Business Banking
What is business banking?
Business banking refers to financial services and products designed specifically for small to large businesses, including checking and savings accounts, loans, credit cards, merchant services, and cash management solutions.
If you’re thinking of starting your own business, you’ll need to consider which plan you’ll use for raising money for your business, and managing your business funds.
Business banking is a critical aspect of running a successful business. Having a robust business banking strategy ensures that a business can operate smoothly and efficiently while also providing opportunities for growth and scale.
Key components of business banking
While not an exhaustive list the following make up some of the key components of business banking for businesses of all types and sizes:
Business checking and savings accounts
Merchant services
Credit and debit cards
Loans and lines of credit
Investment services
Treasury management
Online banking and mobile apps
Benefits of a good business banking strategy
A robust banking strategy is essential when it comes to starting and running a business. Some of the benefits include:
01. Better cash flow management due to access to specialized business loans and banking services.
02. Access to credit and financing options that personal banking doesn't offer.
03. Improved financial reporting and analysis through treasury management and bookkeeping
04. Increased efficiency by making transactions for supplies and resources essential to the running of a business
05. Better protection against fraud and other financial risks
You may also be interested in:
Best practices for your business banking
When it comes to managing your business banking its important to remember and apply the following for the most efficient strategy:
Separate business and personal finances - for some types of businesses this will be a legal requirement, it also means there can be no confusion with taxes owed.
Choose a bank that specializes in business banking - this will ensure you'll have access to the right advice and loans when you need them.
Regularly review account balances and transactions - you'll need to keep an eye what money comes in and out, and this aligns with your profitability plan.
Plan ahead with your financing needs - to anticipate future large expenses necessary for the business, or slowdowns in sales that might impact funds coming in.
Stay up-to-date on industry trends and changes in regulations - these might impact the type of bank accounts you have for your business and how they're managed.
Looking to start a business? We've put together some popular business ideas to get you started
Business banking FAQ
What's the difference between personal and business banking?
Personal banking involves the management of an individual's finances such as checking accounts, savings accounts, and loans. Business banking focuses on managing a company's finances, including transactions, deposits, loans, and investments.
Why is it important to separate personal and business finances?
Separating personal and business finances helps to keep track of expenses and income, between business and personal accounts, more efficiently and also makes it easier to file taxes. It also protects personal assets from any potential business liabilities.
What are some common types of business loans?
Some common types of business loans include term loans, lines of credit, SBA loans, equipment financing, and invoice financing.
How do I choose the right bank and business banking services?
Consider factors such as the bank's reputation, services offered, fees, customer service and proximity to your business when choosing a bank. It's important to assess which bank aligns best with your business's needs.
What are the benefits of having a business credit card?
Benefits include expense tracking, credit limits, rewards, and the ability to separate personal and business expenses.
What are some common business banking fees?
Fees vary depending on the bank and the specific services used. Common fees may include monthly account maintenance fees, transaction fees, wire transfer fees and ATM fees. It's important for businesses to review fee schedules when choosing a bank.