7 Best Bank Accounts for Freelancers and Side Hustlers

Freelancer money is lumpy. It arrives in bursts, vanishes in subscriptions, and somehow always chooses the worst possible week to go “pending.”
The right bank account won’t make clients pay faster (sadly), but it will make your cash flow easier to manageand your taxes dramatically less dramatic.

Below are seven bank accounts (mostly business checking) that are especially useful for self-employed workers, contractors, creators, and side hustlers.
We’ll focus on what matters in real life: fees, ATM/branch access, getting paid, integrations, and little features that keep you from turning tax season into an escape room.

Why a separate account is non-negotiable (even for “small” side gigs)

If you mix personal and business transactions, your bookkeeping becomes a detective storywithout the fun trench coat.
The IRS recommends keeping a separate bank account for your business because it makes recordkeeping easier.

A dedicated account also helps you:

• See profit clearly (income minus expenses, not “vibes”).
• Save for taxes automatically (so quarterly payments don’t ambush you).
• Look professional when customers pay a business name.
• Protect your time by simplifying bookkeeping and reconciliations.

How we chose the best bank accounts for freelancers

We prioritized accounts that are widely available in the U.S. and tend to work well for one-person businesses: low or waivable fees,
strong mobile tools, easy payments (ACH/mobile deposit/invoicing), useful integrations, and trustworthy deposit insurance where applicable.
Details can change, so confirm current terms before opening.

1) Bluevine Business Checking

Best for: freelancers who keep a cash buffer and want their checking account to earn something.

Bluevine stands out for pairing a no-monthly-fee option with unusually high interest potential for a business checking account.
If you maintain a steady balance (your “slow month” cushion), this can be a meaningful perk.

• Standout perks: no monthly fee on the Standard plan; interest earning is available depending on plan and eligibility.
• Keep in mind: interest eligibility and tiers depend on plan/requirements; always review the latest details.
• Works well if: you get paid mainly digitally (ACH, transfers) and want to maximize idle cash.

2) Novo Business Checking

Best for: side hustlers who want simple, fee-light banking with modern integrations.

Novo’s vibe is “banking that doesn’t get in your way.” It’s online-first, focuses on a clean experience,
and offers perks like limited ATM fee reimbursements that can quietly save you money.

• Standout perks: no monthly fees or required minimum balance; ATM fee reimbursements up to a monthly cap; integrations that pair nicely with common business tools.
• Keep in mind: cash deposits can be inconvenient with online-only accounts.
• Works well if: you sell services or digital products and do most payments online.

3) Chase Business Complete Banking

Best for: freelancers who want a big bank, physical branches, and a mature digital platform.

Chase is the “I want options” pick: branches, ATMs, and a well-developed suite of business services.
It can also be handy if you want built-in invoicing and ways to accept card payments.

• Standout perks: broad branch/ATM access; digital tools; optional invoicing and payment acceptance features.
• Keep in mind: there’s a monthly service fee, but it can be waived in several waysmake sure at least one waiver fits your routine.
• Works well if: your hustle involves checks/cash sometimes, or you like having in-person help available.

4) Bank of America Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking

Best for: side hustlers who want branch access and multiple ways to avoid monthly fees.

Bank of America’s Business Advantage options are a common fit for small businesses that want traditional infrastructure plus modern digital banking.
Fundamentals is the “start here” tier if you want to keep things straightforward.

• Standout perks: strong branch presence; multiple waiver pathways after an introductory period (often tied to balances, debit purchases, or relationship programs).
• Keep in mind: monthly fees may apply if you don’t meet waiver requirementsso match the account to your habits.
• Works well if: you deposit cash/checks or already use Bank of America products.

5) Capital One Spark Business Basic Checking

Best for: freelancers who want a straightforward account with broad ATM access.

Capital One’s Basic business checking is a solid “set it and forget it” option if your needs are simple
and you appreciate a large ATM network for withdrawals.

• Standout perks: clear monthly fee with an attainable waiver option; access to a large fee-free ATM network.
• Keep in mind: like most traditional banks, some add-on services (such as wires) may cost extra.
• Works well if: you want simplicity, ATM reach, and a familiar bank experience.

6) American Express Business Checking

Best for: freelancers who want a modern account with no monthly maintenance fees.

American Express Business Checking is positioned as a low-fee, app-friendly option.
It’s especially appealing if you already use AmEx and want your business banking to feel equally streamlined.

• Standout perks: no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements; offered by an FDIC-insured bank.
• Keep in mind: confirm how you’ll handle cash deposits if your side hustle is cash-heavy.
• Works well if: you get paid by ACH and pay bills digitally.

7) Axos Basic Business Checking

Best for: online-first freelancers who want a digital bank with wire/ATM perks.

Axos markets Basic Business Checking as a no-monthly-maintenance-fee account with unlimited transactions,
free incoming wires, and ATM fee reimbursementsan attractive combo if you manage everything online.

• Standout perks: online convenience; advertised no monthly maintenance fees; free incoming wires and ATM reimbursement benefits.
• Keep in mind: always review the latest disclosures and fee schedule for services you use most (wires, deposits, reimbursements).
• Works well if: you’re remote, mostly digital, and move money across accounts regularly.

Quick pick guide

• Want interest on idle cash: Bluevine or American Express Business Checking.
• Want fee-light banking + integrations: Novo.
• Need branches/cash deposits: Chase or Bank of America.
• Want simple + big ATM reach: Capital One.
• Want digital + wire/ATM perks: Axos.

What to compare before you open an account

• Monthly fees and waiver rules: If the waiver is unrealistic for you, it’s not a waiverit’s a recurring donation to the bank.
• How you get paid: ACH, mobile check deposit, invoicing tools, and transfer speed matter more than flashy extras.
• Cash deposits: If you touch cash often, branch access (or a cash-deposit workaround) is crucial.
• Transaction limits: Some traditional accounts cap free in-person transactions or cash deposits.
• Integrations: QuickBooks and other accounting connections can save hours.
• Insurance coverage: Understand FDIC basicscoverage is generally up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per ownership category.

Pro tip: Before you open anything, write down (1) how you get paid most often, (2) whether you ever handle cash,
and (3) the average balance you keep. Those three answers usually pick the “right” account faster than any ranking list.

What you’ll usually need to open a freelancer-friendly business account

Most banks will ask for basic identity and business info. For many freelancers and sole proprietors, that can mean your Social Security number
(or an EIN if you have one), a government ID, and details like your business name and address. If you formed an LLC, expect documents like articles
of organization and ownership information. (Even if you’re “just” freelancing, getting these basics organized upfront makes the application much smoother.)

Set up your freelancer banking system in one afternoon

1. Open one dedicated account used only for business income and expenses.
2. Create “buckets” (extra account or sub-account): Taxes, Operating, Buffer.
3. Automate tax saving: move a set percentage every time you get paid.
4. Connect accounting so transactions categorize themselves instead of haunting you later.
5. Do a weekly 10-minute money check-in to catch issues early (fees, fraud, subscriptions, late payments).

Bonus: 500+ words of freelancer banking experience (aka lessons you can borrow)

Here’s the funny thing about freelancing: the work can be creative, but the money system should be aggressively boring.
Boring money pays bills on time, funds taxes without drama, and doesn’t require an emergency spreadsheet at midnight.

The first lesson most freelancers learn is that “I got paid” and “I can spend it” are two different statements.
A $3,000 client deposit feels amazingright up until you remember taxes, software subscriptions, equipment upgrades,
and that one annual bill that shows up like a surprise party you didn’t RSVP to.
A separate business account gives you a pause button.

When income lands in the business account, you can run a simple routine before it mixes with personal spending:

• Tax first: move your tax percentage immediately (many people start around 25% as a rough placeholder, then adjust based on their real situation).
• Operations next: set aside money for tools, contractors, ads, and recurring bills.
• Buffer always: keep a “client paid late” cushion so one slow week doesn’t wreck your month.

Second lesson: payments aren’t just about receiving moneythey’re about timing.
If your clients pay via ACH, you might be fine with a digital-first account.
But if you’re paid by check (yes, it still happens), mobile deposit quality matters.
And if you take cashtips, in-person sales, pop-up eventsbranch access becomes a practical superpower.
A lot of side hustlers end up with a two-account strategy: an online account for daily banking plus a local bank or credit union mainly for cash deposits.
It sounds extra, but it’s usually cheaper than paying fees or losing time hunting for deposit options.

Third lesson: the best bank account is the one that matches your habits, not your aspirations.
If you know you won’t maintain a minimum balance, pick an account with no monthly fee.
If you do keep cash reserves, an account that pays interest can feel like a tiny bonus for being responsible.
If you hate admin work, prioritize integrationsbecause connecting your account to bookkeeping software can eliminate hours of “What was this charge?” later.

Fourth lesson: small fees are sneaky. A $15 monthly fee doesn’t look scary on day one, but it becomes a yearly expense fastespecially if you forget
to hit the waiver requirement for a couple months. Same story with wire fees, out-of-network ATM charges, and transaction limits.
The goal is to design your banking so your default behavior avoids fees.
If your account requires constant attention to avoid charges, it’s not supporting your hustleit’s demanding a performance review.

Finally, there’s the confidence factor. When your banking is organized, you can answer real business questions without stress:

• “How much did I actually earn after expenses?”
• “Can I afford that new tool, or am I just excited?”
• “If I take a week off, will my cash flow survive?”

That clarity is why freelancers who get serious about their money almost always end up with the same setup:
separate account, simple buckets, consistent tax saving, and a quick weekly check-in.
Not glamorousbut neither is scrambling to find receipts while whispering, “Please be deductible.”

Bottom line

Bluevine and American Express are strong choices if you want your checking balance to earn more.
Novo is a fee-friendly favorite for online-first freelancers who value integrations.
Chase and Bank of America shine when branches and cash deposits matter.
Capital One is a clean, straightforward option with broad ATM access.
Axos is worth a look if you want a digital bank experience with wire and ATM perks.

Pick the account that fits how you operate, separate your money, and let your future self enjoy the rare thrill of a stress-free tax season.