Skip to main content
Holdings
Tennessee · TN

Business Banking for Bars in Tennessee

Free business tools, accounting, and banking for bars in Tennessee. 1.75% APY, zero fees, FDIC insured up to $3M.

Starting a Bar Business in Tennessee

State Tax Rate

0% (no state income tax)

LLC Filing Fee

$300 (LLC)

Major Markets

Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga

Key Requirements in Tennessee

Liquor license required from Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission
State and local liquor license fees vary significantly ($300–$14,000+ depending on type and location)
Must comply with state alcohol serving hours and regulations
Responsible beverage service training required for all staff
Dram shop liability — bars can be held liable for over-serving patrons
Food service requirements may apply depending on license type

Best Financial Platforms for Bars in Tennessee

Compare Tennessee's top financial tools and platforms for bars.

1

Holdings

$0/mo · 1.75% APY

62 free tools, accounting software, and banking — all in one platform. Free for bars in Tennessee. 1.75% APY, FDIC insured up to $3M.

Key Features

  • 62 free tools (invoicing, expenses, taxes)
  • Built-in AI accounting
  • Free business checking with 1.75% APY
  • Unlimited sub-accounts

Pros

  • All tools and unlimited invoicing free — accounting $25/mo
  • Replaces QuickBooks, Expensify, and your bank — $0/mo
  • FDIC insured up to $3M

Cons

  • No physical branches
  • No cash deposit
2

Pinnacle Financial Partners

Regional bank

Best for: bars wanting Nashville's leading bank

Pros

Nashville-based, top-rated business banking, relationship-driven

Cons

Higher minimum balances for premium services

3

Avenue Bank

Community bank

Best for: bars in the Nashville area

Pros

Tennessee-focused, strong business services

Cons

Primarily Nashville metro

4

First Horizon Bank

Regional bank

Best for: bars wanting statewide Tennessee access

Pros

Tennessee-headquartered, statewide presence

Cons

In transition, moderate fees

Why Bars in Tennessee Choose Holdings

50+ Free Business Tools

Invoicing, expense tracking, tax calculators, and more — all free, no signup required. Replace your paid software stack.

Built-In AI Accounting

Automatic transaction categorization, real-time P&L and balance sheet. No QuickBooks needed — $0/mo.

Free Banking with 1.75% APY

Business checking that connects to your tools and accounting. No fees, no minimums, FDIC insured up to $3M.

Unlimited Sub-Accounts

Organize funds by job, project, or purpose. Track payroll, taxes, and expenses separately — all in one workspace.

Bars Financial Tools in Tennessee — FAQ

How much does a liquor license cost in Tennessee?

Liquor license costs in Tennessee vary widely by type and location — from a few hundred dollars to over $14,000 for a full on-premises license. Some states use a quota system that limits available licenses, which can drive up transfer costs. Apply through the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

What business structure is best for a bar in Tennessee?

Most bar owners in Tennessee operate as an LLC ($300 filing fee) for liability protection. This is especially important for bars due to dram shop liability — if an intoxicated patron causes harm, the bar can be held responsible. An LLC helps protect personal assets.

Do bars in Tennessee need a separate business bank account?

Yes — bars handle heavy cash volume and need clear financial records. A dedicated business account helps track daily sales, tip management, supplier payments, and alcohol inventory costs. AI bookkeeping can automatically categorize bar-specific expenses like liquor, glassware, and entertainment.

What insurance does a bar need in Tennessee?

Bars in Tennessee typically need general liability insurance, liquor liability insurance (critical for dram shop claims), property insurance, workers' compensation, and potentially assault & battery coverage. Expect to pay $3,000–$10,000+ annually depending on size and location.

Thinking about switching banks?

Get the free switching checklist — every step, nothing forgotten.

Free PDF — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Ready to run your business from one place?

Holdings gives bars in Tennessee free tools, accounting, and banking — all in one place. Try it free in minutes.

More Tennessee Business Guides

Explore financial tools for other industries in Tennessee.

Disclosures

Holdings is a financial technology company and is not a bank. Banking services are provided by i3 Bank, Member FDIC. The Holdings Visa Debit Card is issued by i3 Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used anywhere Visa cards are accepted.

No account or domestic transaction fees. Some foreign transaction fees may apply in limited circumstances.

Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is variable and subject to change after account opening. Rate is compounded monthly and credited monthly.

Deposits are insured up to $3 million total through a combination of i3 Bank, Member FDIC, and additional program banks. Each account is separately insured up to $250,000 per account holder per bank. Holdings accounts are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply.