Top 7 Online Banks for Freelancers to Streamline Finances in 2025

Introduction: Why Freelancers Need Online Banks in 2025

Freelancers face unique financial challenges, from irregular income to managing taxes and expenses without a traditional employer. In 2025, online banks have become essential tools for freelancers, offering low fees, seamless digital interfaces, and features tailored to self-employed professionals. With the global digital banking market expected to reach $2.2 trillion by 2026, these platforms provide freelancers with the flexibility and control needed to thrive. This article highlights the top seven online banks for freelancers, focusing on low-cost accounts, robust integrations, and tax-friendly features to help you manage your finances efficiently.

Key Features to Look for in Online Banks for Freelancers

When choosing an online bank, freelancers should prioritize features that align with their unique needs:

• No or Low Fees: Avoid monthly maintenance or transaction fees to maximize earnings.
• Integration with Tools: Sync with accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or payment platforms like PayPal and Stripe.
• Tax Tools: Automatic expense categorization and tax estimation for simplified tax prep.
• Mobile Banking: User-friendly apps for managing finances on the go.
• Multi-Currency Support: Essential for freelancers working with international clients.
• FDIC Insurance: Ensures funds are protected up to $250,000 per depositor.
• Sub-Accounts: Separate buckets for taxes, savings, or project-specific funds.

Top 7 Online Banks for Freelancers in 2025

1. Lili

Lili is designed specifically for freelancers, offering a no-fee business checking account with built-in tools for tax preparation and expense tracking. It’s ideal for solopreneurs looking to simplify financial management.

• Key Features: Automatic expense categorization, tax savings bucket, integration with QuickBooks and Xero, no minimum balance or monthly fees.
• Best For: New freelancers needing tax assistance.
• Pricing: Free basic account; Pro account at $9/month for advanced features like invoicing.
• Pros: User-friendly app, no overdraft fees, cashback on select purchases with Pro account.
• Cons: No interest on basic accounts, $2.50 fee for out-of-network ATM withdrawals.

2. Found

Found is an all-in-one financial platform tailored for freelancers, combining banking, bookkeeping, and tax tools. Its real-time tax estimates make it a standout for Schedule C filers.

• Key Features: Real-time tax estimates, auto-categorization of expenses, invoicing, virtual debit cards, no minimum balance or monthly fees.
• Best For: Freelancers managing multiple income streams.
• Pricing: Free account; Found Plus at $19.99/month or $149.99/year for interest-bearing accounts.
• Pros: Seamless integrations with PayPal and Venmo, no hidden fees.
• Cons: Interest requires paid plan, no cash deposits.

3. Bluevine

Bluevine offers a high-yield business checking account with no monthly fees, making it a top choice for freelancers seeking to earn interest on their balances.

• Key Features: Up to 2.0% APY on checking, no monthly fees, integration with QuickBooks and Stripe, streamlined bill payments.
• Best For: Freelancers prioritizing high APY and low fees.
• Pricing: Free basic account; Premier plan at $95/month for enhanced features.
• Pros: High interest rates, no in-network ATM fees, FDIC-insured via Coastal Community Bank.
• Cons: No cash deposits, Premier plan is costly.

4. Mercury

Mercury provides a digital-first banking solution with no fees and robust integrations, perfect for tech-savvy freelancers and those scaling their businesses.

• Key Features: No monthly fees, virtual cards, QuickBooks integration, API access for automation, high-yield savings accounts.
• Best For: Tech-focused freelancers needing automation.
• Pricing: Free checking and savings accounts.
• Pros: No minimum balance, free USD international wires, sleek dashboard.
• Cons: No cash deposits or ATM withdrawals.

5. Novo

Novo’s business checking account is a digital-first solution with no fees and integrations that streamline freelancer workflows, especially for those using gig platforms.

• Key Features: No monthly fees, integrations with PayPal, Stripe, and Wise, free ATM withdrawals, expense tracking tools.
• Best For: Freelancers using gig platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
• Pricing: Free account.
• Pros: Refunds for ATM fees, no minimum balance, easy setup.
• Cons: No interest-bearing accounts, limited customer support hours.

6. NorthOne

NorthOne offers a robust mobile banking experience with envelope budgeting and integrations, ideal for freelancers juggling multiple projects.

• Key Features: Envelope budgeting, integrations with PayPal and Stripe, 3.0% APY on select accounts, real-time transaction insights.
• Best For: Freelancers needing budgeting tools.
• Pricing: $10/month.
• Pros: Intuitive app, high APY, unlimited transactions.
• Cons: Monthly fee, no free account option.

7. Wise Business

Wise Business is a top pick for freelancers working internationally, offering multi-currency accounts and low-cost transfers to manage global payments efficiently.

• Key Features: Multi-currency accounts (50+ currencies), low transfer fees (from 0.33%), real exchange rates, invoicing tools.
• Best For: Freelancers with international clients.
• Pricing: No monthly fees; small setup fee in some countries (e.g., £45 for UK accounts).
• Pros: Low-cost international transfers, no minimum balance, supports global payments.
• Cons: Initial deposit required in some regions, not a full bank (payment service provider).

How to Choose the Right Online Bank for Your Freelance Business

Selecting the best online bank depends on your specific needs:

• New Freelancers: Lili or Found for tax tools and no-fee accounts.
• High Earners: Bluevine or Mercury for high APY and scalability.
• Gig Economy Workers: Novo for integrations with gig platforms.
• International Freelancers: Wise Business for multi-currency support.
• Budget-Conscious: NorthOne for envelope budgeting and project tracking.

Evaluate banks based on fees, ease of use, and integrations. Test free accounts or trials to ensure compatibility with your workflow. Always verify FDIC insurance or equivalent protection (e.g., Wise’s safeguarded funds via regulated partners) for security.

Tips for Managing Finances with Online Banks as a Freelancer

Maximize your online banking experience with these strategies:

1. Separate Finances: Use a dedicated business account to keep personal and business expenses distinct, simplifying tax prep.
2. Automate Tax Savings: Set aside 20-30% of income in sub-accounts for taxes, using tools like Lili’s tax bucket or Found’s tax estimates.
3. Leverage Integrations: Connect your bank to accounting software or payment platforms to automate bookkeeping.
4. Monitor Cash Flow: Use forecasting tools to plan for irregular income and lean months.
5. Secure Your Account: Enable two-factor authentication and review security certifications like SOC 2 or GDPR compliance.

Conclusion: Empower Your Freelance Career with the Right Bank

In 2025, online banks like Lili, Found, Bluevine, and Wise Business offer freelancers the tools to manage finances efficiently, from tax preparation to global payments. By choosing a bank with low fees, robust integrations, and mobile accessibility, you can focus on growing your freelance business while keeping your finances organized. Explore free accounts like Novo or Lili today to take control of your financial future and streamline your workflow. Ready to get started? Open a Lili or Bluevine account now to simplify your freelance finances!

References and Further Reading

1. NerdWallet: Best Business Bank Accounts for Self-Employed of July 2025.
2. Wise: The 15 Best Bank Accounts for Freelancers: Quick Overview.
3. Millennial Money: 10 Best Bank Accounts for Self-Employed Freelancers & Side Hustlers.
4. Global Banking and Finance: The Best Bank Accounts for Freelancers: Top Picks for 2025.
5. My Millennial Guide: 7 Best Banks for Freelancers in 2025.
6. Finance Buzz: Best Business Bank Accounts for Freelancers [2025].
7. Fit Small Business: 9 Best Bank Accounts for Self-Employed Professionals in 2025.
8. Money Crashers: Best Bank Accounts for Freelancers, Side Hustlers, & Self-Employed.
9. Business.org: 10 Best Checking Accounts for Freelancers 2025.
10. Less Accounting: Five Great Online Banks for Freelancers & the Self-Employed.