Is There an Ally Business Checking Account?

Finding the right business bank account is an important step for any business owner. And if you’re familiar with online banking, then you certainly know Ally Bank. Of the handful of excellent online-only checking accounts on the market, chief among them is Ally’s Interest Checking account. Ally Interest Checking is not only fee-free, but (as its name implies) it also accrues monthly interest at rates that are comparable to those of a savings account. Plus, Ally offers class-leading customer service. All things considered, Ally offers a unique product for consumers that’s earned it rave reviews. That’s why so many business owners want an Ally business checking option, as well.

Read on to find out if Ally Bank offers business checking, as well as some top alternatives in the business checking space.

Most big banks have business checking accounts that offer similar (if not better) perks than their consumer options. So if you already know about the consumer-friendly features that come with Ally Interest Checking, you’re probably eager to learn about Ally business checking options.

Unfortunately, if you’re looking to open an Ally Bank business account, you’re out of luck. There is no Ally business checking option, as their banking division is personal-only as of this writing—meaning it is only for individuals and joint account-holders.

As disappointing as it might be to learn that there’s no Ally Bank business checking account, that doesn’t mean that you’re totally out of luck. There are more than a few great business checking accounts, including options that are online-only and don’t require you to apply in person.

We’ve looked at some of the best parts of Ally’s personal checking account to help you figure out your best Ally business checking alternatives.

For an interest-earning alternative to an Ally business account, you might consider Bluevine business checking.

With the Bluevine business checking account, you have the ability to earn 2.00% interest on account balances up to and including $100,000; terms apply. That said, the Bluevine bank account is completely fee-free, can be opened quickly and easily online, and includes unlimited transactions.

In addition, it has no minimum opening deposit requirement, no NSF fees, and gives you the ability to withdraw cash fee-free at over 38,000 MoneyPass ATMs around the U.S. Moreover, unlike many other online-based business checking accounts, you also have the option to deposit cash through Bluevine’s partnership with GreenDot—you can deposit cash at over 90,000 Green Dot locations around the country.

On top of these benefits, the Bluevine business checking account includes two free checkbooks, mobile check deposit, and it also gives you the ability to pay vendors and bills using ACH transfer, wire payments, or checks.

Ultimately, Bluevine is a top business bank account that allows you to earn interest on your funds, as well as manage the whole of your banking online.

Founded in 1999, Axos (then called Bank of Internet) was one of the first online-only banks. They were quick to adopt the model of offering enticing perks, like good interest rates on checking and savings accounts, in order to attract new customers who may not have been totally on board with ditching their brick-and-mortar banks. Ally may have a bigger name brand for offering interest checking, but Axos was one of the innovators.

Axos Business Interest Checking offers a fantastic alternative to would-be Ally business checking customers. Their account offers up to 1.01% APY with a $5,000 average daily balance requirement, a nationwide network of free ATMs, 100 free items (debits, credits, or deposited items), up to 60 free remote deposits every month, and free bill pay. Better still, Axos Business Interest Checking also comes with the ability to use paper checks, which Novo doesn’t support. Perhaps most importantly, Axos provides a free app for your iPhone, iPad, or Android. allowing you to bank on the go.

There is an initial opening deposit requirement of $100, and if you can’t maintain an average daily balance of $5,000, you will have to pay a $10 monthly maintenance fee.

Novo touts itself as an online bank that’s built for startups, but any business can apply for an account as long as the applicant is a U.S. citizen with a social security number.

The bank offers fee-free checking, no minimum balance, and an intuitive mobile app that serves as the core of their banking experience—something you’ll appreciate if you’re searching for Ally business checking. Note that the app is not currently available for Android devices, although according to their website it’s coming soon. You do have to make a minimum $50 opening deposit to activate your Novo account.

Novo offers the usual bank features, such as mobile deposits and transfers, as well as a Mastercard debit card for ATM withdrawals. The card is also compatible with Google Pay and Apple Pay. Novo’s interface can help you track expenses, payments, burn rate, and daily banking concerns. The platform can even help you cancel recurring subscriptions; track your spending; and integrates into software platforms like QuickBooks, Stripe, Slack, and Gusto.

Chase Business Complete Banking is the entry-level option for small businesses that are just starting out, or don’t need a ton of features as part of their banking experience. This account offers low monthly service fees (which can be waived multiple ways, such as with a daily balance of $2,000), a manageable account balance, and $5,000 in free deposits every month. Plus, Chase maintains a network of 4,700 branches and over 16,000 ATMs nationwide, making it very convenient to bank in person or online.

Another nice perk is that if you have multiple business owners, each owner can get their own debit card, bank PIN, and online account access.

And as long as you don’t need to make a ton of incoming or outgoing wire transfers, you can avoid the standard fee that’s charged to your account for each one made. If you’re satisfied with the basic features of an Ally checking account, you’ll be right at home with Chase Business Complete Banking.

Chase Performance Business Checking provides the next tier of small business banking support above the basic Total Business Checking account. Great for midsize businesses, Performance Business Checking provides 250 transactions and two outgoing domestic wires for free every month. Plus, you’ll get $20,000 in fee-free cash deposits, and can have your $30 monthly service fee waived so long as you maintain a $35,000 balance.

Now that you know what your Ally business checking alternatives are—since an actual Ally business checking account doesn’t exist—let’s give you some pointers on how to choose the right business checking account for your business. Here is what you need to consider when picking your business checking account:

• Number of monthly transactions: How many transactions will you get for free each month? This goes to the heart of how you’ll use your account and how much that use will cost you. “Transactions” typically include cash and check deposits, cash withdrawals, transfers, and electronic payments.
• Average account balance: Some accounts will charge you fewer fees, or even no fees, if you maintain a high enough daily and monthly account balance. When shopping for a business checking account, consider your expenses and what’s realistic for you in terms of average daily and monthly account balances.
• Opening deposit amount: Accounts with the fewest fees require a much larger opening deposit than accounts with more or higher fees.
• Physical and online infrastructure: How many physical branches does the bank have? How many ATMs? If you operate a brick-and-mortar business, or deal primarily in cash, you’ll likely need a bank you can visit in person. In contrast, if you sell online or primarily process payments digitally, you’ll need a checking account you can access and use online.
• Integrations: You want all the tools you need to run your business to work together seamlessly, as this will save you a lot of time. So try to find a business bank account that works with existing payments and accounting software.
• Size of bank: Smaller banks tend to offer better customer service and personalization. Large banks tend to offer more transparency and convenience. Understand which makes the most sense for your business.

The bad news is that Ally business checking isn’t currently available, and we’re not sure if the bank will branch out into business banking anytime soon. That said, you do still have business checking options that’ll give you many of the same features that Ally customers love so much—including the opportunity to earn interest or bank online. In certain instances, our Ally business checking alternatives offer both.

Your best bet is to figure out what’s most important to your business, and then you can figure out the best Ally Bank business checking alternative to pursue. Regardless, make sure you don’t use a personal checking account for your business; it’s essential you keep your personal and business finances separate, no matter how tempting it is to stick with Ally personal banking for business. We promise—you’ll find an account that’s right for you.