How Holdings Empowers SMBs with Fee-Free, High-APY Banking

You know that feeling when you finally close a big sale—maybe it’s a new client you’ve been courting for weeks, or a record-breaking online order that lights up your dashboard. You should be celebrating, but then you check your bank account and see a chunk of your hard-earned revenue vanish into the black hole of payment processing fees. It’s frustrating, it’s relentless, and for most small business owners, it feels like an unavoidable part of doing business. But what if you could turn the tables? What if, instead of watching your profits trickle away, you could actually make your money work harder for you—offsetting those fees and giving your business a real financial edge? That’s exactly what we built Holdings to do.

Let’s break down how payment processing fees are quietly draining your business, why it’s such a big deal for SMBs, and how Holdings helps you fight back—turning a constant pain point into a new source of growth1.

The Real Cost of Payment Processing Fees for Small Businesses

Let’s start with the basics: whenever you accept a credit card or digital payment, you’re paying a fee—usually between 2% and 3% of the transaction amount. It sounds small, but let’s put it in perspective with a real-world example.

Imagine this:

• Your business processes $500,000 in card payments each year.

• At a 2.9% average processing fee, that’s $14,500 gone—every single year—just for the privilege of getting paid.

That’s not a luxury vacation. That’s not a new hire. That’s not new equipment or a marketing campaign. That’s just money leaving your business, often without a second thought.

Why Are These Fees So Sneaky?

Payment processing fees are like a slow leak in your business’s financial engine. They’re deducted automatically, so you might not notice them day-to-day. But over months and years, they add up to a real drag on your growth.

• Reduced profit margins: Every dollar you pay in fees is a dollar you don’t keep. For businesses with tight margins, this can be the difference between a good year and a tough one.

• Cash flow constraints: Fees are taken out before you even see the money, making it harder to manage day-to-day expenses or invest in new opportunities.

• Pricing pressure: If you try to pass fees on to customers, you risk losing business to competitors who absorb the cost.

• Scaling challenges: As your sales grow, so does the absolute dollar amount lost to processing fees. The more successful you are, the more you pay.

The Compounding Effect: It’s Not Just a One-Time Hit

These fees don’t just sting once—they compound over time. If you’re growing, the pain only gets worse. Suppose your business grows 20% next year. Great news! But that also means your processing fees just grew 20%. Suddenly, that $14,500 becomes $17,400. Over five years, you could be looking at $80,000 or more in fees—money that could have been used to hire, expand, or invest.

Why Traditional Banks Don’t Help (and Might Make It Worse)

You might be thinking, “Well, at least my money is safe in my business bank account.” But here’s the kicker: traditional banks aren’t doing you any favors. Most business checking accounts pay next to nothing in interest—often less than 0.05%. That means your cash is just sitting there, losing value to inflation, while you’re paying out thousands in fees.

Worse, some banks actually charge you for the privilege of keeping your money with them—monthly maintenance fees, transaction fees, and more. It’s like being penalized for being a good customer. And let’s not even get started on the disconnected systems—separate platforms for accounting, payroll, merchant services, and more. It’s a recipe for wasted time, missed opportunities, and unnecessary cost.

How Holdings Flips the Script: Banking That Pays You Back

At Holdings, we believe your business deserves better. You work hard for every dollar—your bank should work just as hard for you. That’s why we built a platform that combines zero-fee banking, high-yield deposit accounts, integrated accounting, and full-service bookkeeping. Here’s what makes us different:

High-Yield Business Accounts: Earn Up to 3.0% APY

Instead of letting your cash sit idle, Holdings pays you up to 3.0% APY on all your business funds. That’s not a teaser rate or a limited-time offer—it’s just how we do business. No minimums, no hoops to jump through, and absolutely no hidden fees.

Let’s compare:

How Does This Help with Processing Fees?

Let’s say you keep an average balance of $50,000 in your Holdings account. At 3.0% APY, you’re earning $1,500 a year—money that can help offset those $14,500 in processing fees. The more you keep in your account, the more you earn. It’s like getting a rebate on every transaction, just for being smart with your cash.

A Real-World Example: Turning Fees Into Earnings

Let’s walk through a scenario that might sound familiar.

Meet Sarah, owner of a growing design agency:

• Annual revenue: $600,000

• Card payments: $500,000/year

• Average processing fee: 2.8% ($14,000/year)

• Average bank balance: $40,000

With a traditional bank:

• Interest earned: $20/year (at 0.05%)

• Fees paid: $14,000/year

• Net cash impact: -$13,980

With Holdings:

• Interest earned: $1,200/year (at 3.0%)

• Fees paid: $14,000/year

• Net cash impact: -$12,800

That’s $1,180 back in Sarah’s pocket—every year—just by switching where she keeps her money. Over five years, that’s nearly $6,000. And that’s before you factor in the time and hassle saved with integrated accounting and zero banking fees.

Integrated Accounting and Bookkeeping: Make Every Dollar Count

Let’s be honest: most business owners didn’t start their company to spend hours reconciling transactions or tracking down receipts. But disconnected systems and manual processes can lead to costly mistakes—and more money lost to fees, errors, and missed opportunities.

Holdings brings everything together in one platform:

• Banking, accounting, and bookkeeping—all in one place

• Automated transaction categorization to save you hours each month

• Real-time cash flow insights so you always know where you stand

• No hidden fees, ever—so your statements are always easy to understand

This isn’t just about convenience (though that’s a huge plus). It’s about making sure you never miss a chance to optimize your finances, avoid unnecessary costs, and grow your business with confidence.

Strategic Cash Management: Your Secret Weapon Against Fees

Here’s where things get really interesting. By combining smart payment processing choices with a Holdings high-yield account, you can create a strategy that actively fights back against fees.

Step 1: Know Your Numbers

Start by reviewing your payment processing statements. How much are you really paying in fees each month? Most business owners are shocked when they see the total. Knowledge is power—you can’t fight what you can’t see.

Step 2: Optimize Payment Acceptance

Not all payment methods are created equal. Credit cards are convenient, but they’re also the most expensive. For larger transactions, consider offering ACH transfers or other lower-fee options. Holdings makes it easy to accept multiple payment types, so you can steer customers toward the most cost-effective choices.

Step 3: Put Your Cash to Work

Don’t let your operating funds sit idle. Move them into your Holdings high-yield account and start earning interest from day one. Even if you need to keep cash on hand for payroll, inventory, or emergencies, you can still make every dollar work harder.

Step 4: Monitor and Adjust

Use Holdings’ integrated tools to reconcile your fees paid versus interest earned regularly. Over time, you’ll see the gap shrink—and you’ll have more cash available for growth.

Why SMBs Deserve Perks, Not Penalties

Traditional banks love to talk about “rewarding loyal customers,” but in reality, most SMBs get the short end of the stick—low interest, high fees, and little support. At Holdings, we believe in flipping that script.

• No fees, minimums, or nonsense: You shouldn’t be penalized for being a good customer.

• High-yield rewards for your hard work: The more you grow, the more you earn.

• Dedicated support when needed: Real people who understand your business, not just a call center script.

You’re not just a number to us—you’re the reason we exist. Our mission is to help SMBs like yours thrive by making banking and financial management work for you, not against you.

Frequently Asked Questions: Payment Processing Fees and Holdings

Q: Can Holdings eliminate payment processing fees entirely? No bank or platform can make payment processing fees disappear completely—card networks and payment processors set those. But Holdings helps you offset those costs by maximizing the interest you earn on your business cash, eliminating banking fees, and streamlining your financial operations.

Q: How quickly do I start earning interest with Holdings? Interest accrues daily and is paid monthly. There’s no minimum balance required, so you start earning from day one.

Q: Is my money safe with Holdings? Absolutely. Holdings offers up to $3M in FDIC insurance—far above the industry standard—so your funds are protected while they grow.

Q: How does Holdings integrate with my existing systems? Holdings is designed to work seamlessly with popular accounting and business tools. Our onboarding team is always available to help you connect your systems and get the most out of our platform.

Q: What’s the catch? Are there any hidden fees? Nope. No monthly fees, no minimums, no surprise charges. Just straightforward, transparent banking that pays you back.

Real SMB Stories: How Holdings Makes a Difference

Case Study 1: The Busy Retailer Maria runs a boutique that does $400,000 in annual sales. Before Holdings, she was losing $10,000 a year to processing fees and paying $25/month in bank fees. After switching, she earns $900/year in interest, pays zero banking fees, and uses Holdings’ integrated bookkeeping to save five hours a month on reconciliation.

“It feels like my bank is finally on my side. I’m earning more, paying less, and I have more time to focus on my customers.”

Case Study 2: The Growing Agency James owns a digital marketing agency with $750,000 in annual revenue. He keeps $60,000 in operating cash on hand. With Holdings, he earns $1,800/year in interest—enough to cover software subscriptions and a team retreat—while enjoying seamless accounting integration.

“Holdings helped me turn a cost center into a profit center. It’s a no-brainer for any business owner.”

Action Steps: Start Fighting Back Against Fees Today

Ready to stop letting payment processing fees eat away at your profits? Here’s how to get started:

• Sign up for a Holdings high-yield account. It takes just minutes, and there’s no minimum balance to start earning.

• Connect your existing business systems. Our team will help you integrate accounting, payments, and more.

• Move your operating cash to Holdings. Start earning up to 3.0% APY immediately.

• Review your payment processing strategy. Use our tools to identify where you can save on fees.

• Watch your money work harder. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your cash is growing, not just sitting.

The Bottom Line: Your Business Deserves Banking That Works as Hard as You Do

You pour your heart into your business—every sale, every customer, every late night. Don’t let payment processing fees and low-interest bank accounts hold you back. With Holdings, you get more than just a place to park your money. You get a financial sidekick that helps you earn more, save more, and spend less time worrying about the numbers.

It’s time to turn the tables. Let’s make your money work for you—starting today.

Ready to experience banking that pays you back? Sign up for Holdings now and start earning up to 3.0% APY on your business cash.

How Holdings Makes Banking, Accounting, and Payments Easy for SMBs

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty: how does Holdings actually help you save money, simplify your business, and give you back precious time?

Zero-Fee Banking—No More Nickel-and-Diming

Traditional banks love fees—monthly maintenance fees, transaction fees, overdraft fees, wire transfer fees, and more. At Holdings, we think that’s just wrong. Our business checking account is truly fee-free: no monthly minimums, no hidden costs, and no penalties for being a good customer. That means more of your cash stays in your deposit account, where it belongs. Plus, with free money movement, you can transfer funds, pay vendors, or run payroll without worrying about extra charges1.

High-Yield Savings Account—Let Your Money Work for You

Why settle for a savings account that pays next to nothing? With Holdings, your business savings earn up to 3.0% APY—no gimmicks, just real value. That extra income can help cover payment processing costs, fund your next marketing strategy, or boost your working capital for busy seasons.

Integrated Accounting Software—No More Juggling Tools

We know you didn’t start your business to become an accountant. That’s why Holdings integrates accounting software right into your banking dashboard. Track expenses, generate invoices, manage accounts payable and accounts receivable, and even automate payroll—all from one place. Our platform is designed for operational efficiency, so you can focus on growth, not paperwork.

Seamless Merchant Services—Accept Every Payment, Everywhere

Whether your customers prefer credit cards, debit cards, ACH network, or contactless payment options like Apple Pay and Zelle, Holdings makes it easy to accept payments in-store, online, or on the go. Our merchant services are built for small business needs, with transparent pricing, no surprise surcharges, and industry-leading data security. Worried about chargebacks, fraud, or PCI compliance? We’ve got you covered with robust risk management and encryption standards that meet the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

Real-Time Analytics and Cash Flow Insights

Knowledge is power. With Holdings, you get instant access to analytics that show your revenue, expenses, net income, and profit margin. Monitor your cash flow, identify trends, and make smarter decisions about pricing strategies, inventory, and investment. Our dashboard even benchmarks your performance against similar businesses, so you can see how you stack up in the market.

Expense Management and Automated Bookkeeping

Tired of chasing receipts and reconciling accounts? Holdings automates expense management and bookkeeping, so you can generate accurate expense reports, track business costs, and cut business expenses with ease. Our robotic process automation helps reduce manual errors, streamline audits, and make tax time a breeze.

Why Modern SMBs Choose Holdings Over Traditional Banks

Let’s face it: traditional banks weren’t built for today’s fast-moving, tech-savvy business owners. Holdings is different. Here’s why:

• Digital Transformation: Our platform is 100% online, with mobile banking and a user-friendly mobile app for banking on the go.

• All-In-One Financial Hub: Banking, accounting, and merchant services in one place—no more juggling logins or syncing data between disconnected systems.

• Zero-Fee Structure: No monthly maintenance fees, no wire transfer fees, no ATM card fees, and no minimum daily balance requirements.

• High-Yield Returns: Up to 3.0% APY on your business deposit accounts, helping you offset payment processing fees and boost your bottom line.

• Integrated Payroll and HR: Run payroll, manage employment records, and handle tax filings with ease.

• Dedicated Customer Service: Real people, ready to help—no endless phone trees or generic call center scripts.

• Up to $3M FDIC Insurance: Sleep easy knowing your money is protected above and beyond the industry standard.

• Modern Payment Tools: Accept all major card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card), digital wallets, and ACH payments with ease.

• Expense and Spend Management: Control company cards, set budgets, and monitor spending in real time.

• Seamless Switching: Moving your business bank account to Holdings is simple, with step-by-step guides and dedicated support for updating payroll, vendor payments, and more.

Explore More Ways Holdings Helps Your Business

Want to dive deeper into how Holdings can help? Check out these resources:

• How to Move Payroll to a New Bank: Step-by-Step Guide

• Business Banking Fees Explained: How Holdings Keeps It Simple

• Say Goodbye to Wire Transfer Fees: Why Holdings is Perfect for Small Businesses

• How to Connect Your Holdings Account to Accounting Platforms

• Business Debit vs. Credit Cards: What Holdings Customers Need to Know

• Merchant Services Guide: How to Connect Payment Processing to Your Bank Account

• Maximize Business Efficiency with Holdings Cards: Fee-Free Access at Allpoint ATMs

• Implement the Profit First Strategy with Holdings

• How to Create and Manage Multiple Holdings Accounts for Better Financial Organization

• Business Routing Numbers Explained: A Guide to Efficient Transactions

• Business Credit Scores Explained: What They Mean and Why They Matter

• Bank Transfers Explained: A Guide to Secure and Efficient Payments

Ready to Make Your Money Work Harder?

Your business hustle deserves banking that works just as hard. That’s Holdings—zero fees, maximum perks, and a platform built for SMBs who want to grow. Let’s fight back against fees together.

Holdings is built for the realities of modern business, where managing cash flow and maximizing every dollar in your deposit account can make or break your month. With our online banking and mobile banking features, you have 24/7 visibility into your business checking, savings account, and all your cash deposits—so you’re never in the dark about your working capital or upcoming accounts payable. Whether you’re sending a wire transfer to a supplier, running payroll through direct deposit, or reconciling expenses with integrated accounting software, Holdings puts all your essential tools in one place. Our platform is designed for organization and operational efficiency, helping you manage everything from invoice creation to expense management and even project management, all while keeping your costs transparent and your data secure with robust payment card industry data security standards.

As your business grows, so do the complexities of managing payments, risk, and customer experience. Holdings offers merchant services that support every payment method your customers expect—credit card, debit card, contactless payment, and ACH network—while minimizing card processing fees and chargebacks. Our payment gateway and payment terminal integrations work seamlessly with your point of sale, card reader, and even remote work setups, so you can accept Mastercard, Discover Card, and other major payment cards with confidence. Plus, with built-in fraud protection, address verification service, and compliance with the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council, you can focus on customer satisfaction and business transformation, not worrying about the next data breach or policy update. We know that managing a merchant account, monitoring accounts receivable, and keeping up with tax obligations is a lot, but our technology and support team are here to help you identify cost reduction opportunities and optimize your return on investment.

No matter your business model—whether you’re a sole proprietorship, a growing agency, or a hybrid operation with both brick and mortar and ecommerce channels—Holdings gives you the flexibility to manage your budget, investments, and even your supply chain and inventory from one dashboard. Our management software and expense management software are designed for the realities of today’s market, supporting everything from batch processing and automated clearing house payments to leveraging your credit score for a business loan or line of credit. With real-time analytics, benchmarking, and spend management, you can track your net income, profit margin, and operating expenses down to the last percentage point. And because we’re a fintech company focused on digital transformation, you get access to the latest innovations—like robotic process automation, cloud computing, and seamless integration with platforms like Xero and QuickBooks Payments—to help you cut business expenses, improve employee engagement and retention, and achieve your business goals faster. That’s the Holdings difference: banking, accounting, and payments that work as hard as you do

Holdings is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services 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 everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Funds deposited in your Holdings account are held by i3 Bank, Member FDIC. Through i3 Bank's Sweep Program, funds may be eligible for up to $3M in FDIC insurance.