Business checking accounts for every stage
With checking accounts that simplify financial management and support long-term growth, you'll find more than a bank with M&T - you'll find a partner.
Find the business checking account that's right for you.
Business Essential Checking
Best for new or small businesses who need to separate business and personal finances.
ACCOUNT FEATURES
- Monthly maintenance fee:
$5/month or $0/month when requirements are met{{d957*}},{{d1225*}}
- No charge for the first 25 transactions items each month{{d369*}}
- No charge for first $2,500 currency deposited or supplied per month{{d489*}}
- Simply carry a $1,000 average daily balance per cycle OR
- The purchases and payments* made from the Account with the linked Visa® debit card(s) total $300.00 or more (transactions must be settled during the Analysis Period, and withdrawals are not included
M&T Simple Checking for Business
For businesses with steady activity that need a reliable, straightforward way to manage cash flow, accept payments, and stay organized.
ACCOUNT FEATURES
- Monthly maintenance fee:
$10/month or $0/month when requirements are met{{d918*}}, {{d957*}}
- No charge for the first 100 transactions items each month{{d369*}}
- No charge for first $5,000 currency deposited or supplied per month{{d489*}}
- Maintain an Average Ledger Balance is at least $2,500 that month OR
- Make 5 or more transaction items{{d369*}} that month
M&T Tailored Checking for Business
A customized business checking account for companies with growing operations and complex cash flow- delivers flexibility, scale, and dedicated support.
ACCOUNT FEATURES
- Monthly maintenance fee:
$20/month or $0/month when requirements are met{{d1333*}}, {{d957*}}
- No charge for the first 500 transactions items each month{{d369*}}
- No charge for first $20,000 currency deposited or supplied per month{{d489*}}
- Maintain an Average Ledger Balance of at least $10,000 OR
- Maintain a sum of the Average Ledger Balances of the account and any linked Commercial Savings Account of at least $25,000 OR
- Make at least one M&T merchant services deposit into the account that month OR
- Make $2,000 or more in purchases on a linked M&T Business Credit Card
Banking made for business helps you do more
Enhanced security
Help minimize risk with advanced fraud prevention and chip technology.
Easy money movement
Transfer money and pay bills in minutes.
Convenient banking
Save time with tools and services that help you operate on the go.
Community commitment
Benefit from a community bank with an expansive network.
SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE WITH ALL ACCOUNT TYPES
No matter which business checking account you choose, you'll benefit from seamless integration with a range of solutions designed to support your business's needs.
Cash Flow Management
Optimize cash flow with solutions to help support day-to-day operations.
Customized Debit Card
Personalize your debit card to match your business.{{d1313*}}
Merchant Services
Easily accept payments and manage transactions.{{d219*}}
Business Financing
Learn about financing options that work for your business.
Ready to open a Business Checking account online?
To open any of our business checking accounts, you will need:
- Your SSN, personal address, email address & mobile phone number
- Your business's Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN, SSN, ITIN)
- Name, email address and mobile phone number of owner who has 100% ownership of the company
Integrated Online and Mobile Banking
From startups to enterprises and everything in between, we have integrated online and mobile banking tools designed to help you streamline your operations and simplify your financial management.
- Transfer funds
- Card management tools
- Mobile bill pay
- Mobile check deposit
Support & strategies for every stage
Explore expert advice, advanced tools, and customized strategies to help you optimize your finances, scale your operations, and reach new growth milestones - whether you're expanding into new markets or streamlining existing processes.
How to open a business checking account
When it comes to switching banks or starting a business, we know the process can seem overwhelming. To make it easier, we've created a step-by-step Switch Kit to help make it easier.
Top Small Business Checking Account FAQs
A small business checking account is a specialized financial account designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners manage their company’s day-to-day finances. Unlike personal checking accounts, business checking accounts offer features tailored to business needs—such as higher transaction limits, employee debit cards, integration with accounting software, and access to business credit and lending services.
Opening a small business checking account is essential for separating personal and business finances, which simplifies tax preparation, enhances financial transparency, and helps build business credit history. Whether you're a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation, having a dedicated business checking account improves your operations but also helps with legal and tax requirements.
- A Business Checking Account is primarily used for day-to-day operations, such as paying bills, managing payroll, and receiving customer payments. Business Checking accounts allow you to make deposits and withdrawals, and offer a number of ways to easily access your funds such as checks and debit card capabilities. Deposits can be made using cash, electronic fund transfers (EFT), ACH, and wire transfers.
- A Business Savings account is meant to hold funds for linger-term savings or reserves, such as for emergencies or future investments. Business Savings Accounts can also help you earn interest on your money where your funds grown over time.
Yes, you can open a business checking account in less than 10 minutes. Select the business checking options that meets your business needs and open your checking account online.
You'll need:
- Your SSN, personal address, email address & mobile phone number
- Your business's Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN, SSN, ITIN)
- Name, email address and mobile phone number of owner who has 100% ownership of the company
- Your business’s Employer Identification Number (EIN) or tax ID number, or your Social Security number if you’re a sole proprietorship.
- Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Organization or a charter or similar legal document that indicates when your company was formed. (Not required for sole proprietors.)
- Social Security number for you and anyone else authorized to sign checks or make transactions on behalf of your company.
- Name, email address and phone number for any additional owners with 25% or more ownership in the company.
- Learn more about application requirements on your business structure
M&T Bank is proud to serve our business clients through our local network of over 700 branches and 1,800 ATMs across the Northeast. To find your local branch, visit our Branch & ATM page.
We can also help you reach your goals, when you schedule a meeting with a banker to help you plan for today and in the future.
And as always, we have the tools and solutions that allow you to bank on your schedule with Online & Mobile Banking for Business.
New small business checking account customers can enjoy one promotional standard check order at no cost, valued at $150, on their first check orders only.
If you need to order new checks, the fastest way to reorder checks for your business account is directly through our check printer, Deluxe Corporation. Call 1-800-328-0304 to order by phone or Order Now.{{d1224*}}
You can also stop by your local M&T branch, and a Relationship Manager can assist you with check reordering.
There is no fee to open a small business checking account online.
Opening a small business checking account is often more affordable than many new entrepreneurs expect at M&T Bank. In fact, there is no cost or fee to open the business checking account itself.
This initial deposit is not a fee—it goes directly into your account and is available for use in your business transactions. An initial deposit helps your account become ready for business banking services like ACH transfers, mobile check deposits, and bill pay.
For freelancers, side hustlers, and micro-business owners transitioning from personal to business banking, this low barrier to entry makes it easy to get started. Plus, many small business checking accounts come with:
Low or easy ways to waive monthly maintenance fees{{d957*}}
Digital banking tools to manage your business on the go
Access to other business banking features your business may need like merchant card processing, financing options and more.
By opening a business checking account, you’re taking a key step toward separating personal and business finances, improving financial organization, and building business credibility.
