BusinessSmart Checking

Name: Stearns Financial Services, Inc.
Address: 4191 2nd St. S., St. Cloud, MN, 56301
Telephone: 800-320-7262

You’re always adapting to challenges and seeking new opportunities. And, while some things may be out of your control, your checking account shouldn’t be.

With a BusinessSmart™ checking account, you’re in control. Plus, you’re always backed by an expert team, driven by a passion to help you reach your goals.

Account Features | Autobooks | Frequently Asked Questions | Business Banking 101

BusinessSmart business checking from Stearns Bank

Which business account is right for you?

With BusinessSmart checking, there is one, simple, transparent checking account option. Don’t bother sorting through a long list of choices that overwhelm your decision.

Instead, choose the option that includes all the best features: no minimum balance, no opening balance requirements, no hidden fees. No paying for things you don’t need.

Account Features

Simple. Smart. Rewarding. This is how we do business banking.

Simple

We've simplified the best checking account options, creating one easy choice.

Smart

Bank when and where it's convenient for you. Online and mobile banking is always open.

Rewarding

Grow your money

0.25% APY* if balance is $24,999.99 or less
A balance of $0.01 is needed to earn the APY.
0.50% APY* if balance is $25,000.00 or more

Diamond Cash Rewards

0.10% cash rewards on EVERY debit card purchase, deposited to the account monthly**

* APY is annual percentage yield. Rates are accurate as of 07/01/2025 and subject to change at any time, including after account opening. Fees may reduce earnings.
** Earn up to $500 per month. Pending and preauthorized debit card transactions do not earn cash rewards until the final transaction posts to the account. Cash rewards rate effective 07/01/2025.

Nationwide ATM Network

Get easy access to your cash, with no fees. Our nationwide ATM network has more than 42,000 locations. Find an ATM or branch location.

BusinessSmart Checking Account Features

A BusinessSmart Checking account gives you simple options and valuable tools for managing your business.

No opening balance requirement
No hidden fees
No minimum balance
Earn interest on any balance
StearnsConnect online and mobile banking – free with your account
Free monthly eStatements
Stearns Bank customer service – get help from a live representative
Nationwide ATM network – more than 42,000 free ATM locations for easy access to your money
Debit card paying Diamond Cash Rewards for your purchases
Autobooks for managing customer payments – send invoices and offer online payment options (monthly subscription fee)

BusinessSmart Checking for small business

Bring it all together

Chances are, you’re going to need multiple accounts. Combining a BusinessSmart checking account with a BusinessSmart market savings account keeps your overall banking connected. Your savings can grow, while you’ve got the cash flow you need.

And, for your personal life, we recommend Above the Norm™ checking, savings and CD accounts.

See our blog: The 5 Benefits Of Having Multiple Business Accounts

Account Comparison Tools

Knowing potential account fees and interest rates helps you make better decisions about where and how to do your business banking.

With no-obligation comparison tools, we make it simple for you to compare other accounts to BusinessSmart™ checking or market savings accounts. Let's do the comparison and help you make the best decision for your business.

Explore Comparison Tools

Simplify Business Finances

Run your business more efficiently with a Stearns Bank credit card.

Enjoy robust fraud protections, cashback rewards, and tools to streamline financial management — so you can get the most from every dollar spent.

Explore Now

Autobooks

Get paid faster

Autobooks is an online service that makes it easy for customers to pay you and efficiently manage your accounts receivable.

Send invoices directly to your customer's inbox
Accept on-the-spot electronic payments
Offer convenient online payment options
Deposit payments directly into your checking account
Review customer payment activity – who has paid, who still owes money

Send yourself a sample invoice, schedule a 10-minute demo and more.

Learn More About Autobooks

Autobooks - professional invoices, receivables management

Nonprofit Banking Solutions

Transform the way your nonprofit banks, and take advantage of Stearns Bank's donation commitment, with the suite of services designed to help drive your mission forward.

Learn More

StearnsConnect online and mobile banking

Online / Mobile Banking

Online and mobile banking for your growing business

Online Banking is the safe and secure platform that allows you to manage your accounts anytime, anywhere, from any device.

Check balances and review transactions
View online statements
Deposit checks remotely
Transfer funds
Pay bills and manage automatic payments
Wire funds and schedule ACH transactions

Learn More About StearnsConnect

Looking For Success?

Start Here

With no hidden fees or minimum balance requirements, Stearns Bank's business deposit accounts mean you can focus more on your small business and worry less about if your bank is going the distance for you. Learn how the right deposit account will put your small business first.

FIND OUT HOW

"I’m happy I made the switch to Stearns Bank. Change is sometimes hard, but Stearns Bank made it easy. They went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable."

Greg Haffely
Senior Vice President, Employee Health and Benefits
Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC
Golden Valley, MN

Fraud prevention programs at Stearns Bank

Financial Fraud Protection

Stearns Bank program recognizes latest scams

Anyone can fall victim to financial fraud. Fraud schemes are becoming more sophisticated and difficult to detect. Stearns Bank has a robust fraud prevention program to monitor threats and take action. If we notice suspicious or unusual activity on your business or personal accounts, we will intervene to help prevent financial loss. Contact us if you suspect fraudulent activity on your Stearns Bank account.

See our blog on fraud prevention programs at Stearns Bank.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of business accounts does Stearns Bank offer?

There are a variety of accounts available for businesses, including BusinessEssentials checking: for businesses with high balances and strong transaction volumes; and BusinessSmart checking & market savings: for businesses of all types, from start-ups to seasoned enterprises. Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are also available. Other account options are available. Contact us to learn more and discover the best fit for your business.

Does Stearns Bank offer IRAs?

Yes. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are available for personal retirement planning. Traditional and Roth IRA options available. Contact us to learn more and discover the best fit for you.

Are there cash rewards on debit card purchases?

Yes. Diamond Cash Rewards are available on Above the Norm checking, BusinessEssentials checking and BusinessSmart checking debit card purchases. See current rates for details.

Is there a minimum monthly balance requirement for Stearns Bank accounts?

Many Stearns Bank business and personal accounts DO NOT have minimum balance requirements while others, like BusinessEssentials checking DO. See specific account details for current requirements.

Is there a fee for monthly statements?

Monthly eStatements are free and can be requested within your online account (StearnsConnect) under Settings.

Paper statements, if preferred, are $5 per month.

How do I enroll in online banking?

Once your Stearns Bank account is opened, enroll in online banking by visiting the login page and choosing the type of account you’d like to enroll in. Contact the StearnsConnect electronic banking team at (888) 629-8707 if you need assistance.

Are there fee-free ATMs?

Stearns Bank customers have access to 42,000 in-network, fee-free ATMs across the country. Look for the MoneyPass and Shazam logos. You also can find in-network ATMs on the Locations/ATMs page.

Do these accounts pay interest?

Interest can be earned on certain accounts, including Above the Norm checking and market savings accounts, BusinessEssentials checking and BusinessSmart checking and market savings accounts. See specific account details for current rates.

When can I access my deposited funds?

Generally, you can access funds on the first business day after the date of receipt.

Is mobile banking available?

Yes. The StearnsConnect mobile app, you can access your account 24/7; deposit checks, view account balances, transfer funds, pay bills, and more.

Not finding the answer you were looking for?

Contact our team by calling (800) 320-7262 or send us a message.

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