Ever opened your business bank statement and spotted a fee you didn’t expect? You’re not alone. Hidden fees are one of the biggest frustrations for business owners—eating into your profits, complicating your bookkeeping, and making it hard to know what you’re really paying for banking. At Holdings, we believe your money should work for you, not against you. This guide breaks down the most common hidden fees in business banking, shows you how to spot them, and explains how Holdings’ zero-fee approach puts more money back in your pocket. For a full strategy on choosing the right bank and maximizing your financial tools, check out Choosing the Best Business Bank: Key Factors and When to Switch Accounts.
The Most Common Hidden Business Banking Fees
1. Monthly Maintenance Fees
Many banks charge $10–$30 per month just to keep your account open—unless you meet minimum balance requirements.
2. Transaction Fees
You might get hit with fees for exceeding a set number of deposits, withdrawals, or transfers each month.
3. ATM Fees
Using an out-of-network ATM? Expect a charge from both your bank and the ATM owner.
4. Wire Transfer Fees
Sending or receiving domestic and international wires can cost $15–$50 per transaction.
5. Overdraft and NSF Fees
If your account dips below zero, you could pay $25–$35 per incident—even if it’s just for a day.
6. Early Account Closure Fees
Some banks charge if you close your account within a certain period after opening.
7. Inactivity Fees
If you don’t use your account for a few months, you might get charged just for letting your money sit.
For a detailed comparison of business bank accounts and how to avoid these fees, see How to Compare Business Banks and Accounts.
Why Hidden Fees Hurt Your Business
Erodes Your Profits: Every dollar spent on fees is a dollar you can’t reinvest in your business.
Complicates Bookkeeping: Unpredictable charges make it harder to track expenses and forecast cash flow.
Creates Distrust: Surprise fees damage your relationship with your bank and make it harder to plan for the future.
How Holdings Is Different
At Holdings, we’re on a mission to eliminate banking headaches for business owners. Here’s how we save you money:
Zero Fees: No monthly maintenance, transaction, ATM, or overdraft fees—ever.
Unlimited Free Money Movement: Move your money as often as you need, with no penalties or restrictions.
High-Yield APY: Earn up to 3.0% APY on your balances, so your money grows instead of shrinking from fees.
Integrated Tools: Banking, accounting, and bookkeeping all in one platform—no extra charges for the features you actually need.
Curious about what you’ll need to open a business account with zero fees? Check out What You Need to Open a Business Bank Account.
How to Spot and Avoid Hidden Fees
Read the Fine Print: Always review the fee schedule before opening an account.
Ask Direct Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask your banker about every possible fee.
Monitor Your Statements: Regularly check for unexpected charges and address them right away.
Choose a Transparent Bank: Pick a partner that’s upfront about costs—like Holdings.
For more on why separating your business and personal finances is key to clarity (and avoiding surprise fees), see Why Self-Employed Professionals Should Consider Incorporating and Separating Finances.
Ready to break up with hidden fees for good?
Explore these guides to make smarter banking decisions and keep more of your hard-earned money:
Choosing the Best Business Bank: Key Factors and When to Switch Accounts
Why Self-Employed Professionals Should Consider Incorporating and Separating Finances
With Holdings, you get banking that’s built for business owners—no hidden fees, just real value. Let your money work harder, not your accountant