When you’re on the hunt for the best online business bank account, you probably prioritize features that streamline your financial management. You need an account that integrates seamlessly with your accounting software, offers robust security, and doesn’t hit you with monthly maintenance fees.
We’ve picked out the top 6 best online business bank accounts as of 2024. All of these have a lot to offer, but some will be a better fit for you than others, depending on what you’re looking for. Let’s go through them one by one.
Key highlights:
- Revolut: Offers a multi-currency account that allows businesses to hold and exchange over 30 currencies at the interbank exchange rate without hidden fees. Features a streamlined mobile app with instant payment notifications, budgeting tools, and access to cryptocurrency trading.
- Wise: Provides transparent and low-cost international transfers with real-time exchange rates, protecting against currency fluctuations. Supports holding and converting over 50 currencies without hefty conversion fees, integrating seamlessly with various accounting software.
- Payoneer: Facilitates cross-border payments with no monthly maintenance fees and a multi-currency account that can manage funds in over 150 currencies. Integrates with numerous e-commerce platforms and offers invoicing tools, although it charges high fees for certain transactions.
- Airwallex: Delivers competitive currency exchange rates and no monthly account fees, ideal for businesses with cross-border transactions. Offers a multi-currency wallet, over 60 local payment methods worldwide, and advanced features like automated payment tracking and reconciliation.
- Mercury: Ideal for startups and small businesses, with no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements. Provides free domestic wire transfers, integrated tools for managing cash flow, and seamless integration with popular accounting software, accessible remotely for non-U.S. residents with U.S. businesses.
Best online business bank account
In the following sections of this article, we’ll discover the 6 best online business bank accounts as of 2024, exploring their unique features to help you find that best fits your needs.
1. Revolut – Multi-currency account capability
In terms of what Revolut offers for business banking, a vital aspect is its multi-currency account capability, which allows enterprises to hold and exchange over 30 currencies at the interbank exchange rate without any hidden fees.
This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses that frequently deal with international transactions, as it helps to minimize foreign exchange costs.
Revolut also provides instant payment notifications and real-time tracking features, so financial oversight and management are made easier.
These tools allow you to monitor spending and receive immediate updates on transactions, which helps to streamline financial planning and reporting.
Revolut’s integration with accounting software facilitates very easy bookkeeping and invoicing processes. Generally speaking, it’s very easy to manage everything involving payments with Revolut.
Also, Revolut offers virtual and physical debit cards for secure transactions, which allows for better control over employee spending. This feature is especially useful for businesses that require multiple users to have access to funds.
With its impressive set of tools and capabilities, Revolut is a great choice for businesses that are seeking to simplify their financial operations.
Revolut also supports cryptocurrencies, making it one of the best crypto friendly banks.
Pros:
- Offers a multi-currency account to hold, exchange, and transfer funds without added fees.
- Practical choice for internationally operating companies.
- Streamlined mobile app for easy transaction management, instant notifications, and budgeting tools.
- Built-in expense management tools for efficient reporting and tax preparation.
- Access to cryptocurrency trading for diversified financial strategies.
- Customizable spending limits on employee cards to manage company expenses.
Cons:
- Potential limitations or fees associated with certain features.
- Some features may have additional charges or specific requirements.
- Not all services may be available to all types of businesses.
2. Wise – International transfers at low costs
Wise has grown in popularity over the years, and is one of the best neobanks in the world – with good reason. When you’re managing international finances for your business, it offers key features that can improve your operations.
Headquartered in the UK, Wise gives you the option to open business and personal bank-like accounts in many different jurisdictions, including the US, UK, Eurozone, Canada, Australia, and more. If you use Stripe, you can link it to any of those accounts and save on the typical 2% currency exchange fee.
You’ll get access to real-time exchange rates, batch payment capabilities, and the ability to hold and manage balances in multiple currencies, all within a user-friendly interface. Also, you get access to both virtual and physical cards. You can even use Wise cards to buy crypto.
One of the most notable advantages of Wise is its ability to make international transfers at low costs, often significantly cheaper than traditional banks. The platform displays transparent fee structures upfront, so you know exactly what you’re paying.
Also, Wise provides borderless banking features that allow businesses to send invoices and receive payments from around the world efficiently.
Similarly to Revolut, Wise integrates seamlessly with various accounting software, so you have an easier time managing your finances and tracking expenses in real-time.
Once you add advanced security measures, including two-factor authentication and data encryption, you realize Wise is a complete package that is unlikely to keep you wanting.
Pros:
- Transparent and low fees for international transfers.
- Real-time exchange rates protect against fluctuating currency rates.
- Multi-currency account allows holding and converting over 50 currencies without hefty conversion fees.
- Seamless integration with various accounting software.
- Strong anti-fraud measures and security protocols.
Cons:
- Primarily focuses on international money transfers and multi-currency management.
- Does not offer a full suite of traditional banking services.
- May not be ideal for businesses seeking all-encompassing banking solutions in one place.
3. Payoneer – Cross-border payments
Payoneer is known for facilitating cross-border payments with competitive exchange rates and a lack of monthly maintenance fees, which can notably reduce operational costs for businesses with international transactions.
Payoneer offers a multi-currency account, which allows businesses to hold and manage funds in over 150 currencies (a truly absurd number). This helps facilitate international transactions and diverse payment options.
This feature is particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized enterprises engaged in global trade, as it simplifies the process of receiving and making payments in various currencies.
With Payoneer, you can receive payments from clients and marketplaces worldwide, directly into your local receiving accounts, which acts as a local bank account without the high associated fees. The platform integrates with numerous e-commerce platforms and marketplaces, so payment processing for businesses involved in online sales is simple.
Advanced reporting and analytics tools provide insights into cash flow, payment status, and transaction history.
You can even buy crypto with Payoneer on Binance P2P.
Pros:
- No monthly maintenance fees, minimizing overhead costs.
- Multi-currency account simplifies global revenue management and reduces conversion fees.
- Invoicing tools integrate seamlessly with payments, enhancing cash flow management.
- Access to working capital through financing options.
- Integration with numerous e-commerce platforms and marketplaces.
Cons:
- Can only receive funds from companies, not private individuals.
- Charges high fees compared to other options
- Spending with the Payoneer debit card costs 3.5% if used outside the country of issue or in a different currency
- High ATM fees and unfavorable exchange rates (2-3% markup), withdrawing to a normal bank account costs 2%
4. Airwallex – Seamless global business banking
Airwallex is an Australian fintech company that offers extensive online banking solutions tailored for businesses conducting cross-border transactions. They provide competitive exchange rates and multi-currency accounts.
With Airwallex, you can hold, manage, and convert funds in multiple currencies, as well as utilize integrated payment processing tools for easy acceptance of international payments.
Key features such as expense tracking and real-time transaction notifications also enhance your financial oversight, making it a robust platform for businesses with global operations.
You have the option of multi-currency accounts that enable you to hold and transact in over 12 currencies without conversion fees, guaranteeing you save on unnecessary charges. The FX markup fees are between 0.5% and 1%.
You can easily receive payments from Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and PayPal. Also, they offer over 60 local payment methods worldwide, such as WeChat Pay for Chinese consumers, Kakao Pay in South Korea, and GrabPay in Singapore, among others. Their mobile app, which is available for both Android and iOS, makes managing these payments even more convenient.
The platform also provides integration with various accounting and e-commerce platforms, such as Xero, Amazon, and Shopify, streamlining financial management for businesses of all sizes. You get advanced features like automated payment tracking and reconciliation, which enhance operational efficiency.
Moreover, Airwallex’s business tools include borderless cards, expense management, and bill pay services, all accessible from a single platform.
With Airwallex, you can expect high-level security measures, including compliance with industry standards and data encryption, to protect sensitive business information.
Pros:
- Competitive currency exchange rates lower cross-border transaction costs.
- No monthly account fees.
- Seamless integration with e-commerce platforms and accounting software.
- Multi-currency wallet without the need for separate accounts.
- Provides over 60 local payment methods worldwide.
- Advanced features like automated payment tracking and reconciliation.
- High-level security measures and data encryption.
Cons:
- Potential limitations and restrictions, such as specific eligibility criteria.
- Limited support for certain types of businesses or transactions.
- Extra FX markup on weekends or when FX markets are closed.
- Physical employee cards cost an additional AUD 14 per cardholder per month, while virtual cards are free.
5. Mercury – No monthly maintenance fee
Mercury’s online platform is particularly appealing if you’re a startup or small business seeking ease of use and digital convenience. Also, if you’re not a US resident but you have a US business, and you’re looking for a business account that you can access remotely – Mercury is for you.
They typically offer no monthly maintenance fees, and its platform integrates tools for managing cash flow, such as creating virtual debit cards for different team members or expenses, which can streamline your accounting process.
Mercury’s great due to its thorough suite of features for small to medium-sized enterprises. Apart from no monthly fees, it also has no minimum balance requirements, so your cash flow remains unencumbered by maintenance costs.
The account supports digital banking features such as free domestic wire transfers, though they do charge a 1% foreign transaction fee.
Mercury also provides an integrated suite of banking tools, including expense management and invoicing capabilities. This is great for small businesses as it boosts operational efficiency. You can manage finances easily thanks to integrations with popular accounting software that streamline financial tracking and reporting processes.
Pros:
- No monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements.
- Free domestic wire transfers and unlimited transactions without additional charges.
- Integrated tools for managing cash flow, including virtual debit cards for team members, expense management, and invoicing capabilities.
- Seamless integration with popular accounting software.
- Accessible remotely for non-U.S. residents with U.S. businesses; supports startups and small to medium-sized enterprises.
- Real U.S. bank account with an associated debit card, compatible with U.S. PayPal and Stripe accounts.
Cons:
- Charges a 1% foreign transaction fee on foreign exchanges.
- Outgoing transfers are made in the name of Mercury, not the business (though the business name can be added to the message).
- Approval may require stating that you’ll do business with U.S. companies; otherwise, your account application might not be approved.
The bottom line
In 2024, there are numerous online business bank accounts tailored to small businesses and freelancers. Notable options include Revolut, Wise, Payoneer, Airwallex, and Mercury, offering multi-currency accounts and advanced financial management tools.
Each one has their strengths and weaknesses. You should prioritize features that are most important to you, and what your specific situation is. This perspective will help you select an account that improves cost-effectiveness and user experience, and ultimately perfectly aligns with your business needs.
For a list of traditional banks, you can go over our list of the best banks in the world. You can also see our article exploring the best crypto exchanges if you’re looking for great platforms to trade on.
Source: https://coincodex.com/article/50715/best-online-business-bank-accounts/