Running a small business in Louisiana requires more than just great ideas and hard work—it needs the help of the best banks for small business. Are you a budding entrepreneur in the French Quarter or managing a growing company in Shreveport? Wherever you reside, and whatever your small business needs, choosing the right bank can make all the difference in your business’s success. 

We’ve evaluated numerous financial institutions across the Pelican State to bring you our top five picks for 2025. Our picks range from digital-first platforms to established regional banks—but they all provide tools, services and support to help your Louisiana business thrive.

The 5 Best Louisiana Banks for Small Businesses

These financial institutions are our top choices for Louisiana small businesses because they combine personalized service with the tools businesses need to succeed. Whether you’re a small startup, an established company, or a nonprofit organization, these banks offer flexible account options, competitive interest rates, and digital tools to streamline your financial management.

1. North One

North One is a digital-first banking platform designed for small businesses, freelancers, and sole proprietors. With two business interest checking plans—North One Standard and North One Plus—it caters to businesses at various growth stages. Both plans offer access to a wide range of software integrations, the Green Dot ATM network, and tools like real-time QuickBooks syncing, an intuitive envelope budgeting system, and team banking features.

The North One Standard plan is an entry-level option with no monthly fee, making it ideal for budget-conscious businesses. It offers a competitive 2.5% interest on checking balances, 1.5% same-day ACH payments, free digital bill payments, $1 physical checks, and free incoming domestic wire transfers. Standard account holders also receive two free ATM withdrawals and one free cash deposit each month.

For businesses seeking advanced tools and dedicated support, the North One Plus plan is available for $20 per month. This plan includes 3% interest on checking balances, free same-day ACH payments, free digital bill payments, free physical checks, waived fees for incoming domestic wire transfers, and reduced fees for outgoing wires. Plus members enjoy up to six free ATM withdrawals, three free cash deposits per month, priority customer support, a dedicated customer success manager, exclusive software perks, and an onboarding assistant.

While North One lacks physical branches, its robust online and mobile platforms make managing finances easy from anywhere in Louisiana—and beyond. With flexible features and high-interest accounts, North One is an excellent choice for modern businesses.

2. First National Bank Louisiana

Headquartered in Crowley, Louisiana, First National Bank of Louisiana serves individuals and businesses across the state, with additional locations in Lafayette, Sulphur, and Lake Charles.

The bank offers two business checking accounts: Simple Business Checking and Commercial Checking. Simple Business Checking suits small businesses with lower transaction volumes, allowing 200 transactions per statement cycle without a monthly fee for e-statement users. Transactions beyond this limit cost $0.20 each, with paper statements adding $5 per month. Commercial Checking is designed for higher transaction volumes, featuring a $10 monthly service charge offset by an earnings credit, plus $0.15 per debit/credit item and $0.10 per deposited item.

For savings, FNB Louisiana provides a tiered-interest Business Savings Account, requiring a $100 minimum deposit to open. A $3 monthly fee applies if the balance falls below $300, and withdrawals beyond the six-per-month limit incur a $3 fee.

Additional offerings include business credit cards with rewards, mobile banking with debit card controls, and digital wallet compatibility for Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Overdraft protection options include the Overdraft Privilege program, Sweep Services, and Lines of Credit to prevent insufficient funds. Businesses can streamline finances with online banking, treasury management services, and QuickBooks or Quicken integrations. FNB Louisiana also provides lines of credit for construction, equipment, and other business needs.

While transaction fees for higher volumes and limited branch locations outside Louisiana may be drawbacks, FNB Louisiana’s localized customer service and user-friendly digital tools make it an excellent choice for businesses within the region.

3. Pelican State Credit Union

Founded in 1956 as the Department of Hospitals Credit Union, Pelican State Credit Union has grown into Louisiana’s largest state-chartered credit union, serving over 50,000 members nationwide. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, it operates branches across Louisiana, with access to 160 CO-OP shared branches statewide and 5,500 nationwide. Members also benefit from the Dolphin ATM Network, offering thousands of fee-free ATMs across the country.

Pelican provides business banking solutions for small and commercial enterprises. Its free basic business checking account requires a $100 opening deposit, has no minimum balance, and includes digital tools like mobile banking, mobile check deposit, and free business bill pay. Payroll services simplify recurring and one-time payments, expense reimbursements, and payroll management through an intuitive online platform.

For savings, Pelican offers a business savings account with tiered dividends on balances over $100. This account has no monthly fee and requires only a $100 minimum opening deposit. Business loans are another core offering, covering needs like commercial real estate, construction, equipment financing, and working capital. SBA 7A loans provide long-term financing with flexible terms and no prepayment penalties for loans under 15 years.

Pelican also supports businesses with credit solutions, including Visa cards and lines of credit, featuring competitive rates, rewards programs, fraud protection, and mobile wallet compatibility. Larger financing needs are met with equipment and real estate loans offering flexible terms and rates.

While Pelican State Credit Union’s services are ideal for Louisiana-based businesses, geographic accessibility outside the state relies on shared branches. Despite this, its community focus, competitive offerings, and comprehensive tools make it a strong choice for local companies.

4. Gulf Coast Bank & Trust

Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company serves businesses in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Southeast Louisiana, and parts of Florida. With 20 branch locations in Louisiana and Florida, it provides a wide range of business banking products, complemented by 24/7 digital banking access and ATMs.

The bank offers several business checking account options. Standard Business Checking suits small to mid-sized businesses with lower balances and fewer transactions. Business Bonus Checking rewards debit card usage with redeemable points, while Commercial Checking caters to high-balance, high-transaction businesses, offering an earnings credit to offset fees. The Commercial Interest account provides interest for businesses with large balances and minimal transactions. Specialized options include Business Plus, Smart Safe for armored car deposits, Nonprofit Checking for charities, and IOLTA accounts for law firms.

Savings products include Business Savings and Business Money Market accounts, which combine savings with check-writing capabilities. Certificates of Deposit (CDs) provide fixed-term savings with predictable returns, and IntraFi Network Deposits offer multi-million-dollar FDIC insurance coverage.

For treasury and payment services, Gulf Coast Bank provides Desktop Teller for remote deposits, Positive Pay for fraud detection, ACH services for vendor and employee payments, and wire transfer tools for domestic and international transactions. Merchant Services enable businesses to accept debit and credit card payments, including mobile and wireless processing with next-day funding options. Lending products include credit cards, lines of credit, and SBA loans.

Although Gulf Coast Bank’s services are comprehensive, its presence outside Louisiana and Florida is limited, and some accounts have specific requirements. Nevertheless, the bank’s community-focused approach and specialized products make it a strong partner for businesses, schools, and non-profits in its service area.

5. Cadence Bank

Cadence Bank is a commercial bank headquartered in Tupelo, Mississippi, and Houston, Texas, serving Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Illinois. With 25 branches and 22 ATMs in Louisiana, it’s a strong regional option for business owners seeking full-service banking and physical branches.

Cadence Bank offers several business checking accounts. Business My Way Checking requires just a $50 minimum opening balance, while Business Interest Checking offers tiered interest rates with a $1,000 minimum balance. For higher transaction volumes, Business Checking Plus provides advanced features with a $50 minimum balance. Non-Profit Checking is available for charitable organizations with a $100 minimum balance.

Savings options include basic Business Savings accounts for secure funds with easy access and Money Market Select accounts for higher interest without sacrificing liquidity. Businesses can also invest in Certificates of Deposit (CDs) for predictable returns and flexible terms.

For financing, Cadence Bank provides a Mastercard BusinessCard with EMV chip security, no annual fee, and rewards redeemable for travel or gift cards. It also offers traditional business loans, SBA loans, and revolving lines of credit.

Merchant Services equips businesses with payment processing tools for in-store, online, and mobile transactions, tailored to industries like retail and restaurants. Treasury Management Services help businesses manage, track, and analyze funds efficiently.

Although its regional focus limits its reach compared to national banks, Cadence Bank offers localized expertise and a wide range of financial products for businesses.

Small Business Banking Made Simple in the Pelican State

Each of these top banks for Louisiana small businesses offers unique value to the local business community. For modern, fast-growing businesses, North One stands out as a leader in digital-first banking, offering high-interest checking accounts, cutting-edge tools like real-time QuickBooks syncing, and seamless financial management—all without the need for physical branches. Meanwhile, traditional banks like First National Bank Louisiana and Gulf Coast Bank & Trust deliver the personal touch of local service and in-branch support.

Whether you prioritize innovative digital solutions, competitive interest rates, or the convenience of nearby branches, evaluate your specific needs—from transaction volumes to lending options—and choose the bank that aligns with your business goals. For those ready to embrace the future of banking, North One offers simplicity, flexibility, and growth-focused features tailored for today’s entrepreneurs.