3 Bank Accounts Every Small Business Owner Should Have - Business Success Educators (2024)

Do you ever struggle to have enough money to pay your tax bill when it’s due?

Would you like to have extra money to reinvest back into your business to help it to grow?

For this to happen, you need to manage your money wisely. One simple and effective technique is to set up three different bank accounts. Each has a separate purpose and it allows you to effectively manage your money.

By setting these up and using them wisely, you will always have enough money to do the things that you want to do in your business. So let’s explore what they are…

1) Operating account

The first account you’ll need is your operating account. Your operating account is where you run the day to day operations of your business. It’s where you:

  • Receive your income
  • Pay your bill
  • Pay your wages etc

Basically, all your day to day cash inflows and outflows go through this account. Most businesses should have one of these accounts already.

2) Tax Account

The second account that you’ll need is your tax account. Your tax account is where you start putting money aside for tax. Each week or each month, start to put money aside money which will cover your obligations such as:

  • Good and Services Tax (GST)
  • Pay As You Go Tax (PAYG)
  • Superannuation
  • Income tax; and so on

A big problem for many businesses is that they spend their tax money because it is in their bank account. By separating it from your operating account you will be less likely to spend it. You’ll start to manage your business based on what is left in the account.

3) Profit Account

Finally, the third account you’ll need is a profit account. This is where you put money aside for the profits of your business. So as your business makes profit, simply put some of that money aside. Again, if you leave it in your operating account, you’ll spend it. But if you put it aside in your profit account, you’ll then be able to choose what you spend your profits on. This could be things like:

  • Pay out dividends
  • Buy new assets for your business
  • Reinvest in the growth of your business

The beauty of starting to manage your money this way you’ll be able to start to choose where you spend your profits, rather than it just getting absorbed in the day to day operations.

So just to recap, to manage your money wisely in business, set up three accounts:

  • Operating account
  • Tax account
  • Profit account.

Set these up today and by putting the money aside in each of these, you’ll find that you’ll have the money that you’ll need to run your business successfully.

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3 Bank Accounts Every Small Business Owner Should Have - Business Success Educators (2024)

FAQs

3 Bank Accounts Every Small Business Owner Should Have - Business Success Educators? ›

Beyond traditional loans, business banking often provides access to specialized financing options such as equipment financing, trade credit, and factoring services. These options cater to the unique demands of businesses, allowing for more tailored financial support.

Why do we need banks for businesses to be successful? ›

Beyond traditional loans, business banking often provides access to specialized financing options such as equipment financing, trade credit, and factoring services. These options cater to the unique demands of businesses, allowing for more tailored financial support.

Why a business owner should have a separate bank account for their business? ›

Benefits of a business bank account

control your business expenses and income. clearly show your business finances separate from your personal finances. get the information you need for your accountant or to meet your tax and reporting obligations.

What would a small business owner want in a bank? ›

Those that feel their bank has helped have higher rates of applying and getting approval for new business loans and lines of credit. They are more likely to have a business credit card, a line of credit or a Small Business Administration loan with the bank.

Does each business need its own bank account? ›

Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Business checking accounts are an essential tool and typically a requirement for any business operated as a separate legal entity from the owner.

What makes banks successful? ›

Successful banks understand that the customer is the most important asset of the bank and work to develop tools and deploy technology that improves customer satisfaction and reduces employee turnover.

How do banks help businesses grow? ›

As a business owner, your bank is one of your biggest allies. Through diverse loan offerings, risk management tools, and treasury management services, banks can provide your company with the edge you need to protect and grow your business.

What bank accounts should a small business have? ›

Common business accounts include a checking account, savings account, credit card account, and a merchant services account. Merchant services accounts allow you to accept credit and debit card transactions from your customers. You can open a business bank account once you've gotten your federal EIN.

How many bank accounts should I have as a small business owner? ›

One simple and effective technique is to set up three different bank accounts. Each has a separate purpose and it allows you to effectively manage your money. By setting these up and using them wisely, you will always have enough money to do the things that you want to do in your business.

How important is a business bank account? ›

A Business Bank Account Is Worth the Effort

However, by opening a business bank account, you simplify your financials and save time on paying taxes and doing your bookkeeping, which makes it worth the effort. Your business bank account can also help you get a loan and protect you from the IRS and creditors.

What do small business owners need the most help with? ›

Manage finances effectively

The bottom line is that having a thorough understanding of your target market and customers, developing an effective marketing plan, and managing finances are just some things small business owners need to know to succeed in their endeavors.

How can a small business owner be successful? ›

Successful small businesses are run by passionate entrepreneurs who also possess strong business acumen. To maximize your chances of success, keep accurate records of all transactions, cut costs wherever possible (without sacrificing product quality) and focus on providing an outstanding customer experience.

How much money should a small business keep in the bank? ›

There's no one-size-fits-all rule, but generally, small businesses are advised to set aside 3-6 months of expenses in cash reserves. Exactly how much that is for you can vary, depending on a few factors: Monthly expenses.

What are the disadvantages of a business bank account? ›

Disadvantages of a business bank account may include higher fees, minimum balance requirements, and more paperwork during the account opening process.

What is a personal bank account 7 habits? ›

Some symptoms of a healthy personal bank account: You stand up for yourself and resist peer pressure; you're not terribly concerned with being popular; you see life in a positive way; you trust yourself; you set and work toward goals; you are happy when others succeed.

What happens if you don't have a business bank account? ›

Increased Risk of an IRS Audit

If you don't have a business bank account, it can be difficult to provide this documentation. This could lead to problems with the IRS and potentially result in penalties.

What do business owners want most? ›

Business owners are a simple bunch. They want to know how to make more money, cut costs of doing business, avoid taxes, avoid expensive lawsuits, find new opportunities to do business and find inexpensive ways to fund business growth.

What is the most important factor for a business owner to have with the banker? ›

Industry Expertise

Each industry comes with its unique financial requirements, so it's essential to ensure that the bank and banker have the relevant experience and knowledge in your specific sector. Their understanding of your industry can help tailor financial solutions that best suit your needs.

How do I choose a bank for my business? ›

Before choosing a bank for your business, do proper research and consider several important factors, including account and loan options available, accessibility, customer service, earning potential, and fees. The best bank is the one that can meet your business banking needs at the lowest cost.

How do banks define small business? ›

Small businesses (with revenue from $1 million to less than $10 million) represent about $55 billion of the revenue potential and are a particularly valuable client segment for banks. The remainder comes from midsize businesses (with revenue of $10 million to $50 million).

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