You have several options depending on your business needs. Some institutions offer tailored services for nonprofits such as direct lending and training to help you manage finances more effectively. We reviewed the top options based on their features, fees, and overall quality.
Relay offers a simple two-tier pricing plan. You can get started with no monthly fees and no account minimums. When you upgrade to the Pro plan, youâll benefit from additional features such as free domestic and international wire transfers, or the ability to auto-import bills from QuickBooks and Xero.
Bluevine business checking comes with no monthly fees. Plus, the account provides an impressive list of benefits such as integration with online business tools, sub-accounts to help you manage your finances, and two free checkbooks.
Chase Business Complete Checking comes with Chase QuickAccept which allows card payments to be processed on your mobile device, so you receive deposits the same day to help manage cash flow within your business.
What we like
In person customer support (except Alaska & Hawaii)
Axos Bank business interest checking account earns a competitive rate for cash held within the account, and you'll get your $10 monthly fee waived by holding a minimum balance of $5,000. If you keep a decent amount of cash in your account, this could be an ideal account.
Liliâs business checking account comes with features that help users keep their banking costs low, optimize their taxes, and manage their businessâs finances.
Novo allows easy integration with third-party accounting software, including Quickbooks and Xero. You can also link your Novo debit card to your Google Pay or Apple Pay Wallet. Novo also syncs with your Stripe processing account and easily integrates with Slack to get automated updates on your bank account.
If you are looking for a business checking account that is easy to use and with almost no fees, you might want to consider Novo. The bank account is also accessible in the app store for both iOS and Android devices.
What we like
Free ACH transfers, mailed checks, and incoming wires
NorthOne helps you manage your finances with its invoicing app, budgeting tool by creating an unlimited number of sub-accounts with the envelope functionality, and integrating with a suite of business tools and software.
What we like
Budgeting tool to help manage your finances
Smart integrations with business tools
Send invoices from the app
Low minimum deposit
No hidden fees
Unlimited transactions with no fee
What we don't
$10 monthly fee
No in persona customer support
What is a business checking account for nonprofits?
A business checking account for nonprofits provides tailored services to help you manage your money efficiently and effectively.
Some banks may let you use treasury services for a small fee if you are unable to hire someone in-house. Other banks offer special discounts if you keep a minimum balance or give you a set number of free transactions a year.
Do you need a business checking account for a nonprofit?
Nonprofits should consider opening a business checking account to collect revenue and donations. To be considered a nonprofit the IRS will provide you with an âExempt Organizationâ status.
Types of organizations that can be considered nonprofit include churches, public schools, public charities, volunteer services organizations, museums, governmental agencies, and public hospitals.
What are the pros and cons of a business checking account for nonprofits?
There are many pros and cons of opening a business checking account for nonprofits. Here are a few for you to consider before applying:
Pros
Separation of finances: Keeping personal finances separate from business finances is important when it comes to filing for taxes.
Philanthropic support: Banks can be major charitable givers. Nonprofits that have a good relationship with their bank can benefit from sponsorship gifts and charitable donations.
Discounted rates: Some financial institutions offer nonprofits discounted rates which can significantly reduce your operational costs.
Cons
Minimum balance: Banks can require you to maintain a minimum balance in your business checking account. If youâre a small nonprofit or youâre just getting started, this requirement may not be easily met. You could be charged a fee for going below minimum balance requirements.
Social responsibility: Financial institutions can have social and ethical guidelines that may conflict with the mission and values of your nonprofit. When looking around for a bank, itâs a good idea to read through their corporate and social responsibility guidelines to ensure that your values are aligned.
Fees: The benefits of philanthropic support can sometimes be eaten away by higher fees imposed by banks.
What are the fees for a business checking account for nonprofits?
When researching business checking accounts for nonprofits, itâs important to consider the fees imposed and how they might affect you. Here are a few fees for you to consider when looking into an account for your business:
Monthly fees: These fees are charged to cover the maintenance costs of your bank account. Some banks charge zero monthly fees while others can charge $10 – $15 and waive the fee if a minimum balance requirement is met.
Transaction fees: If your nonprofit is likely to have a high number of transactions, youâll want to look for a bank that imposes a low transaction fee or provides a high number of fee-free transactions each month.
Cash deposit fee: The majority of banks have a limit on the number of free cash deposits. After the limit has been reached, fees can range from 25 cents to 50 cents per transaction.
ATM fees: After you have reached your fee-free limit of ATM transactions, fees may apply.
Paper statement fees: Many banks allow you to opt out of paper statement fees when you choose to receive online statements.
Overdraft fees: If your bank offers overdraft protection, you may be charged a fee for using overdraft facilities.
Fees can quickly add up over time. When considering a business checking account, ensure that you have read the terms and conditions so that youâre fully aware of any fees that may apply.
How to open a business checking account for nonprofits?
To open a business checking account as a nonprofit, youâll need to have a letter of exemption from the IRS. Your bank will require that you select officers and a treasurer on behalf of your organization, plus any additional documentation.
If you havenât received an âExempt Organizationâ status, you can open a business checking account, but you may lose benefits, discounts, and specialist services that apply to nonprofit organizations.  Â
How to choose a business checking account for nonprofits
When looking for the best business checking account for nonprofits, here are some key factors to consider before you submit an application:
Compare multiple providers: It can be difficult to switch banks once youâve opened an account, so research is important before you sign up for a business checking account. Youâll want to compare benefits, fees, discounts, and any additional services provided by the banks. Keep in mind that as your nonprofit grows, your transactions are likely to increase and you may start to pay more on fees. Therefore, it can be a good idea to look for a bank with high limits on transactions to start with.Â
Values and mission: Keep in mind the mission and goals of your nonprofit and research the corporate and social responsibility guidelines of banks to ensure that you are aligned.Â
Bank experience: Some banks are more experienced with nonprofits than others. With a more experienced bank, youâre likely to receive specialist guidance that can help you with the day-to-day running of your nonprofit and management of finances.Â
Local banks and credit unions: In-person branch support can be valuable and help you build a relationship with your bank. Consider your options for local banks and credit unions as you may be able to receive financial support and grants for projects that benefit your local area and support the local community.Â
