How to Open a Business Checking Account With Bad Credit

If you’re starting a business, opening a business checking account is a foundational step. This process begins with forming your business and obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN). With your EIN in hand, you can approach local banks and credit unions, equipped with your initial deposit and incorporation documents. While poor credit might complicate the process, various solutions exist to navigate these challenges.

How Does Personal Credit Affect Opening a Business Checking Account?

When you open a bank account, the bank wants to ensure you won't overdraft the account, bounce checks, ignore fees, or even commit fraud. They may take a look at your personal credit to see if you have a history of bad financial practices.

While bad credit might give you some trouble opening a business checking account, the real thing to worry about is your Chexsystems report. Chexsystems is a verification system for bank accounts throughout the banking system. It's used to protect consumers and institutions, and it aids in ensuring banking systems are secure. Your Chexsystems report has a stronger focus on banking activity, such as closing accounts with a negative balance or consistently overdrafting your account.

A bad credit score may make a bank ask more questions before letting you open an account, but a bad Chexsystems report may bar you from opening an account entirely.

How To Open a Business Bank Account With Bad Credit

If you have bad credit, there are a few things you can do to make it easier to open an account.

Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC)

When you form an LLC, you receive an EIN that identifies your business. It also lets you separate your business and personal credit. However, personal assets may be vulnerable in a lawsuit even with an EIN, depending on the severity.

Banks may be more willing to work with a more formalized business, even if its owner has some issues with their credit.

Improve your credit score and Chexsystems report

Improving your credit score is a direct approach to enhancing your banking options. This involves consistent on-time payments and reducing debt levels to improve your credit utilization ratio.

Work with a second-chance bank

Some banks, called second-chance banks, specifically target customers with poor credit or negative info on their Chexsystems report. They give those people a second chance to open a bank account and use it well.

They often charge higher fees but can be worth working with because they give you the opportunity to clean up your credit and Chexsystems report.

Work with a personal banker or local bank or credit union

Personal bankers at local institutions may offer more flexibility for business owners with challenging credit histories than larger, impersonal banks.

How to Improve Your Credit Score

If your credit is giving you issues opening a business bank account, you should take steps to improve it.

The most important factor in calculating your credit is your payment history. Even one missed or late payment can have a major impact on your credit and drop your score. It can take months to recover, so do everything you can to not miss payments.

In the short term, the best way to boost your credit is to pay off your existing debts. The less debt you have, the lower your credit utilization ratio, the better your score will be. An ideal credit utilization ratio is between 20-30%.

Another thing to do is request a copy of your credit report. If you notice any errors on the report, make sure to let the credit bureaus know. Removing incorrect info can increase your score.

5 of the best business bank account with bad credit

If you’re in the market for a business bank account that is available to people with bad credit, the best options for business banks are:

Novo

Novo is a fee-free online bank that doesn’t look at your credit or your Chexsystems report when you apply for an account. It also offers reimbursements for any ATM fees you pay each month.

BlueVine

BlueVine stands apart from the competition thanks to the high interest rate it offers on checking account balances. It also keeps fees low with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.

Nearside

Nearside is an online business bank that offers some unique features. It integrates with many popular business applications and even offers cash back on your debit card purchases.

NorthOne

Though it charges an unavoidable $10 monthly fee, NorthOne makes the cost worth it by offering everything you need to manage your company’s finances from one place. Its service can help you budget, save for tax season, pay your vendors, and do your bookkeeping.

Wells Fargo

If you want to work with a large bank that has physical branches, Wells Fargo is a solid choice. The minimum deposit is just $25 making it easy to open an account.

Bottom Line

In summary, while opening a business bank account can pose some challenges, even individuals with poor credit can achieve it.

The most crucial initial step is to embark on the journey of improving your credit, recognizing that it may require time. In the meantime, consider options like second chance banking, exploring credit unions, or providing a larger deposit as temporary solutions.

Conduct some research into different financial institutions, their specific prerequisites, and the steps you can take to enhance your eligibility for a business banking account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a business account with bad credit?

Yes, it is possible to open a business bank account with bad credit. Some banks may ask some additional questions and there are a few that won’t allow you, but there are plenty that may be happy to work with you towards opening a checking account.

Do they run a credit check to open a business bank account?

Whether a bank runs a credit check when you try to open a business bank account depends on the bank’s policies. Some banks will check your credit and some won’t. However, almost every bank will look at your Chexsystems report.

What are second-chance Business Bank Accounts?

Some banks provide second-chance bank accounts, often without checking your ChexSystems report or overlooking past financial mistakes. However, these accounts often come with monthly fees and may lack essential banking features. Exploring alternative options may be advisable if available.

How do you dispute Chexsystems?

You have the option to dispute an item on your report directly with ChexSystems or with the financial institution that reported the account.

How long does information stay on Chexsystems?

Accounts reported to ChexSystems remain on the report for five years, even after outstanding balances are paid.

About The Author

Andy Chang

Founder of TheCreditReview

Andy Chang is the founder of TheCreditReview, a review site started in 2017 that is dedicated to helping consumers find the best companies in financial services. Andy is passionate about financial education and wellness, and helping others reach financial freedom. He consistently writes about topics ranging from credit to banking and lending.

Articles by Andy Chang

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