Live Oak Bank

Live Oak Bank · Banks

Live Oak Business Essential Checking review

USUpdated October 2026

Live Oak Bank is an online bank focused on small businesses, pairing business checking with high-yield savings and CDs. Its Essential checking account costs $10 a month, waived with a $1,000 average daily balance, which makes it a good fit for businesses paid electronically that want to earn more on their cash, though it doesn’t take cash deposits.

Monthly fee$10Waived at $1,000 average balance
SavingsHigh-yieldSeparate business savings
Other plans$25 and $100More features
Available inUSBanks
Treasi’s take

Who Live Oak Bank is best for

Choose Live Oak Bank if…

US small businesses wanting checking and high-yield savings together and businesses keeping a modest balance.

Look elsewhere if…

Businesses depositing cash and companies wanting multi-currency accounts.

Live Oak Bank is an online bank focused on small businesses, pairing business checking with high-yield savings and CDs. Its Essential checking account costs $10 a month, waived with a $1,000 average daily balance, which makes it a good fit for businesses paid electronically that want to earn more on their cash, though it doesn’t take cash deposits.

Details

Fees, features and eligibility

Monthly fee$10 a month, waived with a $1,000 average daily balance
TransfersBusiness Essential checking; higher plans at $25 and $100 a month
Account typeLicensed bank (online)
CurrenciesUSD
Who can open itUS small businesses

Source: Live Oak Bank published product information.

Pros and cons

What stands out

Pros

  • Monthly fee waived with a $1,000 average daily balance
  • High-yield business savings and CDs
  • Focused on small businesses

Cons

  • Online only
  • Doesn’t accept cash deposits
FAQs

Live Oak Bank: common questions

How much does Live Oak business checking cost?

Business Essential checking is $10 a month, waived with a $1,000 average daily balance. Higher plans cost $25 and $100 a month.

Does Live Oak offer business savings?

Yes, a high-yield business savings account and CDs, alongside checking.

Can I deposit cash with Live Oak?

No. Live Oak doesn’t accept cash deposits, so it suits businesses that are mostly paid electronically.

Used Live Oak Bank? Help other businesses choose.