A strong online option for many small LLCs.
Bluevine is my preferred online business checking option for many LLCs. Its Standard plan currently has no monthly fee, offers interest when eligibility requirements are met, includes up to five subaccounts and provides useful digital payment and account-management tools. It is not the right bank for every business, especially one that relies heavily on branch services or cash deposits.
Why Bluevine
Low-friction banking with tools that fit many LLCs.
I opened Bluevine accounts after using the service with clients and hearing positive reports about its customer support. In my own experience, the account opened promptly and Bluevine followed up with a business-banking contact.
The Standard plan currently has no monthly fee, no minimum balance and no overdraft fee. Transaction-specific charges can still apply.
Eligible Standard customers currently can earn 1.3% APY on qualifying balances when activity requirements are met. Plus and Premier currently list higher APYs.
Use subaccounts for taxes, payroll or reserves. Owners with multiple companies can manage separate company accounts through one login.
Standard ACH, mobile check deposit, invoicing, bill pay, integrations and debit cards with team controls can simplify routine operations.
Bluevine offers phone, email and chat support. My clients have specifically valued the ability to reach a live person.
Eligible deposits are currently FDIC insured up to $3 million through Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC, and program banks, subject to applicable conditions.
Choose the plan
Standard will be the practical starting point for many owners.
Up to five subaccounts, free standard ACH, unlimited transactions and core digital banking tools.
Additional subaccounts and discounts on many payment fees. Compare the waiver requirements with your normal activity.
Higher APY, more subaccounts, deeper payment discounts and priority support for businesses that can justify the plan.
Rates, fees, waiver rules and activity requirements can change. Review Bluevine's current plan comparison ↗ before applying.
Advantages and tradeoffs
Bluevine fits digital-first businesses better than cash-heavy businesses.
Also compare wire costs, same-day payment fees, ATM usage, cash-deposit methods, accounting integrations and whether you need specialized treasury services. A higher APY should not outweigh operational fit.
Step by step
How to complete the Bluevine application.
Choose the legal entity type
If you formed an LLC, choose LLC. An S corporation tax election does not change the LLC into a corporation under state law.
Enter the exact legal business information
Use the LLC name shown on its formation document. Add a DBA only if the business actually uses a registered assumed name.
Provide the EIN, address and activity details
Have the EIN confirmation available. Give reasonable revenue, transaction and business-use estimates that are consistent with the company.
Identify the owners
Provide your ownership percentage and the requested identifying information for additional owners. Bluevine currently requests more information for owners holding 25% or more.
Choose Standard, Plus or Premier
For many small LLCs, Standard is the sensible starting point. Upgrade only when the higher APY, subaccounts or payment discounts justify the fee or you meet the waiver criteria.
Select the debit-card address and account use
The mailing address for the card may be your home address. Describe the business and intended account use accurately without overcomplicating the response.
Connect and fund the account
After approval, connect another account when appropriate and fund Bluevine through a documented LLC contribution, transfer or operating receipt.
Formation document, legal name, EIN or tax ID, business and home addresses, revenue and transaction estimates, ownership percentages, and personal identifying information for the owners.
Common questions
Bluevine and LLC banking FAQs
Does an LLC need a separate bank account?+
A separate account is an important part of keeping the LLC's income, expenses and records distinct from the owner's personal finances.
Is Bluevine a bank?+
Bluevine is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided through Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC, and program banks.
Does Bluevine charge a monthly fee?+
The Standard Business Checking plan currently has no monthly fee. Plus and Premier have monthly fees that may be waived when current requirements are met.
Can an LLC taxed as an S corporation apply as an LLC?+
Yes. Choose the legal entity type, LLC, even if the LLC elected S corporation tax treatment. The tax election does not turn the state-law entity into a corporation.
What should I have before applying?+
Have the legal business name, address, EIN or tax ID, formation information, revenue and activity estimates, and identifying information for the owners.