Switch to Holdings: Escape the Costs of Traditional Banking

Have you ever walked into a bank with marble floors, gold-plated teller windows, and an air of old-school prestige? Those fancy buildings might look impressive, but here’s the truth: it’s your business deposits that pay for them, while you get pennies back in interest. If you’re a small or midsize business owner, you’ve probably felt the sting—low interest rates, endless fees, and a banking experience that feels stuck in the past. Let’s pull back the curtain on traditional banking, explore the real costs, and show you how a modern platform like Holdings can help your business earn more, save time, and finally get rewarded for your hard work.

The Real Cost of Traditional Banking

Where Your Money Goes

When you deposit your business’s hard-earned cash into a traditional bank account, that money doesn’t just sit there. Banks use your deposits to fund loans—everything from mortgages and student loans to credit cards and business lines of credit. They charge borrowers high interest rates (sometimes as high as 24%), but pay you almost nothing in return. On a $100,000 deposit, you might earn $10 a year in interest, while the bank makes thousands lending your money out.

What’s worse, a chunk of your money goes to maintaining those expensive brick-and-mortar branches. Rent, utilities, salaries for tellers and managers, security, and even the landscaping out front—all of it comes out of the bank’s budget, which is funded by the collective deposits of customers like you. In today’s world, where most business owners manage their finances online or through a mobile app, these overhead costs are not just outdated—they’re a direct hit to your bottom line.

Fee Overload

Traditional banks are notorious for their fees. Monthly maintenance fees, wire transfer fees, overdraft charges, ATM fees, and even fees just for talking to a teller. These small charges add up fast, especially for businesses that move money frequently or have fluctuating cash flow. For many SMBs, these fees can total hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year—money that could be reinvested in your business.

The Interest Rate Gap

Let’s talk about interest rates. The Federal Reserve sets the federal funds rate, which influences how much banks pay you on your deposit account and how much they charge for loans. Traditional banks typically offer 0.01% or less on business checking accounts, while lending at much higher rates. The gap between what you earn and what they make is staggering. Meanwhile, inflation eats away at your savings, and your money loses value over time.

The Digital Banking Revolution

Why Digital Banking Makes Sense for SMBs

Modern business owners need more than a place to park their cash. You need a financial partner that helps you manage cash flow, pay employees, move money quickly, and earn real interest on your deposits. That’s where digital banking platforms like Holdings come in.

Digital banks don’t have the overhead of physical branches. Instead, they invest in technology, security, and customer support. This means more of the value goes back to you—through higher interest rates, zero fees, and integrated financial tools.

Zero Fees, Real Rewards

Holdings offers zero-fee business banking*—no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum daily balance requirements, and no charges for domestic transactions. You can move money freely, whether you’re sending a wire transfer, making a direct deposit for payroll, or using your business debit card for expenses. That’s more money in your pocket, every month.

High-Yield Business Accounts

Why settle for pennies in interest when your money could be working for you? Holdings offers high-yield business checking and savings accounts, with annual percentage yields (APY) up to 2.0%‡. That means your idle cash earns real compound interest, helping you grow your business wealth without lifting a finger. It’s a game-changer for SMBs looking to maximize their returns and outpace inflation.

Integrated Accounting and Bookkeeping

Managing your business finances shouldn’t mean juggling a dozen different tools. Holdings integrates banking, accounting, and bookkeeping in one platform. You can automate expense tracking, reconcile transactions, generate invoices, and even get full-service bookkeeping support—all from your dashboard. This saves you hours every month and reduces the risk of costly mistakes at tax time.

Security and Peace of Mind

Deposit Insurance That Goes Further

Security is non-negotiable when it comes to your business money. Holdings partners with i3 Bank, Member FDIC, to provide up to $3 million in FDIC insurance§—far above the standard $250,000 you get at most banks. Your deposits are protected, even as your business grows. That’s real peace of mind.

Advanced Fraud Protection

Digital doesn’t mean risky. Holdings uses industry-leading encryption, real-time transaction alerts, biometric authentication, and customizable user permissions to keep your account safe. You can set up multi-factor authentication, manage who can access your business accounts, and get instant notifications for every financial transaction. Your money, your rules.

Making Your Money Move

Seamless Money Movement

Need to send or receive a wire transfer? Holdings makes it fast and easy, with clear trace numbers and transparent processing. Move money between accounts, pay vendors, or receive payments from clients—all with a few clicks. No more waiting in line at a branch or paying extra for “expedited” transfers.

Business Debit Cards and Expense Management

With Holdings, you can issue business debit cards to your team, set spending limits, and track expenses in real time. Whether you’re paying for supplies, travel, or client lunches, every transaction is automatically categorized for easy accounting. Need to withdraw cash? Use your card at any Allpoint ATM nationwide, fee-free.

The Power of Integration

One Platform, All Your Finances

Imagine logging into a single dashboard and seeing your bank account balances, recent transactions, upcoming bills, and cash flow forecasts—all in one place. That’s the Holdings experience. We connect your business checking, savings, credit, and investment accounts, so you have a real-time view of your financial health.

Automated Accounting and Tax Tools

No more spreadsheets or late nights sorting receipts. Holdings automatically categorizes your transactions, matches invoices to payments, and tracks deductible expenses. Come tax season, generate reports for your accountant or file directly from the platform. Stay organized and compliant with less effort.

Invoicing and Payments

Send professional invoices, accept payments by ACH, wire, or credit card, and track which clients have paid—all without leaving your Holdings dashboard. Set up recurring billing, send payment reminders, and reduce the time it takes to get paid.

Accessibility and Support

Banking on Your Terms

With Holdings, you can bank from anywhere—your office, a client site, or your favorite coffee shop. Access your account on any internet-connected device, from your desktop to your smartphone. Our mobile app puts the power of digital banking in your pocket, so you’re always in control.

Dedicated Customer Support

Questions about a transaction? Need help setting up payroll or connecting your accounting software? Holdings offers live chat, email, and phone support from real people who understand small business banking. We’re here when you need us, with fast, friendly answers.

Transparent Policies and No Surprises

We believe in clear, upfront information. You’ll always know your interest rate, your APY, and any potential charges. We don’t hide fees in the fine print or change terms without notice. Our policies are designed to put you first—because that’s what a true financial partner does.

Real SMB Success Stories

How Holdings Helped Pest IQ Grow

Pest IQ, a fast-growing pest control company, switched to Holdings after years of frustration with traditional banks. They were tired of low interest rates, endless fees, and a clunky online banking experience. With Holdings, they moved their business checking and savings accounts, set up direct deposit for their team, and started earning real interest on their cash reserves. The result? Improved cash flow, fewer headaches, and more money to invest in growth.

From Chaos to Clarity: A Nonprofit’s Journey

Diana, co-director of a nonprofit, struggled to keep track of donations, expenses, and payroll with her old bank. Holdings’ integrated platform changed everything. Now, she gets instant transaction alerts, can reconcile accounts in minutes, and has peace of mind knowing her deposits are fully insured. The time and money saved go straight back into the mission.

Why Settle for Less? Compare Holdings to Traditional Banks

How to Make the Switch

Step 1: Open Your Holdings Account

Visit getholdings.com/open-account and fill out a quick application. You’ll need your business information (EIN, address, ownership details) and a government-issued ID. Most accounts are approved in minutes.

Step 2: Move Your Money

Link your old bank account and transfer funds electronically. Use Holdings’ mobile check deposit for any outstanding checks. Update your payroll provider, vendors, and clients with your new account and routing numbers.

Step 3: Set Up Your Financial Tools

Connect your accounting software, issue debit cards to your team, and customize your dashboard. Set up savings goals, automate bill payments, and start earning high-yield interest right away.

Step 4: Enjoy the Perks

Experience banking that actually rewards your business. No more fees, no more wasted time, and no more feeling like your money is working for someone else. With Holdings, your business comes first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Holdings a bank?

Holdings is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by i3 Bank, Member FDIC†. This partnership allows us to offer the security and stability of a traditional bank, with the innovation and flexibility of a fintech.

How does Holdings keep my money safe?

Your deposits are insured up to $3 million through a combination of i3 Bank and additional program banks§. We use advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time monitoring to protect your account from fraud.

What fees does Holdings charge?

Holdings offers zero-fee business banking* for domestic transactions. Some foreign transaction fees may apply in limited circumstances, but you’ll always see them upfront—no surprises.

Can I get a business loan or line of credit?

Absolutely. Holdings offers a range of business lending options, including lines of credit, term loans, and refinancing. Apply online and get a decision fast.

What if I need help?

Our customer support team is available via live chat, phone, and email. We’re here to help with everything from account setup to troubleshooting and financial planning.

The Bottom Line: Your Money Should Work as Hard as You Do

For too long, traditional banks have used your business deposits to fund their fancy buildings, while giving you little in return. It’s time to demand more. Holdings offers a smarter, fee-free, high-yield alternative that puts your business first. You get real rewards for your hard work, integrated tools to simplify your finances, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your money is safe and growing.

Stop paying for someone else’s marble columns. Make your business money work for you with Holdings—the modern financial platform built for entrepreneurs, hustlers, and dreamers.

Ready to make the switch? Open your Holdings account today and experience the future of business banking.