Best Banks for Small Business in Florida
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The right bank account can help your business grow. Read on for the best bank options for your Florida-based small business.
- 10 Best Banks for Small Business in Florida
- Chase Bank: Best overall
- Wells Fargo: Best for SBA loans
- Bank of America: Best for seasonal businesses
- Truist Bank: Best for non-profits
- Regions Bank: Best community-focused bank
- PNC Bank: Best for low requirements
- TD Bank: Best customer service
- Fifth Third Bank: Best ATM access
- Suncoast Credit Union: Best credit union with free account
- SouthState Bank: Best regional bank
Hey, Florida small business owners! Whether you're starting a new business or gearing to level up, the right bank can be an important sidekick to help you succeed.
Florida's banking scene isn't one-size-fits-all. Sure, it has the big-name national banks, but there are also smaller regional banks in tight-knit communities.
From sunny Miami to lively Tampa to bustling Jacksonville, we've explored the top banks with standout features for small businesses. Let's dive in.
Chase Business Complete Banking® - $300 Bonus
- Earn $300 when you open a new Chase Business Complete Checking® account. For new Chase business checking customers with qualifying activities.
- Multiple ways to waive the $15 Monthly Service Fee, including maintaining a minimum daily balance or purchases on your Chase Ink® Business credit card.
- Full-service business banking. Convenient access to all your business banking services in one place -- lending, checking, credit card and payment solutions.
- Your choice of payment types. Choose from a full range of options for accepting payments and making deposits that include Zelle®, Online Bill Pay, wire transfers and ACH payments.
- Convenient access to payment processing. Process all major debit and credit cards with QuickAccept®. It's a built-in feature with your Business Complete Checking account.
- Get support you can rely on. Get access to our customer support team, plus a wide array of solutions that carter to every stage of your business
- Full-featured banking online and on-the-go. Manage your business' finances on your terms with the latest online and mobile banking technology.
- Associate Debit and Employee Deposit Cards available upon request
Bank of America® Business Advantage Banking Checking Account - $200 Bonus Offer
- The $200 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new eligible business checking customers only.
- Offer expires 12/31/2025.
- To qualify, deposit $5,000 or more in New Money* directly into a new eligible Bank of America Business Advantage Banking account within thirty (30) days of account opening.
- Maintain an average balance of $5,000 in that new Business Advantage Banking account during the Maintenance Period**.
- Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- *New Money is new funds deposited into your business checking account that are not transfers from other Bank of America deposit accounts or
Merrill investment accounts.
- ** The Maintenance Period begins thirty-one (31) calendar days after account opening and ends ninety (90) calendar days after account opening.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC
Free Checking Account for Small Business Owners
- Sign up in 3 minutes; no credit check
- No account fees - $0 monthly fee, overdraft fee, foreign transaction fee, or ATM fees at approximately 40,000 locations
- Automatic Savings
- Get paid up to 2 days early
Free Business Checking - Earn $300 Bonus
To earn the $300 bonus, customers must apply for a Bluevine Business Checking account anytime between now and 12/31/2024 using the referral code CD300.
After opening the account, customers must add funds within 30 days, then meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements every 30 days for the next 90 days from account funding:
- Deposit at least $5,000 from eligible merchant services to your Bluevine account OR
- Make at least $5,000 of outbound payroll payments from your Bluevine account using eligible payroll providers OR
- Spend at least $2,000 with your Bluevine Business Debit Mastercard® and/or Bluevine Business Cashback Mastercard®
Banking services provided by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC
No-Fee Business Checking
- $0 monthly service fee
- $0 minimum opening deposit
- Open up to 20 individual business checking accounts
- Earn up to 3% APY with automated savings
- Issue up to 50 Visa® debit cards to your team
10 Best Banks for Business Accounts in Florida
We looked at banks with low fees, good business accounts and services, and easy accessibility in Florida. Here are the top banks for small business owners in The Sunshine State.
LLCs in Florida are required to have a business bank account registered in its own name. An LLC legally separates you from your business, so there needs to be a clear divide between your personal and business finances.
Chase Bank
Best for: Local shops and restaurants
Chase Bank made our #1 spot before as a top bank for small businesses. They have over 400 physical locations across Florida.
Chase is a great option if you have a small local retail store, restaurant, or service business, and take credit card payments from customers.
It has a unique Chase Business Complete Banking account with credit card processing built in. No need for a separate merchant account.
And your funds from sales can be deposited the same day into your Chase checking account when you use QuickAccept. You don't have to wait for funds, so your cash flow keeps moving.
Chase is known for excellent customer service and business products. They also have an extremely popular lineup of business credit cards with good rewards.
Chase Business Complete Banking® - $300 Bonus
- Monthly Fee: $15 with ways to waive
Pros:
- Checking account with built-in payment processing
- Highly rated mobile app
- Unlimited electronic transactions
- Offers promotions for new customers
Cons:
- Minimum requirements to waive the monthly fees
- Many banking fees like overdrafts and wires
- Low interest rates
Wells Fargo
Best for: Getting small business loans; extensive business services
Wells Fargo is one of the most recognized banks across America. This large national bank has over 500 physical locations across 180+ cities in Florida.
They offer very comprehensive business products, including banking, payroll services, tax programs, insurance, and more. It's got you covered if you're looking to get everything from one bank.
Another reason to consider Wells Fargo is if you need a loan to kickstart your business. 28% of Florida small businesses say that accessing capital or financing is their biggest challenge.[1] As one of the top SBA 7(a) lenders, Wells Fargo can be a great resource.
Wells Fargo offers three different business checking accounts. The Initiate Business Checking Account is a good starter account, and you can upgrade as your business grows.
Wells Fargo: Initiate Business Checking
- 100 free transactions each fee period
- $5,000 in cash deposits processed free each fee period
- $25 minimum opening deposit
- Waive the $10 monthly service fee by maintaining a $500 minimum daily balance or a $1,000 average ledger balance
Pros:
- Easy to find a physical location
- Active SBA lender
- Offers comprehensive small business services
- Different checking and savings accounts based on your needs
Cons:
- Many banking fees
- Low-interest rates for savings accounts
Bank of America
Best for: Flexbility; seasonal businesses
Bank of America is one of the largest brick-and-mortar banks in the United States. You can find over 440 Financial Centers across Florida, though mostly along the southeastern coast.
Their Business Advantage Banking is a flexible business checking account with two tiers. The basic tier is a great starting point as it has low requirements. You can easily level up when you need to.
Bank of America understands the unique challenges businesses face in Florida. For many businesses, slow-downs are common during the low-tourist and hurricane seasons. That's why BofA lets you switch between the tiers at any time based on your current needs.
The account also comes with smart cash management tools. The Cash Flow Monitor® lets you connect with apps like Quickbooks to get your business stats in one place. You even get cash flow projections to help you plan for those slower times.
Bank of America: Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking
- No fee for first 20 transactions per statement cycle
- No fee for first $5,000 in cash deposited per statement cycle at an ATM or Financial Center
- Minimum Deposit to Open: $100
- Balance Requirement: None
- Monthly Fee: $16 or $0 – Great news, there's no monthly fee for the first 12 statement cycles. To avoid the Monthly Fee after, meet one of the following requirements each statement cycle:
- Maintain a $5,000 combined average monthly balance.
- Use your Bank of America business debit card to make at least $500 in new net qualified purchases.
- Become a member Preferred Rewards for Business.
- APY: N/A
Pros:
- Built-in cash management tools
- Access to Small Business Specialists
Cons:
- Less access to SBA loans
Truist Bank
Best for: Non-profit organizations
Truist Bank has a big footprint in Florida with over 400 branches in nearly 200 cities. It's even got locations in the Florida Keys.
They offer a few checking accounts for small businesses. If you're just starting out, their Simple Business Checking account is the best option as it has no monthly maintenance fee. But it's best if you do less than 50 transactions per month.
For non-profits, there's also a specially designed Community Checking account with $0 monthly fee. You get a larger number of free monthly transactions and unlimited cash processing.
Truist Bank: Business Checking Account - $400 Bonus
- Earn $400 when you open a new small business checking account and complete qualifying activities.
- Choose between:
- Truist Simple Business Checking—Perfect if you're just starting out or have low transaction volume.
- Truist Dynamic Business Checking—With more perks as your balances grow—and a true, local partnership.
- New business checking clients only
- From October 1st, 2024 – March 31st 2025
Pros:
- Free business checking option available
- Business debit cards for you and your employees
- Personalized business debit card
Cons:
- Low number of free transactions per month
- Low interest rates
Regions Bank
Best for: Many business checking options; commitment to community
Regions Bank is a Midwestern and Southern regional bank and has a decent footprint in Florida. They have over 270 physical locations across 145 cities, with more branches in Orlando, Miami, and Tampa.
For small businesses, Regions Bank offers a wide range of business checking accounts. Whether you're just starting out or a nonprofit organization, they have something for you.
They also have a special rewards programs, where you can earn cashback when you shop with participating merchants.
Overall, Regions has relatively low requirements to waive monthly fees, compared to some other traditional banks. It's a good option if you want a regional bank that gives back to the community.
Regions Bank: LifeGreen Business Checking®
- $100 minimum opening deposit
- 150 fee-free transactions each statement period
- $5,500 in cash deposits processed free each calendar month
- Waive the $12 monthly fee with an average monthly statement balance of $2,500 (plus other ways)
Pros:
- $100 to open a checking account
- Budget and planning tools
- QuickBooks integration
- Supports local organizations
Cons:
- Many other banking fees
- Low interest rates for certain deposit accounts
- Slow refunds and returns
PNC Bank
Best for: Low requirements; digital tools
After PNC's acquisition of BBVA in 2021, PNC Bank now has an even stronger presence in Florida. It now has close to 200 branches, but even if one isn't in your area, they have a highly-rated mobile banking app with all their services.
They offer a variety of business checking accounts for different sizes. The Business Checking Plus account, in particular, offers great value as it gives you more transactions and tools to help with your cash flow.
You only need $100 to open a new business checking account with PNC. The requirements to waive the monthly service fee are very reasonable. And it's even waived for the first three months after the account is opened.
PNC also has a built-in Cash Flow Insight® tool to help you make confident business decisions. You can see what you spend on, approve and pay bills, forecast upcoming transactions, and more.
PNC Bank: Business Checking Account - $1,000 Bonus
Open a new PNC Treasury Enterprise Plan or Analysis Business Checking account. Maintain an average ledger balance of $100,000 or more in your new checking account for each of the first three statement cycles.
This offer is only available to businesses with an annual revenue of less than $5 million. All existing business checking customers, including those who have closed an account in the past 90 days or has been paid a promotional premium in the past 12 months are not eligible for this offer. $1,000 bonus will be credited to your new business checking account within 90 days after all conditions have been met.
PNC Bank: Business Checking Account - $500 Bonus
Open a new PNC Treasury Enterprise Plan or Analysis Business Checking account. Maintain an average ledger balance of $30,000 - $99,999 in your new checking account for each of the first three statement cycles.
This offer is only available to businesses with an annual revenue of less than $5 million. All existing business checking customers, including those who have closed an account in the past 90 days or has been paid a promotional premium in the past 12 months are not eligible for this offer. $500 bonus will be credited to your new business checking account within 90 days after all conditions have been met.
Pros:
- Opening deposit is only $100
- Earn cash rewards at participating merchants
- Built-in cash flow tools
- QuickBooks, Xero, Intacct, and NetSuite integration
Cons:
- No free business checking option
- Low interest rates
TD Bank
Best for: Customer service
TD Bank calls itself "America's Most Convenient Bank" due to its extended branch hours. Many of their branches are open on weekends and even some holidays. In Florida, you can find over 150 branches in nearly 100 cities.
And what's even more - it offers 24/7 live customer service. TD Bank is a convenient choice for small businesses since you'll never know if you might need help at odd times of the day.
However, TD Bank does not have a free business checking account. And the monthly fees and requirements to waive are higher compared to some other banks.
Other than checking and savings accounts, TD Bank also offers merchant solutions both in-person and e-commerce. You can get same-day setup, so your business can start accepting payments right away.
TB Business Convenience Checking Plus
- 500 free transactions each month
- $5,000 in cash deposits processed free each month
- Waive the $25 monthly service fee by maintaining a $1,500 combined minimum daily balance with one TD personal checking account
Pros:
- 24/7 customer service
- Personalized support from Small Business Specialists
- TD Digital Wallet is accepted anywhere digital payments are accepted
Cons:
- Many banking fees
- Higher monthly fee than other banks
Fifth Third Bank
Best for: Best ATM access
Fifth Third Bank is a Midwest bank with over 150 locations in Florida. If you're in Orlando, Naples, or Tampa, you'll find the most branches.
However, Fifth Third partners with more than 40,000 fee-free ATMs. So you'll have more ATM options wherever you go, even when you travel out of Florida.
They offer three different checking accounts, including the Fifth Third Business Checking Account with no monthly fee or minimum balance needed. It includes 100 free transactions and up to $5,000 in cash deposits per month.
All accounts come with a debit card and access to online and mobile banking apps. Not only that, all of them have overdraft protection and access to discounted payroll solutions.
Fifth Third Business Checking Account™
- $0 minimum deposit required to open
- $0 monthly fee
- No minimum balance
- 100 fee-free transactions each month
- $5,000 in cash deposits processed free each month
Pros:
- Free business checking option
- Large fee-free ATM network
- Mobile check deposits
Cons:
- Higher balance requirements to waive monthly fees for higher-tier checking accounts
- Low savings APY
- Fewer available branches
Suncoast Credit Union
Best for: Free business checking account with generous transaction limits
You can also look into a credit union instead of a traditional bank. Credit unions are known to be more community focused and offer more personalized service and even lower fees.
Suncoast Credit Union is one of Flordia's largest credit unions. It's headquartered in Tampa and has over 75 service centers in 19 counties. It has the most locations in Hillsborough and Lee.
It offers a Business Smart Checking account with no monthly fee. You get unlimited electronic transactions and 200 free paper check transactions each month. That's really generous for a free account.
Plus, besides Suncoast ATMs, you can get free ATM access at thousands of CO-OP Network ATMs and McDonalds ATMs in select countries.
Suncoast Credit Union: Business Smart Checking
- $50 minimum opening deposit
- No monthly fee
- No minimum balance requirement
- Unlimited electronic transactions
- 200 free paper check transactions every month
Pros:
- Free business checking option
- Large ATM network
- Unlimited electronic transactions
- Good APYs on certain savings accounts
Cons:
- Limited branches
- Limited business services compared to traditional banks
SouthState Bank
Best for: Business banking with a regional bank
SouthState Bank is a regional bank based in Winter Haven, FL. It has approximately 100 branches across 70 cities in Florida.
Their Small Business Checking account is their most popular business checking account. It has no monthly maintenance fee, making it just right for business owners just starting out. And you get the first 150 debit, credit, or deposit transactions per month free.
The online and mobile banking features are quite good too. You can set up bill pay, get spending reports, and download transactions directly into Quicken or Quickbooks.
SouthState Bank: Business Checking Account - $400 Bonus
Open a new qualifying business checking account. Use promo code SB400 at account opening. Within 90 days of account opening, make 15 or more debit card purchases, or a total of at least $5,000 ACH credits.
Pros:
- Free checking option when enrolled in e-statements
- Only $50 to open
- SBA Loans
Cons:
- Limited number of branches
- Slow customer service
How to Choose the Right Bank for Your Business?
Before committing to a bank, it's best to be sure they have the features you're looking for. Consider these:
- Monthly fee & minimum balance
Some banks require that you maintain a minimum balance in your account. If you don't, you'll have to pay a monthly fee. See if the requirement makes sense for your business.There are banks on our list with no minimums and no monthly fee too.
- Monthly transaction limits
Most business checking accounts cap the number of free transactions your account can do per month. Then a fee is charged for each one after that. Pick an account that can accommodate your transaction volume. - Cash deposits
Does your business deal with a lot of cash? Most accounts offer fee-free cash deposits up to a certain amount per month. - Accessibility
The banks on our list have a good number of branches and ATMs across Florida. It's still best to check the availability of your chosen bank in your area, and how convenient it would be for you on a day-to-day basis. - Small business loan options
You never know when you might need a loan to keep your business afloat or to expand. Sometimes, it's easier to get a loan from the same bank you use for checking, since you have an established relationship. See what loan options the bank has and their terms. - Customer support
It's best to be able to get help as soon as you need it. Get a sense of the bank's customer service for small business owners. Some banks have Small Business Specialists that can give you more tailored guidance. - Mobile app
Many small business owners bank on the go. Having a reliable mobile banking app is a must. - Software integration
Does the bank integrate with any accounting software, like QuickBooks, Freshbooks, or Xero? This will save you a lot of time and hassle when it comes to bookkeeping and tax reporting.
Free Business Checking - Up to 1.5% APY
- 1.5% APY on your balance up to $250,000 for customers that meet monthly eligibility requirements
- $0 minimum opening deposit
- $0 monthly service fee
Free Checking Account for Small Business Owners
- $0 monthly service fees
- $0 minimum opening deposit
- No minimum balance requirement
- No foreign exchange fee
- Get direct deposits up to 2 days earlier
Free Business Banking for the Self-Employed
- Banking, taxes, bookkeeping – all in one place
- Automatically find tax write-offs and save for taxes
- Track and categorize expenses with custom rules
- Free unlimited custom invoices
- Easy sign up; no credit check
Why Have a Business Bank Account
If you have an LLC or corporation in Florida, you must legally separate your business finances. This protects you from personal liability in case you get sued or have business debt.
This isn't a requirement for sole proprietors, but having a business bank account will make life easier. Here are a few good reasons why all small business owners should have one:
- Easier to calculate business expenses during tax time.
- Makes the business look more professional to your customers and vendors.
- Be able to apply for business loans.
- Pay bills and make purchases from your business funds.
- Allows you to accept credit card payments from customers.
Your small business should have at least a checking account. It's what you need for day-to-day operations like paying bills, receiving deposits, and making purchases.
If your business has extra funds, you can open a business savings account to save for emergencies and future plans.
Methodology
To come up with the best banks for small businesses in Florida, we first pinned down banks with a strong presence in the state. After all, you need to be able to find branches and ATMs easily.
Then we looked into the banks' fees, account features, and other business services. We chose banks that either have a free business checking option, or reasonable requirements to waive.
We also looked for unique banking features, like built-in payment processing, cash flow tools, or special accounts for non-profits. No matter what kind of business you have, you should find a bank that fits your needs.
FAQ
Do I need a Florida ID to open a business bank account in Florida?
Yes, most banks in Florida will require proof of residency in order to open a business bank account. This usually means a Florida driver's license, business license, and business registration.
What is the minimum to open a business account?
The minimum amount needed to open a business account can range anywhere from $0 to $1,000. It varies from bank to bank, so it's best to check with your preferred bank.
Can I open a business bank account with bad credit?
Banks generally do not do a credit check when you open a checking or savings account. So it is possible to open a business bank account even if you have low personal credit.
Can I use a regular bank account for my small business?
It's best that you have a dedicated business bank account for your small business. Aside from liability protection, it also helps keep your finances organized.
Bottom Line
Small business owners in Florida have a lot of options. Choosing the right bank is important to the success of your business. It can help provide the solutions you need to run and grow your business.
Consider what you need to make your business grow. You can always switch banks later if you need to, but it would be a hassle to start all over from scratch.
Free Checking Account for Small Business Owners
- Sign up in 3 minutes; no credit check
- No account fees - $0 monthly fee, overdraft fee, foreign transaction fee, or ATM fees at approximately 40,000 locations
- Automatic Savings
- Get paid up to 2 days early
Chase Business Complete Banking® - $300 Bonus
- Earn $300 when you open a new Chase Business Complete Checking® account. For new Chase business checking customers with qualifying activities.
- Multiple ways to waive the $15 Monthly Service Fee, including maintaining a minimum daily balance or purchases on your Chase Ink® Business credit card.
- Full-service business banking. Convenient access to all your business banking services in one place -- lending, checking, credit card and payment solutions.
- Your choice of payment types. Choose from a full range of options for accepting payments and making deposits that include Zelle®, Online Bill Pay, wire transfers and ACH payments.
- Convenient access to payment processing. Process all major debit and credit cards with QuickAccept®. It's a built-in feature with your Business Complete Checking account.
- Get support you can rely on. Get access to our customer support team, plus a wide array of solutions that carter to every stage of your business
- Full-featured banking online and on-the-go. Manage your business' finances on your terms with the latest online and mobile banking technology.
- Associate Debit and Employee Deposit Cards available upon request
Bank of America® Business Advantage Banking Checking Account - $200 Bonus Offer
- The $200 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new eligible business checking customers only.
- Offer expires 12/31/2025.
- To qualify, deposit $5,000 or more in New Money* directly into a new eligible Bank of America Business Advantage Banking account within thirty (30) days of account opening.
- Maintain an average balance of $5,000 in that new Business Advantage Banking account during the Maintenance Period**.
- Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- *New Money is new funds deposited into your business checking account that are not transfers from other Bank of America deposit accounts or
Merrill investment accounts.
- ** The Maintenance Period begins thirty-one (31) calendar days after account opening and ends ninety (90) calendar days after account opening.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC
References
- ^ Florida Small Business Development Center. Florida's Small Business Needs, Retrieved 6/6/2023
- ^ Regions. 2022 Shared Value Report, Retrieved 6/6/2023
- ^ TD Bank. TD Online Accounting, Retrieved 6/11/2023
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Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
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