10 Best Banks in Washington 2025: Pros, Cons, Fees, & More

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    Whether you’re starting a business in Seattle, opening a first checking account in Spokane, or managing finances in towns like Walla Walla or Yakima, the right bank in Washington can simplify your money management.

    From long-standing regional credit unions to nationwide leaders and innovative online banks, the state offers a broad mix of choices. Each comes with its own fee structures, service approach, and tech capabilities, making it essential to find the one that fits your goals.

    We’ve done the research for you. This guide highlights the best banks in Washington for 2025, ranked by fees, mobile access, customer service, and account flexibility. Whether you want no-fee checking, high-yield savings, or smart business banking tools, you’ll find an option here designed to work for you.

    >> Don’t Miss Out on 3.7% APY – Open Your Account Today! >>

    Best Banks in Washington (2025)

    • Bluevine – Best Overall Online Bank in Washington
    • Lili – Best for Simple, Low-Cost Banking for Freelancers
    • Novo – Best Bank for Digital Entrepreneurs in Washington
    • Grasshopper – Best for Startup-Friendly Business Banking
    • nbkc Bank – Best Fee-Free Business Checking Account
    • Chase Business Banking – Best for Full-Service Business Tools & Branch Access
    • Found – Best for Solo Business Owners in Washington
    • Mercury – Best for Tech Startups and Remote Teams
    • Live Oak Bank – Best for SBA Loans & High-Yield Business Savings
    • Wise Business Banking – Best for International Payments & Currency Management
    bluevine logo

    Bluevine – Best Overall Bank for Small Businesses in Washington

    Bluevine stands out in Washington as a leading choice for entrepreneurs and independent business owners seeking a digital-first banking solution. It offers a high-yield business checking account with no monthly fees, unlimited transactions, and a sleek online interface that simplifies daily money management, ideal for the tech-savvy and remote-first Washington economy.

    Whether you’re running a digital agency in Seattle or managing a boutique in Spokane, Bluevine delivers flexibility and efficiency with features like mobile check deposits, bill pay, and real-time vendor payments. It’s a no-nonsense, high-value option for those ready to ditch traditional banking fees.

    Why We Chose It

    Bluevine’s no-fee structure, up to 3.7% APY, and hands-on control make it perfect for Washington’s LLCs, freelancers, and startups who value simplicity and earning potential.

    • Up to 3.7% APY on balances
    • No monthly or overdraft fees
    • Unlimited digital transactions
    • No ATM fee reimbursements
    • No physical branches or business savings account
    • $4.95 cash deposit fee (via Green Dot)

    Mobile Banking

    With Bluevine’s mobile app, Washington business owners can stay in control on the go, track transactions, send payments, wire funds, and deposit checks with a few taps.

    >> Bluevine: Modern Banking, No Strings Attached >>

    lili bank logo

    Lili – Best for Simple, Low-Cost Banking in Washington

    Lili is a top choice in Washington for freelancers, artists, and gig workers seeking a minimalist, all-digital banking experience. The free standard plan comes with no monthly fees or minimums, while Lili Pro unlocks extra features like automatic tax savings, invoicing, and up to 4.15% APY on savings, all for just $9/month.

    Lili’s app makes it easy to separate business and personal expenses, categorize transactions, and prepare for tax season without needing a bookkeeper, great for creators and remote workers in cities like Tacoma or Bellingham.

    Why We Chose It

    Lili’s intuitive tools and fee-free model make it a natural fit for Washington’s independent workers who need to stay lean and efficient.

    • 4.15% APY on savings with Lili Pro
    • Built-in tools for taxes and invoicing
    • Access to 38,000+ fee-free ATMs
    • No physical branches or phone support
    • Limited features for partnerships or joint accounts
    • Cash deposits only through third-party retailers

    Mobile Banking

    The Lili app is the engine behind its utility, managing money, setting up auto-savings for taxes, sending invoices, and monitoring cash flow, all from your smartphone.

    >> Start Banking Smart With Lili >>

    novo bank

    Novo – Best for Freelancers and Digital Entrepreneurs in Washington

    Novo is a mobile-first business banking platform crafted for self-starters and digital professionals in Washington. With no monthly fees, no balance requirements, and seamless integrations with platforms like Shopify, Stripe, and QuickBooks, Novo gives you the freedom to manage your money on your terms.

    Perfect for developers in Redmond or creatives in Olympia, Novo also offers unlimited ATM fee reimbursements and useful features like invoicing, savings “reserves,” and real-time expense tracking.

    Why We Chose It

    Novo stands out for solopreneurs and online business owners in Washington who rely on digital tools and want zero banking friction.

    • No monthly fees or minimums
    • Full ATM fee reimbursement
    • Integrates with popular business apps
    • No interest on balances
    • No cash deposits or in-person banking
    • No savings or lending options

    Mobile Banking

    Novo’s clean, intuitive app lets you invoice clients, categorize expenses, sync with Stripe or Square, and manage everything without stepping into a branch.

    >> Open a Novo Account in Minutes >>

    grasshopper bank logo

    Grasshopper – Best for Startup-Friendly Banking in Washington

    Grasshopper is tailored for early-stage startups and digital-first entrepreneurs throughout Washington. It’s not a full-service bank, but rather a modern platform that helps you streamline payments, automate invoices, and stay on top of cash flow, ideal for founders in Bellevue, Spokane, or anywhere building something new.

    It connects with external accounts while offering a built-in dashboard for managing financial operations. With no branches, no interest, and no deposit handling, Grasshopper focuses entirely on software-driven ease.

    Why We Chose It

    Grasshopper helps Washington startup founders stay lean, agile, and focused with tech-focused tools and smart automation.

    • Invoice and vendor payment automation
    • Mobile-first dashboard with financial insights
    • Startup-friendly integrations
    • Not a standalone bank (must link external account)
    • No physical banking or deposit options
    • No lending or interest-bearing features

    Mobile Banking

    Grasshopper’s mobile interface provides startup teams with real-time visibility into expenses, vendor payments, and invoice tracking, perfect for early-stage agility.

    >> Try Grasshopper for Startup Banking >>

    nbkc bank logo

    nbkc Bank – Best for Fee-Free Business Checking in Washington

    Although nbkc is headquartered in Kansas City, it offers one of the best fee-free checking options for entrepreneurs and independent workers across Washington. With no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and unlimited transactions, nbkc is a standout for those who want transparent banking without hidden costs.

    It’s especially useful for businesses that frequently send wires or ACH transfers. nbkc includes free domestic wires, which is a rare benefit. While there are no physical branches in Washington, the bank partners with a nationwide network of over 90,000 fee-free ATMs, giving you access to your money almost anywhere.

    Why We Chose It

    nbkc is a reliable option for Washington residents who want no-fuss, low-cost business banking with the essential tools to manage money efficiently.

    • No monthly or minimum balance fees
    • Free domestic wires and unlimited transactions
    • 90,000+ ATM network access
    • Clean and upfront fee structure
    • No in-person branches in Washington
    • No interest-bearing checking options
    • Only one business checking product is available

    Mobile Banking

    nbkc’s mobile app supports everything from mobile check deposits to bill pay and real-time alerts. It’s ideal for Washington professionals who prefer managing finances on the go without sacrificing function.

    >> Open Your nbkc Account Today! >>

    Chase Business logo

    Chase Business Banking – Best for Comprehensive Financial Tools & Services in Washington

    Chase is a trusted name in banking, and its business banking services shine across Washington, especially in metro areas like Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling an established business, Chase’s in-branch support, merchant services, and access to capital make it a one-stop shop.

    The Chase Business Complete Banking® account includes built-in payment processing through QuickAccept®, same-day deposits, and seamless mobile control, great for businesses that rely on fast, reliable access to funds.

    Why We Chose It

    Chase combines nationwide reach with a full suite of small business products, perfect for Washington entrepreneurs who want banking, payments, lending, and planning in one place.

    • Built-in card payment processing via QuickAccept®
    • Large ATM and branch network across Washington
    • Business credit cards, lines of credit, and payroll tools
    • Multiple ways to waive the monthly service fee
    • A monthly fee applies unless the waiver criteria are met
    • Low or no interest on checking
    • Free monthly transactions capped at 20

    Mobile Banking

    Chase’s business app is robust and user-friendly. Washington business owners can accept payments, schedule vendor payments, deposit checks, and track balances, all from one dashboard.

    >> Open Your Chase Business Account Today! >>

    found bank logo

    Found – Best for Solo Business Owners in Washington

    Found is built for Washington’s thriving freelance and gig economy, from creators in Spokane to consultants in Olympia. It’s an all-in-one digital banking platform designed for solo entrepreneurs, with no monthly fees, unlimited ACH transactions, and smart built-in tools like invoicing and tax tracking.

    While it lacks savings and lending products, Found excels at simplifying financial admin tasks for solopreneurs who want to focus more on their business and less on bookkeeping.

    Why We Chose It

    Found is perfect for Washington freelancers, coaches, and independent contractors looking for automated tools and banking that work as hard as they do.

    • No fees or minimum balances
    • Tax-saving automation and expense categorization
    • Built-in invoicing for client payments
    • Fast, app-based account setup
    • No support for physical cash or check deposits
    • No interest earnings or credit products
    • Not suitable for multi-owner businesses

    Mobile Banking

    Found’s mobile app keeps everything streamlined, tracks income, sends invoices, sets aside money for taxes, and manages your business from one clean, easy-to-use dashboard.

    >> Start Managing Finances With Found >>

    Mercury logo

    Mercury – Best for Tech Startups in Washington

    For Washington’s booming tech and startup scene, especially around Seattle, Mercury delivers a banking experience built for scale. It’s fee-free, offers multi-user access, and includes powerful integrations with platforms like QuickBooks, Stripe, and Shopify. While it doesn’t offer cash deposits or branch locations, it’s a top pick for startups managing distributed teams.

    Mercury is great for venture-backed businesses or product-led companies that want seamless financial management and collaborative controls.

    Why We Chose It

    Mercury is ideal for Washington’s tech founders and SaaS companies that need fee-free digital banking to support growth and remote operations.

    • Free domestic wires and zero fees
    • Spend controls and team permissions
    • Connects with essential business platforms
    • Sleek, API-friendly dashboard
    • No in-person support or cash handling
    • Doesn’t earn interest on balances
    • Focused on tech/startup niche

    Mobile Banking

    Mercury’s mobile app is engineered for startup teams to track cash flow, manage team access, send wires, and view insights in real time, all optimized for remote-friendly operations.

    >> Power Your Startup With Mercury >>

    Live Oak Bank

    Live Oak Bank – Best for SBA Lending & High-Yield Savings in Washington

    Live Oak Bank is an online-only institution well-suited for Washington businesses looking for growth capital and strong savings options. It specializes in SBA and USDA loans, making it an excellent partner for entrepreneurs seeking government-backed funding. It offers high-yield savings accounts and CDs, with interest rates around 3.5% APY, and FDIC-insured cash sweep options up to $10 million.

    Though Live Oak has no physical branches in Washington, its Essential Business Checking account comes with no monthly maintenance fees, making it a hassle-free choice for businesses that are comfortable with remote banking.

    Why We Chose It

    Live Oak’s combination of low-fee accounts, aggressive savings rates, and best-in-class small business lending makes it a standout for Washington businesses that want to scale.

    • Competitive high-yield savings (~3.5% APY)
    • Industry-leading SBA and USDA lending programs
    • No monthly fees on business checking
    • FDIC sweep protection up to $10 million
    • No cash or check deposit capabilities
    • No physical branches in Washington
    • Limited app integrations

    Mobile Banking

    While not focused on mobile-first users, Live Oak offers a secure online banking portal where users can monitor balances, manage high-yield savings, and apply for business loans. It’s best for business owners who prefer managing finances from a desktop and value long-term financial growth.

    >> Open Your Live Oak Bank Account Today! >>

    wise bank logo

    Wise Business Banking – Best for Global Payments in Washington

    Washington businesses that operate across borders, from Seattle’s tech startups to exporters in Tacoma, will find Wise Business Banking to be a smart, affordable choice for handling international payments. Wise supports multi-currency accounts with real-time exchange rates (usually 0.4%–1% above mid-market), helping you send and receive funds in over 50 currencies.

    While it doesn’t support cash deposits or interest-bearing accounts, Wise offers transparent fees, low-cost transfers, and a debit card you can use worldwide, ideal for remote teams, freelancers, and global eCommerce operations based in Washington.

    Why We Chose It

    Wise simplifies international business banking with unmatched currency flexibility, low fees, and fast transfer speeds, perfect for global-minded businesses in Washington.

    • Access to 50+ currencies with competitive exchange rates
    • Send and receive international payments quickly
    • No hidden fees or monthly maintenance costs
    • Free business debit card and digital account setup
    • No U.S. branch network or phone support
    • Doesn’t pay interest on balances
    • Limited domestic banking features

    Mobile Banking

    The Wise app gives users real-time updates on exchange rates, supports multi-currency balances, and allows global transfers in just a few taps. It’s ideal for Washington professionals managing cross-border operations who need control and transparency on the go.

    >> Start Banking Globally With Wise >>

    How to Choose the Best Bank in Washington

    Looking for the right bank in Washington? Whether you’re in Seattle, Spokane, or a smaller town like Yakima or Wenatchee, it pays to choose a financial partner that fits your lifestyle and goals. Use these key criteria to narrow down your best option:

    • Bank Type: Choose between traditional banks, online-only platforms, mobile-first neobanks, or local credit unions. Each varies in technology, customer service, and physical access. Pick one that suits how you like to bank.
    • Account Variety: Decide what types of accounts you need: checking, savings, CDs, or money market accounts. Some banks excel at business services or high-yield savings, while others focus on simplicity for everyday banking.
    • Fee Structure: Prioritize banks with low or no fees. Look for institutions with no monthly maintenance charges, minimal overdraft penalties, and ATM fee reimbursements when needed.
    • Branch & ATM Access: Prefer in-person service? Choose a bank with strong branch coverage or an ATM network across Washington. If you’re comfortable with digital banking, opt for online banks that offer wide ATM access or fee reimbursements.
    • Key Features: Consider what tools you want, mobile check deposit, early direct deposit, cashback rewards, or high-yield APY. Many digital banks also offer budgeting, invoicing, or tax tools, especially useful for freelancers and entrepreneurs.
    • Customer Support: Check independent reviews and ratings to see how a bank handles customer service, especially when issues arise. Responsive support can save time and stress down the line.
    • Terms & Conditions: Always read the fine print. Make sure the institution is FDIC- or NCUA-insured and review any balance requirements, usage limits, or expiration dates tied to bonuses.
    • Additional Services: Want everything under one roof? Explore whether the bank offers extras like credit cards, investment accounts, small business loans, or mortgages for long-term financial planning.

    >> Open a Bluevine Account Today! >>

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Still unsure which bank is right for you in Washington? Here are answers to some of the most common questions to help you make an informed decision.

    >> Bluevine: Modern Banking, No Strings Attached >>

    Conclusion – Best Banks in Washington (2025)

    Washington’s banking scene in 2025 is as diverse as its people, from tech innovators in Seattle to small business owners in Spokane and independent professionals across the state. Whether you prioritize advanced digital tools, fee-free checking, or convenient branch access, there’s a banking option tailored to your needs.

    Online-first banks like Bluevine, Lili, and Found provide flexibility, automation, and competitive APYs, ideal for Washingtonians who prefer mobile-first money management. Meanwhile, trusted names like Chase and U.S. Bank continue to offer full-service financial solutions, backed by the reliability of local branch networks.

    The best bank is the one that supports your goals, whether you’re launching a startup, handling day-to-day finances, or maximizing your savings. Compare your options, weigh the features, and choose a partner that fits seamlessly into your financial life.

    >> Open a Bluevine Account Today! >>