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From launching a startup in Nashville to managing farm finances in rural West Tennessee, the right bank can shape your success. With choices ranging from community credit unions to national banks and modern FinTech platforms, narrowing down the best fit isn’t always easy.
This guide simplifies the search by spotlighting Tennessee’s top banks, chosen for their competitive fees, excellent customer support, advanced digital tools, and robust business features. Whether you need low-cost accounts, powerful mobile banking, high-yield savings, or personalized service, you’ll find a bank here that meets your needs across the Volunteer State.
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Best Banks in Tennessee (2025)
- Bluevine – Best Overall Online Bank in Tennessee
- Lili – Best for Simple, Low-Cost Banking
- Novo – Best for Freelancers and Digital Entrepreneurs
- Grasshopper – Best for Startup-Friendly Banking
- nbkc Bank – Best for Fee-Free Business Checking
- Chase Business Banking – Best for Comprehensive Financial Tools & Services
- Found – Best for Solo Business Owners in Tennessee
- Mercury – Best for Tech Startups in Tennessee
- Live Oak Bank – Best for SBA Lending & High-Yield Savings
- Wise Business Banking – Best for Global Payments
Bluevine – Best Overall Bank for Small Businesses in Tennessee
Bluevine stands out in 2025 as a top pick for small businesses in Tennessee seeking a modern, fee-free banking experience. With a sleek online platform and a high-yield checking account, it offers unmatched convenience for entrepreneurs who prefer to bank digitally.
You’ll get unlimited transactions, no monthly maintenance fees, and access to advanced features like bill pay, mobile check deposit, and wire transfers. Bluevine also supports real-time updates and vendor payments, making it a strong all-in-one solution for managing business finances.
Why We Chose It
Bluevine combines high interest, no fees, and a flexible structure, perfect for LLCs, sole proprietors, and other small businesses looking to grow without overhead.
- Earn up to 3.7% APY
- No monthly or overdraft fees
- No minimum deposit to open
- No business savings account
- No ATM fee reimbursements
- $4.95 fee per cash deposit via Green Dot
Mobile Banking
The Bluevine app makes it easy to manage your business on the go, track spending, schedule payments, send checks, or wire funds directly from your phone.
>> Bluevine: Trusted by 750K+ Businesses >>
Lili – Best for Simple, Low-Cost Banking in Tennessee
Lili is a top pick for freelancers, creators, and self-employed professionals across Tennessee who want fast, flexible banking without the hassle of fees. The standard Lili account has no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and gives access to 38,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide.
For users who upgrade to Lili Pro ($9/month), the bank offers enhanced tools like automatic tax savings, invoicing, and a savings account with up to 4.15% APY, a strong rate for a hybrid personal-business account. The app also provides real-time transaction alerts and expense tracking, helping users stay organized during tax season.
Why We Chose It
Lili combines the ease of mobile banking with smart, built-in tools that simplify money management for freelancers and solopreneurs, all with minimal fees and a user-friendly experience.
- 4.15% APY on savings with Lili Pro
- No monthly fees on the standard plan
- Tools for taxes, expenses, and invoicing
- Instant account setup with no paperwork
- No physical branches or phone support
- No joint or business partner access
- Cash deposits only via third-party retailers (fees apply)
Mobile Banking
Lili’s mobile app is its core strength, designed for users who want full control from their phone. From setting up tax buckets to paying bills and tracking expenses, everything is streamlined in one dashboard, perfect for on-the-go financial management.
>> Open Your Lili Account Today! >>
Novo – Best for Freelancers and Digital Entrepreneurs in Tennessee
Novo is an online business banking platform designed with freelancers, creators, and small digital businesses in mind. With no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and seamless integration with tools like Shopify, Stripe, QuickBooks, and PayPal, it’s especially appealing for entrepreneurs who manage their operations on the go.
Novo doesn’t offer a traditional branch network or ATM access, but it reimburses all ATM fees, meaning you can withdraw money anywhere without added costs. The account also includes invoicing features, real-time spending insights, and the ability to create reserves to set aside funds for taxes or savings.
While it doesn’t offer interest on balances or a savings account, Novo’s streamlined dashboard and no-fee structure make it a favorite for modern business owners in Tennessee who want a simple and fast way to manage finances.
Why We Chose It
Novo is perfect for digital-first professionals in Tennessee who value automation, easy app integrations, and freedom from traditional banking fees.
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements
- Integrates with top business platforms (Stripe, Xero, etc.)
- Easy-to-use invoicing and expense tracking tools
- No interest earned on balances
- No cash deposits or physical branches
- No business savings or lending products
Mobile Banking
Novo’s mobile app is designed for busy entrepreneurs. You can send invoices, connect your favorite business tools, track expenses in real time, and manage multiple financial workflows all from your phone. The app is intuitive, clean, and regularly updated with new features that simplify business banking.
>> Open Your Novo Account Today! >>
Grasshopper – Best for Startup-Friendly Banking in Tennessee
Grasshopper offers a digital-first banking experience tailored for startups and tech-savvy entrepreneurs in Tennessee. While it isn’t a bank in the traditional sense, it provides financial tools that integrate with established banking accounts, giving founders control over bill pay, expense tracking, and invoicing, all wrapped in a modern interface.
Founded to serve early-stage companies, Grasshopper simplifies business banking with features like automated vendor payments, financial reporting, and mobile-first access. Though it doesn’t offer interest-bearing accounts or in-person branches, its platform is ideal for managing a fast-paced startup on the go.
Why We Chose It
Grasshopper fits startup founders who want financial organization and automation without the complexity of traditional business banking.
- Automated bill payments and invoicing
- Streamlined expense tracking and financial reporting
- Mobile-first experience designed for growing businesses
- Integrates with popular tools used by startups
- Not a standalone banking institution, it requires a connected external account
- No interest rates, savings, or lending services
- No physical branches or ATM access
Mobile Banking
Grasshopper’s mobile app provides easy oversight of bank-integrated finances, schedule and track vendor payments, review cash flow reports, and manage invoices wherever you are. It’s built for founders who prioritize growth and simplicity.
>> Open Your Grasshopper Account Today! >>
nbkc Bank – Best for Fee-Free Business Checking in Tennessee
Although nbkc is based in Kansas City, its fee-free and flexible checking account makes it a compelling option for Tennessee residents seeking straightforward, no-hassle banking. It offers no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirement, and unlimited transactions, providing a stress-free banking experience for both individuals and small business owners.
nbkc also includes free domestic wire transfers, making it ideal for users who send or receive ACH and wire transfers without incurring added costs. While it doesn’t provide physical branches in Tennessee, it partners with over 90,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.
Why We Chose It
nbkc stands out for anyone who values clear, low-cost banking without sacrificing access to digital and wire-transfer tools.
- No monthly or minimum-balance fees
- Unlimited transactions, including wires
- 90,000+ ATM network with free withdrawals
- Transparent fee schedule
- No physical branches in Tennessee
- No savings or interest-bearing checking account
- Limited to a single personal/business checking option
Mobile Banking
nbkc’s mobile app supports everyday needs such as mobile check deposits, bill payments, and real-time balance alerts. The app’s clean interface focuses on core banking functionality, making it a reliable choice for those who prefer online-only banking.
>> Open Your nbkc Account Today! >>
Chase Business Banking – Best for Comprehensive Financial Tools & Services
Chase Business Banking is a top choice for Tennessee entrepreneurs looking for a reliable, all-in-one solution. With an extensive branch network and a broad range of business-specific products, Chase is well-equipped to support both startups and growing enterprises.
The Chase Business Complete Banking® account stands out for its built-in QuickAccept® payment processing, allowing businesses to accept card payments directly through the mobile app with same-day deposits. This is ideal for retail and service-based businesses that need fast access to funds.
Besides checking and merchant services, Chase also offers small business loans, lines of credit, and access to J.P. Morgan advisors for long-term financial planning, all backed by responsive customer service and fraud protection.
Why We Chose It
Chase combines powerful merchant tools, strong local presence in Tennessee, and a full suite of business banking products, perfect for business owners who want a single partner for all their financial needs.
- Free built-in card payment processing via QuickAccept®
- Multiple ways to waive the $15 monthly fee
- Nationwide access to 15,000+ ATMs and 4,700+ branches
- Options for business credit cards, lending, and payroll solutions
- Monthly fee applies if balance/activity minimums aren’t met
- Standard checking APY is low
- Limited to 20 free monthly transactions; fees apply afterward
Mobile Banking
Chase’s business banking app streamlines daily operations. Business owners can pay vendors, deposit checks, schedule transfers, accept payments through QuickAccept®, and set up multi-user access for their teams, all from a single dashboard. This makes it easy to stay in control, even while on the move.
>> Open Your Chase Account Today! >>
Found – Best for Solo Business Owners in Tennessee
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Found is a digital banking platform built for freelancers, sole proprietors, and gig workers throughout Tennessee. With no monthly fees and unlimited transactions, Found simplifies bookkeeping by offering automated tax withholding, invoicing, and expense tracking built right into the app. Although it doesn’t offer interest-bearing accounts or cash deposits, its lightweight interface and mobile-first setup make it a strong choice for independent professionals.
Why We Chose It
Found combines essential financial tools with effortless automation, ideal for individuals running their own show without traditional business hassles.
- No monthly fees or minimum balances
- Invoicing, auto-tax savings, and expense categorization included
- Unlimited ACH and debit transactions
- Fast, intuitive mobile setup and dashboard
- No interest or savings options
- Cannot deposit cash or checks in person
- No business credit or lending services
Mobile Banking
The Found app is centered on self-employed needs: create invoices, save for taxes automatically, track spending, and review transactions, all from a clean, mobile interface that makes business finances feel simple and organized.
>> Open Your Found Account Today! >>
Mercury – Best for Tech Startups in Tennessee
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Mercury offers startup-friendly banking crafted for tech founders in Tennessee. With no account fees, free domestic wires, and multi-user account permissions, it supports young companies scaling their operations. Mercury integrates with Stripe, QuickBooks, and other platforms, although it doesn’t support cash deposits or physical branches.
Why We Chose It
Mercury provides scalable banking with powerful tools and zero fees, perfect for startups and growing ventures seeking seamless integrations and easy team collaboration.
- No fees or minimum balance
- Free domestic wire transfers included
- Multi-user team access and spend controls
- Integrates with modern business tools
- No interest on balances
- No ATM or cash deposit support
- Focused mainly on startups, not everyday banking
Mobile Banking
The Mercury app delivers tools tech founders need: team access controls, integration dashboards, wire transfers, and real-time alerts, all optimized for remote or distributed startup teams in Tennessee.
>> Open Your Mercury Account Today! >>
Live Oak Bank – Best for SBA Lending & High-Yield Savings
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Live Oak Bank offers remote banking services and stands out for its business lending, especially SBA loans, as well as its high-yield savings and CD products. It doesn’t have branches in Tennessee, but business owners can benefit from the Essential Checking account (no monthly fee) and a savings yield of about 3.5% APY, with FDIC-insured cash sweep options up to $10 million.
Why We Chose It
Live Oak combines impressive savings rates and loan options with remote banking, ideal for Tennessee businesses looking to grow, save, and scale.
- High-yield savings (≈3.5%) and CD options
- Strong SBA lending and USDA loan support
- No fees on basic business checking
- $10 million FDIC sweep option
- No cash or check deposit services
- No physical branch support
- Limited integration with common business apps
Mobile Banking
While Live Oak doesn’t offer a fully-featured consumer-style mobile app, its online portal allows users to monitor accounts, manage savings strategies, and initiate SBA loans. It’s best suited for businesses comfortable with remote, desktop-centric banking.
>> Open Your Live Oak Account Today! >>
Wise Business Banking – Best for Global Payments in Tennessee
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Wise Business Banking is built for Tennessee companies dealing with international clients or suppliers. With multi-currency accounts, transparent exchange rates (typically 0.4%–1% above mid-market), and fast global transfers, Wise offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks. The standard checking account earns no interest but includes free checks and easy integrations.
Why We Chose It
Wise simplifies global transactions and currency management, making it a powerful choice for export businesses, remote teams, and international freelancers in Tennessee.
- Supports 50+ currencies with real-time conversion
- Low and transparent foreign exchange fees
- Send and receive international payments quickly
- Free business debit card and fee-free checks
- No physical branches
- No interest on checking balances
- Minimal U.S. domestic banking features
Mobile Banking
Wise’s mobile app supports real-time currency exchanges, multi-currency balances, global transfers, and spending notifications, empowering Tennessee users to handle international finances from anywhere.
>> Open Your Wise Account Today! >>
How to Choose the Best Bank in Tennessee
Finding the right bank in Tennessee means balancing your financial needs with the services and features that matter most to you. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the best banking partner:
- Understand the Different Types of Banks: Banks come in several forms, traditional brick-and-mortar banks, online-only institutions, credit unions, and mobile-first neobanks. Each offers a different experience in terms of accessibility, service, and technology. Choose the type that best suits your lifestyle and comfort level with digital tools.
- Identify the Account Types You Need: Common options include checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit (CDs). Some banks specialize in just one or two types, while others offer a full suite. Consider your short- and long-term financial goals to determine what combination works best for you.
- Prioritize Low-Fee Banking: Look for banks that keep costs low by eliminating or minimizing monthly maintenance fees, overdraft charges, and ATM withdrawal fees. Many online banks offer fee-free accounts, while traditional banks may waive fees with qualifying activities.
- Consider ATM and Branch Access: If you prefer in-person banking or need to make regular cash deposits, opt for a bank with branches or a strong ATM network in Tennessee. For those comfortable banking digitally, look for institutions that reimburse out-of-network ATM fees or partner with national ATM networks.
- Compare Features That Matter to You: Modern accounts can include features like high-interest earnings, cashback rewards, budgeting tools, early direct deposit, or fee-free overdrafts. Prioritize banks that offer features aligned with how you manage and access your money.
- Research Customer Satisfaction and Support: Before signing up, check independent customer reviews and ratings. Pay attention to how the bank handles support requests, dispute resolution, and digital reliability. A well-reviewed customer service experience can make a big difference.
- Read the Fine Print: Always review the terms and conditions carefully. Ensure the bank is insured by the FDIC (for banks) or NCUA (for credit unions), and note any balance requirements, fees, or expiration dates for promotional offers or bonuses.
- Explore Additional Products: If you prefer a one-stop shop for your finances, consider what else the bank offers beyond checking and savings. Many institutions also provide credit cards, investment accounts, mortgages, personal loans, or business services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Still have questions about choosing the right bank in Tennessee? We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you make a confident and informed decision.
>> Open Your Bluevine Business Account Today! >>
Final Thoughts – Best Banks in Tennessee (2025)
From high-yield online banks like Bluevine and Lili to full-service giants like Chase and Bank of America, Tennessee delivers a balanced blend of digital convenience and classic branch-based service.
Your best choice comes down to priorities, whether that’s low fees, intuitive mobile apps, in-person support, or maximizing savings. Digital-first providers like Axos, Oxygen, and Capital One excel in tech and flexibility, while hybrid players such as U.S. Bank and Chase combine modern tools with physical branch access.
Whatever your financial objectives, you’ll find a banking partner here ready to match your style and streamline money management.
>> Open Your Bluevine Account Today! >>
Jonathan is a seasoned content writer with deep expertise in career development, job search strategies, and professional growth. With a keen ability to craft insightful and engaging content, he has helped countless professionals navigate their careers with confidence. His work focuses on resume optimization, interview preparation, and industry trends, making him a trusted voice in career coaching and development.
