The 20 Best Business Bank Accounts in Canada for 2023

The right business bank account is essential to your bottom line. Ideally, you want low fees and robust features that make life easier. But trying to compare all the different features, benefits, costs, and potential pitfalls can be an overwhelming struggle. The wrong one could cost you hundreds of dollars or more in fees for things you don’t need. To help you make sense of it all, we’ve rounded up the best business bank accounts in Canada.

Best Digital Business Bank Accounts

Let’s start with the best digital-only business bank accounts tailored for the modern entrepreneur. These innovative accounts streamline banking processes through user-friendly online platforms, without the need for physical branches. They deliver enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and advanced features designed specifically for business banking in the digital age.

Vault: Best for cross-border payments

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Vault is Canada’s newest all-in-one digital business banking platform that’s reinventing the standard for seamless financial management. You can open a new account in just 5 minutes – no fuss, no delay, no fees. Ditch expensive domestic and international transfers because it’s all included.

Vault’s unique value prop is hassle-free multi-currency bank accounts. Need a local account in CAD, USD, GBP, or EUR? No problem, and no need to visit a branch either. You can set up as many sub-accounts in each currency as you need to streamline operations

Now you can collect payments from customers worldwide in their preferred currency in just a few clicks. And when it comes to converting between accounts, Vault guarantees the best FX rates in Canada starting as low as 0.35%, no matter how much you’re converting.

Plus, your money doesn’t just sit there – it works for you. Take advantage of their Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) to earn up to a 5.30% return, providing your business with an additional income stream. It’s eligible for insurance with the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC), making it a secure and rewarding option to grow your business savings.

You also have the option to issue physical and virtual prepaid Mastercard Corporate Cards that earn 1% cash back. With Vault’s innovative routing system, each transaction currency matches your different balances, making purchases in foreign currencies without any FX fees a breeze. You also get access to customizable control features that make spend management effortless for any sized team.

Wise Business: Best for multi-currency accounts

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Monthly Fee: None
Supported Currencies: CAD, USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, HUF, NZD, RON, SGD
Currency Conversion Fee: 0.43%

This innovative account eliminates the costs associated with a traditional business bank account like pricey conversion rates, surprise charges, and monthly fees. It also streamlines cash flow management, employee payments, and international transactions. You can collect payments in multiple currencies, create professional invoices, and integrate with QuickBooks for real-time financial data and faster reconciliation.

The Wise Business account offers batch payment capabilities for efficient transactions and full control over cash flow and expenses. It’s an ideal alternative to traditional business banking, providing essentials like sort codes, IBANs, and routing numbers.

Plus, the multi-currency debit card allows you to make online and in-store payments without foreign transaction fees. Wise Business is a solid choice for small business owners who want to simplify and optimize their banking experience.

Caary Mastercard: Best for expense management tools

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The Caary Mastercard is an innovative new product that can also be used as a pseudo-business bank account. It’s a new business credit card created to provide small and medium-sized businesses with effortless access to credit. It also addresses your unique financial needs with a robust platform that gives you tools to manage all business expenditures with minimal effort. Plus, you earn 1% unlimited cash back on all card transactions, allowing you to earn as you spend.

Caary’s stand-out benefits are the currency management tools and features that give you total control over employee spending. The clean, simple interface makes managing multiple currencies easier than ever. What about those pesky foreign exchange fees? There are none. So if you’ve got international business on your plate, this is a real game-changer.

Next, Caary gives you iron-clad control over employee spending. You can dole out virtual credit cards and set custom spend limits faster than you can say ‘expense report’. It puts you firmly in the driver’s seat, steering clear of overspending and keeping your accounts clean and tidy.

To cut down the time you spend on financial management, Caary integrates smoothly with QuickBooks and Xero. Caary might not be the traditional business bank you’re looking for. But what it does offer is a suite of tailored solutions to make financial management less like climbing a mountain and more like a walk in the park. Just keep in mind, if you’re based in Quebec, Caary’s not available there yet.

Loop: Best for eCommerce

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Loop is a one-stop solution for small and medium eCommerce businesses looking for a convenient, cost-effective banking solution. It’s a digital platform that offers multi-currency accounts with market-leading FX rates, giving you the flexibility to receive payouts in USD from marketplaces like Shopify, Amazon, PayPal, Etsy, and Stripe. Then conveniently convert your money into Canadian Dollars. Plus, you can easily pay your US suppliers in just seconds for free.

Loop offers two types of accounts. Loop Currency Accounts let you hold money in different currencies, convert funds to other currencies, and make payments worldwide. Loop Bank Accounts offer all the Currency Account features, plus local bank account details for receiving payments locally. The sign-up process is entirely digital and free, with no minimum deposit or mandatory monthly fees.

Loop also has a special Corporate Card for international businesses that want a card with four currencies – CAD, USD, GBP, and EUR. It offers zero FX fees, zero annual fees, and 55 days of interest-free purchasing. This card also offers real-time balance visibility through the Loop dashboard, helping you track your spending per currency. It is also flexible, allowing you to repay your owing amount in the currency you purchased in and earn reward points with each dollar spent.

PayPal for Business: Best for chargeback protection

Monthly Fee: None
Transaction fees: as low as 0.80%
Interest: None
Rewards: None

PayPal for Business won’t replace the need for a business bank account, but it comes damn close. It can hold funds and it provides special tools that are ideal for eCommerce businesses, but businesses of all kinds will benefit. This all-in-one payments platform allows you to accept payments from customers in over 200 markets and 100 different currencies and you can securely link your bank account to your PayPal Business account.

You can make purchases, pay business expenses online and in person, and send money to vendors electronically, simplifying your operations. Instantly transfer funds to an eligible bank account or debit card using the Instant Transfer feature, saving time and avoiding standard transfer wait times. Benefit from Funds Now, which grants you fast access to your daily sales balance, even during disputes, without holds or reserves.

Protect your Advanced Credit and Debit Card transactions with Chargeback Protection, ensuring you’re covered against “unauthorized” or “item not received” chargebacks. With PayPal’s account reserves, a portion of your PayPal balance is set aside, giving you peace of mind and providing an extra layer of protection.

Motusbank chequing account: Best for sole proprietors

Monthly Fee: None
Interest: 0.15%
Rewards: None

This account is actually a personal account, but you can use it as a business bank account. As a sole proprietor, you can open a Motusbank chequing account and exclusively use it for your business to keep finances separate. On top of unlimited deposits and withdrawals, you’ll have free unlimited access to Motusbank’s Price Drop program.

As part of the program, you’ll email the bank your receipts and they will scour the net for deals on the items you’ve purchased. That way you can request cash back! This can be a great way to save on business expenses when starting a new business.

If you like getting cash back, read more about the best cash back credit cards

Float Card: Best for teams

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Float Card is a prepaid corporate card designed for businesses looking for easier and more efficient expense management. There are no personal guarantees, credit checks, or tracking down physical receipts with Float Card’s integrated smart spend management software.

Monitor team expenses in real-time and enjoy 1% cash back on all your spending and exclusive discounts from partner merchants. Simply link the Float Card to your business bank account and transfer money over to fund it and start tracking all your business expenses.

Create physical or virtual cards for your team and start benefiting from easy budget creation, spending limits, purchase authorizations, instant transaction notifications, digital receipts, and more. Float Card simplifies expense reconciliation by connecting with software like QuickBooks, Netsuite, and Xero.

Best Digital Business Savings Accounts

Dive into the best digital-only business savings accounts that often provide higher interest rates due to their reduced overhead expenses. These online-only providers deliver exceptional value by maximizing your savings growth while maintaining the convenience and accessibility you expect in the digital era. Grow your business funds effortlessly with these innovative, high-yield savings solutions.

Tangerine Business Savings: Best interest rate

Monthly Fee: None
Interest: up to 3.25%
Rewards: None

The Tangerine Business Savings is a free account that offers generous interest rates to help grow your business savings faster. Rates are tiered depending on your account balance and range from 2.60% to 3.25% as your balance grows and qualifies for the next highest rate.

To open this account, you need to already have a business bank account open at another financial institution and provide proof. While you can move money easily between this account and your business banking account elsewhere, you won’t have access to it via debit card. Most common account transactions are free. If you need a non-standard transaction, like a bank draft, for example, fees may apply.

Wealthsimple Save for Business: Best for incorporated businesses

Monthly Fee: None
Interest: 1.1%
Rewards: None

The Wealthsimple Save for Business account is a no-brainer if you have a smaller business and are looking for a savings account. There’s no minimum balance either, so you won’t have to worry if you suddenly need to spend the cash. The account is free and Wealthsimple offers impressive features with a reasonable 1.10% interest rate on deposits.

You’ll also have next-day withdrawals, making it easy to transfer money around. If your business just has a simple, low-interest chequing account, this could be a good supplement to park any extra cash that you’d like to keep liquid.

*This account is reserved for incorporated businesses only.

Best Unlimited Business Bank Account Packages

Below are the best business bank accounts with unlimited account packages designed to provide flexibility and convenience. These packages feature unlimited everyday banking transactions, impressive cash deposit limits, and often waive monthly fees when maintaining a minimum balance. Enjoy hassle-free business banking and focus on your goals with these comprehensive account solutions.

CIBC Unlimited Business Operating Account: Best for low-volume cash deposits

Monthly Fee: $65
Perk: Fee waived with $45,000 minimum balance

CIBC’s Unlimited Business Operating Account offers unlimited transactions, a major perk if you own a medium or large business. Plus, the monthly deposit limits are very generous, making this a strong account option:

• $15,000 cash deposit
• $1,000 coin deposit
• 100 cheques

The monthly fee is waived if you maintain a minimum balance of $45,000. Plus, enjoy unlimited withdrawals, eTransfers, bill payments, deposits, and more. Plus, get free global transfers of up to $100,000 to over 120 countries.

Scotiabank Unlimited Account: best for high-volume cash deposits

Monthly Fee: $120
Perk: Fee waived with $75,000 minimum balance

If you’re managing lots of incoming payments (especially if you have an online store), then Scotiabank’s Unlimited Business Bank Account might be worth the fee. You’ll have unlimited transactions and deposits, and will only have to worry about a modest surcharge if you deposit over $30k per month. The account also comes with software that helps you manage company finances, pay stubs, and taxes, potentially saving money on other expenses.

TD Unlimited Business Plan: Best for unlimited transactions

Monthly Fee: $125
Perk: Fee waived with $65,000 minimum balance

While the TD Unlimited Business Plan has slightly lower limits than the Scotiabank Unlimited Account, TD will wave merchant service account fees and provide a $149 rebate on the TD Business Aeroplan Visa Card or the TD Business Travel Visa Card, which can lead to even more savings.

Plus, enjoy up to $25,000 in free cash deposits each month. If you’re already sticking with TD and managing a large company, this account is a good contender.

Best Low-Fee Business Bank Accounts

Explore the best low monthly fee account packages, perfect for businesses with low transaction volumes or tight budgets. These accounts cater to small businesses that have outgrown free basic accounts but aren’t quite ready for a pricy unlimited package. These accounts provide essential features and services at a reduced cost. Balance affordability and functionality with these tailored banking solutions.

ICICI Business Chequing Premium

Monthly Fee: $5
Includes: unlimited day-to-day transactions.

While ICICI doesn’t have the same name recognition that Canada’s Big Six banks do, its Business Chequing Premium account is still a solid pick with extremely low fees. The account is available in CAD and USD. You’ll save money with free and unlimited:

• In-branch deposits & withdrawals
• Bill payments
• Direct deposits & PADs
• Online transfers

Plus, ICICI is Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) insured, so you won’t have to worry about losing out on your money. All in all, the Business Chequing Premium account is a great pick for most small or midsize businesses that have outgrown completely free options. 

RBC Digital Choice Business Account

Monthly Fee: $6
Includes: unlimited day-to-day digital transactions

The RBC Digital Choice Business Account is good for business owners that bank online or on their phones. For only $6/month you can send and receive online payments, deposit cheques using your mobile device or ATM, pay vendors and suppliers with 10 free Interac eTransfers, and much more.

Plus, cash deposits are relatively affordable. However, if your business bank primarily in-person or receives most payments via cash, you may want to keep looking at other options.

TD Basic Business Plan

Monthly Fee: $5
Includes: 5 transactions/month

TD’s Basic Business Plan is a solid option for a side hustle business if you already bank with TD. You get 5 free transactions per month, and then you’ll pay $1.25 per transaction after that and $2.50 per $1.000 in cash deposits. The account automatically archives all of your cheques for seven years, making it easy to keep records.

Plus, the fees are relatively affordable. That being said, if you’re hoping to grow your business, the restrictive limits may force you to switch accounts down the line.

RBC Flex Choice Business Account

Monthly Fee: $7
Includes: unlimited eligible deposits & Moneris deposits

While the RBC Flex Choice Business Account is slightly more expensive than its Digital Choice Business Account, it’s well worth it if you’re planning on occasionally depositing cash in-branch. This account will save $2.50 per in-branch cash deposit.

One interesting perk is that you save 3¢/L on fuel and earn 20% more Petro-Points at Petro-Canada locations when you pay with your linked RBC card.

You also won’t have to worry about transaction limits, so you can go about your business without having to strategically plan payments to fall in the next month’s billing cycle. 

Best Limited Package Business Bank Accounts

Below are the best accounts with low additional transaction fees, ideal for growing businesses or those with fluctuating transaction volumes. These accounts provide competitive pricing on individual transactions beyond your package limits, ensuring cost-effective banking as your needs evolve. Manage your finances efficiently and adapt to changing business demands with these versatile account options.

Scotiabank Basic Business Account

Monthly Fee: $10.95
Includes: 1 free transaction per $1,500 in the account
Perk: Fee waived with $8,000 minimum balance. Available in CAD & USD

Scotiabank’s Basic Business account includes a lot of small fees, but it comes with a major perk, too: charities receive a 50% discount on all fees, while some community groups get 35% off fees. You’ll need to register in person to qualify for the deal, but depending on the nature of your business, the Basic Business Account may end up being significantly cheaper than expected.

BMO Business Builder 1

Monthly Fee: $22.50
Includes: 35 transactions., 2 eTransfers, and unlimited Moneris transactions per month
Perk: Save on fees with online banking

If you’d rather pay a flat rate every month for a certain number of transactions (rather than paying for each individual transaction), you may want to look into BMO’s Business Builder accounts. Business Builder 1 comes with 35 transactions per month and allows up to $2,500 in cash deposits, but you can always select a higher tier if the limit feels restrictive. Depending on your business’s financial habits, a flat-rate account like BMO’s Business Builder plans can be a great way to save money. 

Best Traditional Business Savings Accounts

At the time of writing, these traditional business savings accounts provide higher interest rates compared to their digital-only competitors and a range of convenient spending features at a cost for swift access to funds. These brick-and-mortar providers combine the security and familiarity of conventional banking with competitive savings opportunities, making them an attractive choice for businesses seeking stability and easy fund access.

TD Business Savings Account: Best for balances over $500K

Rate: 2.55% – 4.05%
Includes: Free transfers between TD accounts

If your business’s chequing account is at TD, the Business Savings Account may be a good supplement. The interest rate is tiered depending on your balance, with the lowest rate of 2.55% on balances under $10K, and ranging up to 4.05% on balances over $5M.

Manulife Business Savings Account: Best for balances under $500K

Rate: 2.85%
Includes: Free deposits, pre-authorized withdrawals, and transfers to other Canadian accounts

Manulife’s Business Savings Account is another great savings solution to complement your business chequing account. The 2.85% interest rate is very impressive, though Manulife’s website does not say how long transfers take.

In a pinch, you may be able to eTransfer the money to yourself, but this would cost $1. Since the account has very few transaction fees, it’s a great way to earn some extra cash if your business has liquid funds that aren’t immediately needed.

Do You Need a Business Bank Account?

In Canada, there isn’t a federal law that requires you to have a business bank account. But if you own your own business, then yes, you should have one. It’s best practice to have a business bank account in order to manage your company’s finances effectively. There are practical and legal reasons that make having a business bank account necessary or, at the very least, highly beneficial in many situations, such as:

Corporate Structure: If you operate a corporation in Canada, it’s legally distinct from its shareholders. This means that the corporation’s finances must be kept separate from personal finances. In such cases, a business bank account is required to maintain this distinction.

Tax Reporting and Auditing: For tax purposes, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requires clear and accurate financial records. Mixing personal and business finances can complicate this process. While sole proprietors and partnerships might technically use personal accounts, having a business bank account simplifies bookkeeping, reporting, and any potential audits. Without a business bank account, you could unwittingly commit tax fraud – that’s a serious mistake you never want to make!

GST/HST Registration: Businesses that sell over a certain total value of goods and services must register for, collect, and remit the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Having a business bank account can simplify the process of managing and remitting these taxes.

Employment: If you hire employees, you’ll likely need a system to manage payroll. A business bank account facilitates this and helps maintain clear records for both payroll and related taxes.

Business Licenses and Permits: Some municipalities or provinces might require proof of a business bank account before issuing certain business licenses or permits.

Contracts and Agreements: If you’re entering into contracts or agreements, especially with larger corporations or government entities, they might require you to have a business bank account for payments or other financial transactions.

Business Loans and Credit: If you’re seeking business financing or credit, most financial institutions will require you to have a business bank account. If you’re considering getting a business credit card, a business bank account gives lenders better insight into your regular income and expenses, helping them determine whether your business can handle credit.

Professional Appearance: If you’re dealing with suppliers, vendors, or customers, having payments made to a personal name can appear unprofessional. At the very least, a business bank account helps establish credibility.

What documents do I need to open a business bank account?

When opening a business bank account, the exact documents that you’ll need vary from institution to institution. You’ll also need different supporting documents based on your business structure. t’s essential to contact the specific bank or credit union directly to get a definitive list of required documents. Each financial institution can have its own unique requirements, and being prepared will help ensure the process is smooth and efficient. Be prepared to provide the following:

Personal Identification

Most banks will require personal identification from all owners, directors, and any other key personnel associated with the account. This can include:

• A valid passport.
• Driver’s license.
• Other government-issued photo ID.
• Your social insurance number (SIN)

Business Registration Documents

Depending on your business structure, this could be:

• Sole Proprietorship: Business registration or trade name registration document. You get this when you register a business.
• Partnership: Partnership agreement and a business or trade name registration document (if applicable).
  Corporation: Articles of Incorporation or a Certificate of Incorporation.
• Business Number (BN): Issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the BN is needed if you’re registered for the GST/HST.

Other Licenses and Permits

Any municipal or provincial licenses or permits you have that demonstrate you’re authorized to operate your business.

Partnership Agreement

If you’re operating a partnership, the bank may require a copy of your partnership agreement to determine the authority of each partner regarding the bank account.

Corporate Resolution

If operating a corporation, a corporate resolution (or a similar document) might be required. This document identifies the individuals within the corporation who have the authority to act on its behalf regarding banking transactions.

Financial Statements or Business Plan

Some banks may request a copy of recent financial statements or a business plan, especially if you’re interested in securing additional banking products, like loans or credit lines.

Other Information

Depending on the bank, they may ask for details like:

• Estimated account activity (e.g., monthly deposits, number of transactions).
• Purpose of the account.
• Expected sources of deposits (e.g., point-of-sale, online sales, B2B services).
• Information on any foreign transactions or business dealings.
• For Non-Resident Owners/Directors: Additional documentation might be needed for business owners or directors who are not residents of Canada.

Trust or Association

If you’re setting up an account for a trust or association, you might need to provide the trust agreement or the association’s governing documents.

Best business bank accounts: the takeaway

Business is never one-size-fits-all, and the same can be said of business bank accounts. All of the major brick-and-mortar Canadian banks offer several business bank accounts, each with its own requirements and perks.

You need to pick the plan that best suits your needs. Many online banks also offer business bank accounts, making it tough to choose the right plan.  

FAQs About Business Bank Accounts in Canada

Still have questions about business bank accounts? Check out our most frequently asked questions for more help: