Banking

2025 Review: Is Bank of America Business Checking Right for You?


Unleash Your Business Potential: A Deep Dive into Bank of America’s Business Checking

If you’re a small business owner seeking a seamless blend of digital convenience and in-person banking, look no further than Bank of America’s business checking accounts. These accounts are designed to empower you with the tools you need to succeed while keeping your banking experience straightforward and efficient.
In this review, we shine a spotlight on the crown jewel of their offerings: the Business Advantage Fundamentals™ account. Enjoy the first 12 months fee-free! After that, a modest monthly fee of $

16

kicks in. However, this is easily avoidable if you meet some simple criteria, making it manageable for savvy business owners.

Here’s how you can sidestep that monthly fee:

  • Make $500 in net-new qualifying purchases using your Bank of America business debit card. Plus, purchases made with linked employee debit cards contribute to your total!

  • Join the exclusive ranks of Bank of America Preferred Rewards for Business members.

To become a Preferred Rewards member, maintain an active Bank of America business checking account paired with a three-month combined average daily balance of at least $20,000 across qualifying Bank of America business deposit and Merrill investment accounts.

Who Should Consider Bank of America Business Checking?

  • Business owners who seek comprehensive banking services, including loans, credit cards, and merchant services, all in one place.

  • Those who can effortlessly meet one of the criteria to waive the monthly fee.

If your goal is to avoid monthly fees altogether, you might want to check out U.S. Bank Silver Business Checking, which stands out as a rare gem with no monthly fees and a lucrative welcome bonus of $

400

(terms apply).

A Quick Look at Bank of America Business Checking

Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking

Business Advantage Relationship Banking

Monthly fee

$0 for the first 12 statement cycles, then $16 (multiple ways to avoid).

$29.95 (multiple ways to avoid).

Minimum opening deposit

$100.

$100.

APY

N/A.

N/A.

Transaction limits

Up to 20 non-electronic transactions per month; $0.45 for each additional. Electronic transactions have no limit!

Up to 500 non-electronic transactions, then $0.45 for each additional. Electronic transactions have no limit!

Cash deposits

Up to $5,000 free, then $0.30 per $100 deposited.

Up to $20,000 free, then $0.30 per $100 deposited.

Bonuses

N/A.

N/A.

How to Kickstart Your Bank of America Business Account

Opening a Bank of America business checking account is a breeze! You can do it online, over the phone, or in-person. Unlike some banks, you don’t need to be in a state with a branch to open your account.

With around 3,900 branches and 16,000 ATMs across 37 states plus Washington, D.C., accessing your funds is convenient. Just keep in mind, there are no branches or ATMs in Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

What You Need to Open Your Account

  • Your legal business name.

  • Your address and phone number.

  • Details of your business formation, including where and when it was established.

  • Personal information (date of birth and Social Security number) for you and any owners with 25% or more stake in the business, along with managing members.

A minimum deposit of $100 is required to open your account.

Why Bank of America Business Checking Shines

No Limits on Electronic Transactions: Unlike many traditional banks, Bank of America allows unlimited electronic transactions without penalizing you. This means fewer worries about fees adding up!

Plus, the business checking accounts come equipped with cutting-edge digital tools such as Zelle, Cash Flow Monitor, and Business Advantage 360. This platform allows you to manage statements and transactions, pay bills effortlessly, and customize your account alerts, all while keeping track of your cash flow.

Bank of America’s Cash Flow Monitor gives you the power to visualize your credits and debits, forecast your cash flow based on upcoming transactions, and receive expert guidance from small-business specialists. You can even integrate third-party apps like ADP, QuickBooks Online, Google Workspace, Google Analytics, Expensify, and TurboTax into your dashboard!

Exclusive Loyalty Benefits: If you make Bank of America your primary business bank, enjoy waived fees and special perks through the Preferred Rewards for Business program. Entry-level members can earn a 25% rewards bonus on eligible business credit cards, a 5% interest rate boost on Business Advantage Savings accounts, and a 0.25% rate discount on qualifying Bank of America business loans.

To enter this exclusive club, simply maintain an average daily balance of $20,000 over three months, which can be distributed across multiple Bank of America accounts.

Where Bank of America Business Checking Could Improve

Monthly Fees: Keep in mind, both Bank of America’s business checking accounts have a monthly fee after the initial free period: $16 for the Business Advantage Fundamentals™ account and $29.95 for the Business Advantage Relationship account. While there are ways to waive these fees, many online and brick-and-mortar competitors offer free business checking accounts that might better suit your needs.
Moreover, be cautious about out-of-network ATM fees. Withdrawals at non-Bank of America ATMs incur a $2.50 fee domestically and $5 internationally, plus additional charges from the ATM owner. While Bank of America boasts a significant ATM footprint with 16,000 machines, if you want to avoid these fees altogether, consider a bank that has partnerships with nationwide networks like SUM or MoneyPass.

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