Online^,6 Xero, and more
• FDIC insurance: up to $3 million⁷

Top features for freelancers

• High-yield business checking: Maximize your earnings with a high-interest checking account⁸ for eligible customers that allows your funds to grow, turning your business balance into a productive asset.
• Integrated payment processing: Simplify getting paid by sending invoices, creating payment links, or accepting in-person payments directly from your phone with Tap to Pay.⁹
• No monthly fees: Keep more of your revenue with an account that has no monthly fees,² no overdraft fees, and free standard ACH transfers, reducing unnecessary business costs.
• Automated accounts payable: Save significant time on administrative work by automating bill management and payment scheduling directly from your banking dashboard.
• Smart sub-accounts: Organize your finances with ease by creating up to 25 dedicated sub-accounts to budget for taxes, payroll, or future investments, giving you a clearer view of your cash flow.
• Customer satisfaction: With an A+ BBB rating and a 4.5-star “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot,¹⁰ customers value how Bluevine simplifies banking and supports the unique needs of small businesses.
• Accept payments: Getting paid is faster and simpler with Bluevine’s integrated invoicing tools. Businesses can create and send professional invoices, and receive card or digital wallet payments directly to their Bluevine checking account,  plus accept payments in person with Tap to Pay.⁹
• International payments: Easily send and receive global business payments in as fast as 24 hours with simple, competitive pricing.¹¹

Bluevine provides a comprehensive digital platform that merges high-yield business checking³ with a full suite of financial tools, empowering freelancers to manage their business from a single dashboard. By automating accounts payable and simplifying receivables with built-in invoicing and payment tools,⁹ the platform frees up valuable time and reduces overhead with its no monthly fee structure. Smart sub-accounts offer greater control over cash flow for budgeting and taxes. This holistic approach, combined with access to capital, positions Bluevine as an essential partner for any freelancer focused on efficiency and scalability.

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Other options

Here are several other business checking accounts you can consider, depending on your specific needs.

Lili

Lili is a financial technology company offering a digital platform that can be particularly useful for freelancers. It combines business banking with integrated accounting, tax preparation, and credit-building tools to help independent contractors manage their finances. Banking services are provided through partner banks, such as Sunrise Banks, N.A.

Lili simplifies banking for freelancers by bundling essential tax and expense tools directly into its platform. As a freelancer's business grows, however, their needs often evolve. Bluevine caters to this next stage by offering a higher APY on checking balances, built-in bill pay, multiple sub-accounts for organizing funds, and access to business financing—features designed to support expanding operations.

Relay

Relay is a financial technology company that provides online business banking through its partner, Thread Bank. The platform is designed to help small businesses, including freelancers, organize their cash flow by managing funds for different purposes. For added security, Relay offers up to $3M in FDIC insurance on deposits.

Relay and Bluevine both offer built-in invoicing, a useful tool for any freelancer. Where they diverge is in how your money can grow—Relay offers an APY on its savings accounts, but Bluevine lets you earn a competitive APY directly on your checking balance. Bluevine also equips freelancers for growth with free checkbooks and lending options, such as a line of credit.

American Express

As a major financial services company, American Express equips businesses with a range of products, including a digital business checking account and various financing options. These solutions cover everything from working capital and equipment loans to everyday digital banking.

American Express offers a business checking account with a straightforward 1.3% APY on balances up to $500,000. For freelancers seeking to maximize their earnings and operational efficiency, Bluevine provides a compelling alternative with its tiered, higher-APY structure, offering up to 3% with the Premier plan. Bluevine also integrates advanced features designed for growing businesses, such as sub-accounts for better financial organization, cash deposit capabilities, and access to credit lines. This makes it a powerful choice for high-activity freelancers who need more sophisticated digital tools to manage their finances.

Chase Business

Chase Bank is a major national bank and the largest in the U.S. by assets, providing a wide range of financial products for individuals and businesses of all sizes through its vast network of branches and ATMs.

For freelancers who prefer in-person service or need to make large cash deposits, Chase offers an extensive network of physical branches. Its accounts, however, typically come with higher fees and lower yields. Bluevine is designed for the digital-first freelancer, offering high-yield online business accounts with low fees and integrated cash flow tools that make it easy to manage finances efficiently.

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What to consider when choosing a banking partner

Selecting the right banking partner is about more than just finding a place to hold your money; it's about securing a partner that supports your long-term vision. As your business evolves, your banking needs will change, so it's crucial to evaluate potential banks on factors that enable growth and efficiency.

Scalability and growth support

Your bank should be able to grow with you. Look for a partner that offers scalable money management tools and a range of financing options that fit different stages of your business, from startup to expansion. This ensures you won't outgrow your bank's capabilities and face a disruptive switch down the line.

Digital tools and accessibility

In today's mobile world, robust digital tools are non-negotiable for managing your finances efficiently. A bank with a strong online and mobile platform allows you to handle everything from check deposits to payments on the go, saving you valuable time. Seamless integration with your accounting software is also key to streamlining your back-office operations.

Relationship and industry expertise

A great banking partner acts as more than just a service provider; they offer valuable insights and personalized advice. Choosing a bank that understands your industry and long-term potential can give you access to tailored solutions and guidance. This relationship can be a critical asset when navigating economic shifts or planning your next move.

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How to choose the best bank for freelancers

Choosing the right bank means finding a partner that aligns with your unique business needs. Your decision should be guided by key operational questions. Do you require in-person services, or does a digital-first platform fit your workflow? Will you be making or receiving international payments? What are your long-term growth plans? The best bank for your business will not only meet your current demands but also provide the scalable tools and support you need to expand in the future.

• Start by defining your primary banking need:
  
  • If your priority is maximizing earnings with high-yield interest while streamlining payments and invoicing from a single platform: look for an all-in-one digital banking solution. These platforms are often the best bank for independent contractors who value efficiency and want their cash to work for them.
  • If you frequently handle physical cash or prefer face-to-face support: a traditional bank with a large network of physical branches might be a better fit. Be mindful of potential monthly fees and lower interest rates that can accompany these services.
  • If your main goal is to simplify bookkeeping and tax preparation: consider a business account for self-employed individuals that has built-in expense tracking and tax-saving tools. These specialized accounts can automate much of the financial admin that comes with freelancing.
  • If you need to organize funds for different projects or savings goals: a bank that offers multiple free sub-accounts is ideal. This feature allows you to easily budget for taxes, payroll, or specific client work without opening entirely separate accounts.
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Why choose Bluevine

Bluevine empowers freelancers with an all-in-one digital platform that simplifies finances and maximizes earnings. Unlike many competitors, it combines high-yield business checking—up to 3.0% APY³—with integrated invoicing and fee-free banking², giving you a powerful advantage for growth.

Open a Bluevine Account Today