Tech Republic

Finding a bank that seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks is crucial for small business owners, as it streamlines bookkeeping by reducing manual data entry and errors. Many banks and financial technology (fintech) companies offer this integration, so it’s important to explore their additional features. Here, I’ve reviewed the 10 best banks that integrate with QuickBooks. Best overall bank that integrates with QuickBooks: Chase Member FDIC Best for small businesses with low transactions: U.S. Bank Member FDIC Best for earning high interest: Bluevine Bluevine is a financial technology company, not a bank.Bluevine deposits are FDIC-insured through Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC. Best for large-scale startups needing more FDIC insurance Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Deposits in checking and savings accounts are held by our banking services partners, Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust ®; Members FDIC. Deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through insurance to apply. : Mercury Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust ®️; Members FDIC. Deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured bank. Best for quick payments through Novo Boost: Novo Novo is a fintech company; not a bank. Deposit account services provided by Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A., Member FDIC. Best high-yield bundled business accounts and free payment software: Grasshopper Bank Member FDIC Best for self-employed professionals: Found Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Piermont Bank, Member FDIC. The Found Mastercard debit card is issued by Piermont Bank pursuant to a license from Mastercard Inc. Best for teams needing more accounts and debit cards: Relay Relay is a fintech company; not a bank. Deposit account services provided by Thread Bank, Member FDIC. Best for expanded FDIC coverage and unlimited ATM fee refunds: Axos Bank Member FDIC Best high-APY savings and SBA financing: Live Oak Bank Member FDIC Best banks that integrate with QuickBooks quick comparison Below, I summed up the top features I considered for the 10 financial providers. Here is our list of banks that integrate with QuickBooks Online. Chase: Best overall bank that integrates with QuickBooks Our rating: 4.31 out of 5 Image: Chase Chase is my top pick for the best banks that integrate with QuickBooks. This full-service bank automatically transfers credit card payment data and bank transactions from your business account to your QuickBooks Online accounts daily. This includes card sales, refunds, fees, chargebacks, income, and expenses, making it easy to reconcile your bank accounts. Chase offers three business checking accounts with waivable fees, in-person banking in multiple states, and efficient tools and services. Why I chose it I chose Chase as my overall best bank for QuickBooks integration because it offers a full suite of business banking products and services and has a nationwide branch presence. The lowest-tier Chase Business Complete Checking® account provides 20 paper transactions, unlimited electronic transactions, and a monthly cash deposit allowance of $5,000. You’ll also get a bonus of up to $500 when you open a new Business Complete Checking® account and meet the qualifying activities. The offer is valid until April 17, 2025. Monthly fees Chase Business Complete Banking: $15; waivable by having any of these: $2,000 average daily balance. $2,000 Chase Ink Business Cards spend. $2,000 in deposits from Chase QuickAccept or other eligible Chase Payment Solutions transactions. Linked Chase Private Client CheckingSM, JPMorgan Classic Checking, or Private Client Checking Plus account. Meet Chase Military Banking requirements. Chase Performance Business Checking: $30; waivable by meeting a $35,000 or greater combined average daily balance (ADB) in qualifying business deposit accounts. Chase Platinum Business Checking: $95; waivable by meeting a $100,000 combined ADB across qualifying business deposit and investment accounts. The required ADB is $50,000 for a linked Private Client CheckingSM, JPMorgan Classic Checking, or Private Client Checking Plus account. Features Free associate and employee debit cards upon request. Digital banking and branch locations in 48 states. Chase Bank QuickBooks integration. Built-in card acceptance through its mobile app. Fraud protection services. Payment and invoicing services via Chase Payment Solutions. Online and branch customer support. Welcome bonus for eligible new accounts. Pros and cons Pros Cons $5,000 free cash deposits monthly for entry-level accounts. Unlimited electronic transactions. Up to $500 cashback bonus for new accounts (conditions apply). No required opening deposit and minimum balance. No interest earnings. Only 20 fee-free paper transactions. $3 ATM fee when using nonnetwork (waived for higher-tier accounts). High balances to waive the monthly fees for premium checking accounts. U.S. Bank: Best for small businesses with low transactions Our rating: 4.30 out of 5 Image: U.S. Bank U.S. Bank is a traditional bank that lets you take control of your financial data by allowing you to link your bank account with QuickBooks Online to oversee both your bank and credit card transactions. You can start by setting up your QuickBooks Online account. The bank offers three business checking options, a specialized nonprofit account, and several cash management and payment processing services. Why I chose it I recommend U.S. Bank’s starter account, Silver Business Checking, to small business owners who are just starting out, as it does not charge a monthly fee. Plus, you get 125 free monthly transactions and can deposit up to $2,500 monthly with no charges. Read our U.S. Bank business checking review to learn more about its fees and key features. In addition, you can earn a bonus of up to $900 when you open a new, eligible U.S. Bank business checking account (promo code: Q1AFL25) and complete qualifying activities, subject to certain terms and limitations—offer valid through March 31, 2025. Member FDIC. Monthly fees Silver Business Checking: $0. Gold Business Checking: $20; waivable by having any of these: A U.S. Bank Payment Solutions Merchant account. $10,000 average collected balance. $20,000 combined average collected business deposit balances. $50,000 combined average collected business deposits and outstanding credit balances. Platinum Business Checking: $30; waivable by having

Bluevine is a digital banking solution designed for small business owners, freelancers, and entrepreneurs seeking straightforward, high-yield checking options with minimal fees. Known for its competitive 1.5% annual percentage yield (APY) on balances up to $250,000, Bluevine provides a cost-effective banking solution that merges business checking with savings-like returns. Let’s break down Bluevine’s core features and pricing and see how it compares to similar business banking options. Keep reading for more on how Bluevine can help you! Bluevine’s fast facts My rating: 4.7 out of 5Starting price: Free business checking with zero monthly fees or minimum balance requiredKey features: High-yield APY on qualifying balances Free incoming domestic wires and ACH transfers Free in-network ATM transactions No monthly fees or overdraft charges Unlimited transactions Free debit card access About Bluevine Image: Bluevine Bluevine has become a popular choice among small businesses looking to open a bank account tailored towards online banking options that provide value without the hassle of traditional bank fees. With a strong emphasis on low costs, convenience, and yield, Bluevine’s business checking account is aimed at companies that don’t need cash deposits or branch access. Below, I explore its standout features, customer feedback, and overall value for business banking. Bluevine reviews: User opinions and ratings 4.67/5 Bluevine users appreciate its no-fee structure, 1.5% APY on balances, and ease of use for managing business expenses. Customers frequently mention the benefits of having a digital-first bank that prioritizes yield, especially when business savings can grow passively without additional transfers to a separate savings account. While many users value the simplicity of an online-only banking solution, a few express concerns about Bluevine’s limited cash deposit options, as Bluevine only supports cash deposits through Green Dot locations. For businesses operating online or with minimal cash transactions, however, Bluevine’s digital banking approach fits well. NerdWallet: 4.7 out of 5 stars Trustpilot: 4.6 out of 5 stars G2: 4.7 out of 5 stars Bluevine has earned high praise for its mobile and desktop platforms, which provide an intuitive experience for users to track transactions and balances. Businesses focused on digital transactions and ACH transfers find Bluevine an especially valuable solution. Bluevine’s pricing structure Bluevine’s business checking account structure emphasizes cost savings, making it a strong choice for small businesses on a budget. No monthly fees: Zero monthly maintenance or minimum balance fees Unlimited transactions: No transaction limits, which is ideal for businesses with high transaction volumes High-yield APY: Qualifying accounts can earn up to 1.5% APY on balances up to $250,000 No overdraft fees: Users can avoid accidental charges with Bluevine’s fee-free overdraft policy Key features of Bluevine Business Checking 4.7/5 Bluevine Business Checking offers multiple benefits that cater to the needs of entrepreneurs and small business owners, including high APY, unlimited transactions, and integration options. All of the previous features are valuable considerations when choosing the right bank for your business. Here’s an overview of Bluevine’s main features: High-yield APY on balancesBluevine offers up to 1.5% APY on qualifying balances up to $250,000, one of the most competitive interest rates available in business checking accounts. To be eligible for the APY, users must either spend $500 per month with the Bluevine Business Debit Mastercard or receive $2,500 in customer payments through ACH, wire transfer, or third-party services. No monthly maintenance feesBluevine has no monthly maintenance or minimum balance requirements, making it easy for small businesses to keep costs low. This fee-free structure helps entrepreneurs focus on growth without worrying about account fees cutting into their budgets. Unlimited transactionsBluevine does not limit the number of monthly transactions, making it especially valuable for businesses with high transaction volumes. Unlike some accounts that charge per transaction, Bluevine allows unlimited transfers, deposits, and withdrawals. Digital-first bankingBluevine’s platform is entirely digital, allowing users to manage their accounts via an intuitive online interface or mobile app. For business owners accustomed to handling their finances digitally, Bluevine’s online experience provides an efficient and user-friendly alternative to traditional banking. Integration capabilitiesBluevine integrates with popular accounting software, including QuickBooks and Xero, enabling seamless bookkeeping and simplifying tax preparation. This integration can save time and reduce the need for manual entry, giving users a clear view of their finances. Would our expert use Bluevine Business Checking? 5.00/5 Bluevine Business Checking is a highly appealing choice for tech-savvy businesses seeking a low-cost, high-yield banking solution. With no fees, a high APY, and excellent integration capabilities, Bluevine is best suited for small businesses, freelancers, and startups that prioritize digital transactions and account flexibility. However, businesses that require frequent cash deposits may find Bluevine’s limitations in this area challenging. Bluevine is an excellent choice for small businesses prioritizing low fees, digital banking, and account yield. However, companies needing traditional banking features like branch access or cash handling may prefer other options. More Banking Coverage Bluevine Business Checking pros No monthly fees or hidden charges High 1.5% APY on balances up to $250,000 Unlimited transactions without fees Digital-first platform with a seamless mobile app experience Integrates with QuickBooks and Xero Bluevine Business Checking cons Limited cash deposit options, available only through Green Dot locations No branch access or physical banking services Does not offer business loans or credit products Bluevine provides flexibility and simplicity, helping entrepreneurs of all kinds access financial management tools without the need for a complex or costly banking setup. Factors to consider when choosing Bluevine Bluevine’s straightforward business checking option fits many entrepreneurs, but businesses should consider these points before opening an account: Cash deposits: Bluevine’s cash deposits are only available through Green Dot locations, with a fee charged per deposit. Interest yield requirements: To access Bluevine’s high APY, users must meet specific transaction or deposit criteria, which may not suit businesses with lower monthly transaction volumes. Digital-only platform: Bluevine’s services are entirely online, so businesses that require in-person assistance may find it lacking. Alternatives to Bluevine Business Checking If Bluevine Business Checking doesn’t meet all of your needs, consider these alternatives: Novo Business Checking Chase Business Checking Mercury Business Checking Starting

Does your organization utilize iPad apps for kiosk-style purposes, or have you ever needed to hand a device to someone else to use an app or enter information without giving them full access? Apple’s Guided Access accessibility feature is a solution for such scenarios that is built into iOS and iPadOS. Guided Access allows a user to lock a single app on the screen, preventing users from returning to the Home Screen, opening another app, activating Siri, or using the hardware buttons without entering a passcode to exit Guided Access. 2 Wrike Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees) Medium, Large, Enterprise Features Analytics / Reports, API, Billing / Invoicing, and more 3 Customer.io Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features Analytics / Reports, API, Email / Drip Marketing, and more SEE: What’s new in iOS 18.2? Setting up Guided Access To enable Guided Access, follow these steps. Open the Settings app. Navigate to Accessibility. Select Guided Access. Enable the switch for Guided Access. You’ll be prompted to enter a passcode when setting up Guided Access. If your device has Touch ID or Face ID, it may be used to deactivate Guided Access instead of the passcode. Image: Cory Bohon/TechRepublic The accessibility shortcut allows you to activate Guided Access by clicking the iPad’s hardware button three times. On devices with a Home button, press it three times. On devices with Face ID, press the side or top button three times. Activating Guided Access Before activating Guided Access, launch the app you’d like to lock to the screen, and then follow these steps: Triple-click the Home button if your device has one, or the side / top button on devices with Face ID. The Guided Access configuration panel will appear. Tap the Options button (bottom left of the screen) to enable or disable the use of top buttons, volume buttons, motion, keyboards, touch or dictionary lookup, or set a time limit for Guided Access. Tap Start to begin. Once activated, the iPad will remain locked to the selected app, preventing access to other features. The configuration view for Guided Access lets you start the feature and configure various options. Image: Cory Bohon/TechRepublic Deactivating Guided Access When you’re ready to disable Guided Access, follow these steps. Press the same button you used to activate it three times. Enter your password or authenticate with Touch ID or Face ID. This will display the Guided Access setup view where you originally activated the feature, except the Cancel button has now become an End button, allowing you to completely end the accessibility feature when tapped. When deactivating Guided Access, you must authenticate with a passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID. Image: Cory Bohon/TechRepublic Must-read Apple coverage How do I restrict apps on my iPad? If you want to restrict apps so children or other users can only access certain features, you will need a different menu from the one where the kiosk mode setting resides. To use parental controls to lock specific media services, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > App Store, Media, Web, & Games. How do I put a password on my iOS app? Some developers allow users to add password access within their apps; however, Apple provides an alternative method through Screen Time. Go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits > Add Limit. Select the category of apps or specific app to limit. Select Next. Screen Time locks an app using a password after a set amount of time, so select the shortest time span (1 minute) or choose a time frame. Finally, select Block At End Of Limit. By knowing how to lock apps on an iPad, you can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive apps and maintain control over device usage. TechnologyAdvice staff writer Megan Crouse updated this article. source

When you spend a lot of time working with PDFs, you very quickly learn to loathe PDFs. While they’re a useful file format for disseminating the final form of a document, they’re exceedingly difficult to make changes on. So, if you’re spending a lot of time going back and forth editing a document, or you need someone to sign a document without changing anything else, things get a little complicated. That’s why a PDF program like PDF Converter Pro is so valuable to have in your app repertoire. PDF Converter Pro is an all-in-one tool that allows you create or convert PDF documents into a variety of formats or from a variety of formats with ease. You can change and back up your PDF files to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Text, HTML, PNG and JPG files for convenient editing and viewing in a way that makes sense to you. (And vice versa.) It also has built-in OCR technology allowing you to extract text from image-based PDF documents with the original format and graph to better share information from images. PDF Converter Pro works at outstanding speed and also allows you to merge and split PDFs, compress PDFs, password protect them for sharing, and more. All of that contributed to PDF Converter Pro earning a 4.4/5 rating from Trustpilot. Work smarter if you’re going to be spending a lot of time with PDFs. Right now, you can get a lifetime license to PDF Converter Pro for 70% off $99 at just $29.99 with coupon code SAVE20 through Feb. 23, 2025. Prices and availability are subject to change. source

The U.K.’s office of the Home Secretary has allegedly asked Apple to provide a backdoor into any material any user has uploaded to iCloud worldwide, The Washington Post reported on Feb. 7. Anonymous sources provided The Washington Post the information and expressed concerns about tech companies being leveraged for government surveillance. Apple has not commented; however, in March, the company provided a statement to Parliament on the occasion of receiving notice of a potential request, saying “There is no reason why the U.K. [government] should have the authority to decide for citizens of the world whether they can avail themselves of the proven security benefits that flow from end-to-end encryption.” Must-read security coverage UK government request falls under 2016 law enforcement act The office of the Home Secretary acted under the U.K. Investigatory Powers Act of 2016, which enables law enforcement to force companies to comply with demands for access if that access is part of a search for evidence. Specifically, the office served Apple with a technical capability notice. A consultant advising the U.S. government on matters related to encryption called the U.K.’s request “shocking,” according to The Washington Post. “If implemented, the directive will create a dangerous cybersecurity vulnerability in the nervous system of our global economy,” Meredith Whittaker, president of the encrypted messenger nonprofit organization Signal, told The Washington Post. SEE: Security professionals in the UK can watch the Cyber Monitoring Centre’s new cyber attack rating system, but its information may be too broad and too late for practical use. Advanced Data Protection comes under fire again The possible backdoor means the U.K. government could access information uploaded by personal and business users deploying Apple products, even if Apple itself can’t see that information due to the encryption applied to some of its cloud storage. Specifically, the order would give the U.K. an opening into information covered under Apple’s Advanced Data Protection, an optional security layer introduced in 2022. If the U.K. does get its backdoor, Apple could shut down the Advanced Data Protection service. The FBI under President Donald Trump’s first administration protested Advanced Data Protection for similar inaccessibility reasons the U.K. is now seeking to circumvent. On the other hand, tech companies like Apple allege a backdoor would be used by criminals or by authoritarian governments against their citizens. Advanced Data Protection for iCloud is available to Apple users at no additional cost. It can be set up using a recovery contact or key on top of a standard, updated Apple Account’s two-factor authentication. “Most” Apple users don’t activate Advanced Data Protection, The Washington Post said. source

A cyber attack hit an Australian user every second in 2024, marking a staggering twelvefold increase from the previous year. This surge contributed to a global cybersecurity crisis, where 5.6 billion accounts were compromised worldwide, equating to 176 breaches per second, according to Surfshark. The global total represents a nearly eightfold surge from 2023 when only 23 accounts were compromised per second. Australia’s data breach epidemic Australia recorded 47 million data breaches last year, up from 2023’s 4.1 million, making it the eleventh most affected country worldwide, according to Surfshark. On a per capita basis, 1,785 Australian accounts were breached per 1,000 residents, far exceeding New Zealand’s 779 per 1,000. Surfshark, a cybersecurity firm, analysed attack data from 29,000 publicly available databases to put together its 2024 data breach recap. SEE: Phishing Emails in Australia Rise by 30% “On a global scale, 285 accounts are breached per 100 people on average,” Emilija Kucinskaite, senior researcher at Surfshark, said in a press release. “However, in Australia, this number goes up to 732 per 100 people. Statistically speaking, an average Australian has been affected by data breaches around 7 times.” A total of 554.5 million personal records belonging to Australians have been exposed since 2004, consisting of email addresses, passwords, phone numbers, credit card details, IP address, and other sensitive information. On average, each email address was breached with three additional pieces of sensitive data. Indeed, over the last decade, 192.5 million Australian user accounts across different platforms have been compromised, and 106.9 million of these were accompanied with passwords. This put 56% of breached users in danger of account takeover, Surfshark found, potentially resulting in identity theft, extortion, and other cyber crimes. The exposed user accounts also consisted of 49 million unique Australian email addresses. Must-read security coverage A costly and growing threat In 2024, the average cost of a data breach in Australia reached a record high of AUD $4.26 million (USD $2.77 million), representing a 27% increase since 2020. This rise is attributed to: More phishing attacks Longer breach detection times Increasing cybersecurity skills shortages The growing sophistication of cyber threats Furthermore, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner found that the number of notifiable data breaches in the first six months of 2024 (527) was 9% higher than the same period in 2023 and marked the largest number since 2020. Major cyber attacks that hit Australia Several high-profile breaches contributed to record-breaking figures. In April, MediSecure, an electronic prescriptions provider, suffered a ransomware attack compromising the personal and health data of approximately 12.9 million Australians. SEE: National Public Data Breach: 134 Million Unique Emails Leaked February saw 122 million individuals affected by a data leak at B2B demand generation company DemandScience, which, according to Surfshark, included 1.2 million Australians. Then, in May, IT provider Outabox suffered a breach affecting about one million patrons of New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory clubs. The world’s largest compilation of passwords to be leaked online was also discovered last year, containing 9,948,575,739 unique plaintext entries. The credentials were discovered in a file named “rockyou2024.txt” that was posted on a popular hacking forum on July 4, 2024. Cybersecurity in 2024: a growing battlefield The rising threat of cyber attacks is not an Australia-specific problem, with the barrier to entry for hackers being lowered by the accessibility of AI. The top five countries for breach volume, from highest to lowest, are China, Russia, the U.S., France, and Germany. The top three accounted for 46% of the world’s data breaches. Experts warn that without significant action, exposure to cyber risks will only intensify in 2025. source

A negative ChexSystems report can make getting approved for a business account challenging and it may take up to five years for the record to be removed. While you’re working to resolve issues on your ChexSystems report, you can apply for a business account with one of the providers on our list of the best business accounts that do not use ChexSystems. Best overall business account with no ChexSystems: Bluevine Provider is a fintech platform, not a bank. It provides FDIC insurance and deposit services through a partnership with Coastal Community Bank. Best for full-service banking and branch accessibility: Wells Fargo Member FDIC Best for unlimited daily transactions: Capital One Member FDIC Best for robust startup services and high FDIC coverage: Mercury Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust®️; Members FDIC. Deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured bank. Best for speedy fund access and express payments: Novo Provider is a fintech platform, not a bank. It provides FDIC insurance and deposit services through a partnership with Middlesex Federal Savings. Best business accounts with no ChexSystems quick comparison The table below shows the top factors I considered when evaluating the five best business accounts with no ChexSystems. Bluevine: Best overall business account with no ChexSystems Our rating: 4.48 out of 5 Image: Bluevine Bluevine is a highly reputable fintech company that offers competitive high yields through a fee-free business checking account. Unlike most checking products, which typically do not earn an APY, Bluevine’s account stands out as an excellent choice. Additionally, they provide one of the best lines of credit available, featuring low interest rates. Bluevine is also among our top picks for the best international banks for businesses, thanks to its quick overseas payment options and transparent pricing. Small businesses can take advantage of its integrations with various financial platforms, which include QuickBooks, Xero, CashApp, Venmo, and Square. Why I chose it Bluevine Standard is my best overall business account with no ChexSystems because it has no monthly maintenance fee, initial deposit, or minimum balance requirement. Additionally, users can earn an APY of 1.5% Applies to qualifying balances of up to $250,000. if they meet one of these two conditions: Make a monthly purchase of at least $500 using a Bluevine debit card. Receive a monthly payment of $2,500 into the checking account. Account holders can also enjoy unlimited transactions, free standard ACH services, and no fees for incoming domestic wire transfers. As your business grows, I recommend shifting to Bluevine’s higher-tier plans, which offer even higher APY rates and reduced standard payment fees. Take advantage of Bluevine’s free one-month trial for an upgraded plan. With this trial, you can earn higher APY rates without having to meet any conditions. Enjoy discounted bill payments, and you’ll have the option to switch back to the free plan once the trial period ends. Monthly fees Bluevine Standard: $0 Bluevine Plus: $30; waivable by having: An ADB of $20,000 across your Bluevine checking account, including subaccounts. A spend of $2,000 monthly using your Bluevine debit or credit card. Bluevine Premier: $95; waivable by meeting: An ADB of $100,000 across your Bluevine checking account, including subaccounts. A spend of $5,000 monthly using your Bluevine debit or credit card. Features Five subaccounts with unique account numbers. Free ACH and incoming domestic wire transfers. Free ATM access at over 37,000 MoneyPass locations. International payments to 32 countries in 15 currencies. QuickBooks, Xero, and Wave integrations. Wise, Venmo, CashApp, and Square compatibility. FDIC insurance of up to $3 million. Lines of credit of up to $250,000 at low rates. Pros and cons Pros Cons No monthly maintenance fees or balance minimums for Bluevine Standard. $2.50 for non-network ATM use, plus third-party operator fees. APY rate of 1.5% for a free plan. No ATM fee refunds. Fast account application approval. No savings products. Wells Fargo: Best for full-service banking and branch accessibility Our rating: 4.37 out of 5 Image: Wells Fargo Wells Fargo is a well-recognized institution that offers full-service banking. This includes three business checking accounts with fees that can be waived. The lowest tier, Initiate Business Checking, requires an initial deposit of $25 and includes 100 free transactions along with up to $5,000 in free cash deposits. The monthly fee of $10 can be waived by maintaining a daily balance of $500 or an average ledger balance of $1,000. With a large branch network in Washington, D.C., and 36 states Wells Fargo has no branches in Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia. , you can easily access in-person banking services at Wells Fargo. The bank also offers analyzed, IOLTA Interest on Lawyers Trust Account , RETA Real Estate Trust Account accounts, savings products, certificates of deposit (CDs), credit cards, SBA Small Business Administration  loans, healthcare practice financing, and lines of credit. Why I chose it If you’re looking for a business bank account with no ChexSystems, Wells Fargo is a solid pick because they have many physical locations, which is convenient for small businesses that require in-person banking. They allow a high cash deposit limit of $5,000 for cash-reliant small businesses, and you can waive the monthly fee by maintaining a minimum balance of $500. I appreciate the wide range of business products available at Wells Fargo, making it easy to apply for savings accounts, financing, and credit cards all in one reputable institution. Additionally, the bank offers personal second-chance accounts to help you rebuild your credit. Monthly fees Initiate Business Checking: $10; waivable by meeting a daily balance of $500 or an average ledger balance of $1,000. Navigate Business Checking: $25; waivable by meeting a daily balance of $10,000 or average combined business deposit balances of $15,000. Optimize Business Checking: $75 can be reduced or offset by an earning allowance. Features Waivable monthly fees. Free incoming wire transfers for higher-tier accounts. Free access to more than

Samsung regained the top of the leaderboard of semiconductor companies by revenue, Gartner said on Feb. 3 in its yearly worldwide semiconductor vendor statistics report. Global semiconductor revenue hit $626 billion, up 18.1% from 2023. “The rising demand for AI and generative AI (GenAI) workloads led data centers to become the second-largest market for semiconductors in 2024, behind smartphones,” said George Brocklehurst, vice president analyst at Gartner, in a press release. Samsung takes the top of the semiconductor leaderboard Samsung Electronics sat at the top of Gartner’s semiconductor leaderboard with $66.5 billion in revenue, rounded. The top five semiconductor vendors were: Samsung ($66.5 billion in revenue). Intel ($49.2 billion in revenue). NVIDIA ($46 billion in revenue). SK hynix ($42.8 billion in revenue). Qualcomm ($32.4 billion in revenue). A rebound in memory device prices helped Samsung take the top spot from Intel. NVIDIA moved up two spots to number five due to its success in the AI market. Despite Intel’s AI PC business and the Core Ultra chipset, the company’s semiconductor revenue growth stayed flat at 0.1% growth in 2024; Gartner said Intel’s AI accelerator and x86 business offset its successes. Gartner said NVIDIA’s strong AI business is the rocket engine behind its climb up the list. SEE: The success of Chinese generative AI DeepSeek is divisive among Australian political and industry groups.  Data centers, CPUs, and AI processors drive the increase “Graphics processing units (GPUs) and AI processors used in data center applications (servers and accelerator cards) were the key drivers for the chip sector in 2024,” Brocklehurst said in the press release. Data center semiconductor revenue alone was $112 billion in 2024, up from $64.8 billion in 2023. More about Innovation Memory is also hot, with 71.8% revenue growth among memory products in 2024. High-bandwidth memory (HBM) production had a large impact, responsible for a significant portion of revenue for DRAM vendors; DRAM revenue overall grew by 75.4% in 2024. Nonmemory revenue, which accounts for most (74.8%) semiconductor revenue, grew 6.9% in 2024. Semiconductor revenue predicted for 2025 As of February 2024, Gartner said the semiconductor sector will continue to see rising revenue, with $705 billion of revenue predicted in 2025. “Memory and AI semiconductors will drive near-term growth,” Brocklehurst said. Specifically, HBM revenue will increase and make up a larger share of the total DRAM revenue. source

As a solopreneur, you’re responsible for your business’s growth and handling payroll for one employee, including tax calculations, filings, and record-keeping. Managing all these can be stressful. Fortunately, payroll software and services can automate these processes and save you from potential payroll errors. Here’s my list of the top 10 pay processing software to help you run payroll for 1 employee. 1 Deel Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features 24/7 Customer Support, API, Document Management / Sharing, and more 2 Rippling Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features API, Check Printing, Document Management / Sharing, and more 3 Velocity Global Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features Employee Database, Multi-Country Payroll, Onboarding, and more Top one-employee payroll software comparison Our rating (out of 5) Starting monthly price Pay runs via mobile app 24/7 customer support Square Payroll 4.00 $35 + $6 per employee Yes No Justworks 3.91 $50 + $8 per employee No Yes QuickBooks Payroll 3.9 $50 + $6 per employee No 24/7 live chat Gusto 3.88 $40 + $6 per employee No No Paychex Flex 3.65 Custom Yes Yes OnPay 3.59 $40 + $6 per employee No No RUN Powered by ADP 3.58 Custom Yes No Patriot Payroll 3.49 $37 + $5 per employee No No Roll by ADP 3.47 $39 + $5 per employee Yes Yes Deel 3.47 $19 per employee No 24/7 live chat *These can end at any time. Visit the providers’ websites to check the latest promotions. 1. Square Payroll: Best overall Our rating: 4.00 out of 5 Image: Square Square Payroll helps small businesses manage their online payroll operations. It runs payroll automatically and handles tax filing across federal, state, and local tax jurisdictions, including end-of-year tax reporting. It supports various employee payment options, such as manual paychecks, direct deposits, and instant payouts via the Square Cash application. This is unlike other providers, such as QuickBooks Payroll, which requires you to upgrade to its higher plans to get same-day payments. In addition, Square Payroll is compatible and integrates with client payment processing and accounting software, such as Square POS and QuickBooks Online. The automatic data syncs between Square and its partner programs make tip tracking and bookkeeping easy. Pricing Square Payroll offers two pricing plans: Full-service payroll: $35 per month plus $6 per employee per month. Contractor-only payroll: $6 per employee per month. With an overall score of 4 out of 5 in my evaluation, Square Payroll is cheaper than Gusto and OnPay (both with monthly fees of $40 + $6 per employee). However, it has limited HR tools. Square Payroll also charges an annual fee of $3 per form if you want them to mail paper copies of payroll tax forms—although digital versions of tax documents are free. Square Payroll pros and cons Pros Cons Easy integration with Square products Limited HR tools Intuitive mobile app with payroll features Lacks 24/7 support and HR advisory services Straightforward system and account setup Why I chose Square Payroll If you have a retail or service-based business, Square’s extensive product suite makes it a good option for managing payments, point-of-sale transactions, and payroll for one employee. Its different products sync easily, and you can transfer funds from your Square balance to the Square Cash app to pay yourself instantly or send funds to your bank account for two- or four-day direct deposit payouts. I also like its online seller community or forum, where you can connect with other small business owners and Square users. This is helpful if you need advice on boosting sales or have questions about using Square Payroll’s features. Square Payroll has an automatic pay run option that you can easily switch on and off. Image: Square Payroll Learn more about Square Payroll Read the full Square Payroll review. Interested in seeing how Square Payroll compares to the other payroll tools in this guide? Check these out: 2. Justworks: Best for compliance support Our rating: 3.91 out of 5 Image: Justworks As a professional employer organization (PEO) service provider, Justworks handles the intricacies of pay processing to give you more time to run your business. However, apart from its PEO service, it has a payroll-only option that includes automatic wage and deduction calculations, tax filing assistance, and payroll compliance. This is great for one-employee businesses looking for a reliable payroll tool because most PEOs require at least two employees if you want to sign up for its services. Even with its payroll-only option, you get dedicated phone support and integration options with accounting tools like QuickBooks Online for easy pay data transfers and accurate bookkeeping. It also provides real-time alerts to help keep you on top of federal and state compliance requirements. This leaves you with more time running your business instead of constantly checking labor laws and federal regulations for updates. Pricing Justworks Payroll costs $50 per month plus $8 per employee per month. This option doesn’t include health or retirement plans like most of the software on my list. However, if want to get medical, dental, and vision insurance, its health insurance add-on for the payroll-only plan costs $8 per employee per month. If you decide to expand your business globally and need help hiring and paying international workers, you can get its employer of record (EOR) services for $599 per employee per month. For its PEO services, Justworks offers two plans: Basic: $59 per employee per month. Plus: $109 per employee per month. With a 3.69 out of 5 score, Justworks Payroll may be pricier than the others on my list, but it offers more than processing payroll for 1 employee. You get the benefit of its compliance expertise as a PEO, so you’re assured that pay processes always meet federal and state regulations. You

The best banks for real estate investors provide banking accounts designed to streamline rental property operations. These banks offer business software integrations and low banking fees to help maximize profits from property investments. Additionally, they provide access to commercial real estate (CRE) lending solutions and include valuable features such as rent collection and cash flow management tools. Here is a list of the seven best banks for real estate investors. Best overall bank for real estate investors: Baselane Provider is a fintech platform; not a bank. It provides FDIC insurance and deposit services through a partnership with Thread Bank. Best for long-term owner-occupied CRE loans and welcome bonus: U.S. Bank Member FDIC. Best for a variety of CRE loans and wide branch access: Chase Member FDIC. Best small business line of credit and interest-earning checking: Bluevine Provider is a fintech platform; not a bank. It provides FDIC insurance and deposit services through a partnership with Coastal Community Bank. Best for online rent collection with banking product: Stessa Provider is a fintech platform; not a bank. It provides FDIC insurance and deposit services through a partnership with Thread Bank. Best for SBAⓘ financing and high-yield bundled accounts: Grasshopper Member FDIC. Best for customized CRE lending solutions and maximum APY earnings: First Internet Bank Member FDIC. Best banks for real estate investors quick comparison The table below reflects the top factors I evaluated for the seven best banks for real estate investors. Available loan information per provider Loan amount Interest rate Loan terms Loan types Minimum time in business and revenue Baselane Landlord Banking $100,000 to $3 million for conventional loans Varies Up to 30 years Conventional loans, rental loans (DSCR), portfolio rental loans, and short-term rentals Undisclosed U.S. Bank Silver Business Checking Up to $12.375 million for SBA loans and up to $250,000 for quick loans Based on WSJ Prime interest rates Up to 25 years Lines of credit, quick loans, term loans, CRE loans, and SBA loans Generally two years; undisclosed Chase Business Complete Checking® Up to $500,000 for lines of credit and small business loans Varies Up to 25 years for CRE loans Lines of credit, small business loans, SBA loans, and CRE financing Undisclosed Bluevine Standard Up to $250,000 for lines of credit As low as 7.8% Six or 12 months Lines of creditTerm loans and SBA loans via partners 12+ months; $10,000 monthly or $120,000 annually Stessa Cash Management N/A Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking Starts at $1 million for CRE loans and starts at $250,000 for SBA loans Varies Generally two years SBA 7(a) loans and CRE loans Undisclosed First Internet Bank Do More BusinessTM Checking Up to $5 million for SBA loans and starts at $100,000 for lines of credit Based on Prime rates Varies Lines of credit, term loans, CRE loans, and SBA loans Undisclosed Image: Baselane Baselane: Best overall bank for real estate investors Our rating: 4.11 out of 5 Baselane is a financial technology (fintech) platform designed for real estate investors. It offers multiple checking accounts for managing profits, paying bills, and safeguarding security deposits. In addition to its banking solutions, Baselane provides features such as rent collection, tenant screening, and bookkeeping services. The platform also partners with selected lenders to offer a broad range of financing options for rentals, new construction, Airbnb properties, and fix-and-flips. Why I chose it I chose Baselane as the overall best bank for real estate investors because it offers a business checking account with no monthly fees or required opening deposits. You also get unlimited virtual accounts to store security deposits for each tenant. Baselane simplifies the rent collection process with automated invoicing, reminders, and late fee notices, making it efficient to manage your rental properties. Additionally, setting up an account online is quick and straightforward. Monthly fees Minimum opening deposit: None. APY: Tiered up to 3.35% under savings accounts. ATM fees: None at over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs. Features No minimum balance requirement. Security deposit or virtual accounts. Quick rent collection through QuickPay. Tenant screening service available. Multiple accounts per property. Free incoming domestic wires and ACH transfers. Free rental income calculator and printable lease agreements. Automated invoicing and integrated bookkeeping. Pros and cons Pros Cons No monthly fees or initial deposit requirements. Debit card cash back rewards. FDIC insurance of up to $3 million. No physical branches. No money market account and certificates of deposit. Image: U.S. Bank U.S. Bank: Best for long-term owner-occupied CRE loans and welcome bonus Our rating: 4.06 out of 5 U.S. Bank, a traditional financial institution, offers a variety of CRE lending solutions for investors interested in purchasing multi-family buildings or renovating commercial properties. The bank provides three business checking accounts that can be opened online, including the Silver Business Checking account, which features no monthly fee, 125 free monthly transactions, and a cash deposit allowance of $2,500 per month. See our U.S. Bank business checking review for details on key features. Why I chose it I recommend U.S. Bank for long-term owner-occupied CRE loans, as you can pay off the loan over 25 years. You can secure an SBA 504 real estate loan of up to $12.375 million to purchase commercial real estate, refinance, or fund construction. Additionally, an incentive I like is the opportunity to earn a bonus of up to $900 when you open a new, eligible U.S. Bank business checking account online (promo code: Q1AFL25) and complete qualifying activities, subject to certain terms and limitations — offer valid through March 31, 2025. Member FDIC. Monthly fees Silver Business Checking: $0. Gold Business Checking: $20; waivable by having any of these: A U.S. Bank Payment Solutions Merchant account. $10,000 average collected balance. $20,000 combined average collected business deposit balances. $50,000 combined average collected business deposits and outstanding credit balances. Platinum Business Checking: $30; waivable by having any of these: $25,000 average collected checking balance. $75,000 combined average collected business deposits and outstanding credit balances. Features Commercial property loans with 5, 10, and 15-year terms. SBA financing. QuickBooks