Chase vs Bank of America Business Account: A Complete Comparison

Mike Renaldi

Chase and Bank of America are two of the largest banks in the United States¹. Let’s break down the Chase Business and Bank of America business accounts.

We’ll also discuss how the Wise Business account can help you when doing business internationally.

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Table of Contents

Bank of America vs Chase Business Account Overview

Bank of America and Chase both have a few business accounts to choose from. They scale to the size of your business. Bank of America offers a Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking and Business Advantage Relationship Banking accounts.

Chase Business, on the other hand, has three different accounts. They offer the Business Complete Banking, Performance Business Checking, and Platinum Business Checking accounts. We will go further into the differences between accounts below.

Why Choose Bank of America?

  • Scalability: For those looking for flexibility, Bank of America lets you switch between their accounts, so you can scale if needed.
  • Low minimum balance requirement: Most Bank of America business accounts have a low minimum balance requirement, meaning you don’t need to keep as much money in the account at all times.
  • More free transactions per month: Bank of America offers a higher number of free transactions each month than Chase, letting you save money from the start.
  • Lower minimum balance to avoid fees: There’s a much lower requirement to avoid fees than Chase. And it’s monthly rather than daily.

Looking to save when sending and receiving overseas payments?

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Why Choose Chase?

  • Big bonus offers: Chase often has bigger bonus offers than Bank of America for new business accounts.
  • More suitable for international business: If you’re looking for an account that can help manage the complexities of international business, Chase has lower fees and multiple solutions that could be a better fit.
  • No need to open a merchant account: Chase’s integrated payment processing system eliminates the need to open a separate merchant account.
  • Available in more states: With branches in more states, Chase is the better option if you need an account that’s accessible across the country. We’re talking 48 states compared to 37.

When comparing a Bank of America business account and Chase Business account, the main differences are in the fees, account types available, and minimum deposits required. Here’s a breakdown of both banks:

Pros and Cons of Bank of America and Chase Business

To start, here's an overview of the pros and cons of each business account. In many cases, customers find a mix of prices, services, and compatibility to be the issue when choosing an account. Keep these items in mind when taking a look at the information below:

Bank AccountsPros and Cons
Bank of America Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking: Ideal for businesses that require basic banking services and have a low number of transactions.
  • Pros: Low monthly fees, efficiency tools, integrations available
  • Cons: Limited services and access to cash management tools
Bank of America Business Advantage Relationship Banking: Suitable for businesses that need access to a broader range of services and cash management tools.
  • Pros: No fees for incoming wires, stop payments, electronic deposits & more
  • Cons: Higher minimum balance requirements
Chase Business Complete Banking: An alternative to the Bank of America Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking account with built-in card acceptance.
  • Pros: $300 account opening bonus, unlimited fee-free electronic transactions
  • Cons: Low monthly deposit limit, only up to 20 fee-free paper check deposits and withdrawals monthly
Chase Performance Business Checking: Best for mid-sized businesses that make out-of-network ATM withdrawals and outgoing wire transfers.
  • Pros: Scalable services as your business grows, lending products
  • Cons: Limit of 250 transactions per month, lack of perks
Chase Platinum Business Checking: This account is best for businesses that need access to a wide array of services and features, including unlimited check writing and $25,000 in monthly transactions.
  • Pros: Merchant and collection services, multiple lending products
  • Cons: Does not draw interest, monthly service fee waived only if you maintain a $100,000 combined average beginning day balance

Features overview

When you're looking to open a business account, you’ll want to look for a few key features. These often include low fees, flexible banking options (mobile or digital banking), convenience and products that meet your needs. Looking for specific features? Here’s a closer look at each account:

Bank Account TypeAccount Features
Bank of America Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking
  • Efficiency tools like cash flow monitor and mobile check deposit
  • Quickbooks integration
  • Zelle for business
  • Customizable employee access
  • Access to small business specialists
Bank of America Business Advantage Relationship Banking
  • All Business Advantage Fundamentals features
  • More business accounts can be added with no extra fees
  • No fees for incoming wires, stop payments, electronic deposits, and more
Chase Business Complete Banking
  • Unlimited debit card and Chase ATM transactions
  • Chase QuickAccept to take payments
  • Maximum of 20 teller and paper transactions
  • $5,000 in cash deposits per statement cycle without fees
Chase Performance Business Checking
  • Accept credit and debit cards with Chase Payments Solutions
  • Unlimited electronic deposits
  • Free incoming wires
  • Interest option available
Chase Platinum Business Checking
  • Unlimited electronic deposits
  • Accept credit and debit cards with Chase Payments Solutions
  • Free incoming wires, two free domestic outgoing wires
  • Comprehensive cash management support
  • Platinum Business concierge support
  • Personal account benefits available

manage-your-international-business

Chase Business and Bank of America Business Account Fees

Fees are a crucial consideration when deciding between a Bank of America business account and Chase business account. There are notable differences between monthly fees, cash deposit limits, and free transactions that can affect your business.

Fees for Chase Business Accounts

Similar to Bank of America, Chase is present all over the US. Chase Business accounts hold a slight advantage over Bank of American business account in that there is no opening fee. Monthly fees are similar for both banks. Chase Business is beneficial as it has lower minimum balances than the Bank of America business accounts.

International transfers are slightly different for both banks. For small businesses, it is arguable that the Chase Business has a weakness, as incoming and outgoing wire transfers have higher fees. However, outgoing wires for Chase Business do cost $0 (same as Bank of America) when the amount exceeds $5,000.

Chase Business: Complete³ ⁷Chase Business: Performance³ ⁷Chase Business: Platinum³ ⁷
Opening feeNoneNoneNone
Monthly fee$15$30$95
Minimum balance to avoid fee$2,000 daily$35,000 daily$100,000 daily
Cash deposits per monthFirst $5,000 freeFirst $20,000 freeFirst $25,000 free
Out-of-network ATM fees$3 per transactionFree but may be charged third-party feesFree but may be charged third-party fees
Foreign ATM fees$5 per transaction$5 per transaction$5 per transaction
International transaction fee3% of the U.S. dollar amount3% of the U.S. dollar amount3% of the U.S. dollar amount
International wire feeIncoming: $15

Outgoing (in-branch in FX or USD): $50

Outgoing (Online in USD): $40

Outgoing (Online in FX) $5 or $0 if $5,000 or more

Incoming: $15

Outgoing (in-branch in FX or USD): $50

Outgoing (Online in USD): $40

Outgoing (Online in FX) $5 or $0 if $5,000 or more

Incoming: $15

Outgoing (in-branch in FX or USD): $50

Outgoing (Online in USD): $40

Outgoing (Online in FX) $5 or $0 if $5,000 or more

Free transactions20250500

Fees for Bank of America Business Account

Bank of America’s biggest benefit is that you can access a wide amount of ATMs and branches across the country, which could limit the need to pay fees on ATM withdrawals. It’s also beneficial for outgoing wire transactions on the foreign exchange (FX) are for $0 for both Bank of America accounts.

For small businesses, the fee can add up with a need for a minimum balance, certain cash deposit amounts, and extra costs added to international transactions.

Bank of America: Fundamentals² ⁴ ⁵ ⁶Bank of America: Relationship² ⁴ ⁵ ⁶
Opening fee$100$100
Monthly fee$16$29.95
Minimum balance to avoid fee$5,000 monthly$15,000 monthly
Cash deposits per monthFirst $7,500 freeFirst $20,000 free
Out-of-network ATM fees$2.50 per transaction$2.50 per transaction
Foreign ATM fees$5 per transaction$5 per transaction
International transaction fee3% of the U.S. dollar amount3% of the U.S. dollar amount
International wire feeIncoming: $15

Outgoing (Sent in USD): $45

Outgoing (Sent in FX): $0

Incoming: $15

Outgoing (Sent in USD): $45

Outgoing (Sent in FX): $0

Free transactions200500

Looking to save when sending and receiving overseas payments?

Learn more about the
Wise Business account >>

Chase Business Complete vs Business Bank of America Advantage Fundamentals

The Chase Business Complete and Bank of America Advantage Fundamentals accounts are the most similar. Both offer essential banking services with low monthly fees, a great online and offline presence, and business payment integrations.

The main difference is that Bank of America offers a higher number of free monthly transactions and a higher free cash monthly deposit limit.

Bank of America Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking

  • Pros: Up to 200 free transactions a month, allows $7,500 in free cash deposits monthly (Chase allows up to $5000)
  • Cons: Ambiguous international wire fees

Chase Business Complete Banking

  • Pros: Easier to waive monthly fee, benefits for those with military status, built-in payment processing
  • Cons: Only 20 free transactions a month
Bank of America: FundamentalsChase Business: Complete
Opening fee$100None
Monthly fee$16$15
Minimum balance to avoid fee$5,000 monthly$2,000 daily
Cash deposits per monthFirst $7,500 freeFirst $5,000 free
Out-of-network ATM fees$2.50 per transaction$3 per transaction
Foreign ATM fees$5 per transaction$5 per transaction
International transaction fee3% of the U.S. dollar amount3% of the U.S. dollar amount
International wire feeIncoming: $15

Outgoing (Sent in USD): $45

Outgoing (Sent in FX): $0

Incoming: $15

Outgoing (in-branch in FX or USD): $50

Outgoing (Online in USD): $40

Outgoing (Online in FX) $5 or $0 if $5,000 or more

Free transactions200Unlimited electronic deposits

multi-currency-cash-flow

Chase Performance Business Checking vs Bank of America Business Advantage Relationship

The Chase Performance Business Checking and Bank of America Business Advantage Relationship Banking accounts are geared more toward established businesses. Both have higher monthly fees than the basic accounts.

But, they also come with additional features such as access to credit lines, discounts on other banking products, and support from dedicated relationship managers.

For those who make regular out-of-network ATM withdrawals and outgoing wire transfers, Chase is a better option. Those with more monthly transactions and higher deposit amounts should go with Bank of America. Chase also boasts their Chase Merchant Services, which offer a range of payment solutions for businesses.

Bank of America: RelationshipChase Business: Performance
Opening fee$100None
Monthly fee$29.95$30
Minimum balance to avoid fee$15,000 monthly$35,000 daily
Cash deposits per monthFirst $20,000 freeFirst $20,000 free
Out-of-network ATM fees$2.50 per transactionFree but may be charged third-party fees
Foreign ATM fees$5 per transaction$5 per transaction
International transaction fee3% of the U.S. dollar amount3% of the U.S. dollar amount
International wire fee⁶Incoming: $15

Outgoing (Sent in USD): $45

Outgoing (Sent in FX): $0

Incoming: $15

Outgoing (in-branch in FX or USD): $50

Outgoing (Online in USD): $40

Outgoing (Online in FX) $5 or $0 if $5,000 or more

Free transactions500250

Looking to save when sending and receiving overseas payments?

Learn more about the
Wise Business account >>

Chase vs Bank of America Business Account Services

In addition to the core services offered by both banks, you can also access additional services such as merchant processing, payroll management tools, and online cash flow solutions. But we’re focusing on two main offerings here: the Chase Platinum Business Checking account and the two banks’ Business Credit Cards.

Chase Platinum Business Checking

While both banks offer a basic-tier and a more advanced business account, Chase has the Platinum Business Checking account. The Chase Platinum Business Checking is a premium account that comes with additional benefits such as free incoming wires and ATM fee reimbursements. It also offers access to credit lines and discounts on other banking services.

It's perfect for businesses that need more features and flexibility than the other accounts offer, especially if you need:

  • Access to credit lines
  • Free incoming wires - foreign and domestic
  • Merchant services for LLCs
  • Lots of free cash deposits and transactions

There are a few advantages when you compare the Platinum Chase business account to the Bank of America business account. This includes more wire capabilities and more allowances. However, the Advantage Relationship account actually gives you 500 free transactions as well at a lower cost.

So, consider your specific bank account needs before making the jump!

Pros and cons

The Chase Platinum Business Checking account has some attractive features, but also has a few drawbacks. The main advantage is that you get access to credit lines and discounts on other banking services.

The downside is that it has a higher monthly fee than the other accounts and requires an average daily balance of $100,000 or more to waive. So if you don’t have this kind of money to put in your business account, then this option might not be for you.

Chase vs Bank of America Business Credit Cards

Both Chase and Bank of America offer a range of business credit cards.

The main difference between the two is in the rewards programs. Chase boasts cash back, points, travel rewards, and more with their Ultimate Rewards program. This allows you flexibility when redeeming for your business needs.

For example, the Ink Business Premier credit card is ideal for cashback - 2% on all business purchases. The United Business Card earns you miles at gas stations, local transit, restaurants, and office supply stores, as well as other United travel benefits.

Bank of America’s rewards program is more advanced. You can be eligible for their Preferred Rewards for Business program under certain conditions and get up to 75% more rewards on each purchase. Their cards fall under categories including cash rewards, travel rewards, lower interest, and build or strengthen business credit.

Both banks have exclusive online bonuses like $300 statement credit bonus or extra bonus points or miles for most cards.

Bank of America Business Credit Card

The credit card offers rewards in specifics areas of spending, such as on office supplies and travel. The also don't have an annual fee.

With the Bank of America Business credit card, you won’t be able to transfer points to other loyalty programs or redeem them for statement credits.

Chase Business Credit Card

The Ultimate Rewards points are versatile and can be redeemed for cash back, travel rewards, and more. It also offers online excluse bonuses.

One drawback is that you cannot earn rewards for specific spending categories. You also will have to pay annual fees and deal with higher APRs compared to Bank of America, for example.

Bank of America Business Credit CardsChase Business Credit Cards
Annual fees$0 or $50$0, $95, $99, $195, $199, $450
RewardsPreferred Business Rewards for more rewards, customized, travel, and cashback1X - 4X points on purchases, anniversary bonus points every year, huge bonus points offer upon joining
Average standard APR16.49% - 26.49%20.24%–27.24%
International transactions3% of the U.S. dollar amount or none with the Business Advantage Travel Rewards credit cardNo foreign transactions

International business: Wise Business vs. Banks

If you’re running a business that works across borders, then Wise Business is a great option. While Wise is not a bank, it can be a smart online alternative to manage your business finances.

Let’s take a quick look at how Wise helps businesses save while making and receiving payments internationally.

FeesWise
Currency conversion costsFrom 0.41%
International wire feesOn average, flat fee of 4.14 USD
Get local account details in other currencies?Yes (A one-time fee of 31 USD gets you account details in 10 currencies, which could help you save big)
Monthly fee or minimum opening requirementNo monthly fee or opening balance requirement

Wise Business customers can manage all of their financial needs with accounting software integrations, batch payments and payroll options, various permissions and alert settings along with the ability to both receive and make payments at low cost. Whether taking payments on your ecommerce store or sending payments to a freelancer abroad, Wise Business can make your daily business tasks easier.

go-global-with-wise

Learn More:

US Bank vs. Chase Business Checking: Which is Right for You?


Sources:

  1. https://www.insiderintelligence.com/insights/largest-banks-us-list/
  2. https://www.bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness/deposits/business-advantage-banking/
  3. https://www.chase.com/business/banking/checking
  4. https://www.bankofamerica.com/salesservices/smallbusiness/resources/business-schedule-fees/
  5. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/wire-transfers-what-banks-charge#:~:text=Bank%20of%20America%20Wire%20Transfer%20Fees&text=Outgoing%20domestic%3A%20%2430.,if%20sent%20in%20U.S.%20dollars
  6. https://wise.com/us/blog/how-to-wire-money-chase-bank
  7. https://www.bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness/credit-cards/
  8. https://creditcards.chase.com/business-credit-cards
  9. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/wise.com


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