Bluevine Business Checking Review: Fees & Features Compared

Bluevine Business Checking Review: Fees & Features Compared

Small business owners deserve a checking account that enhances, rather than restricts, their daily operations. Bluevine Business Checking might be the ideal solution.

Founded in 2013, Bluevine’s online banking platform offers a business checking account with unlimited transactions, minimal fees, and many other useful features.

In this review, we explore everything Bluevine Business Checking offers and compare it to the competition, helping you determine if it’s the right fit for your business.

>> Join Bluevine Business Checking Account! >>

Bluevine Review – Our Verdict 

Bluevine Business Checking offers many features with minimal fees. Many business checking accounts either don’t pay interest or offer very low rates, so Bluevine’s competitive rate means more money for small businesses, especially if you maintain larger balances.

While Bluevine has no physical branches, it provides ample ways to manage your money through ATMs, cash deposits, and mobile access, reducing the need for in-person banking. However, if your business frequently makes cash deposits, the Green Dot cash deposit fee might be a drawback.

Since Bluevine offers only a single business checking account, you might need accounts at multiple banks to meet all your business needs. Having all your accounts under one roof is more convenient and can come with relationship benefits for opening multiple accounts.

Despite this, Bluevine Business Checking might still be worth considering with its many perks and lack of fees.

Pros

  • Broad ATM network
  • Infinite transaction allowance
  • Competitive interest accrual
  • Absence of monthly fees and minimal additional charges
  • No obligatory initial deposit or minimum balance prerequisites
  • Provision of check-writing capabilities along with two complimentary checkbooks
  • Facilitated access to cash deposits

 Cons

  • Absence of savings account option
  • Charges incurred for cash deposits
  • Lack of brick-and-mortar branches
  • Mobile banking applications rated lower
  • Customer service is only accessible during weekdays
BlueVine logoBluevine

Features
Monthly Fee$0
Minimum Deposit$0
Overdraft Fees
$0
APY1.50% on balances up to $100,000
Transactions
Unlimited
Account TypesBusiness checking and business loans
Cash Deposits
$4.95
ATM Fees
$0 in-network,$2.50 out of network
Outgoing Wires$15

Bluevine Business Banking at a Glance

No fees and unlimited transactions are standard for online business checking accounts, but Bluevine goes further with its free, high-yield business account. 

Bluevine’s business account earns 2.00% interest on balances up to $100,000—one of the best rates available from a business checking account. Bluevine also allows cash deposits, unlike most online-only accounts, though for a fee.

Bluevine, a financial technology company, was launched in 2013 and started offering business checking in 2019. Its banking services are provided by Coastal Community Bank, with all accounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) up to $250,000.

Who Bluevine Business Checking Is Best For

Bluevine Business Checking can be an excellent choice for businesses that want to keep costs low, make unlimited transactions without worrying about fees, and earn interest on unused capital. 

As long as your business doesn’t need to deposit cash frequently and you don’t require in-person banking services, Bluevine Business Checking is worthy of a spot on your shortlist.

Bluevine Business Checking is best for small business owners who:

  • Want a free business checking account that earns interest
  • Prefer to manage most of their finances online
  • Only need one business debit card
  • Don’t need access to a physical branch

>> Apply for a Bluevine Business Checking Account! >>

Bluevine Business Checking Fees

Bank fees can be problematic, especially when running a profitable business. Bluevine Business Checking helps by eliminating many common fees and minimums, offering:

  • No monthly service fee
  • No minimum balance requirement
  • No minimum deposit requirement
  • No ATM fees at over 37,000 MoneyPass ATMs nationwide
  • No non-sufficient fund fees

The checking account also allows unlimited transactions each month with no fees. While Bluevine offers no other accounts, you can easily transfer funds in and out of your checking account from accounts at other financial institutions.

Bluevine charges a $2.50 fee for ATM transactions outside the MoneyPass network. Bluevine has introduced a new Premier tier, which helps small business owners earn even higher interest, access priority support, and reduce most payment fees by half. 

With the Premier tier, Bluevine Business Checking can now offer up to 4.25% APY. For businesses with higher cash balances and many payments to make, Bluevine Premier provides unparalleled value.

>> Join Bluevine for Innovative Business Banking Solutions! >>

Bluevine Business Checking Features

Bluevine offers only one account, but its features are impressive. Bluevine Business Checking is an interest-bearing online business bank account that currently earns a competitive 2.00% APY on balances up to $100,000. (Balances over $100,000 do not earn interest.)

To qualify for the 2.00% APY, you must either spend $500 per month with your Bluevine Business Debit Mastercard or receive $2,500 per month in customer payments into your Bluevine Business Checking account via ACH, wire transfer, mobile check deposit, or directly from your merchant payment processing provider. Bluevine Business Checking also offers up to 4.25% APY for premier customers.

Vendor Services

Paying vendors with Bluevine Business Checking is straightforward. As a small business owner, you have access to various payment methods, including ACH, wire transfer, and checks. 

You can make one-time bill payments or set up recurring automatic payments for added convenience. With recurring payments, you can see the exact day the payment will arrive at the payee, helping you avoid late payments.

Bluevine also provides an online directory of 40,000 registered vendors, and you can easily add your own as needed. You can make payments by credit card through Bluevine’s online payment system.

Transactions

As an online banking platform, Bluevine has no physical branches for in-person services. However, customers still have access to several transaction options through partnerships with other financial networks. 

Bluevine Business Checking includes a free Bluevine Business Debit Mastercard and two free checkbooks. Customers can use over 38,000 fee-free ATMs across the U.S. by partnering with the MoneyPass ATM network.

Despite lacking branches, small business owners can make cash deposits with Bluevine by partnering with Green Dot. You can deposit cash at the register at over 90,000 taking part U.S. retail locations. Note that Green Dot charges a fee of up to $4.95 per cash deposit, and deposits may be subject to Green Dot daily limits.

Safety

Bluevine is a financial technology company, not a bank. Its banking services are provided through a partnership with Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC. Coastal Community Bank offers FDIC insurance for all Bluevine Business Checking accounts up to the legal limits.

Mobile App

Customers have access to Bluevine’s mobile app, enabling them to make mobile check deposits and perform other daily transactions as needed. The app allows Small business owners to manage their finances and cash flow from anywhere.

Business Loans

Besides checking, Bluevine offers a business line of credit up to $250,000 for significant purchases. Interest rates start at 4.8%, and you may get approved within minutes.

To qualify, you’ll need a FICO score of at least 600, a minimum monthly income of $10,000, and at least six months in business incorporated or operating in a U.S. state. 

After answering a few additional questions and providing access to current bank statements, Bluevine will decide on your loan. Explore the best options if you’re considering a business loan despite bad credit.

>> Check Out the Best Features of the Bluevine >>

How to Open a Bluevine Business Checking Account

You can open a Bluevine business account online or via the Bluevine app. Bluevine Business Checking is available to business owners in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or resident with a valid U.S. address (not a P.O. Box) to be eligible. Certain types of businesses are restricted.

What You Need to Open an Account 

To open a Bluevine business account, you need to provide basic details about yourself and your business. Applicants must also provide certain documentation, depending on their business entity type.

  • Personal information: First and last name, home address, mobile phone number, date of birth, and Social Security number. This information is needed for anyone who owns 25% or more of the company.  
  • Business information: Provide your business name, entity type, physical address, and phone number. You must also provide your annual revenue, industry, and EIN or tax ID.  
  • Required documentation: This varies by business type but may include articles of incorporation, certificate of formation, Doing Business As (DBA) documentation, and/or partnership agreements.

Bluevine business checking applications are usually reviewed within three business days. Once approved, you can activate your account, order your Bluevine debit card, and fund your account.

How to Earn Interest With Bluevine Business Checking

Bluevine business checking accounts earn 2.00% APY on balances up to and including $100,000, provided you meet either of the two monthly requirements:

  • Spend $500 with your Bluevine business debit card.
  • Receive $2,500 in customer payments into your Bluevine business checking account via ACH transfer, wire transfer, mobile check deposit, or directly from your payment processor.

>> Apply for a Bluevine Business Card >>

How to Access Your Money With the Bluevine Business Checking Account

For deposits and withdrawals, Bluevine Business Checking Account users have several options.

Deposit Options

There are four main ways customers can deposit money into their Bluevine Business Checking Account:

  • Check Deposit: Customers can deposit checks through Bluevine’s mobile app.
  • Wire Transfer: Bluevine doesn’t charge a fee for incoming wires, but the sending institution likely will.
  • Account Transfer: Bluevine Business Checking Account users can link external bank accounts and transfer money into their Bluevine account.
  • Cash: The Bluevine Business Checking Account accepts cash deposits at any retail location in Green Dot’s network, though there’s a charge per deposit.

Withdrawal Options

Aside from the standard methods like writing checks and wire transfers, Bluevine Business Checking Account owners receive a business debit card. 

This card allows fee-free cash withdrawals at over 38,000 MoneyPass ATMs nationwide. For out-of-network ATM withdrawals, customers will incur a surcharge. Bluevine Payments lets you send money directly to third parties.

Is Bluevine Trustworthy?

Bluevine has no public controversies and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This strong BBB grade shows that the company advertises honestly, responds effectively to customer complaints, and is transparent about its business practices.

However, a great BBB grade doesn’t guarantee a smooth relationship with the company. It’s still a good idea to read online customer reviews or ask friends and family about their experiences with Bluevine.

>> Open Your Bluevine Business Account Today! >>

Alternatives to Bluevine Business Checking

Novo

Novo is a top alternative to Bluevine and also offers business checking accounts. It’s free to sign up, with very few fees for using the service.

However, unlike Bluevine, Novo charges a $27 penalty for overdrawing your account. On the plus side, you’re not required to maintain a specific monthly balance, and the bank refunds ATM fees regardless of where you use them.

Banking on the go is convenient with Novo’s mobile app, available for both Android and iOS devices. However, Novo needs to improve in handling cash, as you can’t deposit any physical money into your account.

Pros

  • Mobile app accessibility
  • Reimbursement of all ATM charges incurred
  • No minimum balance or monthly fees are necessary

Cons

  • Inability to deposit cash
  • Charges for accounts with insufficient funds
  • Absence of savings account option

>> Consider Novo >>

Lili

Lili raises the stakes with a free tax optimizer to prevent over- or underpaying. The app automatically sets aside funds for tax time, avoiding surprises when it’s time to pay. It also helps you differentiate between personal and business expenses, ensuring you know what to write off.

No fee or minimum amount is required to sign up for Lili, and most of its services are free. However, some limitations on deposits and withdrawals may not suit larger businesses, and wire transfers are impossible through Lili.

Lili allows you to open a dedicated account for those saving up for a big purchase. However, none of your money accrues interest with Lili’s free version.

To generate 1% interest and unlock additional features such as overdraft protection, you may consider Lili Pro. This service costs $4.99 per month and can pay for itself through the interest earned alone.

Pros

  • Provides tax optimization features
  • No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
  • Allows allocation of funds into savings buckets for future needs

Cons

  • Certain features require a paid membership with Lili
  • Free account lacks an Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
  • Absence of wire transfer capability

>> Consider Lili >>

Axos

Axos offers more than just business checking accounts; it also provides business savings and personal accounts. Its basic business account has no sign-up or maintenance fees, and no minimum balance is required. This account reimburses you for any ATM fees you incur, no matter where you are.

Business owners can also open a savings account, though the interest rate is relatively low at 0.20%. Even with the premium savings account, the APY remains the same, and a $25,000 minimum opening deposit is required.

Axos’ rates could be more competitive. CD rates are also at 0.20%, providing little incentive to opt for a certificate. You can set up personal savings and checking accounts through Axos.

Pros

  • Offers multiple checking account choices
  • Provides unlimited reimbursement for domestic ATM fees
  • Basic checking incurs no monthly maintenance fees or balance prerequisites

Cons

  • Subpar CD rates
  • Certain accounts demand substantial initial deposits
  • Business savings accounts feature a low Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

>> Consider Axos >>

Frequently asked questions

The short answer is yes. Bluevine is a financial technology company. Celtic Bank, a Utah-chartered bank and member of the FDIC, issues the Bluevine line of credit.

Bluevine also offers a small-business checking account through Coastal Community Bank. According to Crunchbase, which tracks startups, the private company has raised $769.2 million in funding.

The aggregated limit for all ATM cash withdrawals, cash back at POS, and OTC cash withdrawals is $2,000.00 per calendar day. ATM owners, merchants, and participating banks may impose their own fees and lower limits on cash withdrawals. Cash withdrawals at MoneyPass ATMs are surcharge-free.

Bluevine is FDIC-insured through Coastal Community Bank (FDIC Certificate No. 34444). When you deposit money into an FDIC-insured account at Bluevine, your funds are protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership category, in case of a bank failure.

Bottom Line on Bluevine Business Banking

Bluevine Business Checking is a great option for small businesses due to its limited fees and the ability to accrue interest on balances up to $100,000. It stands out on Select’s list of best business checking accounts as the only one that yields interest on your balance.

>> Sign Up for Bluevine & Simplify Your Finances! >>

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Written by

gabriel

Reviewd By

Judith

Judith

Judith Harvey is a seasoned finance editor with over two decades of experience in the financial journalism industry. Her analytical skills and keen insight into market trends quickly made her a sought-after expert in financial reporting.