Small business owners in Texas have a lot of options when it comes to business banking. To make your search easier, we’ve compared different banks to help you make the right decision.
From traditional banks with lots of branches to online banking platforms, Texas’s entrepreneurs have plenty of choices. In this guide, we compared national banks, regional banks, credit unions, and online banking providers to identify the best banking options for small businesses based in Texas.
The 12 best banks for small businesses in Texas
All of the best banks in Texas that we compared offer FDIC-insured business checking accounts, either in-person or online. Most banks also offered other account options (like money market and certificates of deposit), personal finance services, payroll services, merchant services, and credit cards.
Ready to find the best bank for your company? Let's take a closer look at these 12 top-rated banks available for small businesses in Texas:
Spirit of Texas Bank (now Simmons Bank): Best business checking
Texas Gulf Bank: Best for Harris, Galveston and Brazoria counties
First National Bank of Central Texas: Best for community investment
Relay: Best for convenient digital banking in Texas
🏆 Verdict: Relay is the perfect business banking platform for entrepreneurs who are serious about taking control of their cash flow and want to do so conveniently online. If you’re looking for a modern, online business bank account, Relay’s multiple checking accounts, savings accounts, and virtual and physical debit cards make it an easy choice.
Relay is an online business banking platform designed specifically for small businesses, offering a comprehensive suite of financial tools without the hidden fees associated with traditional banks.
With Relay, you won't encounter monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, or minimum balance requirements. Businesses can open up to 20 individual accounts (for free) and issue up to 50 Visa® physical or virtual debit cards to their team members. Additionally, Relay’s savings accounts provide a competitive 1-3% APY, ensuring your money is always working for you.
Integration is a breeze with Relay, since the platform syncs with leading accounting tools like Xero, QuickBooks Online, and Gusto. For those seeking even more efficiency, Relay Pro offers automated Bill Pay, reducing the time business owners spend on end-of-month administrative tasks.
Banking feature | |
Account Fees | $0 |
Minimum Balances | $0 |
Checking Accounts | Up to 20 |
Savings Accounts | 2 savings accounts with 1-3% APY |
Money Movement | • Unlimited transactions • Free ACH and check deposits • Domestic outgoing wires: $5 • International outgoing wires: $10 Or with Relay Pro for $30/month, you get: • Unlimited free outgoing domestic and international wires • Same-day ACH transfers • Accounts payable automation |
Cards | Up to 50 free virtual or physical debit card Mastercards |
Financing | None available |
Customer Service | Dedicated customer service via email, chat or phone |
TrustPilot Score |
Chase: Best traditional bank for branch access
🏆 Verdict: Chase Bank, officially known as JPMorgan Chase & Co., is one of the largest traditional U.S. banks. Chase is known for its extensive branch and ATM network, as well as its online and mobile banking platforms, making it a huge player in the American banking landscape.
With thousands of ATM and branch locations nationwide, Chase Bank is the best choice if you value a traditional bank with reliable branch access. Plus, their comprehensive business banking services with competitive interest rates give them arguably the best reputation among big traditional banks. (However, as seen below, their online reviews aren’t the best.)
Banking feature | |
Account Fees | $15 monthly fee, $2,000 minimum daily balance to waive |
Minimum Balances | Can be as low as $2,000 |
Checking Accounts | 1 checking account |
Savings Accounts | 1 savings account |
Money Movement | • Unlimited debit card purchases and no ATM fees • ACH: $25 per month for up to 25 payments • Checks: $4 check fee • Domestic outgoing wires: $25 to $35 • International outgoing wires: $40 |
Cards | Debit cards and credit cards are available |
Financing | Various financing options available, including lines of credit, small business loans and commercial real estate financing |
Customer Service | Branch or online customer service via phone or email |
TrustPilot Score |
Amegy Bank: Best for business services
🏆 Verdict: Amegy Bank, a subsidiary of Zions Bancorporation, is a community bank based in Texas. With over 75 branch locations in cities like Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Arlington, and Austin, Amegy Bank serves both privately owned businesses and public companies in different industries. Amegy Bank offers specialized expertise in energy, real estate, and correspondent banking.
Amegy Bank offers a range of business services including capital management, information reporting, risk management, and employee management. If your business is looking for help in these areas, Amegy Bank’s banking solutions could be a good option.
Banking feature | |
Account Fees | $8 to $20, waived when you maintain a certain minimum daily balance |
Minimum Balances | Varies, can be as low as $1,000 |
Checking Accounts | 5 checking accounts |
Savings Accounts | 1 savings account |
Money Movement | • Up to 50 free transactions with their Business Inspire Checking • ACH: $15/month for 10 ACH transfers • Checks: $8 • Domestic outgoing wires: $25 per wire • International outgoing wires: $55 per wire |
Cards | Debit cards and credit cards available |
Financing | Various financing options available, including lines of credit, small business loans and commercial real estate financing |
Customer Service | Branch or online customer service via phone |
Yelp Reviews |
Happy State Bank: Best for agriculture businesses
🏆 Verdict: Headquartered in Amarillo, Texas, Happy State Bank is a financial institution operating under the umbrella of Centennial Bank. They provide a diverse selection of banking services for your personal and business finances, complete with savings and checking accounts, loan options, mortgages, and online banking.
With a wide network of branch locations dispersed across Texas, Happy State Bank primarily serves communities within the Texas Panhandle, the South Plains, and other regions of the state.
Happy State Bank stands out as the top choice for agriculture businesses looking for financing. With tailored loans designed to meet the unique needs of farmers and ranchers, Happy State Bank offers the financial backing that agriculture businesses require to thrive.
Banking feature | |
Account Fees | $10 monthly service charge if the account falls below $0 during a statement cycle |
Minimum Balances | Ccan be as low as $100 |
Checking Accounts | 5 checking accounts |
Savings Accounts | 1 savings account |
Money Movement | • Up to 375 transactions per month free, $.40 after that • ACH: Fees not listed • Checks: $7 • Domestic outgoing wires: $15 • International outgoing wires: $50 |
Cards | Debit cards available |
Financing | Various financing options available, including SBA loans, lines of credit, and agriculture loans |
Customer Service | Branch or online customer service via phone |
BBB Score |
Broadway Bank: Best for in-person customer service
🏆 Verdict: If good in-person customer support matters to you, Broadway Bank may be the right bank for your business. The bank offers a variety of communication channels including phone, email, online, and by mail. While their wealth management services received mixed reviews, customers online were pleased with the exceptional customer service for their overall banking.
Broadway Bank, formerly known as Broadway National Bank, is a financial establishment specializing in personal and commercial banking services. Established in 1941, its headquarters are situated in San Antonio, Texas.
They offer a range of banking services, including accounts, loans, credit cards, mortgages, wealth management, and online banking. You can find their branches across South Central Texas, including Houston, Austin, and Dallas.
Banking feature | |
Account Fees | $4 to $22 monthly maintenance fees, can be waived by maintaining a minimum balance on certain accounts |
Minimum Balances | Can be as low as $0 |
Checking Accounts | 4 checking accounts |
Savings Accounts | 1 savings account |
Money Movement | • 300 transactions included, $0.35/item after that with their Advantage Business Checking • ACH: Fees not listed • Checks: $5 • Domestic outgoing wires: $30 • International outgoing wires: $50 |
Cards | Debit cards and credit cards available |
Financing | Various financing options available, including lines of credit, small business loans and commercial real estate financing |
Customer Service | In-person, online, phone and by mail customer service |
Yelp Reviews |
Stellar Bank: Best for business loans
🏆Verdict: Stellar Bank is a community-oriented bank predominantly serving the Metro Houstonregion. For businesses, the bank caters primarily to small to medium-sized companies. As a community bank, Stellar Bank places a strong emphasis on localized decision-making, personalized customer service, and community engagement.
With a wide range of business loans to choose from, including working capital lines of credit and term loans, equipment financing, owner-occupied real estate loans, and commercial real estate loans, Stellar Bank has the right loan to suit your business’s needs. If you prefer to go through local banks over the traditional big banks, consider Stellar Bank to finance your business.
Banking feature | |
Account Fees | Monthly fees, starting at $15 |
Minimum Balances | Can be as low as $200 |
Checking Accounts | 4 checking accounts |
Savings Accounts | 1 savings account |
Money Movement | • 200 free cash deposits and transactions per cycle with $0.50 per item after that with their Business Checking
• ACH: Fees not listed
• Checks: $1
• Domestic outgoing wires: $25
• International outgoing wires: $50 |
Cards | Debit cards and credit cards available |
Financing | Various financing options available, including lines of credit, small business loans, and equipment financing |
Customer Service | In-person, online, by phone, and by mail customer service |
Yelp Reviews |
Texas Regional Bank: Best for paper check writing
🏆 Verdict: If your business sends a lot of physical checks, you’ll benefit from Texas Regional Bank’s business checking accounts with their low check fees. You get 100 fee-free checks per statement cycle, with additional checks costing a service fee of $0.20 after that. Many businesses are switching to digital checks with mobile deposits, but if that doesn’t work for your business, Texas Regional Bank is a great choice.
Texas Regional Bank (TRB) is a community-oriented bank offering a wide range of financial services, including business and nonprofit accounts, business credit cards and debit cards, loans and mortgages. You can do your banking with them online, on their mobile app, or in person at one of their branches, which are primarily based in South Texas.
Banking feature | |
Account Fees | Monthly fees starting at $9, can be waived by maintaining a minimum deposit |
Minimum Balances | $100 minimum balance |
Checking Accounts | 5 checking accounts |
Savings Accounts | No business savings accounts |
Money Movement | • Call to inquire about transaction limits and ACH fees • Checks: 100 free per statement cycle, $0.20 per check after that • Domestic outgoing wires: $25 for transactions $50,000 and below • International outgoing wires: Not listed |
Cards | Debit cards and credit cards available |
Financing | Various financing options available, including lines of credit, small business loans, and commercial real estate loans |
Customer Service | In-person, by phone, and by mail customer service |
Yelp Reviews |
Inwood National Bank: Best for in-person North Texas banking
🏆 Verdict: As a community bank, Inwood National Bank only has 13 locations in the Texas communities it serves. While it may not work for you if your business operates outside of Texas, it’s a great choice if you value a banking experience with an in-person touch and a focus on local business needs.
Inwood National Bank, with over 50 years of experience in North Texas, offers a range of services including personal and business banking, mortgage lenders, loans, and wealth management. They prioritize in-person banking with a local touch at their 13 locations in Texas communities including Dallas, Commerce, Desoto, Denton, Duncanville, Garland, Richardson, Rockwall, and the Fort Worth Metroplex.
Banking features | |
Account Fees | Monthly fees, starting at $12 |
Minimum Balances | Can be as low as $0 |
Checking Accounts | 3 checking accounts |
Savings Accounts | 1 savings account |
Money Movement | • 100 transactions per month, $0.50 transaction fees after that with their Small Business checking account • ACH available at a fee • Checks: $10 • Domestic outgoing wires: not specified • International outgoing wires: Not specified |
Cards | Debit cards available |
Financing | Various financing options available, including lines of credit, small business loans, and commercial real estate loans |
Customer Service | In-person, by phone, and online customer service |
Yelp Reviews |
Spirit of Texas Bank (now Simmons Bank): Best for 24-hour business telephone support
🏆 Verdict: Simmons Bank offers 5 different business checking accounts focusing on small businesses to large commercial enterprises, including non-profit business checking accounts. If you need business checking support in a variety of forms, including 24-hour business checking support by phone, it’s a great choice.
Spirit of Texas (now Simmons Bank) has a wide range of services including several business checking options, aimed at catering to businesses of different sizes. There are relationship credits and flexible pricing depending on your business checking needs.
Simmons Bank offers more traditional customer support in the form of 57 Texas branch locations for in-person transactions, as well as online support, 24-hour phone support and even support by mail.
Banking features | |
Account Fees | From $5 |
Minimum Balances | $500 |
Checking Accounts | 5 business checking accounts |
Savings Accounts | 2 business savings accounts |
Money Movement | • Transaction fees vary by account type • ACH: not specified • Checks: $10 • Domestic outgoing wires: $25 • International outgoing wires: From $35 |
Cards | Debit and credit cards available |
Financing | Various financing options available, including lines of credit, small business loans, construction loans, agricultural loans and warehouse lending |
Customer Service | In-branch, online, 24-hour phone support, by mail |
YelpScore |
Texas Gulf Bank: Best for Harris, Galveston and Brazoria counties
🏆 Verdict: The 9 branches that make up Texas Gulf Bank have a strong presence in their communities and are a good choice if you do the majority of your work in these counties. If you do business outside Texas, however, it might not be difficult to bank with them.
For over 100 years, Texas Gulf Bank has offered the citizens of Harris, Galveston and Brazoria Counties personalized business services including checking, savings, business loans, financing and treasury services.
Banking features | |
Account Fees | From $0 to $10 |
Minimum Balances | $500 |
Checking Accounts | 4 |
Savings Accounts | 1 |
Money Movement | • Transaction fees vary by account type • ACH $.10 • Checks: Not specified • Domestic outgoing wires: From $10 • International outgoing wires: Not specified |
Cards | Debit and credit |
Financing | Various financing options available, including specialty ones like agriculture and equipment loans |
Customer Service | Available by phone and email as well as in-person |
Yelp Score |
Falcon International Bank: Best for no fee banking
🏆 Verdict: While Falcon International Bank offers no-fee business banking, they are a traditional bank. That means you’ll likely have to visit a branch in-person to open an account and they won’t offer all the same services that other online business banking platforms provide (like Relay). If you prefer in-person customer service with no monthly fees, Falcon International Bank could be the right choice.
Falcon International Bank has been serving its community for years and has a strong presence thanks to its personalized business banking services. A standout feature is that it has a no-fee policy for business accounts. Addiitonally, after an initial $100 opening minimum balance, there are no minimum balance requirements which make it a good option for those that need flexibility.
Banking features | |
Account Fees | None |
Minimum Balances | None |
Checking Accounts | 1 |
Savings Accounts | 3 |
Money Movement | Not specified |
Cards | Credit cards |
Financing | Not specified |
Customer Service | In-person and by phone |
YelpTrustPilot Score |
First National Bank of Central Texas: Best for community investment
🏆 Verdict: First National Bank of Central Texas has provided community development loans, investments, and products and services to the region for over 100 years. They are a solid banking choice for those who want these sorts of community ties to their business bank.
Since 1901, First National Bank of Central Texas has been rooted in its local communities. Headquartered in Killeen but serving people across Texas, Arizona, Arkansas and New Mexico, it now has over $4 billion assets.
With this longstanding influence as a pillar of each city or neighborhood where its 300 branches are located, First National Bank of Texas has committed itself to investing in its communities. Non-profit partnerships include the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, BankOn, Habitat for Humanity and others that serve small businesses and communities in need.
Banking features | |
Account Fees | $15 |
Minimum Balances | $250 |
Checking Accounts | 6 |
Savings Accounts | Not specified |
Money Movement | • Transaction fees vary by account type • ACH $.12 per transaction • Checks: Varies • Domestic outgoing wires: $25 • International outgoing wires: Not specified |
Cards | Debit and credit cards |
Financing | SBA and commercial loans available |
Customer Service | In-person, online, by phone and by mail |
Yelp Score |
What’s the best bank for small businesses in Texas?
After reading the reviews, it’s easy to see that each bank here offers its own unique benefits. So which is the winner overall?
While it totally depends on what your business banking needs are, Relay is a strong option for those looking for a convenient, online banking experience tailored for small business owners.
As a fully digital banking and money management platform, Relay operates similarly to a traditional brick-and-mortar bank but with less fees and more features designed for business owners like you—like the ability to organize expenses across 50 virtual and physical debit cards and open up to 20 individual, free business checking accounts.
This helps you keep your cash organized and stay on top of spending. The best part? You can get started entirely online. Sign up today here.
Want to keep exploring your business banking options? Learn how Relay compares with other banking providers like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Capital One, and Bluevine.
