Top 10 Checking Accounts for Nonprofits (WFC, BAC)

The best checking account for a nonprofit is most often the account that provides the most utility and solutions that address the needs of the organization. Within this category, checking options include accounts that cater to organizations with minimal activity and small balances to commercial banking relationships that are similar to large businesses. The following are the 10 best checking accounts for nonprofit organizations.

For relatively inactive nonprofits with low account balances, the checking account offered by PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (NYSE: PNC) eliminates expenses, with no minimum balance requirements and no monthly maintenance fees. The account also comes with a debit card, online banking, paperless statements and bill-paying at no charge.

Larger nonprofits that maintain high checking account balances could earn interest rates of 0.61% for balances over $25,000, as of October 2018. TIAA also offers a selection of multiple online banking platforms to meet the specific needs of account holders.

For nonprofits that accept large amounts of cash, Home Savings Bank offers unlimited currency deposits without fees. Maintaining a $100 minimum balance waives service charges, and accounts can be accessed through the online banking website.

Nonprofits that receive large amounts of coins by participating in fairs, carnivals and other events may be charged when depositing those coins. Community Credit Union offers coin deposits at no charge, which can result in significant savings. The credit union also pays dividends on balances over $600. This credit union requires a $5 membership payment and maintaining a $5 balance in your account.

For nonprofits seeking to consolidate services with a single provider, the checking account at United Community Bank offers a variety of solutions, including payroll and merchant services. The bank also offers unlimited coin and currency deposits and no monthly maintenance fees.

For large organizations with paid employees and high levels of monthly charge card activity, the Simple Business Checking account at Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) can be linked to the bank’s merchant services and payroll services for automatic deposits and payments. Organizations can also open 403(b) retirement plans for employees, and these plans are specifically designed for nonprofits.

For nonprofits that want to provide debit cards to specific employees, the business checking account for nonprofits from Bank of America Corporation (NYSE: BAC) provides additional cards that can be preset with spending and withdrawal limits. The account waives maintenance fees with a minimum balance of $5,000, which also triggers interest payments to the account.

Low-activity nonprofits with low average balances can keep more of their funds in the account with the Community Checking account offered by BB&T Corporation (NYSE: BBT). The account does not have a minimum balance requirement and does not have maintenance fees. Coin and currency deposits are also free of charge.

With no limits on currency deposits, the checking account from M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE: MTB) caters to organizations that accept large cash contributions. Service fees are waived as long as the average balance of the account over each billing cycle exceeds $500. The account also offers online banking access and a bill-paying program.

Opening a nonprofit checking account at a smaller bank will likely include many of same features as national banks, but a local bank with community ties may be more willing to get involved with your organization. This type of involvement may include sponsoring events, sharing information about your nonprofit organization or making charitable contributions. Over time, a partnership with a local bank may yield significant benefits that are not included in standard checking accounts.