Novo vs Bluevine (2026): Which Free Business Checking Is Better?

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Updated October 31, 2026. Checked on Novo’s and Bluevine’s websites on this date.

Note: Both companies are financial technology companies, not banks; banking services are provided by FDIC-member partner banks. APYs are variable. This page isn’t financial advice.

Novo and Bluevine both offer free online business checking with no minimum balance. The main difference: Bluevine pays interest on your balance, while Novo focuses on simple, fee-free banking with ATM refunds.

The short answer

• Choose Bluevine if you keep money in checking and want it to earn interest (1.3% APY up to $250K on the free plan).
• Choose Novo if you want the simplest free account with ATM fee refunds and up to $5M in FDIC coverage.

Novo vs Bluevine at a glance

	Novo	Bluevine
Monthly fee	$0	$0 (Standard); Plus $30, Premier $95, both waivable
Minimum balance	None	None on Standard
APY	None listed	1.3% up to $250K (Standard); 1.75% (Plus); 3.0% (Premier)
ATM fees	Third-party fees refunded up to $7/mo	Check Bluevine terms
Card rewards	Cash back on eligible purchases (terms apply)	Check Bluevine terms
Partner bank	Middlesex Federal Savings, Member FDIC	Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC
FDIC coverage	Up to $5M via sweep network	Up to $3M via sweep network

Where Bluevine wins

• Interest on checking, even on the free plan.
• Upgrade path to higher APYs, with fees waived if you meet balance and spending requirements.

Where Novo wins

• ATM fee refunds up to $7 a month.
• Higher FDIC coverage: up to $5M through its sweep network.
• No paid tiers to manage. One free account.

Our verdict

If your business regularly holds a few thousand dollars or more, Bluevine‘s free interest makes it the better pick. If you want a straightforward free account and use ATMs, Novo is the simpler choice. See all four options in our business bank account guide.

See all four in our guide to the best business bank accounts, or read Relay vs Found.