Answering Common Business Checking Questions (2024)

Answering Common Business Checking Questions (1)

Opening and using a business checking account, while simple, isn’t quite as simple as opening a personal one. That’s why we decided to take some time and gather the five most commonly asked questions —and answers —about business checks and accounts.

What's the difference between cashing business checks and personal ones?

The main difference between a business check and a personal check is who the check is made out to. A check destined for your personal checking account will be made out to you, using the same name as what's found on your license or ID card. A business check, on the other hand, is made out to the name of a small business instead of an individual.

Additionally, there are more potential challenges when cashing a business check vs. a personal one. These challenges include being unable to cash checks due to the specific person they’re made out to as well as complications with business checks made out to multiple parties.

Can I deposit a business check in my personal account?

No, you should not deposit a check that was made out to a business into a personal account. While it may seem convenient to use both business and personal checking accounts interchangeably, it is never worth the potential problems involved. Problems can include:

  • Getting the attention of the IRS on suspicion of fraud, leading to an audit or potential legal action
  • Commingling of funds can make it difficult to track expenses and income, which can lead to tax problems and difficulty in preparing financial statements.

Can I deposit a personal check in a business account?

It is legal to deposit a personal check into a business account, but it has to be done in a particular fashion:

  • First, the check will need to be endorsed
  • On the back of the check, the check owner would endorse the check and then write “pay to the order of (business name).” Then the business would endorse the check normally under that.
  • Write the name of your company below where you wrote “full endorsem*nt”
  • Finally, add the standard endorsem*nt signature used for your business

While rare, there is an additional risk to anyone who deposits a personal check to a business account when they’re a member of an LLC. In very particular cases, this act can open you up to potential liability through a process called “piercing the veil,” where a shareholder in a corporation becomes personally liable for its debts or actions.

How do I cash a business check?

A business check is any check written specifically for your business. How easy it is to cash them depends on the business classification and whether it's a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC or corporation.

How you cash checks for sole proprietorships will depend on a few things. In particular, you’ll need to keep in mind how you have the account set up and what your company name is. The naming convention of your business will impact how you endorse the check.

How do I apply for a business checking account?

With Sunrise Banks, it's easy to apply for a business checking account through our online portal Off Site Link. We offer Minnesota companies big and small the flexibility to manage and grow their money with confidence.

Answering Common Business Checking Questions (2024)

FAQs

Why is my bank asking so many questions? ›

According to regulations (Section 28 of the Law On the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing) banks have the right to request information and documents necessary for Customer Due Diligence (CDD) to be performed, and customers have the obligation to provide these, including information on customers' ...

What questions should you ask when opening a checking account? ›

9 questions to ask before opening a bank account
  • What are the bank's fees? ...
  • Where are the bank's ATMs? ...
  • Is there a minimum balance required? ...
  • What's the accounts' interest rate? ...
  • Does the bank have good customer service? ...
  • Does the bank have online banking and a mobile app?

Can you cash a business check in your personal account? ›

Can I deposit a business check in my personal account? No, you should not deposit a check that was made out to a business into a personal account. While it may seem convenient to use both business and personal checking accounts interchangeably, it is never worth the potential problems involved.

What do I need to know before opening a business bank account? ›

Here are things to consider when you're opening a business checking or savings account:
  • Introductory offers.
  • Interest rates for savings and checking.
  • Interest rates for lines of credit.
  • Transaction fees.
  • Early termination fees.
  • Minimum account balance fees.
May 19, 2023

What is a common banking mistake? ›

Not opening a savings account. Paying a fee for not keeping a minimum balance. Missing out on perks and rewards. Paying overdraft fees. Overlooking credit unions or banking online.

Can a bank ask why you are withdrawing money? ›

Yes, bank tellers are allowed to ask why you are withdrawing a lot of cash from your account. This is because banks have a responsibility to "Know Your Customer" (KYC) as part of their anti-money laundering and fraud prevention measures [1].

Why banks always ask how much you earn? ›

Lenders are required by law to make sure a customer has the means to pay them back before extending credit. Sending out these periodic requests for updated salary information is the most common way to do it, Bankrate's Rossman said, and lenders rarely ask for proof that your salary is what you say.

What is one thing you should know about checking accounts? ›

A checking account lets you store cash safely and securely while enjoying easy access to your money with debit cards, electronic transfers, or checks. People typically use checking accounts for things like on-time, automatic bill payments and making purchases.

What are 4 factors that you need to consider when choosing a checking account? ›

  • Insurance. You should verify that the bank or credit union where you open an account provides insurance from either the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). ...
  • Minimum balance requirements. ...
  • Fees. ...
  • ATM network. ...
  • Interest and rewards. ...
  • Mobile app features.

Can I cash a check written to my business without a business account? ›

Check-cashing service: If you don't have a bank account and the issuing bank has no local branches, you may be able to cash a business check at a local check-cashing store or retailer that offers check-cashing services. Popular retailers that offer various money services include Kroger, Fred Meyer, Smith's and Walmart.

What business bank account is best? ›

Best business checking accounts
  • Best for small businesses: Bluevine Business Checking.
  • Best for LLCs, sole proprietors and contractors: Novo Business Checking.
  • Best for branch access: Chase Business Complete Banking®
  • Best for medium to large businesses: Capital One Enhanced Checking.
4 days ago

Is a business check considered a personal check? ›

What is a business check? Business checks are exactly what you'd think. They pull money from a business checking account rather than a personal checking account. It's the paycheck you receive from your employer or the checks you issue to your employees, among other business expenses.

What are the disadvantages of a business bank account? ›

But what are the downsides? Higher costs: Some business bank accounts come with monthly fees and transaction charges. If you're just starting out as a sole trader or only have minimal transactions, these fees might feel like a burden.

Can I open a bank account with EIN only? ›

No, you cannot open a business bank account with an employer identification number (EIN) only. You'll also probably need other business paperwork — like your business license and formation documents — plus personal identification like a driver's license.

Do I need an EIN to open a bank account for an LLC? ›

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a unique nine-digit number the IRS uses to identify your business for tax reporting purposes. Unless you're a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, you'll need an EIN if you want to open a business bank account.

Why is my bank investigating my account? ›

An account investigation can also be a way to save you from being a victim of fraud. The bank can restrict your access to the account while they investigate it for legal reasons and establish how the fraudulent transaction occurred.

Why does my bank keep asking for verification? ›

When you log into your bank or credit card account, you might get a text message or email with a verification code. You then enter it at the login screen to confirm it's really you. That's a form of two-factor authentication that adds a layer of security to your account — and keeps would-be scammers and hackers out.

Why do banks ask questions when depositing money? ›

Have you ever wondered why bank tellers often ask questions about your transaction? They are doing it for very good reasons! An important part of the teller's job is to protect customers by watching for potential fraud. Some transactions may require verification of identification, which is a government regulation.

Why does my bank ask me how much I make? ›

If it seems like your bank or credit-card company is constantly asking how much money you make, you aren't alone. Card companies are popping the salary question much more often to check on customers' financial health—and whether it makes sense to raise or lower credit limits.

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