SoFi Business Account Review: Overview, Account Types, Alternatives

Mike Renaldi

SoFi doesn't offer a business account, but they do offer small business financing. In this article, we'll discuss SoFI Business Financing and go into some other digital business account alternatives.

In this article, we'll compare it to alternatives like Wise Business.

Looking to save while managing your international business needs?

Try Wise Business >>

Trustpilot: 4.2/5 average rating - Great¹
No minimum balance required and no monthly fees

SoFi Business Account Review

Let's dive into the SoFI business features and options.

Does SoFi Offer Business Accounts?

Unfortunately, SoFi does not offer business accounts. They only offer their standard personal and checking accounts¹. We’ll look more in-depth at those two options shortly. But it is important to note that a SoFi Bank Business Account does not exist.

See Business Account Alternatives

SoFi Small Business Financing

There is no SoFi Small Business Checking Account. But SoFi does offer solutions for small businesses. With Lantern by SoFi, you can find the best option for getting a loan for your small business. Type in how much you want to borrow. Then you can compare service options that offer:

  • term loans
  • short terms loans
  • lines of credit

They also let you know how long your term for paying back the loan would be to help you decide. There is no SoFi business line of credit or SoFi small business loans. But they do provide you with resources to find one from other sources⁹.

manage-your-international-business

SoFi Alternatives and Competitors: Business Accounts

You could choose to go with a personal account from SoFi for your business needs. But even SoFi advises against this. They mention on their site that a business checking account:

  • splits your personal and business funds. This protects you from courts going after your personal assets and simplifies taxation.
  • improves your financial credibility
  • expands your abilities for future growth through services like payroll, etc.¹

Here are some business alternatives to SoFi’s personal banking that you can consider.

Wise Business Account: Domestic & International Businesses

Wise is a banking alternative that is great for businesses looking to increase their global reach. They offer an international business account that offers transparent low-fee account.

Small businesses will find that it is an intuitive digital account with numerous features, such as accounting software integrations and batch payments, that make their daily tasks easier for their team.

Notable Features:

  • No account opening fee
  • No minimum balance requirement or monthly fees
  • Receiving funds in 9+ currencies costs a one-time fee of 31 USD. Fees are charged per transfer with US fees starting as low as 0.43%
  • The Wise account offers the mid-market rate—resulting in reduced costs for businesses
    Send money with Wise >>

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

Payoneer

Payoneer is another popular alternative for businesses looking to manage their finances. They offer fee-free payments to other Payoneer accounts. They also offer bank account transfers with a low, 1% fee. You can make international payments with currency conversion. Plus, Payoneer accounts are free to set up. But their accounts are not suited for large businesses. They also do not offer a payment gateway or POS system.

Payoneer has quite a few fees associated with their services. Getting paid is only free from fellow Payoneer customers. There is a 3% credit card fee plus a 1% ACH bank debit fee for when clients pay you. Getting paid by receiving accounts incurs a 0-1% fee for USD. And payment from networks and marketplaces depends on their personal fees.

Paying others can also incur costs. Paying fellow Payoneer customers is free. But paying non-Payoneer users results in a fee of up to 2% of the transaction sum. They may also charge a 1.50 fee in the currency of your payment if your payee doesn’t fit certain criteria.

Using funds in your account requires extra costs, too. Payoneer offers a Commercial Mastercard. It is free to register for and for them to deliver to you. But there is a $29 annual fee for the card. Transactions that involve a currency conversion can cost you up to a 3.5% fee. Transactions with a cross-border fee cost you up to a 1.8% additional fee. ATM withdrawals cost $3.15. And ATM balance inquiries cost $1. Withdrawals with a currency conversion have an up to 2% fee. And withdrawals in your own currency still cost $1.50.

While these costs may seem minor, they can add up over time. Learn more about Payoneer with this review¹⁰.

PayPal

PayPal is one of the most popular digital payment services. They help businesses to manage their finances and make online payments. The main benefit of the PayPal Business account is their PayPal Business debit card. Like any debit card, you can use their card to withdraw cash at an ATM and make payments, but you can also earn points. But it’s important to note that PayPal charges fees for transactions overseas. They also have fees for over-the-counter withdrawals.

PayPal Business has quite a few fees associated with its services. There is no fee to open an account. But there is a 2.99% fee for sale transactions. There are additional fees added to this for international sale transactions. These can be 1.5% plus a fixed fee plus 3%. International payments can be pretty high, too. There is a 1.5% fee plus a 4% currency conversion fee if used. Check withdrawals cost $1.50 extra. Moving money to your bank account using a linked debit card costs $0.25-$15 per transfer, depending on the amount.

You can make personal payments with a PayPal business account. But they are going to cost you as well. International personal payments have a 4% fee for currency conversion. And US personal payments with a debit or credit card have a 2.99% fee. Receiving personal payments is free. But this only applies if they pay you with a PayPal balance or linked bank account.

While these costs may seem minor, they can add up over time. You can learn more here¹¹.

Revolut

Revolut is a digital banking platform that specializes in international payments. Revolut Business is known for its digital platforms, like SoFi. They have a mobile app and software integration with QuickBooks, Xero, and more. They also give users access to up to 200 digital and 3 physical/plastic debit cards. But they don’t allow cash or check deposits into your account and charge a 2% withdrawal fee at ATMs.

As far as monthly fees go, Revolut has quite a few for companies and businesses. They do have a free version for $0/month. But they also have a grow option for $39.99/month and a scale option for $149.99/month. Their Trustpilot review is 4.3 out of 5 stars, which puts them well behind SoFi.

While these costs may seem minor, they can add up over time. You can learn more about Revolut Business with this review¹².

Conclusion

Even though SoFi does not offer business banking solutions, there are many options available on the market, including Payoneer, PayPal, Revolut, and Wise Business.

manage-your-international-business

Learn More: Best Bank For Small Business in California: Pricing and Features

--

Sources:

  1. SoFi Learn - “What to Know About Business Checking Accounts”
  2. Consumer Affairs
  3. Wise TrustPilot
  4. SoFi Trustpilot
  5. SoFi
  6. SoFi
  7. SoFi
  8. SoFi
  9. Lantern Credit
  10. Wise - “Payoneer review”
  11. Wise - PayPal Business Account
  12. Wise - Revolut Business review

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

Money without borders

Find out more

Tips, news and updates for your location