Best online bank for small business in 2026

For entrepreneurs and small business owners, selecting the right financial partner is a critical step toward growth and stability. This guide is designed to help you navigate the digital banking landscape and find the best online business bank account for your unique needs. The right choice can streamline operations, improve cash flow, and unlock savings. To empower you to make an informed decision, this article breaks down key metrics such as fees and access to capital, helping you choose a bank that truly supports your ambitions.

Quick breakdown

• Bluevine offers small businesses a comprehensive suite of tools designed to manage cash flow and accelerate growth.
• Other online options for small businesses include Novo, Relay, Lili, and NorthOne.
• When picking a bank for small businesses, consider key factors like fee structures, earning potential, and integration capabilities to find the right fit.

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Best small business banks

Bluevine

Bluevine is a financial technology company¹ providing innovative banking services for small businesses through its partnership with Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC. The platform stands out by combining a high-yield business checking account for eligible customers with a powerful suite of integrated tools designed to streamline operations and improve cash flow. Features like automated accounts payable, sub-accounts for budgeting, and access to working capital are built into a single digital dashboard, empowering businesses to save time and manage money more effectively. This all-in-one approach is engineered to reduce complexity and fuel growth, helping entrepreneurs thrive in a competitive landscape.

Bank account features

• Monthly fee: $0 on Standard plan²
• APY on checking: Up to 3.0%³
• FDIC insurance: Up to $3 million⁴
• ATM network: 37,000+ no-fee ATMs⁵
• Cash deposits: 91,500+ locations⁵
• Overdraft fees: $0
• Software integrations: QuickBooks Online,⁶ Xero, and more
• Transactions: Unlimited⁷

Top features for small businesses

• High-yield checking: Earn a competitive APY³ on your checking balance, allowing your working capital to grow automatically without needing to move funds around.
• Automated accounts payable: Streamline your bill payments with a system that lets you pay via ACH, wire, or check and set up custom approval workflows to maintain control and save time.
• Integrated business financing: Access working capital when you need it with integrated lines of credit and term loans through Bluevine’s lending partners, helping you fund growth without leaving your banking platform.
• Organizational sub-accounts: Create up to 20 sub-accounts, each with its own unique account number, to easily set aside funds for taxes, payroll, or future projects.
• No hidden fees: Keep more of your money with no monthly maintenance fees², no overdraft fees, and unlimited transactions, which helps reduce banking costs and simplify expenses.
• Customer satisfaction: With an A+ BBB rating and a 4.5-star “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot,⁸ customers value how Bluevine simplifies banking and supports the unique needs of small businesses.

Bluevine stands as the premier choice for small businesses by offering an all-in-one digital platform that combines high-yield checking for eligible customers,³ automated payments, and access to capital. It is designed to streamline financial operations, no monthly fee for the Standard plan² and automating accounts payable to save business owners time and money. This integrated approach empowers entrepreneurs to manage cash flow effectively with tools like sub-accounts while seizing growth opportunities through built-in financing.

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Other options

For businesses weighing all their choices, here are several other options to consider.

Novo

Novo is a financial technology platform that offers online business banking services through its partner bank, Middlesex Federal Savings. The platform is built for small businesses, providing a business checking account with integrated tools for invoicing, budgeting, and bookkeeping to help owners track expenses and manage cash flow.

Novo’s single checking plan offers simplicity, but it does not earn APY. For businesses focused on maximizing their cash and streamlining operations, Bluevine provides multiple checking plans that earn interest. Bluevine also equips businesses with tools for greater financial control, including sub-accounts with their own debit cards, integrated accounts payable solutions, and free checkbooks.

Relay

Relay is a financial technology company providing online business banking for small businesses through its partner, Thread Bank. The platform is designed for financial organization, allowing owners to manage cash flow by separating funds into multiple accounts for different purposes. Relay also offers up to $3 million in FDIC insurance on deposits for enhanced security.

Both Relay and Bluevine offer business banking accounts with built-in invoicing tools to streamline payments. A key difference for cash flow management is how interest is earned: Relay offers APY on its savings accounts, whereas Bluevine allows businesses to earn interest directly on their checking balances. Additionally, Bluevine provides more traditional banking tools like free checkbooks and offers integrated lending options, including a line of credit to support growth.

Lili

Lili is a financial technology company offering a digital platform that integrates business banking with tools for accounting, tax preparation, and credit building. The platform’s banking services are provided by partner banks, such as Sunrise Banks, N.A.

Lili simplifies banking for small businesses by integrating tax and expense management tools directly into its platform. For growing companies that require more advanced financial controls and growth-oriented features, Bluevine offers a compelling alternative. Bluevine provides a higher APY on checking balances, integrated bill pay, multiple sub-accounts for precise cash flow management, and business financing options to support expansion.

NorthOne

NorthOne is a financial technology company that offers a mobile-first banking platform. Its banking services, including deposits and FDIC insurance, are provided through its partner, The Bancorp Bank, Member FDIC, ensuring all funds are secure.

NorthOne offers a straightforward money management tool called envelopes for basic budgeting. For small businesses with an eye on growth, Bluevine delivers more advanced functionality. Bluevine’s sub-accounts provide greater control over cash flow, and its platform includes easy ways to get paid and accounts payable solutions built to scale with a growing company.

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What to consider when choosing a banking partner

Choosing the right online banking partner is a strategic decision that directly impacts your operational efficiency and growth potential. To find a bank that aligns with your ambitions, you need to look beyond basic features and evaluate how well it can support your business in the long run. Consider these key factors to ensure you select a partner that truly empowers your success.

Relationship and support

Your bank should be more than a service provider; it should be a partner invested in your success. A strong relationship ensures you receive tailored advice and support that understands your unique business needs. This partnership is crucial for navigating challenges and seizing growth opportunities with confidence.

Service offerings and digital tools

The right services and digital tools are essential for streamlining your financial operations and saving valuable time. Look for a platform with features like accounting software integrations and robust mobile banking to manage your money efficiently from anywhere. These tools give you greater control over your cash flow and reduce the administrative burden of running your business.

Scalability and growth potential

As your business grows, your banking needs will evolve, so it's critical to choose a partner that can scale with you. A scalable bank provides access to a wider range of products, from increased transaction capacity to flexible financing options. This ensures you have the support needed to fund expansion and capitalize on new opportunities without disruption.

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How to choose the best online bank for small businesses

Selecting the right banking partner is about finding a fit for your specific operational needs. Your choice will depend on whether you require in-person services for cash deposits, work with international clients, or plan for rapid growth that demands access to capital. By evaluating your day-to-day requirements and long-term ambitions, you can identify the best online business bank account that not only manages your money but also actively supports your journey. This strategic decision lays the foundation for financial efficiency and future success.

• Start by assessing your cash and in-person needs.
  
  • If you frequently handle physical cash or require face-to-face services, a bank with a strong branch presence or an extensive cash deposit network is essential.
  • If your business operates primarily online, the best online business banking platforms provide greater digital convenience, often with higher APYs and lower fees.
• Next, evaluate your transaction requirements.
  
  • If you work with international vendors or clients, prioritize a bank with low-cost and reliable international wire transfer capabilities.
  • If your transactions are mostly domestic, focus on accounts that offer unlimited fee-free transactions and seamless ACH payments to optimize your cash flow.
• Then, consider your plans for growth.
  
  • If you anticipate needing funding for expansion, choose a banking partner with integrated access to lines of credit or loans to ensure capital is available when opportunities arise.
  • If you do not foresee immediate financing needs, a basic account may work, but selecting a scalable platform prevents future disruptions.
• Finally, look at your operational workflow.
  
  • If you want to save time on administrative tasks, the best online business bank account will offer integrations with accounting software, automated bill pay, and tools like sub-accounts for better organization.
  • If your bookkeeping is simple, these features may be less critical, but they offer significant efficiency gains as your business grows.

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Why choose Bluevine

Bluevine is the digital banking partner that actively fuels your growth instead of just holding your money. It stands out by combining high-yield checking with automated accounts payable and integrated financing, empowering you to streamline operations and improve cash flow from a single, secure platform.

Open a Bluevine Account Today