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As a small business owner, having a business bank account is a crucial step in separating your business and personal expenses, and it can add legitimacy for newer startups looking for financing. But as you consider various features, such as how many free transactions you get, how they integrate with accounting software and whether you get ATM fee refunds, it's also a good idea to search for accounts that offer bonuses for new account holders.

Bank bonuses incentivize business owners to sign up and start using their accounts, but the amounts and requirements can vary. While bank account bonuses aren't as plentiful for small businesses as they are for consumers, there are still a handful of options available nationwide and in select states.

Best Business Bank Bonuses and Promotions

Business bank account bonuses can be a great way to earn some cash while you're trying out a new account. That said, it generally takes some effort, and some banks require more than others to earn the cash. This is especially true if you want to take multiple bank accounts for a trial run. 

Here are some of the best bank account bonuses that are out there currently and what you need to do to earn them.

Chase Business Complete℠ Checking: Up to $500 Bonus Offer

Chase Business Complete Checking is the bank's flagship business checking account, and it offers all of the benefits you'd expect from one of the largest banks in the U.S.

This bonus breaks down into two tiers, based on how much new money you deposit into your account. Your new money deposit amount will be determined 30 days from account opening; if your account balance decreases below the threshold during the 60-day period, the bonus amount changes.

Here are the different bonus tiers for this account:

Bonus New Money Deposit Requirement

$300

$2,000 – $14,999

$500

$15,000+

Qualifying for its bonus isn’t difficult, but there are a series of qualifying activities you’ll need to complete to be eligible. Our full review details everything you need to know about Chase Business Complete Checking.

  • Offer expiration: August 3, 2023
  • How much you get: Up to $500
  • How to qualify: Open and fund a new account with at least $2,000 within the first 30 days from account opening to qualify for a $300 bonus (deposit at least $15,000 to qualify for a $500 bonus), maintain at least a $2,000 balance for 60 days, and complete at least five qualifying transactions within the first 90 days of opening your account. If your balance falls below the threshold during the 60 days, your offer amount will change.
  • Qualifying transactions: Qualifying activities include debit card purchases, Chase QuickDeposit, Chase QuickAccept Deposits, ACH credits, Chase Online Bill Pay and wire transfers
  • How to get the offer: Open an account through this partner link
  • When you get it: After you have completed all the above checking requirements, your bonus will be deposited into your new account within 15 days

Chase Business Complete Checking℠

Open Account

at Chase

  • Our Rating 5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
  • APYN/A
  • Minimum
    Deposit Required
    N/A
  • Intro Bonus Up to $500Expires August 3, 2023 More Info

    Earn up to $500 when you open a new Chase Business Complete CheckingSM account. For new Chase business checking customers with qualifying activities.

The Chase Business Complete Checking℠ account is an attractive option. It offers the convenience of one of the largest financial institutions in the country, and it frequently offers bonuses that are relatively easy to earn. While it does not allow you to accrue interest on your funds like some other popular small business checking accounts, it's still very much worth considering if you can meet the requirements to waive its monthly fees.

Overview

The Chase Business Complete Checking℠ account comes loaded with a valuable sign-up bonus and an assortment of helpful perks, so long as you can meet the requirements to waive its monthly fees. It’s a good fit for many business checking customers, regardless of business size.

Pros

  • Generous signup bonus
  • Several options to waive monthly fee
  • Same-day deposits using QuickAccept℠ service
  • Huge network of in-person branches and ATMs

Cons

  • Monthly maintenance fee
  • Overdraft fees are relatively high
  • Limit on fee-free cash deposits and physical transactions

U.S. Bank Business Checking: Up to $750 Bonus Offer

U.S. Bank (Member FDIC) offers multiple tiers of business checking accounts that can accommodate businesses large and small.

  • Offer expiration: June 30, 2023
  • How much you get: $500-$750
  • How to qualify: Open an eligible account using promo code Q2AFL23 on your application. Then deposit at least $5,000 in new money and maintain that balance for 60 days from account opening to earn a $500 bonus; to earn a $750 bonus, deposit $15,000 or more and maintain the balance for 60 days. Finally, enroll in business online banking within 60 days of account opening.
  • Who Qualifies: To qualify for this offer, you must be a new U.S. Banking customer who resides in AZ, AR, CA, CO, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, NC, ND, OH, OR, SD, TN, UT, WA, WI, or WY.
  • How to get the offer: Open a new account through a partner link found on this page.
  • When you get it: Once you’ve met the requirements, the bonus will be deposited into your account within 45 days of deposit verification, assuming your account still contains a positive balance.

Eligible U.S. Bank Accounts

U.S. Bank Silver Business Checking Account

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at U.S. Bank

  • Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work
  • APYN/A
  • Minimum
    Deposit Required
    $100
  • Intro Bonus Up to $750Expires June 30, 2023 More Info

    Earn a bonus worth up to $750 bonus when you open a new business checking account using promo code Q2AFL23. Deposit at least $5,000 in new money within 30 days of account opening and maintain the balance until the 60th day from account opening to earn a $500 bonus; deposit at least $15,000 in new money within 30 days of account opening and maintain the balance until the 60th day from account opening to earn a $750 bonus. Additionally, you must enroll in business online banking within the first 60 days from account opening to qualify for the bonus. Member FDIC.

If you're in the market for a basic business checking account, you'd do well to consider U.S. Bank's Silver Business Checking. This account carries no monthly maintenance fee, and features an alluring $500 sign-up bonus for new customers who complete qualifying transactions. While the free cash deposit limit is relatively low, it should be enough to accomodate businesses that don't generate many monthly banking transactions.

Overview

The Silver Business Checking account is U.S. Bank’s entry-level business account. This account offers customers 125 free transactions per statement cycle, as well as $2,500 of free cash deposits or 25 free cash transactions (whichever comes first) per statement cycle. The Silver Business Checking account has no monthly maintenance fee, and requires a minimum opening deposit of $100.

Pros

  • Strong sign-up bonus
  • No monthly maintenance fee
  • Robust online banking functionality

Cons

  • Relatively low cash deposit limit

U.S. Bank Gold Business Checking Account

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at U.S. Bank

  • Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work
  • APY0.01% More Info

    Earn 0.01% APY on balances of $20,000 or greater.

  • Minimum
    Deposit Required
    $100
  • Intro Bonus Up to $750Expires June 30, 2023 More Info

    Earn a bonus worth up to $750 bonus when you open a new business checking account using promo code Q2AFL23. Deposit at least $5,000 in new money within 30 days of account opening and maintain the balance until the 60th day from account opening to earn a $500 bonus; deposit at least $15,000 in new money within 30 days of account opening and maintain the balance until the 60th day from account opening to earn a $750 bonus. Additionally, you must enroll in business online banking within the first 60 days from account opening to qualify for the bonus. Member FDIC.

Assuming you can meet the requirements to waive its monthly fee, the U.S. Bank Gold Business Checking account is a strong option for mid-size businesses. This account offers considerably more free transactions than U.S. Bank's Silver Business Checking account and gives customers the chance to earn 0.01% APY on balances of $20,000 or more.

Overview

The Gold Business Checking account is U.S. Bank’s mid-level business account. This account offers customers 300 free transactions per statement cycle, as well as $10,000 of free cash deposits or 100 free cash transactions (whichever comes first) per statement cycle. And, if your account balance exceeds $20,000, you’ll earn 0.01% APY.

Pros

  • Strong sign-up bonus
  • Earn APY on high balances
  • Options to waive monthly maintenance fee
  • Robust online banking functionality

Cons

  • Relatively low cash deposit limit
  • Monthly maintenance fee

U.S. Bank Platinum Business Checking Account

Open Account

at U.S. Bank

  • Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work
  • APYN/A
  • Minimum
    Deposit Required
    $100
  • Intro Bonus Up to $750Expires June 30, 2023 More Info

    Earn a bonus worth up to $750 bonus when you open a new business checking account using promo code Q2AFL23. Deposit at least $5,000 in new money within 30 days of account opening and maintain the balance until the 60th day from account opening to earn a $500 bonus; deposit at least $15,000 in new money within 30 days of account opening and maintain the balance until the 60th day from account opening to earn a $750 bonus. Additionally, you must enroll in business online banking within the first 60 days from account opening to qualify for the bonus. Member FDIC.

If your business regularly deals with enough cash to make the most of the higher free transaction limit (and to easily waive the monthly fee) you'll likely find a lot to like about the U.S. Bank Platinum Business Checking account. In addition to offering a host of features meant to assist larger businesses, this account features the same $100 minimum opening deposit requirement and valuable sign-up bonus as seen in U.S. Bank's Gold and Silver Business Checking packages.

Overview

If you’re a larger business that handles a significant amount of monthly transactions, the U.S. Bank Platinum Business Checking account may be a good fit for your needs. This account offers 500 free transactions and up to $20,000 of free cash deposits or 200 free cash transactions (whichever comes first) each statement cycle. While this account features a $30 monthly service fee, you can get it waived in a couple different ways, such as maintaining an average collected checking balance of $25,000 or more.

Pros

  • Strong sign-up bonus
  • Options to waive monthly maintenance fee
  • Robust online banking options

Cons

  • Monthly maintenance fee for lower balances

American Express Business Checking: 30,000 Point Offer

American Express launched its business checking account shortly after it acquired Kabbage. The account offers a 1.3% APY on balances of up to $500,000, which is impressive. When you sign up, you'll receive 30,000 Membership Rewards points after you deposit $5,000 within 30 days of opening your account and maintain that balance for 60 days while making 5 or more qualifying transactions during that time. 

  • Offer expiration: Unknown
  • How much you get: 30,000 Membership Rewards points.
  • How to qualify: Deposit $5,000 within 30 days and maintain an average balance of $5,000 for 60 days and make 5 or more qualifying transactions within 60 days
  • Qualifying transactions: Make at least 5 qualifying transactions within 60 days, including mobile deposits, ACH transfers, wire transfers and bill payments
  • How to get the offer: Open a new account through the American Express website
  • When you get it: Once you’ve met the requirements, the bonus will be deposited into your account within 8-12 weeks

START HERE

Axos Bank: Up to $100 Offer

Axos Bank is an online-only bank that offers a variety of business checking and savings accounts. If you open one of the bank's business checking accounts, you can earn up to $100 by meeting certain requirements.*

The bank is offering up to $100, paid out in $25 increments over five statement cycles for those eligible. Note that you'll need to use promotional code SBIZ100 when you open your account.

  • Offer expiration: June 30, 2023
  • How much you get: Up to $100
  • How to qualify:* Fund your new account within 60 days and keep the average daily balance in your account at $5,000 or greater; keep your account open and in good standing for at least 120 days
  • How to get the offer: Open a new account through the Axos website and use code SBIZ100
  • Qualifying transactions: None
  • When you get it: Once you’ve met the requirements, the bonus will be deposited into your account within five business days of your statement cycle date

Axos Business Checking and Savings Accounts to Consider

Axos Basic Business Checking Account

Open Account

at Axos

  • Our Rating 4/5 How our ratings work
  • APYN/A
  • Minimum
    Deposit Required
    N/A
  • Intro Bonus Up to $100Expires June 30, 2023 More Info

    Eligible accountholders can earn up to $100 during the first five statement cycles using code SBIZ100: $25 for each statement cycle during which the average daily balance in your account is at least $5,000. A maximum of four payouts can be earned during the five statement cycles.*

Axos Basic Business Checking is a good fit for new businesses or those that don’t generate a lot of sales (yet). It offers a sign-up bonus worth up to $100, which is relatively competitive, has no monthly fees, and unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements. However, Axos is an online-only bank, so it’s not a good option if your business handles cash regularly.

Overview

With Axos Bank’s Basic Business Checking Account, you don’t have to worry about monthly maintenance fees, minimum balances or a minimum opening deposit. Add on a sign-up bonus worth up to $100, and it’s easy to recommend this account to newly incorporated small businesses, or those who want to try out Axos Bank.

Pros

  • No monthly maintenance fee
  • Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
  • No minimum deposit required to open an account
  • 2 free domestic wire transfers each month

Cons

  • Account does not earn interest
  • No physical branch locations

Axos Business Interest Checking

Open Account

at Axos

  • Our Rating 4/5 How our ratings work
  • APYUp to 1.01% More Info

    Customers earn 1.01% APY on balances between $0 and $49,999.99; balances between $50,000 and $249,999.99 earn 0.20% APY; balances of $250,000 or more earn 0.10% APY.

  • Minimum
    Deposit Required
    $100
  • Intro Bonus Up to $100Expires June 30, 2023 More Info

    Eligible accountholders can earn up to $100 during the first five statement cycles using code SBIZ100: $25 for each statement cycle during which the average daily balance in your account is at least $5,000. A maximum of four payouts can be earned during the five statement cycles.*

Axos Business Interest Checking is our favorite small business checking account for newly incorporated businesses. We’ve seen them offer up to 1.01% APY on your funds, which is great for a checking account, typically has a solid sign-up bonus, 50 free monthly transactions, and it’s relatively simple to waive the $10 monthly maintenance fee. But keep in mind Axos is an online bank, so cash-heavy businesses are not a good fit.

Overview

Axos Bank’s Business Interest Checking Account is a great option for newly incorporated businesses eager to earn interest on deposits. It offers up to 1.01% interest, as well as a sign-up bonus worth up to $100.

Pros

  • Earn interest on deposits
  • Monthly maintenance fee can be waived
  • Unlimited reimbursements from any domestic ATM

Cons

  • APY decreases with higher balances
  • Limited fee-free transactions every month
  • Monthly maintenance fee

Axos Business Savings Account

Open Account

at Axos

Axos Business Savings doesn't have the strongest APY, but the low monthly maintenance fee of $5 (with an option to waive) and breadth of other financial products do a lot to make up for this. The $1,000 minimum opening deposit can be a barrier for newer businesses, however, and Axos is a digital bank, so it’s not the best option if you deal with cash regularly.

Overview

Axos Bank’s basic Business Savings account offers 0.20% APY on all balances, which isn’t especially strong. Plus, customers must maintain a minimum account balance of $2,500 or more to avoid paying a monthly maintenance fee. On the other hand, this account offers some nice perks like free remote deposits and image statements.

Pros

  • Free remote deposits and free image statements
  • Daily compounding interest
  • Access to the Axos mobile app

Cons

  • APY is not competitive
  • Minimum deposit required to open account
  • Monthly maintenance fee for lower account balances
  • No physical branch locations

*Disclosure

To be eligible to earn all or a portion of the cash incentive as part of the “SBIZ100" $100 promotion, a Basic Business Checking (BBC) or Business Interest Checking (BIC) that includes the promotional code “SBIZ100" must be submitted between 05/15/2023 at 12:00am PT and 11:59pm PT on 06/30/2023. Axos Bank reserves the right to limit each primary account holder to one (1) checking account promotional offer per year and customers who have held primary ownership of an Axos Bank or Axos Bank for Nationwide checking or savings account at any time in the past 12 months may be disqualified from the “SBIZ100" offer. Promotional terms and conditions are subject to change or removal without notice. Bonus cash may be taxable and reported on IRS Form 1099-MISC. Consult your tax advisor. After initial requirements above are met, the amount of cash bonus earned will depend on meeting the additional requirements outlined below:

Small Business Checking bonus up to $100: You must be approved for your new Small Business Checking account and fund it within 60 days of account opening. A cash bonus of up to $100 can be earned in the following manner during the first five (5) statement cycles. A statement cycle is a calendar month consisting of the days your account was open during that month. $25 will be earned for each statement cycle during which the average daily balance in your Small Business Checking account must be at a minimum $5,000 or greater. A maximum of four (4) payouts can be earned during the five (5) statement cycles and the bonus will be deposited into your Small Business Checking account within 10 business days following the end of the statement cycle in which the balance requirement was met. Your Small Business Checking account must be open and in good standing at the time the bonus is paid to be eligible to receive the bonus and your Small Business Checking account must remain open for 120 days or an early closure fee of up to $100 may apply.

PNC Bank: $500 Offer

PNC Bank offers four business bank accounts. If you open a Business Checking or Business Checking Plus account, you can earn $200 by maintaining a minimum average ledger balance of $5,000 for each of the first three statement cycles and make at least 20 qualifying transactions with your debit card during that time.

If you have a larger business, you can earn $500 when you open an Enterprise Plan or Analysis Business Checking account and maintain a minimum average ledger balance of $30,000 for each of the first three statement cycles.

  • Offer expiration: June 30, 2023
  • How much you get: Up to $500
  • How to qualify: Deposit $5,000 in a Business Checking or Business Checking Plus account and maintain that balance for the first three statement cycles, or deposit $30,000 in an Enterprise Plan or Analysis Business Checking account and maintain that balance for the first three statement cycles
  • How to get the offer: Open a new account through the PNC Bank website
  • Qualifying transactions: For the smaller bonus, make at least 20 qualifying debit card transactions within the first three statement cycles. That includes any debit card purchase made at the point of sale using your signature or PIN or a purchase made electronically or online using your debit card number, including recurring payments
  • When you get it: Once you’ve met the requirements, the bonus will be deposited into your account within 90 days

START HERE

Huntington Bank Business Checking Accounts: $100-$1,000 Bonus Offers

With three business checking options, Huntington Bank offers a range of accounts that could fit the needs of startups, small businesses and larger companies. New customers can earn a bonus for a limited time by opening an eligible account and meeting a handful of requirements. (These offers are only available to residents of Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin.)

  • Offer expiration: May 22, 2023
  • How much you get: $100-$1,000
  • How to qualify: Open an eligible business checking account and deposit new money that meets the account’s bonus requirement (within 30 or 60 days of account opening, depending on account). You will also need to maintain that balance for 90 days.
  • Eligible Huntington business accounts:
    • Business Checking 100: Deposit $2,000 to earn a $100 bonus
    • Unlimited Business Checking: Deposit $5,000 to earn a $400 bonus 
    • Unlimited Plus Business Checking: Deposit $20,000 to earn a $1,000 bonus
  • How to get the offer: Open a new account online or in-branch

When you get it: The bank will send your bonus within 14 days of meeting requirements

M&T Bank Tailored Business Checking Account: $500 Bonus Offer

M&T Bank offers goal tracking features, merchant services and no maintenance fees for the first three months of account opening. Once the $20 monthly maintenance fee kicks in, you’ll have numerous opportunities to waive it. To get the $500 bonus offer, you’ll need to open a new Tailored Business Checking account and maintain an average ledger balance of at least $5,000 in the third full calendar month after the account is opened.

  • Offer expiration: June 30, 2023
  • How much you get: $500
  • How to qualify: Open a new Tailored Business Checking account and maintain an Average Ledget Balance of at least $5,000 in the third calendar month after the account is opened. 
  • How to get the offer: Open a new account online or in-branch

When you get it: Receive your bonus within 45 days after the end of the third calendar month after opening the account.

How to Pick the Right Business Bank Bonus

Business bank account bonuses can provide you with some cash that you can use to help build your business. However, it's crucial to read the fine print of the bonus before you sign up. Some banks can be very technical about their requirements. You may even want to take screenshots of the terms and conditions, so you can refer back to them later. This is especially important if the bonus is set to expire before your qualifying period ends.

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One potential caveat you'll find is that many banks require you to keep your account open for a set period of time. If you cancel too early, you could lose the bonus money, even if you've already transferred it out of your account. Finally, bank account bonuses typically get reported to the IRS as interest income, so expect to receive a 1099 form at the start of tax season. You'll need to report this income when you file your tax return.

As you compare the different bonuses that are out there, consider which ones have requirements you can easily meet. For example, if you sign up for an account that requires you to maintain a minimum balance for a few months, make sure you won't need that money during that time. Also, watch out for monthly fees that can eat into the value of your bonus. With that in mind, it may even be worth trying to get more than one bonus as you try to decide which bank account will be best for you in the long run.

BL

Ben Luthi

Ben Luthi is a personal finance and travel writer and credit card expert. He has a degree in finance from Brigham Young University and worked in financial planning, banking and auto finance before writing full-time for NerdWallet and Student Loan Hero. Ben is now a full-time freelance writer and enjoys traveling and spending time with his two kids. His work has appeared in several publications, including U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, Money, Success and Slickdeals.