5 Best Free Accounting Software Options for Nonprofits
Discover the top 5 free accounting software options for nonprofits! Simplify your finances and focus on your mission with these user-friendly tools.
A business account is a key part of starting a new venture, but it can be a long process to open one. Business banks and banking alternatives know this and are competing to give you a business account as quickly as possible. Which banks and banking alternatives are the fastest?
In this article, we’ll outline some of the companies helping you open an account quickly as well as the documents you’ll need to make getting an account easier. We’ll also highlight Wise Business as a key provider for operating your business seamlessly across borders. We'll also discuss the Wise Business account. The global account that can help your company with all things cross-border.
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A same-day business account is a type of account that allows for quick opening, is often completed on the day of application, and provides immediate fund access through same-day processing for key transactions.
| Note |
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| Same-day business account opening often depends on the complexity of your business. While application times can take a few minutes, many providers will still take a few days to verify and open a business account. |
The time it takes to open a business bank account in the US can vary widely. Traditional banks might take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. This depends on how quickly you can provide all the required documents. It also depends on the bank's internal processes.
Many online banks and newer financial technology (fintech) companies offer much faster options. Some can open an account for you in just a few minutes. This is usually done through a completely online application process.
Finding a bank that lets you open an account on the same day is a big help for businesses. Here are some providers that offer fast account opening:
Note: Account opening times can change. It's always best to check with the provider directly for the most current information.
Found is a financial platform built for freelancers and small business owners. It offers a business checking account with tools designed to simplify money management. This includes features for invoicing, expense tracking, and tax savings. Their goal is to make banking and financial management easy and accessible.
Opening a Found business account is a quick online process. Most users can get approved and open their account within minutes. You'll need to provide details about your business as well as personal information during the online application.¹
Grasshopper Bank offers a free online business checking account perfect for small businesses. You earn interest on your balance and get cash back on debit card purchases. There are no monthly fees or minimum limits. It is easy to use and connects quickly to other business software, helping you save money and manage your finances effortlessly.
Opening a business account with Grasshopper can take as little as 5 minutes. Of course, this assumes you’ve gathered the required information in advance.³
Similar to other companies listed here, certain account applications will undergo manual review. This review can mean that your account can’t be opened immediately. For instance, businesses with a credit freeze will have to wait up to 3 business days after undergoing a manual review. Businesses should be aware that review times may affect their ability to open same-day business accounts.³
Relay is a modern business banking solution focused on streamlining financial operations for small businesses. It offers a business checking account with features like zero-fee transactions, up to 20 checking accounts, and smart accounting integrations. Relay aims to simplify bookkeeping and money management.
Opening a Relay business account is a fully digital process with a quick application process. Application review time takes between 1–2 business days in most cases.² Longer review processes are caused by blurry images and documents, incomplete identity information, incomplete information from a beneficial owner, or business activities that require deeper review.²
Revolut Business is another good option for US companies doing business globally. You get a local account for domestic payments and can hold or exchange up to 25 currencies to save on foreign fees.⁴ The platform lets you issue team cards with spending limits and connects to software like QuickBooks®. The Revolut Business account offers an account that is suitable for most small businesses.⁵
If you fulfill the initial requirements for account opening, Revolut Business claims it can review your application within 24 hours. But review times can vary depending on the complexity of your application.⁶
Square Business Checking integrates seamlessly with a merchant's sales. This fee-free account accelerates cash flow by eliminating recurring service charges, overdraft fees, and minimum balance requirements. Its key benefit is "early access": funds from Square sales are immediately available.⁷ This real-time liquidity allows businesses to instantly use their Square Debit Card for vendor payments, inventory, or expenses.
Eligible business owners can get approved for and open a business account instantly — often in under two minutes — via the Square Dashboard or POS app.⁸ For existing sellers, the process is fast and automated, utilizing existing verification details. Access is immediate, with a virtual debit card provided for online and digital wallet use. Similar to other accounts, Square may ask for additional documents during the account verification process.⁸
Wise Business offers a powerful global multi-currency account for entrepreneurs and businesses. It allows you to hold money in over 40 currencies. You get local bank details for many currencies, making it easy to receive payments from clients around the world as if you had a local bank account. Sending money internationally is also fast and cheap, using the mid-market exchange rate with low up-front fees.
Opening a Wise Business account is designed to be fast and simple. The application process is fully online and usually takes just minutes to start. Verification of your business and identity typically happens within a few hours to a business day. You will need your business registration documents and personal identification.
Opening a business bank account requires specific documentation. The exact requirements can vary slightly by bank and by your business structure. However, here are the common documents you will likely need:
| Document Type | Description | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Identification | Government-issued photo ID (Driver's license, Passport) | All owners or authorized signers |
| Employer Identification Number (EIN)⁹ | Federal Tax Identification Number from the IRS (free). SSN can be used by sole proprietors, but EIN is preferred/required. | All businesses (often preferred/required) |
| Business Formation Documents¹⁰ | ||
| - Sole Proprietorship | EIN or SSN. "Doing Business As" (DBA) or Fictitious Name Statement if operating under a different name. | Sole Proprietorship |
| - Partnership | Partnership Agreement and a DBA filing | Partnership |
| - Limited Liability Company (LLC) | Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement, and a DBA filing if applicable | LLC |
| - Corporation | Articles of Incorporation, Corporate Bylaws, and a DBA filing if applicable | Corporation |
| Business Address | A physical address for your business (PO Box might not be accepted) | All businesses |
| Business License | Required depending on your industry and location | Depending on industry/location |
Having these documents ready will speed up the account opening process significantly. For online-only providers, you can often upload digital copies. For traditional banks, you might need to present physical copies.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
Discover the top 5 free accounting software options for nonprofits! Simplify your finances and focus on your mission with these user-friendly tools.
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