Novo business banking can be a solid option for small business owners and entrepreneurs. It features a small business checking account with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements along with tools to help keep your business finances running smoothly.
Find out how Novo stacks up against other business banking services.
What Is Novo Business Banking?
Novo is a financial technology company that offers online banking services for small businesses. It’s not a bank, but rather a service provider for Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A. Member FDIC, which means accounts are FDIC insured.
Unlike traditional banks, there are no branches to visit so you do need to be comfortable with digital banking. You’ll be able to access your business bank account online and through the Novo mobile app.
Top features include:
- No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
- ATM fee reimbursement worldwide
- Fully digital banking
- Budget with reserve accounts
- Unlimited free invoicing
Great For Integrations
Online & Mobile Small Business Checking by Novo
Save up to $150/month in banking fees and subscription payments*. An award-winning business checking account without the sneaky fees or minimum balance. Rest easy knowing that banking won't be an obstacle to starting or running your business. Access your business finances from anywhere, anytime, all online. Every Novo checking account comes with a physical and virtual debit card, so you always have access in the palm of your hand. Spend securely and ditch the fees with a free business debit card. Transact internationally and access your funds from ATMs with fee reimbursement up to $7/month. Novo is a fintech company; not a bank. Deposit account services provided by Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A., Member FDIC. Physical debit cards issued by Middlesex Federal Savings or Patriot Bank, N.A., Member FDIC; virtual cards issued by Patriot Bank, pursuant to licenses from Mastercard® International Incorporated. Mastercard can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Value of savings is based on market research of fees and subscription pricing as of March 2024.
Minimum Balance
None
Monthly Cost
$0
Monthly Free Transactions
Unlimited
Noteworthy Perks
Deep integrations with the tools small businesses already love
Novo Business Banking Overview
One of the biggest benefits of a Novo business checking account is the low cost. Its free business checking account features no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, no hidden fees, and it even refunds ATM fees.
As long as you’re comfortable managing your account online and don’t mind not having a physical branch you can visit, you can save money by skipping traditional bank fees.
Compare the best business checking accounts
Opening a business checking account can increase your chances of getting financing and simplify your cash flow management. Use our research to quickly and easily find the right account for your business.
How Novo Business Checking Work
Opening an account online on the Novo website or using the Novo mobile app is simple and quick. You can download the app in the Google Play store or the Apple Store. You must have a cell phone with a major US carrier to open an account.
There is no minimum deposit amount required to open and account and no minimum balance requirement. (There is an overdraft fee for insufficient funds, however.)
To open an account, you’ll need to provide certain information including a Social Security number, phone number and verification of your U.S. address. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required if your business is an LLC or Corporation. There is no credit check.
Once you are approved and your account is opened you can link your account to business tools such as PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shopify, Quickbooks, Xero and more through Novo apps.
You’ll be able to create and send an unlimited number of invoices and accept ACH or check payments.
Perks include discounts and credits on popular services such as Stripe Hubspot, Gusto, Google Cloud and more.
You’ll get a virtual debit card right away which you can activate online or in the app. Novo customers can use their physical debit card at any ATM. ATM fees will be reimbursed, regardless of the ATM network used. Even international ATM fees are eligible for reimbursement.
You can also create up to 5 reserve accounts which you can use to set aside money for specific goals. You can instantly transfer money from reserve accounts.
Deposit funds using ACH or by using mobile check deposit. You can send payments using ACH or by requesting free paper checks. (Cash deposits aren’t available – you’ll need to purchase a money order.) There is no fee for ACH transfers. International wires can be sent using Wise.
Pros And Cons Of Novo Business Banking
Pros
- No monthly fees
- No minimum balance requirements
- No hidden fees
- Virtual debit card
- No transfer fees
- Create and send invoices
- ATM fee reimbursement
- No international fees
- Integrations with a variety of apps
- No NSF fees (non-sufficient funds fees)
- Recurring payments for Novo Invoicing
Cons
- Can’t accept cash deposits
- No savings account
- No credit card
- No interest on account balances
- No overdraft protection
- Limited customer support hours
Who Novo Business Banking Is Best For
Novo is a solid option for small businesses including freelancers and independent contractors, online businesses, and startups. It is available to sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs and Corporations. With free business checking and no minimum deposits it’s a cost-effective option for businesses looking for a cost-effective solution.
Some businesses may find services more limited when compared to other banks offering business checking accounts, however. For example, businesses that handle a lot of cash may need a bank with branches for cash deposits.
Customer support is not currently available 24/7 and is provided mainly through email and the Novo app.
Does Novo Have A Business Savings Account?
No. Currently, Novo only offers business checking accounts. They do not have a savings account nor do they offer interest on any of the Novo business checking accounts.
Novo does not offer a business credit card.
How Novo Business Banking Compares
See how Novo business banking compares to other business checking offers using Nav’s business checking marketplace.
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Gerri Detweiler
Education Consultant, Nav
Gerri Detweiler, a financing and credit expert, has been featured in 4,500+ news stories and answered 10,000+ credit and lending questions online. In addition to Nav, her articles have appeared on Forbes, MarketWatch, and Startup Nation. She is the author or co-author of six books, including Finance Your Own Business, and she has also testified before Congress on consumer credit legislation.