Compare business checking accounts for new businesses (2026)
3 options side by side: prices, fees, Spanish support and what to watch out for. Turn tools on and off, filter by what you need, or show only the rows where they differ.
Highest score8.8/10FoundSelf-employed owners who want banking plus tax toolsMost Spanish help8.4/10NovoNew owners who want free checking linked to sales apps
| No tool matches all filters. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Self-employed owners who want banking plus tax tools | Owners who split income into many accounts | New owners who want free checking linked to sales apps |
| Skip if | You deposit cash or paper checks often, or need interest without a paid plan. | You need Spanish-language help; Relay's chat and phone support are English-only. | You handle cash often, want interest on balances, or need phone support. |
| Free plan or trial | Free plan | Free plan | Free plan |
| Spanish | English only | English only | Spanish website |
| Support | Phone M-F 8am-5pm PT; email; 24/7 AI chat | Chat and phone M-F 9am-8pm ET; 24/7 virtual assistant | In-app chat tickets; email support@novo.co |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Public rating | 4.8/5 (App Store, 34,338) | 4.3/5 (Trustpilot, 3,726) | 4.8/5 (App Store, 20,056) |
| Monthly fee | $0 (Plus $35, Pro $80 optional) | $0 Starter; $30 Grow; $90 Scale (promo, normally $120) | $0 |
| Opening deposit | $0 (none stated) | $0 | $0 (no minimum deposit) |
| Minimum balance | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Interest (APY) | None on free; 1.50% up to $20K (Plus); 2.50% (Pro) | Savings only: 1.19% / 1.87% / 3.21% by plan (as of 9/17/2026) | None (no savings accounts or CDs) |
| Cash deposits | 79,000+ retailers via barcode; 1 free/mo, then $2 | Allpoint+ ATMs free; Green Dot retailers up to $4.95 | Not direct; buy a money order and deposit by mobile |
| ACH transfers | Standard free; express 1% (min $0.50, max $25) | Standard free; same-day $1 / $0.50 / $0 by plan | Standard free; Express ACH 1.5% (min $0.50, max $20) |
| Wire transfers | Incoming free; outgoing domestic $15 ($10 Pro) | Incoming free; domestic out $8 ($5 Grow/Scale); SWIFT $20-$25 | Incoming free; outgoing domestic up to $30; international via Wise |
| ATMs | Found charges $0; ATM owner fees may apply | Free at Allpoint ATMs; no Relay fee elsewhere, owner fees may apply | No Novo fee; refunds up to $7/mo in ATM fees; no fee-free network |
| FDIC insurance | Up to $250K via Lead Bank | Up to $3M via Thread Bank sweep ($250K per program bank) | Up to $250K via Middlesex Federal Savings |
| Mobile check deposit | Mobile app, if eligible; ~4 business days; $3K/week | Mobile, free | Mobile, free |
| Invoicing | Unlimited free; card payments 2.9% + 30¢ (Stripe) | All plans; recurring on Grow/Scale; cards 2.9% + 30¢ | Free unlimited invoices with automatic reminders |
| Sub-accounts | Up to 20 Pockets | 20 checking (50 on Scale) + 2 savings | Up to 20 Reserves (inside one account, not separate) |
| Connects with | Stripe and Square payouts; imports from other accounts (Plus) | QuickBooks Online, Xero, Gusto, Plaid, Yodlee | QuickBooks, Xero, Stripe, Square, PayPal, Gusto, Amazon, eBay |
| Cards | Mastercard debit (physical, virtual, team); metal card on Pro | Visa debit (up to 50 per cardholder); Visa credit, 1-1.5% cash back | Mastercard debit (physical, virtual); Novo business credit card |
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Before you choose
Do this first
Get your EIN first (free from the IRS), and have your formation papers and photo ID ready. Most banks approve online accounts in 1-3 business days. How
Free option first
If you deposit cash often, a local credit union or bank branch may suit you better: these online accounts make cash deposits slow or costly.
Head to head
Scores come from public facts with the same formula for every tool: how we rate. Some links are partner links; we may earn a fee at no cost to you.