Kruze’s clients are all startup businesses, and they collectively hold close to $4 billion in a variety of online banks - and traditional ones.
Our team of CPAs and accountants has a unique view into the best online business banks, not just from our work as accountants, but also as key startup banking experts regularly interviewed by publications like Axios, The NYTimes and others.
Let’s compare the financial institutions that our startups clients use and find the best one for your business!
Why online banks are taking over business accounts
Online banks frequently offer big advantages to startups, including cost, convenience, and technology. Online banks typically have lower fees and offer better interest rates compared to traditional banks, helping startups save money and maximize their cash flow. Founders and CEOs get the flexibility of managing their finances from anywhere, which is crucial for busy entrepreneurs who need quick access to their accounts and services without the hassle of visiting a physical branch.
Online banks often offer advanced digital tools and seamless integrations with popular accounting software, making financial management more efficient.
The account setup process is generally faster and simpler, allowing startups to quickly access essential banking services. Moreover, many online banks provide tailored customer support that understands the unique needs of startups, ensuring a more personalized and effective banking experience.
Top online business banks compared
| Important Features | Arc | Brex | Meow | Mercury | Ramp | Rho | Treasure Financial |
| Monthly fees? | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| QBO integration? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| User experience? | Good | Good | Great | Great | Good | Great | Good |
| Customer support? | Phone, Email | Email, Live Chat | Live Chat | Email, Online | Online | Email, Online | Email, Live Chat |
When startup companies are choosing an online bank, several critical factors should be considered. Some of the following banking options and services are essential, while others may not be necessary for very early-stage startups initially, but may come in handy later.
Banking features for startups
Low or no fees and costs
Banks may charge several types of fees, which can make a big difference to startups when every penny counts. Make sure you review the costs of each type of fee.
- Account fees. Look for banks that offer low or no monthly maintenance fees.
- Transaction fees. Remember that banks can charge fees for wire transfers, overdrafts, ATM use, and other transactions.
- Minimum balance requirements. Many banks have minimum balance requirements that you need to maintain to avoid fees, so make sure that requirement is manageable for your company.
Ease of integration
Time is money, and you don’t want to waste either by entering data into systems that don’t work together. Plus, that generates errors. You need to make sure the banking platform you choose integrates with your finance stack.
- Works with your fintech ecosystem. The bank should integrate seamlessly with your accounting software, like QuickBooks Online, and your other financial tools, like expense management and payroll.
- Options to automate processes. Look for APIs and other integration options that can help automate financial workflows, so you’re not entering data manually.
User experience and technology
We’ve all dealt with clunky user interfaces that are poorly designed, so make sure your bank offers a solid user experience.
- Good interface. A user-friendly interface and mobile app are important for managing finances on the go.
- Advanced financial and reporting tools. Advanced features like real-time transaction notifications, automatic categorization of expenses, and cash flow analysis tools can be very helpful to busy founders.
- Customizable dashboards. Dashboards that you can personalize based on your startup’s KPIs or growth objectives can make analysis and reporting much easier.
Customer support
When there’s a problem with your bank, it can affect your entire company. It’s important that you have resources to address issues quickly.
- Reliable and accessible customer support. Look for banks with 24/7 support.
- Relationship management and advisory services. Dedicated relationship managers who are experts in startup finance can provide you with tailored advice and support, and advisory services can help you with financial planning and cash flow optimization.
Security and compliance
It’s important for startups to carefully protect and manage their cash reserves, since boards of directors and investors want to see their investments are used to build the business.
- Strong security protocols. These include things like two-factor authentication, fraud detection algorithms, and transaction monitoring.
- Automated alerts. Your bank should monitor your transactions to prevent fraud and notify you of any suspicious activities.
- Compliance with regulatory standards. This is crucial for startups operating in regulated industries.
Scalability
You’ll need a bank that can handle your company’s growth.
- Services that expand with your startup. These can include services for larger volumes of transactions, more complex banking needs, and higher credit lines as the company expands.
Financing options
Not every startup needs access to credit and lending options, but it’s a helpful to have them available if you run into cash flow gaps or unexpected expenses.
- Lending options. Evaluate whether the bank provides access to credit lines, business loans, and credit cards tailored to startups.
- Competitive rates and terms. Check for competitive interest rates and favorable lending terms.
Cash management services
High-growth, VC-backed startups have unique circumstances like fluctuating cash flow, and complex financial requirements like large cash reserves.
- Cash management tools. Evaluate whether the bank offers cash management tools like sweep accounts, automatic savings options, or treasury services to manage idle cash effectively.
- Extended FDIC insurance for deposits. Startups with large cash reserves should look at banks that offer insured cash sweep (ICS) programs that spread large deposits among a network of banks to expand FDIC protection.
Specialized services for startups
- Some online banks cater specifically to startups with features like startup-specific account types, tools for managing VC funding, and tailored financial products for high-growth companies.
Global capabilities
- If the startup plans to expand internationally or deal with foreign clients, it’s important to choose a bank with multi-currency support, low foreign transaction fees, and international wire capabilities.
Read our comparison of Mercury vs SVB.
Read our comparison of JP Morgan vs HSBC.
Online banking offers startups convenience and efficiency with features like mobile deposits, automated payments, and easy transfers, helping founders save time and focus on growth. For more detailed information on different banking options, see our ratings of best banks for startups.
