Being self-employed means wearing a lot of hats. You’re the boss, the worker, the accountant, and sometimes even the tech support. While that freedom is great, managing your money can quickly turn into a headache.
When income comes from multiple clients or platforms, a personal account just won’t cut it. That’s why having a business bank account for self employed income can make a big difference. It keeps your personal and business finances separate, which makes managing money and filing taxes way simpler.
Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up some of the best bank accounts for self employed workers and freelancers in 2025, so you can spend less time sorting receipts and more time growing your business.
Key Takeaways
- A dedicated business bank account makes it easier for freelancers to stay organized, track income, and prep for taxes without mixing personal expenses.
- In July 2025, the top banks for self-employed professionals include Bluevine, Relay, Found, Chase, Lili, Mercury, and North One. Each offers unique tools to support freelance life.
- Low fees, mobile access, built-in tax tools, accounting integrations, and flexible credit are must-have features in a freelancer-friendly bank account.
- Opening a self-employed bank account usually requires basic documents like your EIN, DBA, ID, and proof of business registration, so keep those handy.
- Smart banking habits, such as separating finances, tracking expenses, and automating savings or tax payments, can make a huge difference in staying financially healthy.
7 Best Bank Accounts for Freelancers in July 2025
The best bank for freelancers and the self-employed should make it easier to get paid, stay organised, and manage cash flow.
Below, we’ve reviewed seven top options that support freelancers and independent workers. Each offers different features to help you manage your finances more efficiently.
1. Bluevine
With no monthly maintenance fees, unlimited transactions, and a high APY on qualifying balances, Bluevine is ideal for freelancers and small business owners who want their money to grow while keeping costs low. It also integrates with top platforms like QuickBooks and Xero, making tracking income, expenses, and taxes easier in one place.
If you’re looking for a self-employed bank account that streamlines day-to-day money management and gives you access to useful perks like sub-accounts, fee-free ATMs, and even financing options, Bluevine is a strong contender.
What freelancers love about Bluevine:
- No monthly fees or minimum opening deposit
- Unlimited fee-free transactions and no overdraft fees
- Earn 1.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on balances up to $250,000 (terms apply)
- Up to $3 million in FDIC insurance via Insured Cash Sweep
- Fee-free access to MoneyPass ATMs around the country
- Offers live customer support
- Free debit card with up to four additional cards for team members
- Two free checkbook orders annually
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks, Xero, Wise, Venmo, and Expensify
- Access to business lines of credit up to $250,000 and a cashback business credit card
- Automatic transfers with sub-account setup for easier money management
- Offers free Xero subscription (3–6 months, depending on your plan)
What to consider before choosing Bluevine:
- No fee-free cash deposit option
- Charges for using out-of-network ATMs
- Joint business accounts are not available
2. Relay
Relay is a strong choice if you’re looking for a freelancer bank account that helps you stay organised and in control of your finances. It’s built with small teams in mind, but solo business owners and self-employed professionals benefit just as much, especially if you work with a bookkeeper or accountant.
Relay makes it easy to create multiple checking accounts under one dashboard, which is perfect for budgeting, setting aside taxes, or separating income from expenses. You can also issue up to 50 debit cards (virtual or physical), making it one of the most flexible self employed bank account options if you plan to scale or collaborate with others.
Its clean interface, low fees, and built-in accounting integrations make Relay a top pick when considering the best bank for freelancers who want simplicity and control.
What freelancers love about Relay:
- No monthly maintenance fees or overdraft charges
- No minimum deposit to open an account
- Accepts cash deposits through Allpoint ATMs
- Free incoming wires and low-cost outgoing wire transfers
- No foreign transaction fees with Relay Visa® Debit when abroad
- Create up to 20 checking accounts under one profile
- Issue up to 50 debit cards with customizable spending controls
- Assign an accountant or team access with custom permissions
- Seamless integration with Shopify, QuickBooks, and Xero
- Compatible with digital wallets and online payment platforms like PayPal, Square, Stripe, and Venmo
- Around-the-clock customer support
- Mobile receipt capture for stress-free expense tracking
What to consider before choosing Relay:
- Deposited checks may take up to 6–7 business days to clear
- Bill pay isn’t available on the free plan
- Doesn’t offer business loans or lines of credit under them but has partnered with third-party providers, including SoFi, OnDeck, and Revenued
3. Found
Found is a great freelancer bank account that simplifies taxes, invoicing, and income tracking—all in one app. It’s designed for self-employed workers who get paid from different platforms or clients and need tools that keep up.
The app automatically tracks income, calculates real-time tax estimates, and even helps you set aside money so you’re not scrambling when tax deadlines come around. At the end of the year, it also generates a ready-to-file Schedule C to make things easier.
You can also create and send professional invoices directly from your account, saving time and keeping everything in one place. With no monthly fees, Found is ideal if you're looking for the best bank account for self employed income that does more than hold your money.
What freelancers love about Found:
- No monthly maintenance fees or required opening deposit
- Free local incoming wires and no overdraft fees
- Real-time tax estimates and built-in tax filing tools
- Send unlimited professional invoices with branding options for free
- Built-in bookkeeping tools to organize expenses, receipts, and mileage
- Integrated with top gig and payment apps: Uber, Etsy, PayPal, Stripe, Cash App, and more
- Easy cash deposits at over 77,000 retail locations
- Supports direct tax payments and Schedule C filing from within the app
- Freeze or manage debit cards through the mobile app
- Works seamlessly on desktop and mobile for flexibility
What to consider before choosing Found:
- Calling customer support is only available during weekdays from 8:00AM to 5:00PM
- It isn’t available for partnerships or nonprofit organizations.
- Does not offer free cash deposits
- No traditional lending or credit options, which can help build your credit score if you are responsible in paying them off
- You can earn interest only with the paid-tier Found Plus
- You won’t be able to buy or send checks directly through the app
4. Chase
Chase is one of the most well-rounded options for a self employed bank account, especially if you prefer having access to physical branches. It's a strong fit for freelancers who handle cash often, like makeup artists, personal trainers, or anyone taking in-person payments.
With tools to accept card payments, manage team access, and sync with QuickBooks, it’s easy to streamline your finances as your business grows. You’ll also get access to real business credit cards and lending options down the line, which is helpful if you want to build long-term financial stability.
Chase also offers 24/7 customer service, mobile banking, and user-friendly apps, making it a practical choice for those who want both convenience and a human touch. If you’re wondering, “Do I need a business bank account if self employed?”—Chase shows why the answer is often yes.
What freelancers love about Chase:
- No minimum deposit is required to open the account
- No limits for fee-free digital and debit card transactions
- Accept client payments on the go with QuickAccept (tap-to-pay enabled) via the Chase Mobile® app
- Around-the-clock customer support, and you can also get support from physical branches
- No fees when using any Chase ATMs
- Offers mobile banking features, such as paying bills, transferring funds, and depositing checks
- Syncs with popular accounting tools like QuickBooks
- Free debit card sent around 10 business days of approval
- Offers other products available for future growth for freelancers and small business owners, including credit cards, savings accounts, merchant services, and business loans
- Zelle for Business integration
What to consider before choosing Chase:
- $15 fee per month, though it can be waived if you meet specific criteria
- Cash deposits are only free up to $5,000 per month—anything over that comes with a fee
- Only 20 free physical transactions per month
- Using out-of-network ATMs can result in additional fees
5. Lili
Lili is a flexible freelancer bank account designed to grow with your business. It’s ideal for solopreneurs who want simple, all-in-one tools without paying extra for accounting software. The free plan helps you stay organised early on, while the paid tiers offer advanced features like automatic tax savings, expense categorisation, and interest-bearing savings.
If you work on the go or prefer a mobile-first experience, Lili stands out. You can send invoices, track write-offs, and prep for tax season—all from one easy-to-use app. That makes it a great choice for freelancers who don’t want to juggle multiple platforms just to stay on top of their finances.
As your income grows, Lili helps you stay in control without the usual headaches. It’s one of the best bank accounts for self employed professionals who want simplicity without sacrificing functionality.
What freelancers love about Lili:
- Get paid faster with early direct deposit compared to traditional banks—up to 2 days early
- No monthly or transaction fees
- No incoming wire transfer charges
- Free withdrawals at MoneyPass ATMs
- Seamless connections to QuickBooks, Shopify, Square, Etsy, PayPal, CashApp, Venmo, and more
- Built-in bookkeeping and tax features with paid plans
- Tiered plans mean you can upgrade as your business grows
- Create unlimited invoices and manage expenses all in-app
What to consider before choosing Lili:
- You’ll need to upgrade to Lili Smart or Premium for tax tools, bill pay, and advanced features
- No fee-free cash deposits—cash deposit limits and fees apply via Green Dot
- Out-of-network ATM usage may come with added fees
- No weekend or after-hours phone support, although email and online help are available
- Doesn’t support spending controls for employee cards
- Monthly deposit and ACH transfer limits can be low
- Need to be in Lili Pro and higher tiers to get access to 3% APY on savings
6. Mercury
Mercury is a sleek, digital-first self employed bank account built for freelancers who prefer doing everything online. There are no physical branches, but you get powerful tools from your dashboard—ideal if you’re comfortable managing money digitally and don’t need to deposit cash.
It’s handy if your freelance work involves multiple income streams or team members. You can issue virtual and physical debit cards, automate transfers, and assign different access levels to collaborators—features that make it easier to run a more organized operation.
For freelancers who want more than a basic account, Mercury is functional and built to scale with you. Mercury is worth a closer look if you’re looking for the best bank for freelancers with automation, transparency, and modern integrations.
What freelancers love about Mercury:
- No monthly maintenance fees and overdraft charges
- Unlimited domestic and international USD wire transfers via the SWIFT network
- Earn interest through Mercury Treasury (up to 5.35%) when eligible
- Full-featured dashboard for tracking expenses, invoices, and more
- Credit cards available with low deposits and 1.5% cashback
- Built-in bill pay, invoicing tools, and accounting integrations
- Manage everything remotely—ideal for digital nomads or remote freelancers
- FDIC insurance coverage up to 20x the standard limit via partner banks and sweep networks
- API access to create custom dashboards and more, depending on your preferences
- Instant virtual debit cards and fast delivery of physical cards
What to consider before choosing Mercury:
- No physical branches, so it may not suit freelancers who prefer in-person banking
- Some features (like Mercury Treasury or venture debt access) require higher balances or account tiers
- The platform may feel complex if you’re new to digital banking or used to traditional banking
- Mainly built with startups and tech-focused businesses in mind, so it may feel overkill for ultra-simple freelance setups
7. North One
North One works well for freelancers who deal with unpredictable income and want more structure without overcomplicating things. Its standout feature—Envelopes—lets you set aside money for taxes, bills, or upcoming projects automatically, helping you stay ahead instead of scrambling later.
The app also simplifies everyday banking. You can send payments, deposit checks, and manage transfers directly from your phone—ideal for traveling, between gigs, or working from different locations.
North One offers an innovative, well-rounded solution if you're looking for a freelancer bank account that focuses on budgeting tools and mobile-first convenience.
What freelancers love about North One:
- Earn up to 3.0% APY
- Same-day deposits from top gig and eCommerce platforms, such as Amazon, Cash App, and Venmo
- No monthly or excess transaction fees
- Sub-accounts to set aside money for taxes, business goals, or savings
- Free bill pay and the ability to send physical checks
- Works with over 50 tools like QuickBooks, PayPal, Shopify, and more
- Available as both desktop and mobile apps—great for freelancers on the go
- Offers both physical and virtual debit cards
- Discount perks and free trials for business software
What to consider before choosing North One:
- Cash deposits are limited to $1,500 per day and $5,000 per month; fees up to $4.95 per deposit
- No free ATM network, though they’ll reimburse up to two ATM fees per month upon request
- No support for international wire transfers
- ATM withdrawals are capped at $2,000 per day
- No weekend customer support, which could be tricky if issues pop up after hours
- No controls on how employee debit cards are used, which may not work well for teams
Must-Have Features in Bank Accounts for Freelancers
The best self employed bank account should make your work life easier, helping you stay organized, manage cash flow, and prepare for tax time without stress.
If you’re searching for the best bank for freelancers, these are the features that actually make a difference day to day.
1. Low or No Fees
Freelancers already juggle enough without having to budget around surprise fees. Look for accounts with no monthly charges, no minimum balance requirements, and free ATM access. When every payment counts, a fee-free business bank account for self employed individuals means more of your income stays with you.
2. Seamless Mobile and Online Banking
When you’re sending invoices from a café or checking payments between gigs, clunky banking apps just won’t cut it. The best bank for freelancers offers mobile apps that are fast, clean, and reliable. Bonus if it connects with tools like QuickBooks or Xero to simplify bookkeeping.
3. Flexible Transfers and Payment Options
Whether you’re paid weekly or once a month, you need freedom in how you move your money. A great self employed bank account won’t limit your transfers or charge for standard ACH payments. Look for banks that offer unlimited free transfers and the option to deposit cash when needed.
4. Tax-Friendly Features
Filing taxes as a freelancer is a different beast. That’s why some of the best bank accounts for self employed people include built-in tax tools. Think real-time tracking for deductible expenses, quarterly tax reminders, or easy integrations with filing software. These tools help you avoid last-minute stress and unexpected tax bills.
5. Reliable Customer Support
Freelance emergencies don’t follow business hours, and neither should your bank’s help desk. Choose a freelancer bank account that offers live customer service—ideally 24/7. Whether your card gets frozen mid-project or you're locked out before a client payment, you need real people who can fix problems fast.
6. Competitive Interest Earnings
Earning interest on your balance—even from a freelancer bank account—helps your money work a little harder while it sits. Even a small APY can add up over time, especially if you hold a steady balance between client payments. For self-employed workers, every bit of extra income counts.
7. Access to Credit and Lending
A business bank account for self employed freelancers is even more helpful when it comes with access to credit. That might include credit cards, lines of credit, or business loans—helpful for investing in tools, managing slow months, or grabbing growth opportunities.
If your current bank doesn’t offer lending options, Giggle Finance can help. Our cash advances are built for freelancers—no long waits, no credit checks, and no red tape. Apply in minutes and keep your business moving forward.
Apply now to get a cash advance in minutes and stay in control of your freelance cash flow.
8. Integration with Freelance Platforms
If you work through sites like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.com, choose a freelancer bank account that accepts direct deposits from those platforms. This reduces the wait time for payments and keeps everything in one place. It’s a great option if you rely on multiple income sources and want to keep things organised from the start.
9. Strong Security Features
Security should be non-negotiable. The best bank account for self employed workers will offer two-factor authentication, strong encryption, and real-time fraud alerts. Some banks also let you temporarily freeze or lock your account when unusual activity is detected, giving you more peace of mind.
10. Easy Management of Income Streams
If you earn money from several clients or side projects, you need a self employed bank account that lets you track everything easily. Look for features like income tagging, sub-accounts, or transaction filters. These tools help you stay in control of your cash flow without needing a separate app.
What You'll Need to Open a Business Bank Account for Self-Employed Individuals
Once you’ve found the best bank account for self employed freelancers, the next step is getting everything set up. Most banks and fintech platforms make the process quick, but you’ll need a few key documents ready.
Requirements can vary depending on the bank and how your freelance business is structured. In general, here’s what you’ll need to open a self employed bank account:
1. Employer identification number (EIN) or Social Security number (SSN)
If you're a sole proprietor, your Social Security number (SSN) is usually enough. But if you’ve formed an LLC or incorporated your business, you’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Even if you're not legally required to have one, an EIN can help you look more professional and protect your personal info when applying for a freelancer bank account.
2. Doing Business As (DBA) or Fictitious Name Certificate
Do you operate your business under a different name than your legal one? For example, if your name is Sarah Smith but you invoice clients as “Smith Creative Studio,” you’ll likely need a DBA certificate. This shows the bank that your business is registered to operate under that alternate name and helps avoid confusion when clients or payments are involved.
3. Business Formation Documents
If you've formed an LLC, corporation, or partnership, your bank will ask to see your official registration papers. These documents outline your business structure and confirm that you’ve registered with your state. They may include your articles of organization (for LLCs) or articles of incorporation (for corporations).
4. Ownership Agreements or Operating Documents
Some banks also request internal paperwork that outlines who owns the business and how it’s run, especially if there’s more than one owner. This includes operating agreements for LLCs or partnership agreements if you're not running the show solo. These documents show that you're authorized to open and manage the account.
5. Business Licenses or Permits (If Required)
Depending on your profession and where you're located, your bank may also ask for proof that you’re licensed to operate legally. This is more common for freelancers who offer services in regulated industries like food, construction, or healthcare. But it’s always good to have these ready if they apply to you.
6. A Valid Government-Issued Photo ID
To open a self employed bank account, you'll need to verify your identity. Most banks accept a driver’s license, passport, or another official photo ID. Some may also ask for a second form of ID, like a utility bill or credit card in your name, especially if you're opening the account online. It’s a small step that helps protect both you and your account.
Smart Banking Tips Every Freelancer Should Know
Managing your money as a freelancer isn’t always easy, but it gets a lot simpler with the right tools and habits. The right freelancer bank account can help you stay on top of cash flow, avoid surprises, and build a stronger financial foundation.
Keep Your Personal and Business Finances Separate
One of the best things you can do for yourself as a freelancer is to separate your personal and business money. It might seem harmless to mix them in the beginning, especially if your freelance income feels like “extra” cash. But over time, it can make things messy, especially come tax season.
Having a dedicated business bank account helps you:
- Clearly track your income and expenses
- Avoid confusion with personal purchases
- Look more professional to clients and vendors
- Make tax prep easier (and less stressful)
It’s also a great way to show the IRS that you’re running a legitimate business. So, even if you're a sole proprietor, treating your freelance finances seriously from day one can save you big headaches down the line.
Stay on Top of Your Business Expenses
Freelancers live and die by accurate records. Whether you're deducting home office costs or tracking mileage, having the right tools in your self employed bank account makes all the difference.
Look for features like:
- Auto-categorized transactions
- Digital receipt uploads
- Real-time alerts for suspicious activity
- Integrations with accounting platforms like QuickBooks or Wave
Some of the best bank accounts for self employed professionals also let you tag expenses by client or project, so everything stays tidy. Set a weekly reminder to review your spending—it takes 10 minutes and can save you hours later.
Automate What You Can
Let’s be real—chances are you didn’t go freelance just to deal with admin. Thankfully, many banks built for freelancers come with automation tools that take tedious money tasks off your plate.
With the right setup, your account can run in the background while you stay focused on client work.
Here’s what smart automation looks like:
Recurring Transfers to Savings
Automatically move a percentage of each deposit into separate savings buckets—whether for taxes, new gear, or that emergency fund. No need to remember (or procrastinate).
Scheduled Tax Payments
Avoid the last-minute stress. Many platforms let you schedule quarterly payments or withhold taxes automatically so you’re not scrambling to meet IRS deadlines.
Recurring Invoicing
Working with retainer clients? Set up recurring invoices and auto-reminders to get paid without chasing anyone down.
Spending Limits for Team Members
If you’ve got a VA or contractors, you can issue cards with custom spending limits. That way, you stay in control without constant check-ins.
Pro tip: Some banks let you set rules, like saving 30% of each deposit for taxes. It’s a small move that can make tax season way less stressful.
Finding the Right Partner for Your Freelance Life
A good bank account helps you stay organized, manage income, and handle taxes without the usual stress. It’s a key tool in running your business smoothly.
But sometimes, even with everything in order, you might need extra funds to cover a slow stretch or jump on a new opportunity. When that happens, Giggle Finance gives you a fast and flexible way to access cash—no hard credit checks, long forms, or hidden fees. It’s built for freelancers, gig workers, and independent contractors.
Looking for backup that fits your freelance lifestyle? Giggle Finance is ready when you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bank accounts can you have at once?
You can have as many bank accounts as you need as long as you manage them responsibly. Many freelancers find it helpful to keep at least two: one for business income and expenses, and another for personal use. Some even open extra accounts to set aside money for taxes or savings goals. Just make sure you’re not spreading yourself too thin because too many accounts can make it harder to keep track of everything.
Do I need a business bank account if self-employed?
Technically, no—but it’s still a smart move. If you’re a sole proprietor, you can use a personal account, but having a separate business bank account makes your life way easier. It keeps your business expenses and income organized, which really helps come tax time and makes you look more professional when working with clients or applying for financing. Plus, many business accounts now come with helpful extras like invoicing tools, tax tracking, and app integrations. So, even if it’s not required, it’s definitely worth considering.
Which type of bank account is best for freelancers?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer because the best bank account for freelancers is one that fits the way you work and helps you stay in control of your money. As such, some freelancers prefer online-only banks for the flexibility and perks, while others want access to a traditional bank with branches.
Disclaimer: Giggle Finance provides Revenue-Based Financing programs for business purposes only. Any mention of any loan product(s), consumer product(s), or other forms of financing is solely for marketing and educational content purposes and to help distinguish Giggle Finance’s product from other comparable financing options available in the markets.