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5 questions to ask before opening a business account
Sep 27, 2016 || Evan Muench
Whether you’re just starting up and only need a simple checking account for your business, or you’ve been in business for several years and are looking for a change, there’s a lot you should consider before opening or moving an account.
The kind of account you choose can make or break your business. Here’s what Evan Muench, a commercial loan officer at IHMVCU, thinks you should know before opening or switching your business accounts.
1. Does the account have a minimum balance requirement?
A minimum balance is one of the most common qualifiers for checking and savings accounts. For some accounts it’s simply the initial amount required to open the account, but others you might be charged a fee if your balance ever falls below that amount.
2. What’s the fee schedule?
Understanding the fees and costs associated with an account is the best way to avoid surprises down the road. A financial institution should provide you with a fee schedule before the account is opened, but it’s always good practice to ask for it just in case. So what should you be looking for when you read the fee schedule?
- Monthly maintenance fees
Are you being charged a fee just for having the account? - Overdraft fees
How much will you be charged if your account is overdrawn? - Cost of checks
Some accounts offer free checks when the account is opened, but charge a fee if the order is replenished.
3. What are the minimum transaction amounts? Maximum transfers?
Some checking and savings accounts require a minimum number of transactions to be eligible for the account perks (like earning dividends, ATM fee reimbursement, etc.). Other accounts, like Money Markets, might restrict the number of transactions you can make in a month. Knowing these requirements up front will allow you to make an informed decision based on your business’s needs.
4. Is the account interest bearing? How is interest calculated?
It’s important to know if you’ll be paid dividends on an account and what must be done in order to receive them. Typically, interest is calculated based on the Average Daily Balance of an account. You should confirm how that interest is calculated and if there are any eligibility requirements, like a minimum balance or transaction limit, so you can position your business to take advantage of this perk.
5. Is online banking available? What does it cost?
Online banking is a key platform in today’s culture. Many people prefer the convenience online banking provides over visiting a branch in person. While almost all financial institutions offer some form of online banking, it’s important to make sure it’s available with the account you need and that it offers the features you want—like mobile banking and remote deposit. You should also find out if there’s a cost associated with having that access.
If you already have a business account, it’s good practice to review the terms at least once a year to make sure the account still fits your needs. If you can’t find the answers to all your questions by looking at your statement, make an appointment with your financial institution to have them walk you through it.
Evan Muench
Commercial Lending Officer
(309) 793-6200 ext. 5976
emuench@ihmvcu.org
5 questions to ask before opening a business account
Sep 27, 2016 || Evan Muench
Whether you’re just starting up and only need a simple checking account for your business, or you’ve been in business for several years and are looking for a change, there’s a lot you should consider before opening or moving an account.
The kind of account you choose can make or break your business. Here’s what Evan Muench, a commercial loan officer at IHMVCU, thinks you should know before opening or switching your business accounts.
1. Does the account have a minimum balance requirement?
A minimum balance is one of the most common qualifiers for checking and savings accounts. For some accounts it’s simply the initial amount required to open the account, but others you might be charged a fee if your balance ever falls below that amount.
2. What’s the fee schedule?
Understanding the fees and costs associated with an account is the best way to avoid surprises down the road. A financial institution should provide you with a fee schedule before the account is opened, but it’s always good practice to ask for it just in case. So what should you be looking for when you read the fee schedule?
- Monthly maintenance fees
Are you being charged a fee just for having the account? - Overdraft fees
How much will you be charged if your account is overdrawn? - Cost of checks
Some accounts offer free checks when the account is opened, but charge a fee if the order is replenished.
3. What are the minimum transaction amounts? Maximum transfers?
Some checking and savings accounts require a minimum number of transactions to be eligible for the account perks (like earning dividends, ATM fee reimbursement, etc.). Other accounts, like Money Markets, might restrict the number of transactions you can make in a month. Knowing these requirements up front will allow you to make an informed decision based on your business’s needs.
4. Is the account interest bearing? How is interest calculated?
It’s important to know if you’ll be paid dividends on an account and what must be done in order to receive them. Typically, interest is calculated based on the Average Daily Balance of an account. You should confirm how that interest is calculated and if there are any eligibility requirements, like a minimum balance or transaction limit, so you can position your business to take advantage of this perk.
5. Is online banking available? What does it cost?
Online banking is a key platform in today’s culture. Many people prefer the convenience online banking provides over visiting a branch in person. While almost all financial institutions offer some form of online banking, it’s important to make sure it’s available with the account you need and that it offers the features you want—like mobile banking and remote deposit. You should also find out if there’s a cost associated with having that access.
If you already have a business account, it’s good practice to review the terms at least once a year to make sure the account still fits your needs. If you can’t find the answers to all your questions by looking at your statement, make an appointment with your financial institution to have them walk you through it.
Evan Muench
Commercial Lending Officer
(309) 793-6200 ext. 5976
emuench@ihmvcu.org
