Novo Bank 2024 Review: The Modern Solution for Small Business Banking

Our verdict

Novo Bank offers an ideal banking solution for small businesses and freelancers seeking a fee-free, digitally integrated experience. With robust online tools and seamless integrations, Novo simplifies business banking, making it an excellent choice for tech-savvy entrepreneurs.

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Daniel Johnson
Author
Daniel Johnson
fact checked
July 17, 2024
last updated
products
  • Business Checking Account: Fee-free account with unlimited transactions and advanced digital tools.
  • Novo Boost: Faster ACH transfers at no additional cost.
  • Novo Perks: Discounts and credits for business services and tools.
  • fees and rates

    Business Checking Account Fees: Novo's business checking accounts have no fees, including no monthly maintenance, transaction, or ATM fees. The only charges are for insufficient funds and uncollected funds returned.

    Interest Rates: Novo does not offer interest-bearing accounts or traditional loan products, focusing instead on fee-free banking and integrations.

    Customer reviews

    Overall Satisfaction: Novo receives high praise for its fee-free structure and digital tools, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5.

    Common Praises: Customers appreciate the lack of fees, easy-to-use platform, and excellent integration capabilities.

    Common Complaints: Some users report limitations in customer service availability and the inability to deposit cash.

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    This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Novo Bank’s offerings in 2024, focusing on its products, services, user experience, technology, fees, customer feedback, and competitive positioning. Novo Bank, founded in 2016, has rapidly gained a reputation for its innovative approach to business banking. The bank’s mission is to eliminate banking fees while offering advanced digital tools to streamline financial management for small businesses.

    Overview of Products and Services:

    Business Checking Accounts: Novo provides a fee-free business checking account designed for digital banking with extensive integration capabilities.

    • Monthly Fees: None
    • Minimum Balance Requirements: None
    • Transaction Limits: Unlimited fee-free transactions
    • Online and Mobile Banking: Advanced digital tools and a user-friendly mobile app
    • ATM Access: All ATM fees are refunded
    • Deposits and Transfers: Free ACH transfers, incoming wires, and mailed checks

    Savings Accounts and CDs: Novo currently does not offer separate savings accounts or CDs.

    Loans and Credit: Novo does not provide traditional loans or lines of credit but partners with third-party lenders for financing options.

    Merchant Services: Although Novo does not offer dedicated merchant services, it integrates seamlessly with payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, and Shopify.

    Other Financial Services: Novo offers additional services such as invoicing, budgeting, and payroll integrations with platforms like Gusto and QuickBooks.

    Product Details:

    Business Checking Account:

    • Monthly Fees: No monthly maintenance fees
    • Minimum Balance Requirements: None
    • Transaction Limits: Unlimited transactions
    • Online and Mobile Banking: Highly rated mobile app with features like mobile check deposit, ACH transfers, and bill pay
    • ATM Access: Unlimited refunds for ATM fees worldwide
    • Methods for Deposits and Transfers: Free ACH transfers, mobile check deposits, and mailed checks
    • Check Writing Capabilities: Available through the app

    Additional Services:

    • Overdraft Protection: No overdraft fees; NSF fee of $27 applies
    • Integrated Services: Direct integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and Zapier
    • Customer Support: Available via email and phone, with extensive online resources
    And that's not Everything

    Features Overview

    Fee-Free Business Checking Account

    Novo offers a business checking account that is entirely fee-free. This includes no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no fees for transactions such as ACH transfers, incoming wires, and mailed checks. This fee-free structure is a significant benefit for small businesses and freelancers looking to maximize their capital without worrying about hidden charges

    Unlimited ATM Fee Refunds

    One of the standout features of Novo Bank is the unlimited refunds for ATM fees worldwide. Regardless of which ATM you use, Novo will refund the fees, making it highly convenient for business owners who need frequent cash access on the go

    Advanced Digital Tools and Integrations

    Novo excels in providing advanced digital tools and seamless integrations with various business platforms. It integrates with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, payment processors such as Stripe and PayPal, and other business tools like Gusto for payroll and Zapier for workflow automation. These integrations streamline financial management, making Novo an attractive option for tech-savvy business owners

    pros
  • No fees or minimum balance requirements
  • Unlimited ATM fee refunds
  • Seamless integrations with business tools
  • Advanced digital banking features
  • Cons
  • No cash deposits
  • Limited customer support hours
  • No traditional lending options
  • user experience

    Account Opening Process: Opening a Novo account is straightforward and entirely online. It requires basic business information and typically takes a few days for approval.

    Daily Management: Novo’s platform is user-friendly, allowing for easy management of finances through its mobile app and online dashboard.

    Customer Service: Customer service is available via email and phone during business hours. There is also a comprehensive knowledge base for self-help.

    Security Features: Novo employs strong security measures, including two-factor authentication and encrypted databases, ensuring secure transactions and data protection.

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    Account Opening Process: Opening a Novo account is straightforward and entirely online. It requires basic business information and typically takes a few days for approval.

    Daily Management: Novo’s platform is user-friendly, allowing for easy management of finances through its mobile app and online dashboard.

    Customer Service: Customer service is available via email and phone during business hours. There is also a comprehensive knowledge base for self-help.

    Security Features: Novo employs strong security measures, including two-factor authentication and encrypted databases, ensuring secure transactions and data protection.

    Technology and Innovation:

    Digital Banking Platforms: Novo’s online and mobile banking platforms are intuitive and feature-rich, supporting a wide range of business banking needs.

    Innovative Features: Notable features include Novo Boost for faster ACH transfers and extensive integrations with third-party business tools.

    Integration Capabilities: Novo integrates with various accounting and payment platforms, including QuickBooks, Xero, Stripe, and Shopify, enhancing its functionality for small businesses.

    Conclusion:

    Summary: Novo Bank offers a robust, fee-free banking solution ideal for small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. Its advanced digital tools and seamless integrations make it a top choice for tech-savvy users.

    Comparative Analysis:Compared to competitors like Brex and Bluevine, Novo stands out for its no-fee structure and extensive integration capabilities. However, it lacks lending options and traditional banking products like savings accounts.

    Final Assessment: Novo is highly recommended for businesses seeking a cost-effective and technologically advanced banking partner. Its no-fee model and extensive integrations provide significant value, though it may not suit businesses requiring cash deposits or traditional loans.

    Recommendation: Consider Novo Bank if you need a digital-first, fee-free banking solution with excellent integration capabilities.

    Additional Information:

    Disclaimers: Terms and conditions may change, and it is advisable to check Novo’s website for the latest information.

    What are your options?

    Top 3 Alternatives

    Mercury Bank

    Ideal for startups, tech companies, and e-commerce businesses that require a no-fee, digital-first banking solution with robust online tools and high FDIC insurance

    Brex

    Another fintech solution targeting startups with no-fee accounts, cash back on purchases, and seamless expense management tools

    Bluevine

    Offers a business checking account with 2.00% APY on balances up to $100k and supports cash deposits through Green Dot locations