Kate started writing on business topics in 1996, working for groundbreaking B2B newsletters Communication Briefings and The Competitive Advantage. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2020 and is an expert in business banking, insurance, and eCommerce. She has been featured on NBC TODAY, Yahoo News, GoBankingRates, Scripps News Syndicate, and CBS Radio. She has a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Lewis & Clark College and lives in Canby, Oregon.
There is a wide array of banks and financial services companies eager to take you on as a customer. But how can you tell which offers are legitimate, let alone find the best bank for small businesses? We'll walk you through the fees you can expect to pay, what kind of customer support you can expect, and more, so you can compare the best business bank accounts available and choose the one that will work best for you.
When it comes to running a business, you can never be too prepared. In the end, choosing the perfect type of business insurance can protect your business from claims, property damage, and other disasters, and can give you peace of mind, so you can stop worrying and get back to business.
A corporate credit card policy protects your organization, its financial security, and its employees. But what should a corporate credit policy include? Are there corporate credit card policy best practices you can learn from?
Same-day deposits are nearly identical to Square's Instant Transfer feature. It comes with the same notice that some may have limits, and you may start out with a smaller transfer amount per day and work your way up.
Google Business Profile is easy to use, makes it easier for customers to find you and learn about what you have to offer, and can improve your customer experience and relations.
Banking expert Kate Hoots talks with the San Francisco Chronicle about interest rates.
Banking expert Kate Hoots weighs-in about whether or not you need a bank with GOBankingRates.
eCommerce expert Kate Hoots sits down with NBC Today to discuss holiday shipping.
eCommerce expert Kate Hoots discusses holiday shipping with WRTV ABC Indianapolis.
Banking expert Kate Hoots discusses with Yahoo Finance what to look for in an online bank.
Businesses are required to carry workers’ compensation in all states except Texas. In many states, workers’ comp is required as soon as you hire your first employee. Other states tie coverage requirements to the number of employees you have. Talk with a licensed insurance agent to make sure you have the coverage you need.
Sole proprietors can protect their businesses by taking out business insurance. Start with general liability and commercial property policies, and then talk with your insurance rep about any recommended additional coverage.
Most businesses should open a business bank account. Although it’s possible to run a business using your personal bank account, opening a business account makes it easier to track and control your finances. You’ll also find tax time easier and your audit risk lower when you separate your business and personal finances by using business bank services.
Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles used for business and the people who drive those vehicles for work. Some insurance companies limit the number of people who can be listed as drivers, however. Check with your insurance agent to make sure you have coverage for as many drivers as you need.
Commercial truck insurance is a type of commercial auto insurance. More specifically, it’s a bundle of insurance policies that offer comprehensive protection for trucking businesses and independent owner-operators. The exact combination of insurance your business needs depends on the specifics of your operation.
The best business savings accounts are easy to apply for, offer an interest rate or APY at or above the national average for savings accounts, and offer features aimed at small businesses. We think Live Oak, First Internet Bank, BlueVine, LendingClub, NBKC, U.S. Bank Platinum Money Market, Lili, Grasshopper, and Prime Alliance meet those requirements.
Johnson’s independent children’s bookstore is seriously thriving, and now, thanks to a $10,000 opportunity grant from Merchant Maverick, she can continue following her small business dreams and building her bookstore.
Opening a business bank account for your LLC can be done quickly and easily. You can even apply online. What you need to open a business bank account will depend on how your business is structured and what the bank you choose requires. Expect to provide government-issued identification, an EIN or Social Security number, your business license, and your incorporation documents.
Thimble is business insurance. You can purchase the most common kinds of business insurance, general liability and commercial property, from Thimble. Thimble insurance can be purchased by the hour, day, week, month, or year, making it perfect for anyone who does not need ongoing insurance for their business.
A business bank account doesn’t have to cost you anything. You can find online accounts for your business that have $0 minimum deposits, $0 monthly fees, and $0 minimum balance requirements.
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The vendors that appear on this list were chosen by subject matter experts on the basis of product quality, wide usage and availability, and positive reputation.
Merchant Maverick’s ratings are editorial in nature, and are not aggregated from user reviews. Each staff reviewer at Merchant Maverick is a subject matter expert with experience researching, testing, and evaluating small business software and services. The rating of this company or service is based on the author’s expert opinion and analysis of the product, and assessed and seconded by another subject matter expert on staff before publication. Merchant Maverick’s ratings are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
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