How bank accounts can support your business’s operations | Business
As a business owner, you rely on a lot of people for support every day: employees, vendors, customers and, yes, bankers. The right banking relationship can provide more than just a place to deposit and withdraw your money. It also can offer the products and support you need to help operate and grow your business.
Regardless of the size, age or type of their business, it’s important to separate personal and business finances by opening business banking accounts. These accounts range from simple business checking and savings accounts to business credit cards, lines of credit and merchant services. In this article, we’ll discuss each type of account, its benefits and what you should consider when choosing the best option for your business.
Types of business bank accounts
Business checking account – A business checking account provides a way for you to write checks from your business, accept checks to your business and separate your personal and business finances. Many checking accounts offer additional business services. For example, the Chase Business Complete BankingSM account comes with built-in card acceptance using the Chase Mobile® app and fraud protection for your business and customers.
Business savings account – A business savings account allows you to save for longer-term goals while earning interest on your money. Many businesses open savings accounts to have a cushion for unexpected expenses, put money away for quarterly or annual taxes and protect against overdraft fees. Most banks have limits on the number of withdrawals you can make from a business savings account each month, so this type of account is typically not used for everyday expenses. Chase for Business offers different business savings accounts based on your business’s needs and monthly balance.
Business credit cards – Business credit cards allow business owners to keep personal and business purchases separate, protect their purchases and oftentimes earn rewards that can be reinvested in their businesses. These credit cards also extend your purchasing power by filling temporary gaps in cash flow. When it comes to business credit cards, there is no one-size-fits-all—it really depends on the business. Here are some questions to consider when choosing the best credit card for your business:
- Would you benefit from a card that offers higher rewards for travel?
- Do you spend more in certain categories like office supplies or technology services?
- Do you need a longer interest-free introductory period?
- Do you plan on making a large purchase in the next few months?
- Could you optimize your rewards and benefits by having more than one card?
Chase for Business offers a number of business credit card options that fit the bill for every business and every need.
Merchant services account – A merchant services account allows businesses to accept credit and debit card payments, Apple Pay and other contactless payments from customers, which is more important than ever. Chase for Business offers a number of payment solutions, including mobile payments that cater to today’s businesses and customers who are on-the-go.
What you need to open a business banking account
While banks may have different requirements depending on the type of business account you want to open, most requirements include the same core items:
- Employer Identification Number (or Social Security number if you’re a sole proprietorship)
- Business formation documents
- Ownership agreements
- Business license
Be sure to check the bank’s website for specific information.
Get started
Having a strong relationship with your banker can go a long way in growing your business. Speak with a Chase business banker to determine which business accounts are the best fit for your business.
For informational/educational purposes only: The views expressed in this article may differ from those of other employees and departments of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Views and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any individual. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results.
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. ©2021 JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Chase Business Complete Checking℠ has a $15 Monthly Service Fee unless you fulfill at least one of the following qualifying activities: 1) Maintain a minimum daily balance of at least $2,000 in your account as of the beginning of each day of the statement period, 2) Spend at least $2,000 in purchases (minus returns or refunds) using your Chase Ink® Business Card(s) that shares a business legal name with the Chase Business Complete Checking account, using the most recently completed monthly card billing period(s), 3) Deposit at least $2,000 into your Chase Business Complete Checking account from Chase QuickAccept℠ transactions and/or transactions from eligible Chase Merchant Services products (net of chargebacks, refunds, or other adjustments) at least one business day prior to the last day of your Chase Business Complete Checking account statement period, or 4) Maintain a linked Chase Private Client Checking℠ account. Product terms are subject to change. QuickAccept is only available within the Chase Mobile® app on select mobile devices and is not available in U.S. territories or outside the U.S. Usage of QuickAccept is subject to eligibility, terms of service, monitoring and further review. Deposits are subject to limits, verification, fraud monitoring, and other restrictions. Message and data rates may apply. Eligible Chase Merchant Services products include only those where the transaction history can be viewed through Chase Business Online, Chase Connect®, or J.P. Morgan Access®.
Deposit and credit card products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Accounts subject to credit approval. Restrictions and limitations apply. Fees and product features are subject to change at any time. All accounts are subject to approval.
Chase Business Complete Banking is available in the United States, except Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories.
Fraud Protection Services is available to eligible business checking accounts and consists of the Positive Pay Service (“Positive Pay Service” or “Check Protection Services”), the Reverse Positive Pay Service (“Reverse Positive Pay” or “Check Monitoring”), and the ACH Debit Block Service.