Holdings vs. Chase: The Best Business Banking for SMBs

Holdings vs. Chase: The Best Business Banking for SMBs

Choosing a business banking partner isn’t just about picking a place to park your money. It’s about finding a financial platform that understands your hustle, rewards your effort, and makes your life easier. If you’re tired of low interest rates, endless fees, and juggling disconnected tools, you’re not alone. That’s precisely why Holdings exists: to flip the script and help small business owners thrive.

Let’s take a side-by-side comparison of Holdings and Chase, two distinct approaches to business banking. We’ll cover everything from payment processing and mobile banking to high APY savings, accounting software, and real-world SMB pain points. By the end, you’ll know exactly which platform fits your business—and how Holdings can help you unlock more value from every dollar you earn.

1. Meet the Contenders: Holdings and Chase

Holdings is a modern fintech solution designed for the real-world needs of small businesses. We combine a zero-fee deposit account, a flat 2% annual percentage yield (APY) on all eligible balances, integrated accounting software for just $20/month, and full-service bookkeeping from $100/month. We’re not a bank—we’re your dedicated financial partner, bringing together banking, accounting, and lending in one seamless digital hub.

Chase, on the other hand, is a household name in the business banking industry. With thousands of branches, a massive ATM network, and decades of experience, Chase offers a traditional suite of business checking, merchant services, business loans, and credit cards. However, with that size comes complexity—and often, fees and requirements that don’t always align with the fast-paced world of SMBs.

2. The Quick Comparison Table

Feature

Holdings

Chase Business Complete Banking

Monthly Fees

$0

$15 (waivable)

Transaction Fees

$0

Varies

APY (Interest Rate)

2% on all eligible balances

0% (no interest on checking)

Minimum Balance

$0

$2,000 to waive fee

Accounting Integration

Built-in ($20/mo)

None (third-party required)

Bookkeeping

Optional, from $100/mo

None

Cash Deposits

Free at 55,000+ Allpoint+ ATMs

$5,000/mo free, then $2.50/$1,000

Wire/ACH Fees

$0

Fees apply

Debit Card

Free Visa® Debit Card

Free

Lending/Loans

Proactive, tailored offers

Available, but application-heavy

Mobile App

Yes, modern and intuitive

Yes, traditional

FDIC Insurance

Up to $3M via sweep program

Up to $250k per account

3. Why Holdings Flips the Script for SMBs

Let’s be honest: most business banking feels constructed for someone else. Low interest, hidden fees, and a maze of disconnected tools? No thanks. At Holdings, we believe your money should work as hard as you do.

Here’s how we do it differently:

  • Zero Fees, Period: No monthly maintenance fee. No transaction fee. No wire transfer fee. No ACH fee. No minimum daily balance. No surprise charges. Just simple, transparent banking that respects your bottom line.

  • 2% APY on Every Dollar: Why settle for the average APY from a traditional bank—often less than 0.1%—when you can earn a flat 2% yield on all eligible balances? That’s genuine compound interest, helping your cash grow while you focus on your business.

  • Integrated Accounting: For just $20/month, you get full-featured accounting software built right into your dashboard. Track expenses, manage payroll, handle accounts payable, and see your cash flow in real time—no more toggling between apps or spreadsheets.

  • Full-Service Bookkeeping: Need a pro to keep your books in order? Holdings offers expert bookkeeping services starting at $100 per month. We’ll handle the details so you can focus on growth.

  • Unlimited Free Cash Deposits: With access to 55,000+ Allpoint+ ATMs, you can deposit cash whenever you need—no limits, no hoops, no extra fees.

  • Modern Mobile Banking: Our mobile app is crafted for busy owners. Check balances, send payments, set up direct deposit, and manage your debit card—all from your phone, wherever you are.

  • Proactive Lending and Funding: We use your real business performance (not just your credit score) to offer tailored business loans and lines of credit—no more chasing banks or filling out endless forms.

4. Where Chase Still Shines

Chase is a big name for a reason. If you need in-person service, a physical branch, or have complex banking needs, Chase offers:

  • 4,700+ branches and 15,000+ ATMs nationwide

  • Business credit cards with rewards (like the Chase Ink® Business suite)

  • A broad menu of business loans, lines of credit, and merchant services

  • Payroll and payment processing via QuickAccept

However, these perks come with trade-offs: waivable monthly fees, transaction limits, wire fees, and often, a requirement to maintain a minimum balance or meet certain activity thresholds to avoid additional costs.

5. The Real SMB Pain Points—And How Holdings Solves Them

Let’s get honest about the daily struggles of running a small business:

  • Low Interest Rates: Traditional banks pay pennies on your savings account, if anything at all. With Holdings, every eligible dollar earns a flat 2% APY—no hoops, no tiers, no games.

  • Endless Fees: Monthly maintenance, wire transfer, overdraft, and minimum balance fees add up fast. Holdings charges $0 in account fees. You keep what you earn.

  • Disconnected Tools: Juggling a bank account, accounting software, payroll, and merchant services is a headache. Holdings brings it all together in one digital hub, making financial management a breeze.

  • Slow, Manual Funding: Need a loan? Traditional banks often require extensive paperwork and a strong credit score. Holdings uses your real-time data to offer proactive, tailored funding, so you get the right business loan or line of credit, right when you need it.

  • Cash Flow Headaches: With Holdings, you see your cash flow, accounts payable, and performance savings account all in one dashboard. No more guessing or scrambling at tax time.

6. Let’s Talk About Fees (Or the Lack Thereof)

Holdings is constructed for transparency. Here’s what you’ll pay:

  • Banking: $0/month. No transaction, wire, or ACH fees. No minimum daily balance. No overdraft fees.

  • Accounting Software: $20/month flat. Full-featured, right in your dashboard.

  • Bookkeeping: Starts at $100/month. Real human experts, not bots.

  • ATM Access: Free at 55,000+ Allpoint+ ATMs.

  • Debit Card: Free Visa® Debit Card, with contactless payment support.

  • Deposit Insurance: Up to $3 million via our sweep program with i3 Bank, Member FDIC.

Chase, by comparison, charges:

  • $15/month for business checking (waivable with $2,000 daily balance or other activity)

  • Fees for wires, ACH, and excess cash deposits

  • No interest on standard business checking accounts

  • Separate costs for accounting software, merchant services, and payroll

7. The Power of a Unified Financial Platform

Imagine a world where your deposit account, savings account, accounting, payroll, and merchant services all work together. That’s the Holdings difference.

  • One login. One dashboard. One source of truth.

  • See your cash flow, revenue, expenses, and upcoming payments at a glance.

  • Connect your merchant account, process payments, and manage accounts payable all from within your dashboard.

  • Enjoy seamless integrations with Xero, QuickBooks, and other top accounting tools, as needed.

  • Automate your tax prep and reporting—no more scrambling for receipts or invoices.

8. High APY, High Impact: How 2% Yield Changes Everything

Let’s do some quick math. If you keep an average balance of $50,000 in your Holdings business deposit account, you’ll earn $1,000 in interest each year at 2% APY. Compare that to the average bank account, which might pay you $50 or less for the same balance.

That’s real money—money you can reinvest in your business, use for payroll, or save for a rainy day. And with monthly compounding, your interest grows even faster.

9. Security, Insurance, and Peace of Mind

We know trust matters. Holdings isn’t a bank—we’re a fintech platform. However, your funds are held by i3 Bank, a Member of the FDIC, and are insured up to $3 million through our sweep program. That’s more protection than most banks or credit unions offer.

Your data is encrypted, your account is protected by multi-factor authentication, and our customer support team is here to help with any questions or concerns.

10. Payments, Payroll, and Merchant Services—Simplified

Getting paid should be easy. With Holdings, you can:

  • Accept ACH transfers, wire transfers, and direct deposits

  • Send and receive payments via Zelle, Mastercard, and more

  • Connect your merchant account for seamless payment processing

  • Pay vendors, contractors, and employees with just a few clicks

  • Track every payment and expense in your accounting dashboard

No more chasing down missing payments, worrying about fraud, or paying extra for merchant services. Holdings makes it simple.

11. Lending and Credit: Unlocking Capital When You Need It

We get it—sometimes you need a little extra cash to cover payroll, buy inventory, or seize a new opportunity. Holdings uses your real business data to offer proactive, tailored business loans and lines of credit—no need to chase down a loan officer or stress about your credit score.

Our lending process is fast, transparent, and designed for SMBs. You’ll see your options right in your dashboard, with clear terms and no hidden fees.

12. Mobile App and Digital Experience

Banking should be as mobile as you are. The Holdings puts your financial hub in your pocket:

  • Check balances, transfer funds, and manage your debit card on the go

  • Deposit checks remotely with your phone’s camera

  • Set up alerts, manage your budget, and track expenses in real time

  • Access customer support and account information anytime, anywhere

Our site is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, with a focus on user experience and accessibility. Whether you’re at your desk or on the job site, your business banking is always at your fingertips.

13. How Holdings Helps You Save (and Earn) More

Let’s break down the real-world savings:

  • No monthly fees = $180/year saved (compared to Chase’s $15/month)

  • 2% APY on $50,000 = $1,000/year in interest (vs. $0 at most banks)

  • Free accounting software = $240/year saved (compared to separate tools)

  • Unlimited free cash deposits = $300+/year saved (if you deposit $10,000/month at Chase)

  • No wire or ACH fees = $100+/year saved (depending on your volume)

That’s over $1,800 in savings and earnings every year, just by choosing Holdings over a traditional bank.

14. Designed for Real SMBs: Who Should Choose Holdings?

Holdings is built for:

  • Sole proprietorships, LLCs, and corporations that want zero-fee, high-yield banking

  • Entrepreneurs who want to automate their accounting, payroll, and payments

  • Businesses that value transparency, accessibility, and a modern mobile app

  • Owners who want unlimited free transactions and cash deposits

  • Teams that need proactive lending and funding based on real performance—not just a credit score

If you’re tired of feeling penalized for your hustle, Holdings is your financial partner.

15. Who Should Stick with Chase?

Chase is a great fit if:

  • You need in-person banking at a physical branch

  • You deposit large amounts of cash regularly and prefer face-to-face service

  • Your business already uses Chase merchant services or payroll

  • You’re comfortable with monthly fees and minimum balance requirements

For some businesses, the branch network and full-service offerings are worth the trade-offs.

16. Comparing Holdings to Other Top Business Banks

Curious how Holdings stacks up against other top players? Here’s a quick look:

  • Bluevine Business Checking: Ideal for online banking, but offers a lower APY and higher fees for cash deposits.

  • Novo Business Checking: No monthly fees, but no interest on balances and limited integrations.

  • Grasshopper Business Checking: Digital-first, but with a lower APY and potential fees.

  • American Express Business Checking: No monthly fees, but APY is lower, and no built-in accounting.

  • Relay Financial, Mercury, Lili, Found, North One: Each has strengths, but none combine high APY, zero fees, and integrated accounting like Holdings.

When it comes to maximizing your interest, minimizing your fees, and unifying your financial management, Holdings leads the pack.

17. The Holdings User Experience: Built for Busy Owners

We designed Holdings to be intuitive, friendly, and accessible. From the moment you open your account (100% online, no paperwork required), you’ll notice the difference:

  • Clear dashboard with all your financial information in one place

  • Easy-to-understand statements, no jargon or fine print

  • Fast, friendly customer support via chat, email, or phone

  • Proactive alerts and insights to help you manage cash flow and avoid surprises

  • Seamless integrations with your favorite tools and platforms

We’re here to make your financial life easier, not more complicated.

18. Security, Compliance, and Peace of Mind

Your money and data are safe with Holdings:

  • Funds are insured up to $3 million via our sweep program with i3 Bank, Member FDIC

  • Advanced encryption and security protocols protect your information

  • Regular audits and compliance checks to meet federal reserve and policy standards

  • Fraud monitoring and protection for every account and transaction

You focus on your business. We’ll handle the security.

19. The Power of Compound Interest and High-Yield Savings

Let’s talk about the magic of compound interest. With Holdings’ 2% yield, your money doesn’t just sit—it grows. Every month, your interest is compounded and credited, allowing your savings account balance to increase faster over time.

Whether you’re saving for payroll, taxes, a new piece of equipment, or just building your business’s emergency fund, Holdings helps you reach your goals faster.

20. Accessibility and Community: Banking for All

Every business deserves access to the best tools and rates, no matter your size, industry, or location. Holdings is open to all SMBs, with no minimum deposit, no trade name requirements, and no hoops to jump through.

We’re building a community of owners who support one another, share valuable tips, and grow together. Join our Hustle Handbook for news, insights, and perks delivered straight to your email address.

21. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Holdings a bank?

A: No, we’re a fintech platform. Banking services are provided by i3 Bank, Member FDIC.

Q: How is my money insured?

A: Deposits are insured up to $3 million through our sweep program with i3 Bank and partner banks.

Q: What’s the catch?

A: No catch. We generate revenue from our affordable accounting and bookkeeping subscriptions, not by penalizing you with additional fees.

Q: Can I use my Holdings account for payments, payroll, and merchant services?

A: Absolutely! Our platform is designed for payments, payroll, ACH, wire transfers, and more—all in one convenient location.

Q: How do I get started?

A: Open your account online in minutes—no paperwork, no branch visit, just your business info.

22. The Bottom Line: Why Holdings Is the Best Choice for SMBs

At Holdings, we believe your business deserves more than the average bank account. You deserve a financial partner that rewards your hustle, simplifies your life, and helps your money grow.

  • Zero fees, zero hassle

  • 2% APY on all eligible balances

  • Integrated accounting and bookkeeping

  • Unlimited free cash deposits and transactions

  • Proactive lending and funding

  • Modern mobile app and digital wallet

  • Up to $3 million in deposit insurance

If you’re ready to leave behind the old world of banking—and step into a future where your business comes first—Holdings is here for you.

23. Ready to Unlock More Value from Your Business Banking?

Open your Holdings account today and see how easy, rewarding, and empowering business banking can be. No fees. No fluff. Just real perks, real savings, and real support for your business journey.

24. Still Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Our small business specialists are ready to answer your questions, walk you through your options, and help you make the best choice for your business. Reach out by email, phone, or chat—whenever you need us.

25. Join the Holdings Community

Sign up for our Hustle Handbook to get the latest business banking tips, high-yield savings strategies, and exclusive perks—delivered quickly, precisely, and jargon-free.

26. The Holdings Promise

We’re not just another bank. We’re your financial partner, your advocate, and your biggest fan. We’re here to help you save more, earn more, and unlock the full potential of your business.

27. Let’s Grow Together

Your business is unique. Your banking should be, too. With Holdings, you get a financial hub that adapts to your needs, rewards your effort, and grows with you—every step of the way.

28. Open Your Account Today

It takes just minutes to get started. No paperwork, no branch visit, no minimum deposit. Just a smarter, friendlier, more rewarding way to manage your business money.

29. The Future of Business Banking Is Here

Say goodbye to low interest, endless fees, and disconnected tools. Say hello to Holdings—the platform built for SMBs, by people who get it.

30. Your Success Is Our Priority

At Holdings, your success isn’t just a slogan—it’s our mission. Every feature, every perk, every bit of our platform is designed to help you keep more of what you earn, access innovative financing, and focus on what matters most: growing your business.

Ready to flip the script on business banking? Join Holdings today and experience the difference for yourself.