Business checking fees, explained in plain language

Start with your transaction volume

Most accounts include a set number of monthly transactions and charge per item beyond it. Pull three months of statements and count deposits, checks, transfers and card settlements before comparing accounts.

For many growing businesses, an account with a higher monthly fee and a larger allowance is cheaper within a quarter.

Cash-heavy businesses are a special case

Cash deposit allowances are often quoted per statement cycle with a fee per additional amount. If you take significant cash, this single line can outweigh every other difference.

Confirm who holds your deposits

Some accounts are offered by technology companies working with partner banks. The practical questions are who insures the balance, what the insured limit is, and how a passthrough arrangement works if the provider fails.