If you live in Montana or surrounding states, you may have come across Mann Mortgage, a Kalispell, Montana-based mortgage lender.
They appear to be one of the main mortgage players in the Treasure State, having closed over $300 million in home loans there just last year.
The company also does quite a bit of volume in nearby states, with a big focus on home purchase financing. Let’s discover more about this small town, tech-savvy mortgage lender.
Mann Mortgage Fast Facts
Direct-to-consumer retail mortgage lender based in Kalispell, Montana
Founded in 1989 by North Dakota native Don Mann
Funded roughly $1.1 billion in home loans last year
Much of their loan volume comes from Montana and the Pacific Northwest
Currently licensed in 21 states and the District of Columbia
Offer home purchase loans, rate and term refis, and cash out refis
Mann Mortgage got its start all the way back in the late 1980s, founded by North Dakota native Don Mann.
He modeled the eponymous business after 1950s era farming co-ops, whereby resources were pooled to keep lending “personal and local.”
Today, the company boasts 500+ employees across 55 branch locations, and funded more than $1 billion in home loans in 2019.
A good chunk came from the company’s home state of Montana, along with the nearby states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
At the moment, they are licensed in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Roughly 70% of the company’s 2019 loan volume was home purchase mortgages, with the remainder split almost evenly between rate and term refinances and cash out refis.
Getting a Home Loan with Mann Mortgage
They offer a digital mortgage solution known as SimpleApp powered by Ellie Mae
Allows borrowers to apply for a home loan from anywhere including desktop, smartphone, or tablet
Can securely upload documents or link financial accounts to quickly complete the process in less than 10 minutes
Borrowers are also able to visit a branch or get on the phone with one of their loan officers
They say you can apply for a home loan in 10 minutes or less thanks to their online mortgage application known as SimpleApp.
Once at their website, you simply click on “Apply Now,” at which point you’ll be asked to select your state.
Then you select a branch location and you’ll be sent to their digital mortgage application powered by Ellie Mae.
It allows you to input all of your information quickly and securely, compare loan options and loan rates, upload documents, link financial accounts, and save your progress as you move along.
You can opt-in to receive status updates and reach out to a loan officer at any time if you need assistance.
Their goal is to streamline the mortgage application process while also providing human support if and when you need it.
Mann Mortgage also has a loan officer directory and branch locator on their website if you’ve been referred to someone specific or prefer to get in touch with a loan officer first.
In summary, you’ve got options when it comes to applying for a mortgage, whether you’re tech savvy or not.
Loan Types Offered by Mann Mortgage
Mann Mortgage Rates
For one reason or another, Mann Mortgage does not display their mortgage rates on its website.
This is completely normal and ultimately some lenders do and some don’t. It doesn’t mean their rates are good or bad or average, it’s just that they don’t advertise them.
As such, you’ll need to either apply for a mortgage or get in touch with a Mann Mortgage loan officer to receive pricing.
I generally recommend that you get pricing before applying with a certain mortgage lender just to ensure they offer low rates and fees.
The same goes for their lender fees – there isn’t any mention of them on their website, so again you’ll need to inquire about things like a loan origination fee, underwriting and processing fees, and so on.
The good news is they seem to be very well-liked and have excellent customer satisfaction, so there’s a good chance their interest rates and fees are competitive, otherwise former customers probably wouldn’t be so positive.
But always put in the time to shop around if you want to be absolutely sure you’re getting the best deal out there.
Mann Mortgage Reviews
The company has over 14,000 reviews on SocialSurvey with a 4.89-star rating out of 5, which is beyond excellent.
Mann Mortgage also landed in the top-10 for medium-sized mortgage lenders in terms of customer satisfaction.
On Zillow, they have an even better 4.96-star rating out of 5 based on over 700 customer reviews, which often say the mortgage rate was lowered than expected.
On LendingTree, they have a 4.7-star rating out of 5 on about 60 reviews, with 92% of customers recommending them.
While they aren’t a Better Business Bureau accredited company, they do have an A+ BBB rating, which is based on complaint history (none at the time of this writing).
All in all, Mann Mortgage appears to offer a good mix of technology with a local, small business feel that hopefully isn’t too corporate or bureaucratic.
If you live in one of the states they’re licensed in, they could be a good fit for your home loan needs.
Mann Mortgage Pros and Cons
The Pros
Digital mortgage application powered by Ellie Mae
Excellent customer reviews across several ratings websites
Physical branch locations for those who prefer face-to-face consultation
Lots of loan programs to choose from
A+ BBB rating
The Cons
Not licensed in all states
Do not advertise mortgage rates or lender fees
Will likely transfer servicing rights to a different loan servicer
Here we go with another week. It’s been a relatively quiet day so far with little economic news impacting the markets.
That trend could continue throughout the week as there’s not many significant reports on the economic calendar.
Overall, this means that rates could stay in a tight range over the next few days. Read on for more details.
Where are mortgage rates going?
Rates are flat to start the week
The week after the monthly jobs reports gets released is historically a quiet one, so we could see rates remain in a fairly tight range over the next few days.
There’s basically no significant economic data out today in the U.S., plus it’s a banking holiday in the U.K., so the markets aren’t moving much to kick the week off.
There are a few speaking engagements from Federal Reserve officials later in the day, but it’s not likely that they’ll cause any major market reactions.
Looking back at the monthly jobs report for April, which was released on Friday, it was a slightly disappointing report with the headline reading and average hourly earnings coming in below expectations.
It wasn’t an abysmal report, but the numbers were still low, keeping in check the hawks calling for a more aggressive rate hike path in 2018.
The monthly jobs report is always one of the most closely watched reports out every month so there’s always the chance for a big market reaction when it gets released.
This time around, however, the release came and went without much fanfare.
Yes, we did see the yield on the 10-year Treasury note (the best market indicator of where mortgage rates are going) slide lower immediately after the report came out, but by the end of the day it had climbed buck up to where it was earlier in the day.
Rate/Float Recommendation
Locking now is likely the smart move
The long-term trend for mortgage rates remains for them to move higher.
If you’re considering buying a home or refinancing your current mortgage, you will most likely want to take action sooner rather than later in order to try and get the best rate.
Of course, everyone’s situation has unique factors which is why it’s so important to talk to a mortgage expert before making a final decision.
Learn what you can do to get the best interest rate possible.
Today’s economic data:
Fedspeak
Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin at 2:00pm
Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan at 3:30pm
Chicago Fed President Charles Evans at 3:30pm
Notable events this week:
Monday:
Tuesday:
NFIB Small Business Optimism Index
JOLTS
Wednesday:
PPI-FD
10-Yr Note Auction
Fedspeak
Thursday:
Consumer Price Index
Jobless Claims
Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index
Friday:
Fedspeak
Consumer Sentiment
*Terms and conditions apply.
Carter Wessman
Carter Wessman is originally from the charming town of Norfolk, Massachusetts. When he isn’t busy writing about mortgage related topics, you can find him playing table tennis, or jamming on his bass guitar.
Opening a 529 plan is a tax-advantaged way to set aside money for college. The money you contribute can grow tax-deferred and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. While there is no federal tax break for making 529 plan contributions, you may be able to claim one at the state level. Breaking down the 529 tax deduction by state can give you an idea of how you might be able to benefit when saving for college. Need help creating a college savings plan? Get connected with a financial advisor near you to learn more.
Understanding 529 Plan Tax Deductions
Tax deductions are amounts that reduce your taxable income for the year. You can claim both federal and state tax deductions. They’re different from tax credits, which reduce your tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
Claiming tax deductions can help you to pay less in taxes or garner a bigger refund if you typically get money back at the state or federal level. Some deductions are above-the-line, while others require you to itemize on your tax return. Credits, meanwhile, lower your tax bill.
The federal government offers some tax deductions for education, but a deduction for 529 plan contributions isn’t one of them. You can, however, deduct interest paid to student loans. The American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit can also be claimed to offset higher education expenses.
529 Tax Deduction by State
Every state offers at least one 529 plan, but states are not required to offer a tax deduction or other tax breaks for education. That being said, a number of states do offer deductions if you’re making contributions to a 529 plan. States can also offer credits or other tax breaks as an incentive to save for college.
Nine states do not have income tax which means they don’t offer a 529 plan deduction. Those states are Alaska, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. California, Hawaii and Kentucky do not offer any type of 529 tax deduction but do assess income tax.
This table breaks down the 529 tax deduction by state.
529 Tax Deductions by State
Alabama
$5,000 single filers; $10,000 joint filers
Alaska
None
Arizona
$2,000 single or head of household; $4,000 joint filers
Arkansas
$5,000 single filers; $10,000 joint filers
California
None
Colorado
Full contribution
Connecticut
$5,000 single filers; $10,000 joint filers
Delaware
$1,000 single filers; $2,000 joint filers
Florida
None
Georgia
$4,000 single filers; $8,000 joint filers
Hawaii
None
Idaho
$6,000 single filers; $12,000 joint filers
Illinois
$10,000 single filers; $20,000 joint filers
Indiana
20% tax credit on contributions (maximum credit $1,500)
Iowa
$3,785 per beneficiary
Kansas
$3,000 single filers; $6,000 joint filers
Kentucky
None
Louisiana
$2,400 single filers; $4,800 joint filers
Maine
Up to $1,000 per beneficiary
Maryland
$2,500 single filers; $5,000 joint filers
Massachusetts
$1,000 single filers; $2,000 joint filers
Michigan
$5,000 single filers; $10,000 joint filers
Minnesota
$1,500 single filers; $3,000 joint filers
Mississippi
$10,000 single filers; $20,000 joint filers
Missouri
$8,000 single filers; $16,000 joint filers
Montana
$3,000 single filers; $6,000 joint filers
Nebraska
$10,000 single filers; $5,000 married filing separately
Nevada
None
New Hampshire
None
New Jersey
$10,000 per taxpayer
New Mexico
Full contribution
New York
$5,000 single filers; $10,000 joint filers
North Carolina
None
North Dakota
$5,000 single filers; $10,000 joint filers
Ohio
Up to $4,000 per beneficiary
Oklahoma
$10,000 single filers; $20,000 joint filers
Oregon
$150 tax credit single filers; $300 tax credit joint filers
Pennsylvania
$17,000 single filers; $34,000 joint filers
Rhode Island
$500 single filers; $1,000 joint filers
South Carolina
Full contribution
South Dakota
None
Tennessee
None
Texas
None
Utah
4.95% tax credit per beneficiary
Vermont
10% credit on up to $2,500 for single filers; $5,000 joint filers (maximum $250 per taxpayer, per beneficiary; VHEIP is the only eligible plan)
Virginia
Up to $4,000 per account
Washington, D.C.
$4,000 single filers; $8,000 joint filers
Washington
None
West Virginia
Full contribution
Wisconsin
$3,860 per beneficiary; $1,930 for divorced parents or those married filing separately
Wyoming
None
Claiming 529 Plan Tax Benefits
To claim a tax deduction or credit for 529 plan contributions, you must live and file taxes in a state that offers these benefits. You must also be eligible to get a tax break, based on your relationship with the account beneficiary.
In most states, any contributor to a 529 plan can claim a tax break, regardless of whether they’re the account owner or not. However, some states limit tax benefits to account owners only. That means grandparents, aunts and uncles or other contributors would be excluded from deducting contributions or claiming tax credits.
The good news is that there are no time limits on claiming education tax benefits associated with a 529 college savings plan if you’re eligible to do so. Unlike Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), which require you to withdraw all assets once the beneficiary turns 30, 529 plan money can stay in the account indefinitely. So, as long as you’re making contributions you could still claim a deduction or tax credit if you’re eligible.
Is Contributing to a 529 College Savings Plan Worth It?
Saving money in a 529 plan can be worth it for a few reasons, starting with the laundry list of tax breaks they offer. Contributions grow on a tax-deferred basis, so you’re not having to pay tax on any earnings while the money is in the account. Any qualified withdrawals are tax-free, as long as you use them for eligible higher education expenses. You can also withdraw up to $10,000 without a tax penalty to pay for qualified expenses for grades K-12.
You can open a 529 plan and contribute money to it on behalf of any eligible beneficiary, including yourself or your spouse. Should your beneficiary decide not to go to college or if they don’t use up all of their savings, you could transfer the money to a different beneficiary. And as outlined in the table above, some states offer tax breaks for college savings in the form of deductions or credits.
Aside from those benefits, a 529 plan can offer a better rate of return on your money compared to keeping money in a high-yield savings account or even a CD. They also allow for more flexibility than savings bonds. And while you could tap into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to pay for college, that could shortchange your retirement savings and potentially trigger some tax consequences.
The Bottom Line
Getting a head start on college planning can help you to be better prepared when it’s time for your student to head off to school. Saving money in a 529 plan can benefit you at tax time and your money may have more room to grow than it would sitting in a bank account. Reviewing your 529 tax deduction by state can help you figure out how much of an additional tax advantage you might get from saving.
Financial Planning Tips
If you’re ready to start saving for college but you don’t know how to approach it, getting professional advice can help. A financial advisor can walk you through different college savings options so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and situation. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t need to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
When comparing 529 savings plans, remember that you’re not locked into choosing your state’s plan. You could invest in a different state’s plan if you prefer the range of investment options offered or if another plan allows for higher lifetime contribution limits. Keep in mind, however, that your choice of plan may affect your ability to deduct those contributions on your state income tax return.
Rebecca Lake, CEPF®
Rebecca Lake is a retirement, investing and estate planning expert who has been writing about personal finance for a decade. Her expertise in the finance niche also extends to home buying, credit cards, banking and small business. She’s worked directly with several major financial and insurance brands, including Citibank, Discover and AIG and her writing has appeared online at U.S. News and World Report, CreditCards.com and Investopedia. Rebecca is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and she also attended Charleston Southern University as a graduate student. Originally from central Virginia, she now lives on the North Carolina coast along with her two children.
Mortgage rates are holding steady today as financial market participants await some key inflation data on Wednesday and Thursday. If you’re looking to buy a home or refinance, let’s talk today about what your custom rate would be. Read on for more details.
Where are mortgage rates going?
Rates move sideways once again
Ever since mortgage rates moved higher at the end of February we’ve seen them stay in a relatively tight range.
Yes, there have been dips and jumps, but for the most part the national average on the 30-year fixed rate has stayed between 4.50%-4.55%.
The latter mark is where the 30-year sat in the most recent Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey from last week.
Trying to think through where mortgage rates will go from here is somewhat of a futile task, as rates are extremely fickle and unforeseen events almost always poke their ugly head into the arena, ruining even the most well thought out projections.
However, all we can ever do is work with what we’re given and adjust along the way. It does seem as though the Fed is positioning themselves towards a more cautious rate hike path during the remainder of 2018.
Historically, we’re looking at a push out until the September meeting. That means another two Federal Open Market Committee meetings (June and August) before we see the nation’s benchmark interest rate, the federal funds rate, move up a quarter point to the new target range of 2.00%-2.25%.
Mortgage rates aren’t directly tied to the federal funds rate but the word out from the Fed certainly has an impact on the direction of the market. There will be numerous opportunities for the Fed over the coming months to either play up or walk back their next adjustment.
Those moments are when mortgage rates will be the most susceptible to a dip or spike.
Fedspeak from yesterday:
Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin
The emphasis for Barkin was on the minimal threat that raising interest rates has to the U.S. economy right now. He didn’t make any clear cut statements on how many hikes he wants to happen this year, but it’s likely he’s aiming for two or three.
Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan
Taking a slightly different approach was Robert Kaplan, who said that there was no need to change the current path that the Fed is on. He’s still holding out for inflation data to pick up before altering the course.
Chicago Fed President Charles Evans
No news has broken yet about what Charles Evans said yesterday.
Rate/Float Recommendation
Locking now is likely the smart move
Mortgage rates are staying relatively flat today. It’s a slow day as far as economic data so this isn’t surprising. Right now, we still believe that locking in a rate sooner rather than later is the smart play. Given the current market environment, it seems more likely that rates will rise than fall.
Learn what you can do to get the best interest rate possible.
Today’s economic data:
NFIB Small Business Optimism Index
The NFIB hit a 104.8 in April.
JOLTS
The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey showed 6.550 million jobs added in March.
Notable events this week:
Monday:
Tuesday:
NFIB Small Business Optimism Index
JOLTS
Wednesday:
PPI-FD
10-Yr Note Auction
Fedspeak
Thursday:
Consumer Price Index
Jobless Claims
Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index
Friday:
Fedspeak
Consumer Sentiment
*Terms and conditions apply.
Carter Wessman
Carter Wessman is originally from the charming town of Norfolk, Massachusetts. When he isn’t busy writing about mortgage related topics, you can find him playing table tennis, or jamming on his bass guitar.
Another week has come and gone. It was a fairly uneventful five days for the mortgage market with rates staying in a very tight range. If you’re looking to buy a home or refinance, we still believe you’re most likely going to be better off by locking in a rate soon. Read on for more details.
Where are mortgage rates going?
Rates continue to move sideways as we head into the weekend
There have been several weeks in 2018 where mortgage rates have bounced around all over the place. This has not been one of those weeks.
With no major economic reports getting released and relatively little happening on the political front, financial market participants were for the most part stuck in a holding pattern.
The yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which is the best market indicator of where mortgage rates are going, did briefly touch 3.00% on Wednesday but quickly retreated back down on Thursday after the Consumer Price Index reading came in below expectations.
It now sits close to where it started the week, at 2.96%. Mortgage rates typically move in the same direction as the 10-year yield, so rates remained mostly unchanged this week.
Looking ahead to next week we still have a fairly light economic calendar, but there are a few reports that investors will have their eye on. We’ll also continue to hear different takes from Fed officials on the path forward for the U.S. economy.
Rate/Float Recommendation
Locking now is likely the smart move
Mortgage rates barely moved this week. Any time they don’t rise is good news for anyone looking to buy or refinance.
Where do we go from here? It still seems as though rates are far more likely to rise in the coming weeks and months than fall.
Given this expectation, it stands to reason that most borrowers are going to get a better deal by taking action sooner rather than later.
Learn what you can do to get the best interest rate possible.
Today’s economic data:
Fedspeak
St. Louis Fed President James Bullard spoke this morning, commenting that the nation’s labor market is in an “appropriate situation that the Fed should not disturb.” He’s been championing a cautious rate hike approach in 2018 for a while now and the current data, he says, only reaffirms his position. Bullard is not a voting member of the FOMC this year.
Consumer Sentiment
Consumer sentiment hit 98.8 in May. That’s unchanged from the prior month’s final reading.
Notable events this week:
Monday:
Tuesday:
NFIB Small Business Optimism Index
JOLTS
Wednesday:
PPI-FD
10-Yr Note Auction
Fedspeak
Thursday:
Consumer Price Index
Jobless Claims
Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index
Friday:
Fedspeak
Consumer Sentiment
*Terms and conditions apply.
Carter Wessman
Carter Wessman is originally from the charming town of Norfolk, Massachusetts. When he isn’t busy writing about mortgage related topics, you can find him playing table tennis, or jamming on his bass guitar.
Filed Under: general, homeowner-tips, how-to-2, real-estate
The cost of your point-of-sale (POS) system will largely depend on the kind of POS system you choose, your industry and the hardware you need. The total initial cost of a POS system can range from $0 (if you’re able to use free software and hardware you already own) up to $2,000.
Components of a POS System
To break down the cost of your POS system, think of your needs in terms of three main components: POS software, POS hardware and payment processing.
POS Software
POS software can range in price from $0 to over $200 per month, depending on your needs. Although free POS software can be great for newer businesses, you may need to upgrade to paid software in order to access many features that are industry-specific or that may help your business scale.
For example, Square for Restaurant’s Free plan includes standard features like menu and table management, reporting, and iPad and register compatibility. To get more advanced features like mobile POS capability, live sales data and floor plan customization, you need to upgrade to the Plus plan for $60 per month.
See some popular POS systems and their monthly software costs below.
POS Hardware
POS hardware consists of the physical components you need to accept payments, which can include:
Cash registers: Can start as low as $100 for a basic model and up to over $1,500.
Tablet stands: Can range from $99 to $199 for the stand, not including the tablet.
Credit card readers: Can range from $0 for Square’s magstripe reader that plugs into a tablet or phone up to $300.
Self-service kiosks: Can range from $700 for countertop kiosks up to $4,000 for free-standing kiosks.
POS terminals: Can range from $49 for a small mobile terminal up to $1,799 for a full cash register.
Cash drawers: Can range from $39 to almost $1,000 for high-capacity cash drawers.
Barcode scanners: Can range from $20 for a simple USB scanner up to $600 for scanners with touch-screen terminals attached.
Receipt printers: Can range from $26 up to over $600. Some multi-functional terminals, like the Clover Flex handheld system, have receipt printers built in.
Many top POS providers have their own branded hardware, but some will let you purchase or use your own hardware. Hardware is usually a fixed, one-time cost upfront, but some companies allow payment plans that can be rolled into your monthly payment.
Payment processing
Payment processing is a system that allows you to collect payments from customers in any form except cash or check. The function serves as a middleman between your customer and your business bank account, and can be offered in different pricing models:
Interchange plus. Interchange plus pricing models consist of the interchange rate, which is the rate charged to a processing company by the card company, plus a fee charged by the payment processing company.
Flat rate. Flat-rate models charge by the type of transaction, like in-person or online, and the rate is consistent regardless of the interchange cost from the card company.
Subscription. Subscription models are less common and usually charge monthly or yearly.
Variables that factor into POS system costs
Type of business
Your business’s industry is a huge factor in the overall cost of your POS system because it likely affects each of the three main pricing components. If you own a retail business, for example, you might need additional software integrations like inventory management that will function across locations and platforms. If you have a restaurant, you might want additional hardware like a kitchen display system or a self-service kiosk. If you run an e-commerce company, your biggest cost may come in the form of your website or online store.
Number of locations
The number of business locations is an important factor that can affect both the software and hardware components of your POS system. To function properly, your POS system will likely require a set of hardware (register, card reader, etc.) per location (and per checkout point within your store). Additionally, many POS providers price by the location, so there may be added monthly software costs if you have more than one location.
Add-ons
Customer loyalty features, online ordering, appointment booking, email marketing and more can be priced as add-ons to your monthly subscription costs. Any one of these may be important to how you run your business. For businesses that require the ability to book appointments, like a salon for example, Clover uses a third-party add-on software called Salon Scheduler that can cost anywhere from $19.99 to $119.99 per month, depending on things like the number of employees and the number of reminders per appointment.
Similarly, Toast’s POS system for restaurants offers online ordering and delivery services as an add-on for an additional monthly cost, either through its own software or a third-party integration like Grubhub or DoorDash.
Scalability
When you’re researching which POS system is best for you, it can be helpful to think long term about where you’d like your business to go. It can be costly and painful to switch your whole POS system if you want to add another location, for example, or if you want to start marketing to help growth. Look at what packages work for where your business is now, and what add-ons or packages are available for where it could be in the future.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need a POS system?
It may vary depending on your type of business, but for most businesses it’s recommended to enroll with a POS provider. POS systems help you safely accept multiple types of payments, manage and track inventory, interface with customers, grow your business and more.
What is needed for a POS system?
A POS system is made of three main components: software (normally a monthly cost), hardware (can be purchased upfront or on a payment plan) and payment processing (can be priced monthly or by transaction). Additional needs will depend on your specific business.
Employer-sponsored 401(k) plans are a popular way for workers to save for retirement, but they’re not the only way. If you’re self-employed or your employer doesn’t offer a 401(k), there are retirement savings vehicles out there that will work for you. Let’s take a look at both solo 401(k) plans and IRAs. If you’d like personalized advice about planning for retirement, consider working with a financial advisor.
What Is a 401(k)?
A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement account that offers tax benefits. A traditional 401(k) will be withdrawn from your paycheck pretax and will only be taxed when you withdraw from it in retirement. A Roth 401(k) is similar, but the money that goes into it is already taxed, so it won’t be taxed when you withdraw from it in retirement. You can withdraw from your 401(k) penalty-free beginning at age 59 ½.
Once you deposit money into a 401(k), it’s invested according to your choices—you’ll be presented with investment options when you complete the paperwork. That money will grow not just through contributions, but through interest and earnings on those investments.
These plans were specifically created to incentivize workers to save for retirement. If you contribute to a traditional 401(k), your taxable income is reduced due to the 401(k) withholdings. If you’re contributing 6% of your income to a 401(k), you don’t owe taxes on that 6% of your income. With a Roth 401(k), instead of saving on taxes in the year, you contribute money to your 401(k) and you’ll enjoy the savings when you withdraw it in retirement.
Can You Open a 401(k) Plan Without an Employer?
As a 401(k) plan is an employer-sponsored retirement account, there’s an option for a self-employed person with no employees to open one with themselves as the sponsor. This is called a solo or one-participant 401(k) plan.
A solo 401(k) works exactly like a traditional 401(k) plan you would get with an employer—you’re just the employer and the account holder. Just like a 401(k) plan with an employer, there are contribution limits, but they’re much higher because you are serving as both employee and employer. We’ll cover those contribution limits later.
If you’re not a self-employed person, your best option is likely an individual retirement account (IRA). Whether you opt for a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA, both are tax-advantaged savings vehicles that will help you prepare for the future and have similar benefits to 401(k) plans.
Some traditional IRAs will also allow you to deposit pretax income and only pay taxes upon withdrawal in retirement. IRAs offer a great deal of freedom because, outside of income thresholds, they are not related to your employment status and you can open one anytime. Roth IRAs are funded with taxed income, but withdrawals aren’t taxed unless you withdraw before the age of 59 1/2.
You’ll need an employer identification number (EIN) to open a solo 401(k), but you can easily find a provider for the retirement accounts mentioned. Compare reviews and choose one with the benefits and features that work for you.
How Much You Can Contribute to Your Retirement Account
Understand how much you can contribute to your retirement accounts, without an HR department to help you, you could run into trouble. The IRS sets contribution limits that often change. Here are the limits for 2023:
Solo 401(k): Solo 401(k) limits are a bit more complicated because you are serving as both the employee and employer. These are divided into elective deferrals, of up to $22,500—or $30,000 if you’re 50 or older—and employer nonelective contributions of up to 25% of compensation as defined by your plan. Total contributions cannot exceed $66,000. The IRS recommends using the worksheets in Chapter 5 of Publication 560, Retirement Plans for Small Business to figure out your allowable contribution rate and tax deduction for your 401(k) plan contributions.
Traditional and Roth IRAs: Both types of IRAs have the same annual contribution limit of $6,500—$7,500 if you’re 50 or older—or your taxable compensation for the year if it’s less than those numbers
The Bottom Line
While your options are a little different without an employer-sponsored 401(k), there are fantastic retirement savings options available for self-employed workers or those that don’t have plans available through their employer.
Do some research to see which one is right for you, then open a retirement account to prepare for the future while unlocking tax savings.
Retirement Planning Tips
Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Use SmartAsset’s free retirement calculator to see if you’re on track to meet your retirement goals.
Whether you are a freelancer, side hustler, or run a full-time business, opening a separate business bank account should be your first move after starting your business.
A business bank account helps you keep your business finances and personal income and expenses separate. Having a business bank account for all your business finances makes it easy to run records and track your costs and deductions at tax time.
Business checking accounts can also help business owners establish credit, which they can use for net terms with suppliers or to take out business loans or business credit cards.
But which business checking account is best? And can you find good options with free business checking accounts?
12 Best Free Business Checking Accounts
We’ve done the legwork for you, compiling a list of the 12 best free business checking accounts available in the U.S. today.
1. Bluevine: Best Free Business Checking Account Overall
Bluevine offers one of the most comprehensive and best free business checking accounts you’ll find. It has no monthly maintenance fees, no overdraft fees, and an annual percentage yield APY of 2% on up to $250,000 of your balance if you meet monthly activity goals. To qualify, simply make $500 in debit card purchases with your Bluevine business debit or receive $2,500 per month in customer payments to your account.
Bluevine offers features that make it great for a team, including the ability to open multiple sub-accounts and even have separate logins for employees or contractors, like accountants and virtual assistants.
While some free business checking accounts have transaction limits, your Bluevine business checking account does not. Funds are backed by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC. Coastal Community Bank provides business banking services for Bluevine customers.
2. Capital One Business Bank Account: Best for Local Branches
If you’re looking for personalized service at local branches, consider Capital One business checking. Capital One offers two tiers of checking accounts: Basic and Enhanced. Both accounts offer unlimited digital transactions, free overdraft coverage, access to Capital One’s mobile app, no ATM fees at 70,000 Capital One, Allpoint, and MoneyPass ATMs, and low monthly fees that are easily waived when you meet minimum balance requirements.
Capital One Enhanced business checking is designed for larger businesses who can meet $25,000 average daily balance requirements needed to waive the $35 monthly service fee. Enjoy free incoming wire transfers, five free outgoing wire transfers monthly, and a remote scanner for mobile check deposits.
3. GO2bank: Best for Online Banking
GO2bank is a complete mobile banking solution with digital banking services provided by Green Dot Bank. The bank offers many features in its online business checking account that will appeal to business owners and their employees, including co-branded debit cards, optional overdraft protection, and a co-branded app for businesses. You can also get a secured business credit card through GO2bank.
Waive the monthly fees with qualifying direct deposits, and receive ACH payments up to two days early. You can also purchase eGift cards for yourself or as employee incentives and earn up to 7% cash back.
4. Found: Best for Freelancers
Hailed as the debit card for the self-employed, we rate Found as the best free business account for freelancers. It has no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum deposit or minimum balance requirements, and no credit check to open your account.
Found has a few features that can help you streamline your business. By evaluating your income and expenses, Found can calculate your tax bill, categorize tax write-offs, and even auto-save the correct amount from each deposit to cover your quarterly taxes. You can also send invoices from the app.
Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Deposits are FDIC insured through Piermont Bank.
5. First Citizens Bank Basic Business Checking: Best for Checking Account Choices:
Most business checking accounts have one option for a business owner. First Citizens has four choices to help you choose the right business checking account with the features you need. The basic business checking account offers 100 transactions with no monthly fee, and has a minimum opening deposit of $100.
Business Banking I is free with a merchant account or a minimum daily balance of $25,000. It offers processing of up to $250 transactions per month, plus $10,000 in cash processing, including cash deposits. Business Banking II has similar features with 500 free transactions and $15,000 in cash processing, including cash deposits. There is a $50 monthly fee unless you have a merchant account or an average daily ledger balance of $50,000.
Business Banking III is best for larger enterprises who want choices and do a high volume of business. Process up to 750 transactions free each month, with $20,000 in cash deposits. You’ll need a merchant account or $75,000 in your average daily ledger balance to avoid the monthly maintenance fee.
Business Banking I, II, and III accounts also let you customize your plan with additional discounted services.
6. Novo Business Checking Account: Best for E-commerce and App Integrations
Novo is not a bank, it’s a financial technology company with deposits backed by Middlesex Federal Savings, Member FDIC. Novo is one of the most tech-forward financial institutions on our list, offering easy integration with apps like Shopify, Wise, Stripe, Square, and Quickbooks.
The Novo Business Checking account has no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, no cash deposit fees, and ATM fee reimbursement for out-of-network ATM use. Account holders can also get discounts on popular business software and services, including LegalZoom, Constant Contact, and Stripe.
7. Mercury Banking For Start-ups: Best for Start-ups
Bootstrapped and venture-backed startups of every size have unique needs in a business checking account. A Mercury free business checking account helps your money stretch further with no monthly fee, no minimum balance requirements, and no minimum deposit to open. You can earn 5.11% annual percentage yield APY with mutual funds invested through Mercury Treasury if you have an account balance of $250,000 or more.
Mercury free business checking offers unlimited free transactions, including no cash deposit fees, for businesses who process less than $200,000 per month. The account offers team management tools, debit cards for multiple employees, and capabilities to open multiple checking and savings accounts to manage cash flow.
Plus, your Mercury account is backed by up to $5 million worth of FDIC insurance through partner banks. Banking services are provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC and deposits are held in various partner banks.
8. U.S. Bank Silver Business Checking: Best for Sign-up Bonus
If you’re looking to earn free cash to boost your business, consider a U.S. Bank Silver Business checking account with a $100 minimum deposit before June 30, 2023. You can earn a $500 bonus when you make new deposits of at least $5,000 and maintain a minimum balance of at least $5,000 until 60 days after the account opening. Increase that to $15,000 in new money deposits and maintain that balance for 60 days and earn $750 deposited into your new business checking account.
U.S. Bank offers tons of benefits for business owners, including no transaction fees for up to 125 transactions each month, 25 free cash transactions (or up to $2,500 in free cash deposits, whichever comes first), no monthly maintenance fee, and 50% off on your first check order, up to $50.
Larger businesses may prefer a Gold Business Checking Account, with no transaction fees for up to 300 transactions per month. It also has a waivable $20 monthly fee.
There is also a Platinum Checking Account Package with 500 free transactions and a $30 monthly fee. This fee is waived by meeting monthly minimum balance requirements.
9. Chase Business Complete Banking: Best for Payment Processing
For those who want to avoid online only banks and are looking for a big bank with international recognition and branches and ATMs across the U.S., Chase Business Complete Banking offers a solid solution. It comes with many ways to waive the monthly service fee.
Chase also makes it easy to accept credit and debit card payments without using a third-party payment processor. Chase QuickAccept is a built-in feature as part of Chase Business Complete Banking. You don’t need to apply for a separate merchant account, and the transaction fees are competitive with other credit card processing companies.
QuickAccept also allows you to access money faster with same-day deposits with no added fees. If you need a merchant payment processing provider that works in synch with your bank account, Chase Business Complete Banking could be the best choice for you.
Right now through August 3, 2023, businesses can earn a bonus up to $500 when they open a Chase Business Complete Checking account and meet requirements, which including total deposits of $15,000 or more. Deposit just $2,000 or more and snag an easy $300 for your new business checking account.
10. Huntington Business Checking 100 (Midwest): Best for Community Banking
Huntington National Bank, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, since 1866, offers three business checking accounts, including a business interest checking account, Unlimited Plus Business Checking.
The top-tier account includes unlimited transactions, plus cash deposits of up to $25,000. Waive the $40 monthly fee with up to $50,000 in total deposit relationship balances across business accounts. Designed for larger businesses, the Unlimited Plus Business Checking allows you to choose two bonus services such as a fraud tool, waived returned deposited items fees on up to 25 items per month, or two free incoming domestic wires monthly.
The Unlimited Business Checking account offers similar features, with unlimited transactions, free cash deposits on up to $10,000 per month, and a choice of one bonus service. Waive the $20 monthly fee by maintaining a minimum balance of at least $10,000. A Business Checking 100 account offers up to 100 transactions per month, and up to $5,000 in cash transactions with no monthly fee.
Huntington is devoted to the local communities it serves and spotlights small business owners on its website. It also specializes in SBA loans and offers a linked business money market account to earn interest on savings with no monthly maintenance fee if you maintain an average daily balance of $10,000+.
11. Relay Business Checking: Best for Money Management
Relay online banking offers up to 20 primary business checking accounts for members of your team or for different business expenses, plus 50 virtual or physical Visa debit cards. Designed to assist with cash flow and money management, your Relay online banking account allows automated transfers into the various checking accounts based on percentage of income or flat-rate dollar figures.
Your Relay online and mobile banking account also includes up to two business savings accounts with APYs of 1% to 3%. Best of all, unlike many free business checking accounts that are only free if you meet transaction or balance requirements, Relay has no monthly maintenance fee, no transaction fees, no overdraft fees, no ATM fees, and no minimum balance requirements.
12. Axos Basic Business Checking Account: Best for No Fees
Axos Bank has been voted best online bank by Money Magazine and its business offering stands out for small business owners as a straightforward business checking account with no transaction fees, no monthly maintenance fee, and no minimum opening deposit. You also don’t have to worry about balance requirements or ATM fees. You’ll even receive unlimited reimbursements for using out-of-network ATMs within the U.S.
You will need to maintain a minimum balance of at least $5,000 for the first five statement cycles to earn a $100 account opening bonus. You will receive $25 into your business account each month you maintain the minimum requirements. However, if you close the account within 120 days, you might have to pay a $100 early closure fee.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Free Business Checking Account
The best free business checking account for your business depends on the volume of cash deposits, number of transactions, the size of your company and your general banking needs.
It’s important for a business of any size, including a sole proprietor or 1099 contractor, to open a business checking account to keep business funds separate from your personal checking account and other personal finances. This is especially important at tax time.
Many of the business bank accounts on our list of best free business checking accounts make it easy for you to track your business finances. They offer end-of-month or quarterly reports or integrate with QuickBooks or other accounting software to make money management easy. This, along with costs, quality of customer service, mobile apps, and more should factor into your decision when you choose a small business checking account.
Monthly Maintenance Fee
Account fees have long been a fact of life for individuals and business owners, but they no longer have to be with so many free checking accounts available today. Some of the banks on this list, including Axos and Relay, offer no monthly fee of any kind. Others make it easy to waive the monthly fee by meeting balance requirements.
See if there are any balance requirements, direct deposit requirements, or minimum debit card purchases to avoid the monthly service fee, and if you will be able to meet those minimums easily each month.
Easy-to-use Online and Mobile Banking
Even basic business checking today should have a robust app and mobile banking solutions, including mobile check deposits, capability to turn your debit cards on or off, and to monitor spending in a user-friendly app.
You may think online-only banks have better mobile capabilities, but that’s not always the case. All the best business checking accounts on our list have intuitive, user-friendly mobile apps.
Low Minimum Opening Deposit Requirements
Most of the free checking accounts on our list have low minimum opening deposit requirements. Some may have higher minimums to earn a bonus on your business checking account. Make sure to read the fine print and know the minimum deposit requirements if you want to earn that sign-up bonus.
Reasonable Fees
While it’s possible to find a business checking account with no monthly service fee, your bank may have some fees. Read the fine print so you know exactly what you’re getting for your money. It should be easy to avoid ATM fees, overdraft fees, and even monthly fees.
However, you may have to pay for wire transfers, out-of-network ATMs, and other transactions. Unlike personal accounts, it’s common for business bank accounts to have fees if you deposit cash. Sometimes, a certain number of cash transactions is included in your monthly fee.
Customer Service
It’s important to research the bank’s customer service before you commit to a business checking account. Online only banks, especially, may have limited ways to reach customer support. Find out if they offer 24/7 service. Many people prefer online banking for the convenience and low account fees. But if you experience a problem, you want to make sure you can get help promptly.
Positive Customer Reviews
When you’re looking for the best business checking account, it pays to research the opinions of other business owners like you. Customer reviews can give you a feel for the level of customer service, ATM fees, monthly fees, fraud protection, and more.
Practical Transaction and Cash Deposit Limits
Many of the best business checking accounts offer unlimited transactions and reasonable monthly limits to deposit cash. Many banks offer different tiers of business checking accounts, so you can pay a set monthly fee for the level of service you need.
Linked Business Savings Account or Business Interest Checking Account
If you want to earn interest on your cash reserves, look for a checking account that pays interest or for a bank with a high interest savings account. Pay attention to account fees, withdrawal limits, and
Consider the Need for a Bank With Physical Locations
Online banking offers lower monthly fees and convenience. But if your business needs to deposit cash regularly or you just want personalized service and relationship banking, you might prefer a bank account at a financial institution with brick-and-mortar locations.
Questions to Ask Before Deciding on a Business Checking Account
When you’re shopping around for a free business checking account, consider your needs, the number of transactions you conduct daily, your account balance, and whether you prefer a traditional bank or are willing to consider online only banks for your business checking needs. Ask yourself the following questions so you can compare your options.
Will you be making regular cash deposits?
Many business checking accounts charge a fee if you want to deposit cash. Sometimes, a number of cash deposits will be included in your monthly fee. Make sure to pick an account with the capabilities you need.
Do you prefer a bank or credit union?
You might prefer the personalized service of a credit union instead of choosing a large bank or an online bank. When you’re evaluating credit unions, compare all the features and fees the same as you would evaluate business bank accounts.
Do you need to process customer transactions?
Banks like Chase offer credit card processing as an add-on feature to their services. If you are using an online bank, you might want one that integrates with Stripe, Square, or other payment processors. The capability to process customer transactions is one element that sets a business bank apart from a personal checking account.
Do you want to earn interest on your balance?
Several banks on our list offer high yield savings accounts, which is a benefit for small businesses, start-ups, and any business that wants to earn free money from their balance. You might also consider an interest earning business checking account like Bluevine, which pays interest on your checking account balance.
Business Checking vs. Money Market Account
A money market account is a special savings account designed to hold money that you may need to access in the short term. Some money market accounts offer higher APYs than other savings accounts. A money market account often has limits on the number of fee-free withdrawals per month.
Most business owners will want to open a free business checking account and link it to a money market account to earn interest on cash reserves.
What You Need to Open a Small Business Checking Account
You may not need an Employer Identification Number or Tax ID number to open a business checking account. If you have one, you should open the account using that number instead of your Social Security number to help keep your business and personal funds separate.
But if you are a freelancer and file taxes as a sole proprietor/self-employed, you can open your business checking account with your SSN. However, if your business has a DBA (doing business as) you will need a certificate or paperwork showing that name.
Likewise, if you are an LLC, you’ll need your business registration along with your EIN. If you have a partnership, you’ll need your partnership agreement and paperwork showing the business name.
Beyond that, you can open a business checking account with your business address, a phone number, email address and the minimum deposit (if required). Visit a branch for personalized service or open your free business checking account online.
FAQs
See what people are asking about free business checking accounts.
Do you need to pay account or transaction fees?
Some business checking accounts have monthly fees that you can waive by meeting specific requirements. You may also pay ATM fees, fees for cash deposits, and fees for wire transfers or international transactions.
Read the fine print or speak to a personal banker to choose the account that’s right for you.
Can you open a business checking account with no credit check?
Most banks and credit unions will allow you to open a business checking account with no credit check. By maintaining a positive balance in your account, you can build your business credit. A credit check may be required for business loans, lines of credit, or “net” terms with vendors.
What are the most important features of business checking accounts?
Most business owners are looking for business checking with no ATM fees and no monthly fee or easy ways to waive the monthly fee. Beyond that, consider the type and number of transactions you complete monthly, whether you need payment processing capabilities, and if you want a linked savings account to earn interest.
What banks offer free business checking accounts?
Many online and traditional banks offer free business checking or easy ways to waive the monthly fee. The list above describes 12 of our favorite options in free business checking.
Mortgage rates have increased a little over the past twenty-four hours thanks to an impending long-term government bond auction this afternoon.
It’s important to keep an eye on that event as we move towards the end of the trading day. Read on for more details.
Where are mortgage rates going?
Rates see modest increase
Mortgage rates are moving slightly higher from where they were at the start of the week.
The yield on the 10-year Treasury note briefly touched 3.00% again today as investors get antsy ahead of a $25 billion 10-year Treasury auction.
We’re also seeing the market affected by President Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal.
The expectation here is for a tighter global oil supply, leading to higher prices.
That inflation pressure could play a part in forcing the Federal Reserve to increase rates at a faster pace in 2018 than expected.
Mortgage rates aren’t directly set by the federal funds rate, but the word out from the Fed certainly plays a part in which way rates move.
The more likely it looks like the Fed will raise the federal funds rate, the more upward pressure we will see on mortgage rates.
Rate/Float Recommendation
Locking now is likely the smart move
Looking at the market right now, it seems as though mortgage rates will continue to gradually move higher as 2018 unfolds. Given that expectation, we think it’s wise for most borrowers to lock now.
Learn what you can do to get the best interest rate possible.
Today’s economic data:
PPI-FD
Producer prices rose 0.1% month over month in April, putting them at 2.6% year over year.
Producer prices less food and energy rose 0.2% month over month, bringing it to 2.3% year over year.
Producer prices less food, energy, and trade services ticked up 0.1% month over month, making it 2.5% year over year.
10-Yr Note Auction
Fedspeak
Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic at 1:15pm
Notable events this week:
Monday:
Tuesday:
NFIB Small Business Optimism Index
JOLTS
Wednesday:
PPI-FD
10-Yr Note Auction
Fedspeak
Thursday:
Consumer Price Index
Jobless Claims
Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index
Friday:
Fedspeak
Consumer Sentiment
*Terms and conditions apply.
Carter Wessman
Carter Wessman is originally from the charming town of Norfolk, Massachusetts. When he isn’t busy writing about mortgage related topics, you can find him playing table tennis, or jamming on his bass guitar.
From the hustle and bustle of Union Square to the peaceful tranquility of small villages like Cold Spring, New York is a great pace to live and work. New York residents have plenty of options when it comes to financial institutions, including some of the best credit unions and community banks in the country. Our goal is to make finding the right bank easier with this list of the best banks and credit unions in New York.
11 Best Banks in New York
New York City is known for Wall Street, but there’s far more to New York than its financial center. No matter where you live in the state, you can choose to go with a credit union, regional bank, local bank, or the biggest bank in the country. Don’t rule out online banks, either, since many have competitive offerings.
Here’s our list of the 11 best banks and credit unions in New York to help you narrow it down to one solid option.
1. New York Community Bank
It may be a New York bank, but New York Community Bank is one of the largest banks in the country. NYCB’s parent company is New York Community Bancorp, Inc., which also owns Flagstar Bank and has branches in New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Florida, and Arizona.
You’ll get access to more than 56,000 ATMs through NYCB’s ATM network, which includes both Allpoint and Presto! machines nationwide. NYCB also offers great rates on CDs. You can get a 6-month CD that earns 4.50% APY or a 12-month CD with a rate of 4.25% APY.
Fees:
No monthly maintenance fees
No overdraft fees
Balance requirements:
$1 minimum deposit to open
ATMs:
Fee-free at New York Community Bank ATMs
Fee-free at Allpoint and Presto! ATMs nationwide
$2.50 fee for each out-of-network ATM transaction
Interest on balance:
Up to 4.50% APY on CDs
Additional perks:
2. Chime
Chime is a modern online banking service that features a wide array of benefits, including fee-free overdrafts up to $200, early direct deposit access, and no monthly fees or foreign transaction charges.
With Chime, you can also get a secured credit card to help boost your FICO Score® with no interest or annual fees. In addition, it allows for fee-free transfers and savings growth with an APY of 2.00%.
You also stay informed with daily balance notifications and transaction alerts. Safety is a priority with secure processes in place, FDIC insured funds up to $250,000, and round-the-clock support channels for any assistance required.
Fees:
No monthly service fees
No overdraft fees
Balance requirements:
No minimum opening deposit required
No minimum daily balance required
ATMs:
Fee-free at 60,000+ ATMs nationwide
$2.50 fee for out-of-network ATMs
Interest on balance:
2.00% APY on savings
Additional perks:
Secured credit card helps you build credit with no credit check required
SpotMe covers up to $200 in overdrafts
3. Chase Bank
National banks have plenty to offer, including expanded brick-and-mortar branches and a wide range of banking products. Chase Bank is one of the largest banks in the U.S., with branches and ATMs in 48 states and the District of Columbia.
Currently, Chase is offering a $200 bonus for its Chase Total Checking account. This account comes with a $12 monthly fee, but Chase will waive it if you receive at least $500 monthly in direct deposits, maintain a $1,500 daily balance, or have an average $500 daily balance across all your Chase accounts.
Fees:
$12 monthly fee (waived with requirements)
$34 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
No deposit to open
No minimum balance requirement
ATMs:
Fee-free at 15,000+ Chase Bank ATMs nationwide
$3-$5 out-of-network ATM fee
Interest on balance:
0.01% APY on savings accounts
Up to 3.75% on CDs
Additional perks:
$200 bonus for new checking account
Bonus and 1.5% unlimited cash back on credit card
4. NBT Bank
Based in Norwich, New York, NBT Bank has branch locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut. You’ll find two checking accounts that don’t charge monthly fees.
Classic Checking includes unlimited check writing and is designed for those who prefer the experience that comes with traditional banks. NBT’s eChecking account has you managing everything. The biggest benefit to eChecking is that your balance earns interest.
Fees:
No monthly fees
$35 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
No deposit to open
No minimum daily balance requirements
ATMs:
Fee-free at NBT Bank ATMs
$1.50 fee for out-of-network ATM withdrawals
Interest on balance:
0.01% APY on eChecking
Up to 0.03% APY on savings
Additional perks:
Competitive rates on loans
Multiple business checking accounts
5. Capital One
One of the top national banks in New York is Capital One, which has branches and cafés across the country. Although there are fewer branches these days, some locations have been turned into cafés with coffee and free Wi-Fi along with banking services. But wherever you are, chances are you’ll find a Capital One ATM. You can withdraw cash at any Capital One, MoneyPass, or Allpoint ATM nationwide.
Fees:
No monthly maintenance fees
No overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
No deposit to open
No minimum daily balance requirements
ATMs:
Fee-free at Capital One ATMs
Fee-free at any MoneyPass or Allpoint ATM
$2 fee for out-of-network ATM transactions
Interest on balance:
Up to 4.10% APY on savings
Up to 4.75% APY on CDs
Additional perks:
Cash deposits at any CVS location
Some branch locations have cafés and free Wi-Fi access
6. GO2bank
Online banks like GO2bank have their perks. You’ll often find competitive interest rates and low fees. However, mobile banking does have its limits, and that’s where GO2bank stands out.
You’ll not only be able to withdraw cash at any Allpoint ATM, but you can also deposit cash at more than 90,000 retailers across the country. As long as you’re okay with not having an in-person banking experience, GO2bank could be a solid option.
Fees:
$5 monthly fee (waived with requirements)
$15 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
No opening deposit minimum
No minimum daily balance required
ATMs:
Fee-free at Allpoint ATMs nationwide
$3 fee for out-of-network ATM transactions
Interest on balance:
Up to 4.50% APY on savings
Additional perks:
Secured credit card helps you build credit with no credit check required
Deposit cash at 90,000+ retail locations nationwide
7. Santander Bank
Santander Bank is a regional bank with branch locations in New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. The free checking account option is Simply Right Checking, which waives the $10 monthly fee as long as you have at least one activity on the account each month. This includes any deposit, withdrawal, transfer, or payment posted to the account within each calendar month.
Fees:
$10 monthly fee (waived with requirements)
$15 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
$25 opening deposit
No minimum daily balance required
ATMs:
Fee-free at 2,000+ Santander Bank ATMs
$3 fee for out-of-network ATM transactions
Interest on balance:
0.03% APY on savings accounts
Up to 5.50% APY on CDs
Additional perks:
8. HSBC
HSBC isn’t just a national bank. It’s multinational, with locations across the U.S., as well as in Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This is a bank for high rollers, with a steep fee of $50 monthly if you don’t meet minimum requirements. Those requirements are either a $75,000 balance, monthly direct deposits of at least $5,000, or a residential mortgage loan of at least $500,000.
If you travel internationally, though, HSBC is worth considering since you can use your debit card at any ATM worldwide with no fees. HSBC also rebates up to five U.S. third-party ATM fees each month.
Fees:
$50 monthly fee (waived with requirements)
No overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
No minimum opening deposit
No minimum daily balance required ($5 to earn interest)
ATMs:
Fee-free at 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs nationwide
No fees for out-of-network ATM transactions
Up to five third-party U.S.-based ATM fees rebated monthly
Interest on balance:
0.01% APY on checking
Up to 4.15% APY on savings account
Up to 4.50% APY on CDs
Additional perks:
Unlimited rewards credit cards available
In-app support for international transactions
9. Corning Credit Union
Corning Credit Union membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Chemung County or Corning, New York. Membership is also open to residents of select areas in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. The best thing about Corning Credit union is that its basic checking account earns 3.00% APY.
Fees:
No monthly fee
$32 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
No minimum daily balance required
ATMs:
Fee-free at Corning Credit Union ATMs
$1 fee for out-of-network ATMs (waived for first four each month)
Interest on balance:
Up to 3.00% APY on checking
Up to 1.00% APY on savings
Up to 4.60% APY on share certificates
Additional perks:
Competitive rates on loans
Wide range of rewards-earning credit cards available
10. Dime Community Bank
If you run a business in the New York City or Long Island area, Dime Community Bank has plenty to offer. Dime’s business checking accounts come with a $12 monthly fee for up to 250 items, but Dime will waive it as long as you have an average daily balance of $10,000 each month.
Small business owners might find this on the high side, but if you have more than 250 items each month, that fee goes up to $25 with a balance requirement of $20,000 to waive it. But if you can meet the minimums, or you don’t mind the fee, you might like the extra services offered to members.
Fees:
$12 monthly fee (waived with requirements)
$35 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
No minimum opening deposit required
ATMs:
Fee-free at Dime Community Bank ATMs
$1.50 fee for out-of-network ATMs
Interest on balance:
Rates not publicly disclosed
Additional perks:
Wide range of loans that serve small businesses
Access to legal, real estate, and accounting services
11. TD Bank
TD Bank is a national bank with hundreds of branches across New York. Although TD’s checking account comes with a $4.95 monthly fee, everything else is free, including overdrafts. One of this bank’s standout features, though, is its CD rates. Currently, you’ll get 5.00% APY on a six-month CD, with the option to bump up the rate if the market changes.
Fees:
$4.95 monthly fee
No overdraft fees
Balance requirements:
No minimum opening deposit required
No minimum daily balance required
ATMs:
Fee-free at 2,600+ TD Bank ATMs nationwide
$3 fee for out-of-network ATMs
Interest on balance:
Up to 3.51% APY on savings account
Up to 5.00% APY on CDs
Additional perks:
Live 24/7 customer service available online
Same-day replacement for lost debit card
Methodology
If you live in New York, chances are you know there’s no shortage of options. But we strove to create a list that brings together a little of everything. Not every customer wants the biggest bank, but plenty of customers would rather have a larger bank with a robust set of features. We combined small, local banks, credit unions, and large, corporate banks to ensure you can find the best bank for you.
Of course, it’s vital to make sure you’re going with a secure bank. We narrowed our list to those banks that had solid reputations and a history of serving New York residents. Beyond that, we made sure each bank offers savings accounts as well as checking, and we included a few that have features that would appeal to small business owners.
When you’re ready to open a bank account, it’s important to compare banks to make sure you’re getting the best rates. Many banks and credit unions can offer a great banking app and chat support, but you might prefer the personal touch you get with a local bank. Whatever your choice, pay close attention to fees and interest rates to ensure you’re getting the best deal for parking your money.
