Best Business Checking Bonuses
Business checking accounts offer some of the highest bank bonuses available. You do not need a big company to qualify — freelancers, sole proprietors, and side hustlers can open these accounts.
Who Can Open a Business Account?
You do not need a formal business entity. If you do any of the following, you qualify as a sole proprietor and can open a business checking account:
When applying, select "Sole Proprietorship" as your business type and use your Social Security Number instead of an EIN.
Top Business Checking Bonuses
Chase — Business Complete Checking
$300-$750Requirement: Deposit $2,000+ and complete qualifying activities within 90 days
Monthly fee: $15/mo (waived with $2,000 daily balance)
Separate from personal Chase bonuses. Can stack with personal checking bonus.
Bank of America — Business Advantage Fundamentals
$200-$500Requirement: Deposit $5,000+ within 30 days, maintain for 60 days
Monthly fee: $16/mo (waived with $5,000 balance)
Bonus amount depends on deposit tier. $200 for $5K, $500 for $20K+.
U.S. Bank — Silver Business Checking
$200-$500Requirement: Deposit $5,000+ within 30 days, maintain for 60 days
Monthly fee: $0-$20/mo depending on package
Tiered bonus. Higher deposits earn higher bonuses.
Capital One — Business Checking
Up to $250Requirement: Deposit $5,000+ within 75 days, maintain balance
Monthly fee: $0/mo (truly free)
No monthly fee makes this a great option even without the bonus.
Bonus amounts and requirements may change. Verify current terms on each bank's website before applying.
Business Bonus Strategy
Stack with personal bonuses
Business and personal accounts are tracked separately at most banks. You can earn a Chase personal checking bonus ($300) and Chase business checking bonus ($300-$750) at the same time.
Keep your business money organized
Even if you open the account for the bonus, using it for business transactions simplifies tax filing. Keep personal and business expenses separate.
Look for no-fee options
Capital One Business Checking has no monthly fee. Other banks waive fees with a minimum balance. Avoid paying fees that eat into your bonus.
Use the account for 6+ months
Most banks charge an early closure fee ($25-$50) if you close within 90-180 days. Keep the account open long enough to avoid this and consider using it as your primary business account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a business checking account for a side hustle?
Yes. You do not need an LLC or corporation. Sole proprietors can open business checking accounts using their Social Security number. If you do any freelancing, reselling, tutoring, or consulting, you qualify as a sole proprietor and can open a business account.
Are business bank bonuses taxable?
Yes. Business bank bonuses are taxable income. If earned through a business account, report it as business income on Schedule C. The bank may issue a 1099-INT or 1099-MISC for the bonus amount.
Do business bank bonuses affect personal credit?
It depends on the bank. Some banks do a soft pull (ChexSystems only) for business checking, while others may do a hard credit pull. Chase and most large banks typically do a soft pull for business checking accounts.
Can I get both a personal and business bonus from the same bank?
Usually yes. Personal and business accounts are tracked separately. You can earn a Chase personal checking bonus and a Chase business checking bonus in the same period. They are considered different products.
What are the typical requirements for business checking bonuses?
Most business checking bonuses require a minimum opening deposit ($0-$2,000), maintaining a minimum balance for 60-90 days, and sometimes a certain number of transactions. Some also require direct deposit or a minimum total deposit amount.