Source: https://rivet.global/blog/best-business-checking-account-for-llc
Published: 2026-06-18 · Updated: 2026-11-04 · By Alexia M.

# Best business checking account for an LLC: how to choose in 2026

How to choose a business checking account for an LLC: free plans, wires, cash, interest and international needs compared across Mercury, Relay, Bluevine, Found and Chase.

## Key takeaways

- Every account here has a free or waivable plan, so monthly fees rarely decide the choice.
- Wires, cash deposits and interest separate them: Mercury lists $0 wires, Bluevine pays interest, Found and Chase take cash deposits.
- An LLC needs its formation documents, EIN letter and owner IDs to open any business account.
- LLCs that invoice or pay abroad need a multi-currency account as well, or instead.

"Best business checking account for LLC" is one of the most completed searches after "best business checking account for". Most lists rank the same names. The useful question is which features your LLC will actually use. Figures below were read on each provider's page on 4 November 2026.

## The common choices

| | Monthly | Wires | Cash | Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | $0 base | $0 domestic and USD international | No | Treasury, with a $250K balance |
| Relay | $0 Starter | Not listed | See Relay | Savings 1.19% to 3.21% |
| Bluevine | $0 Standard | Up to $15 domestic; international up to $25 + 1.5% | See fee schedule | 1.3% with activity |
| Found | $0 | $15 ($10 Pro) | $2 per deposit | On paid plans |
| Chase Business Complete | $15, waivable | See schedule | Up to $5,000 per cycle | No |

## Three questions that pick the account

1. Do you handle cash or checks? Then a bank with branches, or Found for small amounts, beats the others.
2. How many wires do you send each month? Above a few, $0 wires on Mercury save real money.
3. Does money cross a border? If a client pays from abroad or you pay a contractor abroad, every account above converts it. That is often the biggest cost.

## Documents you will need

- Articles of organization
- EIN confirmation letter (CP 575 or 147C)
- Operating agreement
- ID for each owner with 25% or more, and often the managers
- A business address and a short description of what you sell

## For LLCs with foreign owners

Many of these providers expect US-resident owners. If you formed your LLC from abroad, see our guide to [US LLC bank accounts for non-residents](/blog/us-llc-non-resident-business-bank-account).

## Paying into the United States: the local rail

| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Local rail | ACH for batch payments; RTP and FedNow for instant transfers |
| Run by | Nacha for ACH; The Clearing House for RTP; the Federal Reserve for FedNow |
| Settlement | Same-day ACH within the business day, standard ACH the next; RTP and FedNow in seconds, 24/7, where both banks take part |

Source: [Nacha: Same Day ACH](https://www.nacha.org/rules/same-day-ach-moving-payments-faster). Checked when this guide was last updated; the scheme's own page has the current figures.

## Where Rivet fits

Rivet is a multi-currency account for registered companies, including US LLCs whose owners live in supported countries. Starter is free with USD details for ACH and wires. Growth adds EUR and GBP details, local payouts to 120+ countries and FX from 0.50%. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds, and it does not take cash deposits. See [Accounts](/accounts).

## Questions

### What is the best bank for a new LLC?

For an online LLC with no cash, a free online account such as Mercury, Relay or Bluevine is usually enough. For one that takes cash or wants local lending, a branch bank like Chase is worth its fee.

### What do I need to open an LLC bank account?

Usually the articles of organization, the EIN confirmation letter, an operating agreement, and ID for each owner with 25% or more. Some banks ask for a business address and a description of your activity.

### Can I use a personal account for my LLC?

You can, but mixing funds makes bookkeeping harder and can weaken the liability protection the LLC gives you. A separate account is standard practice.

### Can a foreign-owned LLC open a US business checking account?

Some providers accept them and many do not. Check eligibility before you apply; Rivet accepts US LLCs whose owners live in supported countries.