Banking that Builds Your Foundation
Built for clarity and ease, Business Essential Checking helps you stay focused on what matters most—building your business. With flexible features that grow with you, it’s not just where you begin—it’s how you build momentum, stay in control, and move forward with confidence.
Earn up to a $1,500 cash bonus{{d1397*}}
Earn $300
Average Ledger Balance
of $5,000 to $14,999.99
Earn $500
Average Ledger Balance
of $15,000 to $29,999.99
Earn $750
Average Ledger Balance
of $30,000 to $99,999.99
Earn $1500
Average Ledger Balance
of $100,000 or more
Open a new M&T Business Checking account
Open online today or visit a local M&T Bank branch to open a Business Checking account byMarch 31, 2026. Use promo code BW.
Maintain the average ledger balance requirement
Maintain an average ledger balance of at least $5,000 in the third full month after you open your account.{{d1397*}}
Get your cash bonus
Enjoy your cash bonus! Your account will be credited by the end of the fourth month.
Promo code automatically applies when you open your account online.
Want to visit a branch? Email yourself abonus coupon
Earn up to a $1,500 cash bonus{{d1397*}}
Earn $300
Average Ledger Balance
of $5,000 to $14,999.99
Earn $500
Average Ledger Balance
of $15,000 to $29,999.99
Earn $750
Average Ledger Balance
of $30,000 to $99,999.999
Earn $1500
Average Ledger Balance
of $100,000 or more
Open a new M&T Business Checking account
Open online today or visit a local M&T Bank branch to open a Business Checking account byMarch 31, 2026. Use promo code BW.
Maintain the average ledger balance requirement
Maintain an average ledger balance of at least $5,000 in the third full month after you open your account.{{d1397*}}
Get your cash bonus
Enjoy your cash bonus! Your account will be credited by the end of the fourth month.
Promo code automatically applies when you open your account online.
Want to visit a branch? Email yourself abonus coupon
Why choose Business Essential Checking?
Smart banking that grows with you—whether you're just starting out or staying small by design.
From your first sale to your next milestone, Business Essential Checking is built to support your journey. With tools that help you start smart, stay focused, and stay flexible, it gives you the clarity, control, and confidence to move forward—your way.
Start smart
No monthly account maintenance fee with qualifying activity
Maintain at least $1,000 average ledger balance that month ORThe purchases and payments made from the Account with the linked Visa® debit card total $300.00 or more to waive the $5 monthly account maintenance fee—so you can focus on building, not budgeting.{{d1390*}}
Stay Focused
Built for freelancers, creators, and small business owners
Designed for modern entrepreneurs who value flexibility and control. Whether you're launching a brand or scaling a side hustle, this account keeps your banking streamlined and stress-free.
Start Fast
100% digital application — no paperwork required{{d204*}}
Apply online in minutes. No branch visits, no printed forms—just a fast, frictionless start to your business banking journey.
Ready to Grow
Flexible features with easy account access
Your business doesn’t stand still—and neither should your banking. With 24/7 mobile and online access, plus tools that evolve with your needs, you’re always ready for what’s next.
Fuel Your First Steps
Business Essential Checking gives you clarity, control, and confidence from day one.
- $5 monthly account maintenance fee —waived for your first 3 months to help you hit the ground running{{d957*}}
- 25 transactions includedevery month to keep things simple and cost-effective{{d1311*}}
- $2,500 in currency deposited or supplied included so you can manage money your way{{d489*}}
- Unlimited debit card usage.
FEE
DETAILS
Monthly Account Maintenance Fee
$5.00
Additional Transaction Items Fee{{d1311*}}
$1.00 per transaction item, in excess of first 25 checks paid, checks deposited, deposited tickets (whether physical or create virtually in connection with an ATM, mobile, remote check deposit, or other electronic deposit), ACH credits received(not generated by the customer), and ACH debits received (not generated by the customer). ATM cash deposits are not considered a transaction item.
Monthly Paper Statement Fee
$3.00. Waived for the first 3 months upon account opening; waived if account is enrolled in electronic delivery and does not receive paper statement thereafter.{{d1324*}}
Additional Currency Deposited or Supplied{{d489*}}
Fees for additional currency deposited or supplied (including deposits completed at an M&T ATM) are $0.27/$100.
Ways to waive the monthly account maintenance fee{{d957*}}
- Carry a $1,000 average ledger balance per cycleOR
- Complete $300 in in purchases and payments{{d1275*}} per month
Built for Your Business. Backed by Real Support.
Help protect What You’ve Built
Fraud mitigation tools and chip tech help safeguard your business—so you can focus on growth.
Move Money, Make Moves
Send payments, transfer funds, and pay bills in minutes{{d16*}}.
Bank Anywhere, Work Everywhere
Mobile tools that keep your business running—whether you're in the office or on the go{{d204*}}.
Local Roots, Big Reach
Get the personal touch of a community bank with the power of a wide network.
Your Brand, Your Card
Make every transaction a reflection of your business with a debit card that features your logo and design{{d1313*}}.
Start strong with tools that work as hard as you do
Business Essential Checking is your foundation—built for those launching something new or keeping things intentionally small. With flexible, digital-first tools like Simple Accept, mobile banking, and card controls, you’ll have everything you need to look professional, get paid fast, and stay focused on what matters most.
M&T SimpleAccept
Just getting started? If you process under $50K in card payments annually, you can accept payments anywhere, send digital invoices, and track it all in one place
M&T Merchant Services{{d219*}}
Credit cards, debit cards, contactless cards, mobile wallet and more — M&T’s merchant account services include a range of payment acceptance options.
M&T Visa® Business Debit Card
Every Business Checking account comes with an M&T Visa® Business Debit Card—giving you secure access to your funds and optional enrollment in Visa SavingsEdge®.
Start strong with tools that work as hard as you do
Business Essential Checking is your foundation—built for those launching something new or keeping things intentionally small. With flexible, digital-first tools like Simple Accept, mobile banking, and card controls, you’ll have everything you need to look professional, get paid fast, and stay focused on what matters most.
M&T SimpleAccept
Just getting started? If you process under $50K in card payments annually, you can accept payments anywhere, send digital invoices, and track it all in one place
M&T Merchant Services{{d219*}}
Credit cards, debit cards, contactless cards, mobile wallet and more — M&T’s merchant account services include a range of payment acceptance options.
M&T Visa® Business Debit Card
Every Business Checking account comes with an M&T Visa® Business Debit Card—giving you access to your funds and optional enrollment in Visa SavingsEdge®.
Let’s get your business moving.
To open a Business Essential Checking account online, please prepare the following:
Your SSN, personal address, email address & mobile phone number
Your business's Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN, SSN, ITIN)
Name, email address and mobile phone number or owner whohas 100% ownership of the company
Let’s get your business moving.
To open a Business Essential Checking account online, please prepare the following:
Your SSN, personal address, email address & mobile phone number
Your business's Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN, SSN, ITIN)
Name, email address and mobile phone number or owner whohas 100% ownership of the company
Education & Tools to Power Your Growth
Get the guidance and technology you need to succeed—all in one place.
Access expert advice, practical tools, and insights to manage your finances, grow your business, and achieve your goals. Plus, streamline your banking with a secure, easy-to-use platform designed for your convenience.
Streamlined Online Banking
Manage your money with ease—from mobile deposits to card controls—all in one secure, simple platform{{d16*}}.
- Transfer funds
- Card management tools
- Mobile bill pay
Business Education Center
Explore expert advice, practical tools, and insights to help you manage your finances, grow your business, and achieve your goals.
Education & Tools to Power Your Growth
Get the guidance and technology you need to succeed—all in one place.
Access expert advice, practical tools, and insights to manage your finances, grow your business, and achieve your goals. Plus, streamline your banking with a secure, easy-to-use platform designed for your convenience.
Streamlined Online Banking
Manage your money with ease—from mobile deposits to card controls—all in one secure, simple platform.
- Transfer funds
- Card management tools
- Mobile bill pay{{d16*}}
Business Education Center
Explore expert advice, practical tools, and insights to help you manage your finances, grow your business, and achieve your goals.
Top business checking questions, answered by our experts.
We want your money working for your business—not on fees. With Business Essential Checking, you can waive the monthly account maintenance fee by{{d1390*}}:
• Average Ledger Balance is at least $1,000 that month OR
• The purchases and payments{{d1275*}} made from the Account with the linked Visa® debit card(s) total $300.00 or more (transactions must be settled during the Analysis Period, and withdrawals are not included)
It’s one more way we help you keep resources focused on growth.
The Business Essential Checking account includes 25 transaction items each month and a cash deposit allowance of $2,500 per month — designed for everyday business needs. Beyond those limits, additional fees may apply—but we structure them so you only pay for what you use, giving you flexibility as you grow.
You’ll need business details, ownership information, and identification. We make the process straightforward so you can open your account and get back to building your business.
Yes. Business Essential Checking gives you access to mobile deposit and online bill pay{{d16*}}—tools that help you manage your finances wherever opportunity takes you. Withthe M&T Mobile Banking app you can view your M&T personal and business accounts, deposit checks, pay bills, schedule transfers, make M&T loan payments, enroll in M&T Alerts and find M&T branches and ATMs.
Absolutely. As your business expands, your banking should too. We make it easy to move to accounts so you always have the right features for your next stage of growth.
Transaction items include checks paid, checks deposited, deposit tickets, and electronic debits or credits. Your account includes a monthly allowance, and additional items may incur a fee—but we keep it transparent so you can plan with confidence.
Yes. We provide tools and guidance to help you move payments, deposits, and payroll seamlessly. Switching should never slow you down.
Yes. Every Business Essential Checking account comes with an M&T Business Debit Card, giving you access to your funds and the flexibility to pay wherever business takes you.
We're available online or by phone
Apply Online
Apply online anytime, anywhere.
