10 Best Banks for Real Estate Investors and Small Business Owners

Published on July 31, 2023
10 Best Banks for Real Estate Investors and Small Business Owners

In today's highly competitive financial world, the bank you choose can make a significant difference in your real estate investing or small business endeavors. Your choice of bank could determine how efficiently you manage your finances, access credit, and ultimately, expand your portfolio or business.

 Given the increasing number of banks today, it's challenging to figure out which is the best bank for real estate investors or small business owners. That's why we've compiled this list of the 10 best banks for real estate investors and small business owners in 2023.

Do I Really Need Separate Bank Accounts? The Importance of Separating Personal and Business & Real Estate Finances

Do I Really Need Separate Bank Accounts? The Importance of Separating Personal and Business & Real Estate Finances

Having separate bank accounts for personal and business or real estate investing transactions is essential for numerous reasons. Here are the key reasons:

  1. Financial Organization: Separate accounts help keep your personal and business finances distinct, making it easier to track income and expenses for each. This is particularly useful during tax season.
  2. Professionalism: If you're a small business owner, having a dedicated business bank account can elevate your professionalism by enabling you to accept checks in your business name and make card payments from a business account.
  3. Legal Protection: In some cases, maintaining separate accounts can provide legal protection. If your business is ever sued, having distinct accounts may help protect your personal assets.

The Role of Banks in Real Estate Investing

Banks play an indispensable role in real estate investing. Here's a breakdown of their functions:

  1. Loan Provision: Banks provide necessary capital for real estate purchases. They offer different types of loans like mortgage loans for residential properties and commercial loans for commercial properties.
  2. Act as Intermediaries: Banks act as intermediaries in real estate transactions, facilitating a smooth transfer of funds between buyers and sellers.
  3. Provide Other Financial Services: Apart from loans, banks offer numerous other services that real estate investors need, such as business bank accounts, credit cards, and financial advisory services.

10 Best Banks for Real Estate Investors and Small Business Owners

1. JPMorgan Chase

1. JPMorgan Chase

JPMorgan Chase, commonly known as Chase Bank, is one of the best banks for both real estate investors and small business owners. As one of the largest and most trusted banks in the US, Chase offers a comprehensive suite of banking services that cater to different business needs.

The bank offers various options for commercial real estate loans, which can be a good fit for real estate investors looking to diversify their investment properties.

Chase's business checking accounts, such as the Chase Business Complete Banking℠, come with relatively low monthly fees, and the bank frequently offers bonuses for new business accounts.

Its business credit offerings are particularly noteworthy, with options suited for both start-ups and established businesses. The Chase Ink Business series of credit cards, for instance, offers attractive rewards and benefits tailored to diverse business needs.

The business credit card offers, including the Chase Ink Business cards, offer substantial rewards for business spending. Its mobile banking and online bank services are also highly rated, providing a smooth banking experience for users.

2. Wells Fargo

2. Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo is a solid choice for real estate investors and small business owners due to its robust business banking services. Wells Fargo is known for its flexible lending solutions, including commercial real estate lending and business lines of credit.

The bank’s real estate loan options are diverse, ranging from commercial real estate financing to residential investment property loans.

Wells Fargo's commitment to small business is exemplified by its diverse loan products, including Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, making it an excellent option for small businesses seeking a range of financial solutions.

The bank's business checking account options, like the Initiate Business Checking and Navigate Business Checking, have a wide range of features to fit different business sizes and needs.

The Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card is also an excellent option for business credit, offering cash back rewards on purchases. Lastly, Wells Fargo's online and mobile banking features ensure ease of account access and management.

3. Bank of America

3. Bank of America

Bank of America is another one of the best banks for real estate investors and small business owners, given its comprehensive financial products and business services. Its real estate banking services offer numerous options for financing investment properties, including commercial real estate loans and landlord services.

Bank of America offers business credit cards like the Business Advantage Cash Rewards card that provide significant cash back on various spending categories.

Bank of America's business accounts come with competitive features. The Business Advantage Fundamentals™ Banking, for instance, is designed for small and growing businesses, offering low minimum balance requirements and no monthly fee under certain conditions.

The bank also supports mobile banking, and the Bank of America mobile app is rated highly for its ease of use and convenient features.

4. U.S. Bank

4. U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank has a robust lineup of banking products that can benefit real estate investors and small business owners. It offers a wide array of commercial real estate loans, catering to investors in various types of properties.

U.S. Bank is known for its Silver Business Checking Package, an account suitable for businesses with basic banking needs. The bank also offers options for business credit and debit card.

Their online and mobile banking service is top-notch, allowing clients to easily monitor transactions and cash flow. Plus, U.S. Bank also provides various tools and resources to assist small businesses, like business formation documents and a business banking guide.

5. TD Bank

5. TD Bank

TD Bank is another reliable option for real estate investors and small business owners. With its comprehensive business banking services, TD Bank can cater to your needs whether you're a landlord, a real estate investor, or a small business owner.

The bank provides a range of commercial real estate financing options to help investors acquire, develop, or refinance their properties.

For small businesses, TD Bank offers business checking accounts, such as the TD Business Simple Checking, and savings account options. It also provides various business loans and lines of credit to help businesses maintain their cash flow. Additionally, TD Bank's mobile banking services make it easy to manage your accounts on the go.

6. PNC Bank

6. PNC Bank

PNC Bank stands out as a strong option for real estate investors and small business owners due to its range of banking products and business services. The bank's commercial real estate lending services offer solutions tailored to your property investment needs.

For businesses, PNC Bank offers various business checking accounts, including the PNC Business Checking and the PNC Business Checking Plus, each designed for different business sizes and needs.

The bank also provides business credit card options, like the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card, which offer rewards on everyday purchases. PNC's online and mobile banking features are also highly convenient for account management.

7. Capital One

7. Capital One

Capital One is a top choice for both landlords and real estate investors, as well as small business owners. The bank's commercial real estate loans are designed to meet the unique needs of property investors. Capital One's business banking services are comprehensive, offering both checking and savings accounts for businesses.

Capital One's Spark Business accounts are particularly notable. They offer unlimited rewards for business spending and no monthly fees under certain conditions.

Additionally, the Capital One Spark Business Basic Checking and the Capital One Spark Business Unlimited Checking accounts both provide unlimited transactions. Capital One's online and mobile banking services are also highly rated, offering a seamless banking experience.

8. BB&T (now Truist)

8. BB&T (now Truist)

BB&T, now operating as Truist after merging with SunTrust, is another bank that serves the needs of real estate investors and small business owners excellently.

Truist's commercial real estate lending services cater to investors looking to finance various types of properties. The bank offers business checking accounts such as Truist Business Checking, which is suitable for small businesses with moderate transaction activity.

For small business owners looking to manage their cash flow, Truist offers business credit card options like the Truist Business Cash Rewards Credit Card, which offers cash back on purchases.

Truist's online and mobile banking platforms are also user-friendly, allowing clients to easily manage their accounts, monitor cash flow, and perform transactions.

9. Fifth Third Bank

9. Fifth Third Bank

Fifth Third Bank offers a range of banking products tailored to the needs of real estate investors and small business owners. Its real estate banking services provide options for investment property financing and commercial real estate lending.

Fifth Third Bank's business accounts, like the Business Standard Checking and Business Premium Checking, come with varying features to suit different business sizes and needs.

The bank also offers business credit card options, including the Fifth Third Business Rewards Card, which offers rewards for business spending. Fifth Third's mobile and online banking services are also convenient for account management.

10. KeyBank

10. KeyBank

KeyBank is a reliable choice for real estate investors and small business owners due to its diverse range of banking services. KeyBank's commercial real estate financing options are designed to meet the specific needs of property investors.

The bank offers business checking accounts, like the KeyBank Basic Business Checking, which is a no-frills account suitable for small businesses.

KeyBank also offers business credit and debit card options, like the KeyBank Business Rewards Mastercard®, which offers rewards on spending. Furthermore, KeyBank's online and mobile banking services are top-tier, providing users with easy access to their accounts and a range of convenient features.

They also provide tailored advice and insights to help businesses grow and thrive, making them a solid banking partner for any small business or real estate investment endeavor.

How to Choose the Best Bank for Real Estate Investing & Small Business

How to Choose the Best Bank for Real Estate Investing & Small Business

Choosing the right bank for your business or real estate investment venture is a critical step that can significantly influence your financial success. With countless banks in the market, both online and brick-and-mortar, it's essential to navigate through the options with a defined strategy. Here are several key aspects to consider:

1. Identify Your Specific Needs

The first step to choosing the best bank involves a thorough evaluation of your financial requirements. Are you a real estate investor in 2023 looking for a bank offering real estate investment loans? Are you a small business owner seeking a small business checking account? Or, perhaps, you might need a bank that offers cash back on debit card payments. Defining your needs helps narrow down the choices.

2. Evaluate the Bank's Services and Offerings

Once you've identified your needs, you should carefully scrutinize the offerings of potential banks. Not every bank will be equipped to cater to your specific needs. Look for a bank that provides the right mix of services, whether it's an Internet bank that offers the convenience of online transactions or a traditional bank providing personalized, in-person service.

3. Consider the Bank's Fees

The cost of banking is another critical factor. Monthly fees, transaction charges, ATM fees, and minimum balance requirement penalties can add up quickly and dent your profits. Banks with low fees or those that provide ways to waive fees can offer more value.

4. Evaluate Online and Mobile Banking Features

In an increasingly digital world, seamless online and mobile banking services are a must. You should be able to open an account, monitor transactions, make payments, and manage your account anytime, anywhere.

5. Customer Service

Excellent customer service can make your banking experience smooth and hassle-free. Responsive customer support, easy access to banking professionals, and efficient problem resolution are all critical aspects of good customer service.

Tips for Real Estate Investors and Small Business Owners When Working with Banks

Tips for Real Estate Investors and Small Business Owners When Working with Banks

Navigating the banking landscape can seem daunting, but a strategic approach can turn this vital relationship into an asset. Here are some insightful tips:

  1. Establish Strong Relationships: Personal banking relationships matter. Whether you are a real estate investor or a small business owner, establishing a strong relationship with your bank can lead to numerous benefits. A solid rapport can potentially lead to better loan terms, access to better banking products, and personalized service.
  2. Maintain Good Credit: Maintaining a robust credit profile is essential for securing favorable loan terms. Banks look at credit scores as an indicator of your financial responsibility. A good credit score can also be beneficial when applying for credit cards, which can be instrumental tools in real estate investment and small business operations.
  3. Keep Your Financial Records Organized: Having well-organized and up-to-date financial records can streamline your banking experience. This organization is especially important when applying for loans where you'll need to provide these records as part of the application process.
  4. Understand Your Banking Products: Each banking product, whether it's a checking account, savings account, or a line of credit, comes with its terms and conditions. Understanding these can help you maximize the benefits and minimize the costs associated with each product.
  5. Leverage Online Banking: The best online banking platforms offer an array of services that can make managing your finances easier. From monitoring debit card purchases to managing your business savings account, online banking can be a valuable tool.

Common Challenges Faced by Real Estate Investors and Small Business Owners with Banks

While banks are a pivotal part of the financial ecosystem, they also pose certain challenges for real estate investors and small business owners. Here are some common issues:

  1. Meeting Strict Lending Criteria: Banks are notorious for their rigorous lending criteria. For a new business with limited financial history or a real estate investor with a less-than-perfect credit score, securing a loan can be challenging.
  2. Navigating Bureaucracy: Banks, especially larger ones, can be bureaucratic. This bureaucracy can lead to slow decision-making processes, particularly regarding loan approvals.
  3. Understanding Complex Financial Products: Banks offer a range of complex financial products, which can be confusing for those unfamiliar with financial jargon. This complexity can make it challenging to choose the right products for your needs.
  4. High Fees: Banks often levy a variety of fees on their services. If not managed correctly, these fees can quickly add up and eat into your profits.

Alternative Financing Options for Real Estate Investors and Small Business Owners

Alternative Financing Options for Real Estate Investors and Small Business Owners

Although banks are traditional sources of financing, there are several alternative financing options for those who find banks unsuitable for their needs:

1. Private Lenders and Crowdfunding Platforms

Private lenders are individuals or businesses that lend their own money at agreed-upon interest rates. Crowdfunding platforms, on the other hand, allow investors to pool money online to fund real estate investments or business ventures. These alternatives can provide quick financing, albeit typically at higher interest rates.

2. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

These government-backed loans offer competitive terms and lower interest rates than traditional bank loans. They can be a viable alternative for small businesses struggling to secure financing from banks.

3. Peer-to-Peer Lending

This form of lending involves borrowing money directly from a person or group of people, typically through an online platform. The advantage of peer-to-peer lending is that the loan approval process is often simpler and quicker than traditional bank loans.

4. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

REITs are companies that own, operate, or finance income-generating real estate. Investors can buy shares in a REIT to earn income without having to buy, manage, or finance any property themselves. This can be an excellent option for real estate investors looking for an alternative to traditional property investment.

Remember, while banks can be a valuable resource for real estate investors and small business owners, they are not the only option. Understanding the challenges associated with banking and exploring alternative financing options can help you make the best financial decisions for your business or investment properties.

Important Considerations for Real Estate Investors

Important Considerations for Real Estate Investors

For real estate investors, it's critical to consider a number of factors when selecting the right bank for their financial needs. Here are a few key areas to consider:

1. Loan-To-Value (LTV) Ratios and Down Payment Requirements

Different banks offer varying LTV ratios and down payment requirements. As a real estate investor, it's crucial to understand these numbers as they directly impact the amount of capital you'll need to invest upfront in a property.

Banks with more flexible LTV ratios and lower down payment requirements can help reduce the initial capital outlay, making it easier for investors to acquire more properties.

2. Property Appraisal and Valuation Process: Banks Employ Different

Banks employ different methodologies for appraising and valuing properties. Understanding this process can help you predict how a bank might value your investment property. Banks that use more conservative appraisal methods may offer lower loan amounts, whereas banks with more aggressive valuation methods might allow you to borrow more.

3. Property Management Services Offered by the Bank

Some banks offer property management services for real estate investors. These can include help with tenant management, property maintenance, and rent collection. If you're an investor with multiple properties or live far from your investment property, these services could prove invaluable.

4. Accessibility to Real Estate Investment Expertise

Lastly, look for banks with knowledgeable staff who understand the nuances of real estate investment. This expertise can be beneficial when seeking advice on loan products, structuring investments, or understanding local real estate markets.

Important Considerations for Small Business Owners

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When choosing a bank for your small business, there are a number of factors to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:

1. Business Account Features and Benefits

The features and benefits offered by business bank accounts can vary widely from bank to bank. Look for accounts that offer low fees, high transaction limits, and attractive interest rates. Other beneficial features might include online banking, mobile check deposit, and free business debit cards.

2. Business Credit Card Options

Business credit cards can be a crucial tool for managing cash flow and earning rewards on business-related expenses. Look for cards that offer generous rewards programs, low interest rates, and other benefits like free employee cards or travel perks.

3. Merchant Services and Payment Processing Capabilities

If your business accepts credit and debit card payments, you'll want to consider the merchant services and payment processing capabilities of potential banks. Look for competitive transaction fees, reliable equipment, and strong customer support.

4. Business Loan Options for Expansion or Working Capital

As your business grows, you may need access to additional capital to fund expansion or manage day-to-day expenses. Examine the various business loan options offered by potential banks, considering factors like loan amounts, interest rates, repayment terms, and approval requirements.

Conclusion: Best Bank for Real Estate Investors

Navigating the world of banking as a real estate investor or a small business owner can be a daunting task, given the myriad of options available. Yet, making a wise choice can greatly influence your venture's success. The 10 banks mentioned in this article stand out for their comprehensive services and deep understanding of the needs of real estate investors and small businesses.

Lastly, remember that successful real estate investing is not just about securing the right financing or banking service. It's also about finding and securing profitable deals. To consistently do this, you may consider buying real estate leads of motivated sellers. Property Leads offers a vast range of high-quality, actionable leads that can give your real estate investing journey the boost it needs.

Ready to transform your real estate business? Sign up with Property Leads today and let us be your partner in success.

Remember, the right bank coupled with the best leads can make all the difference in your journey to success in real estate investing and small business ownership.

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