Best Banks for Small Businesses in Arizona
Arizona's booming economy, low tax rates, and explosive population growth — especially in the Phoenix metro — make it one of the most dynamic states for small businesses. Whether you're running a nonprofit in Tucson, a restaurant in Scottsdale, or a tech startup in Tempe, choosing the right bank account matters.
Updated 2026-03-18 | 8 banks compared
Quick Comparison
| Bank | Type | Monthly Fee | APY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holdings | Online | $0 | 1.75% |
| National Bank of Arizona Business Checking* | Regional | $12waivable | 0.00% |
| Chase Business Complete Banking | National | $15waivable | 0.00% |
| Desert Financial Credit Union Business Checking* | Credit Union | $0 | 0.00% |
| Bank of America Business Advantage Fundamentals | National | $16waivable | 0.00% |
| Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking | National | $15waivable | 0.00% |
| America First Credit Union Business Checking* | Credit Union | $0 | 0.05% |
| Capital One Basic Business Checking | National | $15waivable | 0.00% |
Detailed Reviews
Holdings
Online | $0/mo | Online only
Nonprofits and small businesses wanting zero fees and high APY
Key Features
- •Built specifically for nonprofits and small businesses
- •1.75% APY on all balances — checking and savings
- •Unlimited transactions with no hidden fees
Pros
- ✓Truly $0 — no monthly fees, no minimums, no transaction fees
- ✓1.75% APY is among the highest in online banking
- ✓Purpose-built for nonprofits with donation tracking and reporting tools
Cons
- ✗No physical branches — online/mobile only
- ✗Less name recognition than legacy institutions
National Bank of Arizona Business Checking
Regional | $12/mo | 60 branches
Arizona businesses wanting a locally-focused bank with commercial banking capabilities
Key Features
- •Division of Zions Bancorporation with deep Arizona roots
- •Strong commercial lending and treasury management
- •Local decision-making with national resources
Pros
- ✓Arizona-focused with strong local relationships
- ✓Part of Zions Bancorporation — solid financial backing
- ✓Strong SBA lending program
Cons
- ✗Monthly fee without minimum balance
- ✗Less advanced digital tools than Chase or BofA
- ✗Limited presence outside Arizona
Chase Business Complete Banking
National | $15/mo | 175 branches
Established businesses needing full-service branch banking and merchant services
Key Features
- •Built-in payment acceptance via Chase QuickAccept
- •Integrated invoicing and cash flow tools
- •Same-day deposits with QuickAccept
Pros
- ✓Largest branch and ATM network in Arizona
- ✓Excellent mobile app and digital tools
- ✓Integrated payment acceptance and invoicing
Cons
- ✗$15/month fee unless $2,000 balance maintained
- ✗Only 100 free transactions per cycle
- ✗No interest earned on business checking
Desert Financial Credit Union Business Checking
Credit Union | $0/mo | 50 branches
Phoenix-area businesses wanting fee-free credit union banking
Key Features
- •Largest credit union in Arizona with 400,000+ members
- •Free checking with no monthly fees
- •50+ branch locations across metro Phoenix
Pros
- ✓No monthly service fee
- ✓Arizona's largest credit union with extensive branch network
- ✓Access to CO-OP Shared Branch and ATM networks
Cons
- ✗Concentrated in metro Phoenix area
- ✗Must qualify for membership (live/work in Arizona)
- ✗Less advanced business digital tools than national banks
Bank of America Business Advantage Fundamentals
National | $16/mo | 100 branches
Businesses that qualify for Preferred Rewards tier benefits
Key Features
- •200 free transactions per statement cycle
- •No monthly fee for first 12 statement cycles
- •Preferred Rewards for Business program for rate discounts
Pros
- ✓200 free transactions (more than Chase)
- ✓First year free (no monthly fee for 12 cycles)
- ✓Strong Arizona branch presence
Cons
- ✗$16/month fee after first year
- ✗Higher minimum balance to waive fees permanently
- ✗Less personal service than regional banks
Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking
National | $15/mo | 120 branches
New businesses wanting a national bank with low opening deposit
Key Features
- •Low $25 minimum opening deposit
- •Contactless debit card and digital wallet support
- •Business Online banking with Zelle
Pros
- ✓Very low $25 minimum to open
- ✓Strong Arizona branch presence
- ✓Multiple ways to waive monthly fee
Cons
- ✗$15/month fee unless balance maintained
- ✗Only 100 free transactions per cycle
- ✗Past consumer trust issues
America First Credit Union Business Checking
Credit Union | $0/mo | 15 branches
Arizona businesses wanting a credit union with dividend-earning checking
Key Features
- •Fee-free business checking that earns dividends
- •120+ branches across Utah, Nevada, and Arizona
- •Part of CO-OP Shared Branch network
Pros
- ✓No monthly fee and earns dividends on balances
- ✓Access to CO-OP Shared Branch and ATM networks
- ✓Free online bill pay and business debit card
Cons
- ✗Higher minimum opening deposit ($2,000)
- ✗Only 50 free check transactions per month
- ✗Fewer Arizona branches than Desert Financial
Capital One Basic Business Checking
National | $15/mo | Online only
Digital-first businesses with occasional cash deposit needs
Key Features
- •Unlimited fee-free digital transactions
- •$5,000/month free cash deposits
- •Cash deposits at select Allpoint ATMs
Pros
- ✓Unlimited digital transactions (no per-transaction fees)
- ✓Strong mobile and online banking
- ✓$5,000 free cash deposits monthly
Cons
- ✗No Capital One branch locations in Arizona
- ✗$15/month unless $2,000 balance maintained
- ✗Limited in-person support
Arizona Banking Landscape
55
FDIC-Insured Institutions
3+
Major Regional Banks
3+
Major Credit Unions
Top Regional Banks
- National Bank of Arizona (Zions Bancorporation) — $4B
- Western Alliance Bank — $80B
- Alliance Bank of Arizona — $4B
Top Credit Unions
- Desert Financial Credit Union — 400,000+ members
- Arizona Federal Credit Union — 160,000+ members
- OneAZ Credit Union — 170,000+ members
State Banking Programs
- •Arizona Small Business Development Center (SBDC) — free consulting
- •Arizona Commerce Authority — business incentives and grants
- •Arizona Innovation Challenge — seed funding for startups
- •SBA Arizona District Office — government-backed loan programs
Regulator: Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions
Starting a Business in Arizona
| Secretary of State | Arizona Corporation Commission |
| LLC Fee | $50 |
| Corp Fee | $60 |
| Income Tax | Flat 2.5% individual income tax. Corporate: 4.9%. |
| Sales Tax | Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT): 5.6% state + up to 5.3% local (varies by city) |
| Franchise Tax | None |
Business Incentives
- •Arizona Commerce Authority — business attraction incentives
- •Quality Jobs Tax Credit — income tax credit for net new qualifying jobs
- •R&D Tax Credit — for qualified research expenses
- •Opportunity Zones — significant federal tax benefits in designated areas
- •Arizona's flat 2.5% income tax rate — among the lowest in the nation
Nonprofit Banking in Arizona
Registration
File Articles of Incorporation (nonprofit) with Arizona Corporation Commission
Charitable Solicitation
Arizona no longer requires charitable solicitation registration for most charities (repealed September 2013). Some veterans' organizations may still need to register with the Secretary of State.
Tax Exemption
Apply to Arizona Department of Revenue for TPT (sales tax) exemption. Arizona recognizes federal 501(c)(3) status. Nonprofits must apply separately for property tax exemption.
AG Reporting
No state-level charitable solicitation annual reporting required (since 2013 repeal). However, nonprofits must file annual reports with the Arizona Corporation Commission to maintain good standing.
Resources
Best Bank for Arizona Nonprofits
Holdings offers /bin/sh fees, 1.75% APY, and tools built for 501(c)(3) organizations.
Learn more →Find Fee-Free ATMs in Arizona
Holdings cardholders get free access to 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs nationwide, including locations throughout Arizona.
Find ATMs near you →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bank for a small business in Arizona?
The best bank depends on your needs. For nonprofits and small orgs wanting zero fees, Holdings offers $0 monthly fees with 1.75% APY. For businesses needing branch access, National Bank of Arizona and Chase have strong Arizona presence. Desert Financial Credit Union offers competitive fee-free options.
Can I open a business bank account online in Arizona?
Yes. Several banks allow online account opening for Arizona businesses, including Holdings (fully online, no branch visit required), Chase, Bank of America, and Capital One. Credit unions like Desert Financial may require an in-person visit.
What do I need to open a business bank account in Arizona?
You'll typically need your EIN (Employer Identification Number), Articles of Organization filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission, a government-issued photo ID, and your business license. Some banks also require an initial deposit.
Are credit unions better than banks for small businesses in Arizona?
Credit unions often offer lower fees and better rates, but may have fewer branches. Arizona credit unions like Desert Financial (400,000+ members) and Arizona Federal Credit Union are excellent options for local businesses, while national banks offer broader ATM networks and more advanced digital tools.
What are the cheapest business checking accounts in Arizona?
Holdings offers completely free business checking with no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and no transaction limits. Desert Financial Credit Union's business checking is also fee-free. National Bank of Arizona offers competitive business checking for Arizona-focused businesses.
Do Arizona nonprofits need a special bank account?
While not legally required, a dedicated nonprofit bank account helps with IRS compliance, transparency, and donor confidence. Holdings specializes in nonprofit banking with $0 fees, 1.75% APY, and tools built specifically for 501(c)(3) organizations.
What taxes do small businesses pay in Arizona?
Arizona has a flat income tax rate of 2.5% (as of 2023). The state uses a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) instead of a traditional sales tax, with a base rate of 5.6% plus local additions. There is no franchise tax. Arizona's corporate income tax is 4.9%.
Ready to open a business bank account?
Holdings offers free banking with 1.75% APY for Arizona businesses and nonprofits.
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