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North One is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.
Finding the right self-employed bank account is the key to effective financial management wherever your business is located. As more professionals embrace self-employment, the banking industry has responded with innovative solutions tailored to independent workers’ unique needs.Â
This guide explores five solid banking solutions that can help streamline your finances, automate tedious tasks and support your business growth. Our top picks range from digital-first platforms to traditional banks with nationwide presence—which means self-employed pros have more options than ever.
Key Features to Look for in a Self-Employed Bank Account
When you’re running your own business, your bank account should work as hard as you do. Unlike the corporate world, you’re wearing all the hats, from CEO to bookkeeper, and your banking setup needs to keep pace with your entrepreneurial spirit. Here are the features to keep an eye out for as you consider your options:
Automated Expense Tracking
You need a business account that functions like an entrepreneur. A bank account that can automatically categorize every transaction, track your expenses by project or client and build detailed reports for tax season is key. Plus, keeping your business and personal finances separate isn’t just organized: it’s your shield during tax audits.
Flexibility for Business Income Cycles
Your account should also work with your business evolution, like feast-or-famine income cycles. Look for accounts that skip the monthly fees and minimum balance hoops. Want your money faster? Look for features like early deposit access, which can accelerate your cash flow. Plus, if your accounting software (think QuickBooks or Wave) connects directly to your bank, you’ll slash those bookkeeping hours.
Mobile-Friendly and On-the-Go Features
Most self-employed people look for on-the-go functionality. Digital tools that let you run your financial world from your mobile devices can be a time-saver. Deposit checks with a quick photo snap, generate professional invoices between client meetings, and even process credit card payments on the spot. These features allow you to handle real business in real time, whether you’re at your desk or on the road.
Responsive Customer Service
Finally, a responsive customer service team can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a major headache. The right bank gets this, offering support that matches your schedule—because, unlike traditional 9-to-5 businesses, your workday might start at dawn or end at midnight.
The Top Bank Accounts for the Self-Employed
These banks incorporate essential features like automated expense tracking, seamless integration with accounting software, no-fee structures, mobile-friendly tools and responsive customer service, making them perfectly tailored to meet the unique needs of self-employed professionals.
1. North One
Looking for a tech-savvy, digital-first banking solution that understands the self-employed lifestyle? North One’s banking platform is our top choice for self-employed professionals. Their integrated system brings together all your financial moving parts, from sales and payments to budgeting and expenses, into one streamlined dashboard.
Track your money’s journey with North One’s Revenue Dashboard, which can pull data from major platforms like Stripe, Etsy and Amazon. You’ll know exactly when funds from PayPal or Shopify will hit your account. For the number-crunchers, it integrates with dozens of popular software tools, including QuickBooks, Wave and Zoho. This can turn hours of manual bookkeeping into automated efficiency. Plus, their convenient bill payments hub takes the headache out of managing multiple client relationships, with automated invoice handling and payment scheduling all in one place.
Cost-wise, North One keeps it straightforward: Choose between a no-fee Standard plan with essential features like virtual envelopes for budgeting, or step up to the Plus plan at $20 monthly for premium perks like same-day ACH transfers and enhanced support. Additional services come with transparent pricing: domestic wires run $15-20, and cash deposits through Green Dot locations have variable fees.
The platform backs its modern features with solid security: your funds are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 through The Bancorp Bank, N.A. Whether you’re launching your self-employed journey or scaling an established operation, North One’s combination of real-time tools and reporting features helps you cut down on tedious tasks and focus on your company.
Apply for an account2. Relay
If you’re comfortable with digital-first platforms, Relay may be a good choice for self-employed success. Account holders can own up to 20 checking accounts and two high-yield savings accounts (earning 3.00% APY) at your fingertips. There are also credit card options for business owners.Â
Whether you’re setting aside cash for taxes, stashing profits or managing daily expenses, Relay’s automated transfers make budgeting a breeze. Fan of the Profit First method? Relay’s got you covered with tools that make implementing this strategy easier than ever.
Tax time can be chaotic, but Relay’s integrations with QuickBooks Online and Xero help by automatically syncing your transactions and keeping your books current. The platform goes also cleans up vendor data, stores receipts digitally and serves up detailed spending insights that help you make smarter money moves.
Relay’s lack of monthly charges, no overdraft penalties and no minimum balance requirements make it a good choice for self-employed entrepreneurs just starting out. Plus, your funds are FDIC-insured up to $3 million through Thread Bank. Whether you’re just starting your self-employed journey or running an established operation, Relay’s features might be a good fit for your needs.
3. Chase Bank
Want a banking heavyweight with in-person branches and nationwide ATM reach? Chase business banking might be your perfect match. Their Business Complete Checking account offers a $300 welcome bonus for new customers, and you can dodge the $15 monthly fee by keeping $2,000 in your account or using Chase payment solutions like QuickAccept—perfect for self-employed professionals who need flexibility in their banking.
Chase’s QuickAccept can be a game-changer for self-employed folks. Take card payments anywhere, anytime, with same-day deposits hitting your account for transactions processed by 5 PM PT. The Chase Mobile app allows you to deposit checks through QuickDeposit, track your cash flow and manage your accounts on the go. Just snap a photo of your check, and you’re done—no need to visit ATMs or physical branches.
Chase customers can benefit from their rock-solid reputation and room to grow. As your self-employed business expands, they’ve got everything you need under one roof, from high-yield savings accounts to business credit cards and sophisticated cash management tools. Their online and mobile platforms keep you in control 24/7.
The nationwide network is a massive plus: thousands of branches and ATMs mean you’re never far from in-person help when you need it. Whether you’re making deposits, getting financial advice or exploring new business services, Chase’s extensive physical presence complements their digital tools perfectly. For self-employed professionals who want the best of all worlds—modern digital features, scalability, multiple banking products and traditional banking stability—Chase’s business banking options are a great choice.
4. BlueVine
BlueVine offers smart digital banking to self-employed professionals—their checking account can put money back in your pocket. No monthly fees, no overdraft charges and free ACH transfers mean more of your hard-earned cash stays where it belongs. Managing multiple income streams? Their budgeting tools and sub-accounts with automatic transfer rules help you keep everything organized without manually doing the work.
Account holders can earn up to 4.25% APY on your checking balance with upgraded plans. Because they’re a digital-first platform, their mobile app acts as your pocket-sized financial hub—deposit checks, track expenses and handle payments wherever business takes you.
Your peace of mind matters, too. With FDIC insurance up to $3 million and bank-grade security features like two-factor authentication and fraud protection, your funds stay safe while you stay focused. Whether you’re paying contractors, setting aside tax money or keeping business and personal finances separate, BlueVine gives self-employed pros a variety of straightforward solutions that help you grow your business.
5. nbkc Bank
nbkc Bank is another bank for the tech-savvy entrepreneur. Their business checking account is designed to eliminate unnecessary fees and complications, letting you focus on your business. With no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements and no cost for essential services like incoming domestic wires or overdrafts, nbkc removes financial roadblocks that can cut into your profits.
For those who want to save while they bank, nbkc’s Business Money Market account is another standout feature. Offering a competitive 2.75 percent APY on all balances with no minimum opening deposit, it provides a flexible way to earn interest on your money without locking it away in a CD.
On the tech side, nbkc offers convenient digital banking. From Tap-to-Pay on iPhone to professional invoicing through Autobooks, they offer tools tailored for modern business owners. Their robust mobile app and online banking make it simple and convenient to manage your finances from wherever your business takes you.
Finally, nbkc offers the personal touch of a local bank with the reach and services of a national institution. Whether you’re based in Kansas City or working remotely, their commitment to customer satisfaction means you can count on expert support whenever you need it. They’re a simple, low-cost solution that can help you manage your self-employed finances.
Unlock self-employed success with the right bank
Choosing the right self-employed bank account for you will depend on your specific business needs, working style and growth plans. Whether you prefer the digital innovation of North One or the traditional stability of Chase, there’s an option for every type of entrepreneur. Be sure to consider factors like fee structures, digital capabilities, integration features and customer support when making your decision. No matter which option you choose, the right bank will grow along with you.
Try North One Connected Banking for free 1
1 Minimum $50 deposit required. See your Deposit Account Agreement for more details.
North One is a financial technology company, not a bank.
Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.