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Keeping accurate financial records all starts with a business bank account. But navigating bank jargon, fees, and add-on services can be overwhelming. Let us simplify things for you . We’ve compared the best business bank accounts in Australia for 2026 and weighed them against Zeller—a smarter, more affordable alternative to traditional business banks. Read on to discover why a business bank account is essential, what factors to consider, and why a modern solution like Zeller might be the better choice for your business. How Zeller compares to Australia's major banks We’ve aggregated fees and features from the business accounts of six major Australian banks— Westpac , CommBank , NAB , ANZ , Suncorp , and Bendigo Bank —and compared them to the Zeller Transaction Account in one simple table. Use the drop-down to select two accounts and compare all key criteria for choosing a business bank account. While the major banks offer in-branch support and cash handling (which may suit businesses that still rely on physical banking) they often come with much higher monthly fees and far less flexibility when it comes to things like adding debit cards, or creating sub-accounts. Zeller on the other hand, provides a fee-free account with far more functionality than the major banks. You can create unlimited sub-accounts to organise your funds, add notes to transactions for simplified record-keeping, and issue unlimited debit cards for employees. Receipts can be uploaded directly to make managing expenses easier, while a built-in contact directory lets you quickly see all your payers and payees. On top of that, Zeller includes an invoicing system to create and send invoices, with payments tracked seamlessly, and 24/7 customer support ensures help is always at hand. With Zeller, everything you need to manage your business finances is consolidated into one flexible, easy-to-use platform—without the high fees or unnecessary complexity of traditional banks. What is a business bank account? A business bank account is a specialised account built to meet the financial needs of a business. It helps manage day-to-day transactions like paying bills, receiving customer payments, and handling payroll. Most banks and financial institutions offer a range of account types to suit different business sizes and structures, making it easier to find the right fit for your company. Why do you need a business bank account? A business bank account isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a key part of running a compliant, professional and scalable operation. Here’s why you need one: Legal and tax compliance: If you're registered for GST or operate as a company, you’ll need a dedicated account for your business transactions. Simplified admin : Separating personal and business finances makes reconciling income, preparing for BAS, and managing deductions far easier. Professionalism : Customers take you more seriously, and are more likely to trust your business, when invoices and payments come from a business bank account. Cash flow control : Monitor your business incomings and outgoings more clearly to make faster decisions. Access to finance : It’s typically a requirement for business loans, overdrafts, business credit cards, and trade accounts. Types of business bank accounts in Australia In Australia, there are a few core types of business accounts on offer, such as: Transaction accounts : Your day-to-day account for receiving payments, making purchases, paying suppliers. For example, Zeller Transaction Account . Savings accounts : For earning interest on unused business funds. With a Zeller Savings Account , you can earn up to 5% p.a. Term deposits : Lock away funds for a set time to earn higher interest. Offset accounts : Linked to a business loan, helping reduce interest payments. The 7 key factors to consider when choosing a business bank account 1. Fees Monthly account fees, overdraft charges, dishonour fees, and foreign exchange costs vary widely among business banks. For example, traditional banks often charge $10–$25 per month just to keep an account open. Overdraft fees can be surprisingly high, international payments may include conversion or transfer costs, and even routine transactions—whether electronic or staff-assisted—can incur extra charges. For example, CommBank charges $5 per staff-assisted transaction, while Bendigo Bank charges $0.40 per electronic transaction on their Business Basic Account. In contrast, the Zeller Transaction Account has no monthly fees and no hidden charges. For small businesses, especially those just starting out, these savings can add up quickly—leaving more money where it belongs: in your business. 2. Debit cards All business bank accounts will include a debit card, but their features can vary. If your business handles large purchases or frequent cash withdrawals, then it’s very important to check the maximum daily transaction and withdrawal limits, for example. If you plan to manage staff expenses through your business account, then make sure to check the rules around additional debit cards. The big four banks—Westpac, CommBank, NAB, and ANZ—require every additional cardholder to be an account signatory. For many small business owners, this is restrictive, as it means staff gain access to the full account, not just the funds they need. Zeller offers a more flexible approach. Once your account is set up, you can create as many physical or virtual Zeller Debit Cards or Zeller Corporate Cards as you like, for free. Your staff will only have access to the funds you assign to them, keeping the rest of your business finances secure 3. Online banking and mobile apps How you use and interact with your business bank account can either be seamless — or a constant source of frustration. Rather than finding that out the hard way, take the time to research the provider’s online banking platform and mobile app before opening an account. A simple starting point is checking reviews on the Apple App Store to see how other business owners rate their experience. It’s also important to understand who the app is built for. Most traditional banks use the same app for both personal and business customers, which means the experience isn’t always tailored to the needs of business owners. Zeller, on the other hand, is built specifically for businesses. Zeller App is designed with small business owners in mind, giving you the ability to create and manage accounts, issue new cards, review payment reports and transaction insights, and manage expenses — all powered by real-time business data. 4. Financial reporting   One of the most important measures of a business’s financial health is cash flow—the money coming in from customers and the money going out to cover operational costs like rent, salaries, and supplies. When choosing a business bank account, it’s important to consider the reporting tools the provider offers, because these insights inform critical decisions. In this area, the Zeller Transaction Account excels. From the desktop dashboard or the Zeller App, you can break down incoming and outgoing transfers, categorise transactions, assign contacts, and attach receipts to expenses—all helping you spot spending trends and make informed decisions. For busy business owners, having financial insights at a glance is not just convenient—it’s essential. 5. Extra account features Choosing a business account isn’t just about holding funds. The right provider will offer you additional features that can reduce admin time and give you more control over how your business operates. For example, when you open a Zeller Transaction Account, you will also gain access to: Invoicing: Create, send, and track invoices with Zeller’s free online invoicing software. Multi-user access: Set custom permissions so team members can view balances, send invoices, or manage cards without full account control. Integrations: Connect your Zeller account to tools like Xero for seamless bookkeeping. Transaction categorisation: Automatically sort and label incoming and outgoing payments to track spending by type, supplier, or category. Multiple accounts: Open extra accounts for projects, teams, or business locations—no paperwork or branch visits required. Real-time fund transfers: Move money instantly using Australia’s New Payments Platform (NPP). BPAY: Pay suppliers quickly and easily directly from your dashboard. 6. Security With scams and fraud on the rise, it’s essential to choose a provider that protects your business. Look for robust fraud monitoring, end-to-end encryption, and clear processes for disputing suspicious transactions. Compliance with standards like PCI DSS ensures your customers’ card data is secure, while real-time monitoring and proactive alerts help prevent fraud before it impacts your business. When you accept payments with Zeller, your account is backed by 24/7 monitoring and a team of anti-fraud experts. Suspicious activity is quickly identified and addressed, and if a chargeback occurs, our payment disputes team handles it on your behalf—saving you hours on the phone and without any fees. You can learn more about our security measures here . 7. Customer support When choosing a business bank account, the quality of support is crucial. Whether you prefer phone, app, or in-branch assistance, pick a provider that fits your needs. If in-person support matters, check branch locations; if you manage finances online, ensure the website and app are intuitive. Also consider the comprehensiveness of help channels, directories, and support articles. Zeller provides 24/7 support via phone, email, and SMS. Whether setting up your account, resolving a transaction, or handling urgent matters at tax time, you’ll speak to a real human with experience supporting Australian businesses. Plus you'll find many of the answers you need in our comprehensive Support Centre. How to open a business account in Australia Opening a business account in Australia is generally straightforward, though exact requirements can vary by provider. You’ll typically need: A business name An ABN or ACN Industry type Personal ID (driver licence or passport) Business contact details In some cases, documentation for your business structure (e.g., partnership agreement) With Zeller, the process is entirely online and takes just a few minutes—no paperwork, no queues, just fast set up with instant access to your transaction account and debit cards. So, which account is right for your business? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—every business is structured differently, and every owner will prioritise different features. That said, if your business is embracing the shift toward cashless transactions, Zeller’s financial ecosystem is hard to beat for both cost and functionality. Built specifically for businesses, every feature is tailored to the needs of business owners. To make the best choice, consider the factors outlined in this article, consult the comparison table above, do your own research, reach out to banks if you need more details, and try a free Zeller Account to see how it works for your business.

With a 5% p.a interest rate, Zeller grows your account balance, so you can grow your business. Whether you’re an established business owner or are just about to launch your new venture, there’s never a bad time to reassess how your business finances are organised. By now you will most likely have  opened a business transaction account but have you considered a business savings account? With a better interest rate than the big-4 banks, a Zeller Savings Account can help you grow your business savings faster. You'll earn up to an amazing 5% p.a. interest rate with a Zeller Savings Account . Whether you’re looking to upgrade your coffee machine, give your shop a new fit out, or purchase a new delivery vehicle, a savings account will help get you there. Read on to discover five ways a business savings account can help bolster your business. 1. It can serve as an emergency fund If COVID-19 taught us anything, it’s that you never know what’s around the corner. If you want your business to be able to better survive unexpected events, it’s very important that your business has a cash reserve. By adding funds regularly to a savings account that earns interest, you are building a buffer that your business can use through unforeseen expenses, such as an important piece of equipment breaking down, a legal battle, a sudden increase in operational costs or an economic downturn, for example. 2. It can help manage poor cash flow According to The Invoice Market’s research , cash flow is the number one issue affecting small to medium businesses across Australia, with more than a third of them having to dip into their own personal savings to keep their business afloat. By moving funds into a savings account, you can contribute to building your businesses' resilience. Late payments, rising overheads, overstocked inventory or seasonal fluctuations are all common causes of poor cash flow; having some extra funds to see you through these leaner times will help give your business more stability. 3. It can help you avoid tax stress As a business owner, it is your responsibility to manage your tax obligations. If you do not have an organised approach to earmarking tax funds and declaring your turnover, you may end up with an unforecasted tax bill that could cripple your business. One great way of managing funds for not yet paid tax obligations is to put them into an interest-earning account before you need to pay the tax office. Not only will you have set aside cash to meet your tax obligations, but you will also have earned interest on it. 4. It can improve your position to borrow Even if you’re not currently planning on taking out a business loan, it might be something you choose to do in the future – so it’s important to consider your credit rating. When a lender is assessing whether or not to lend you money, they look at how much risk they are taking on. This ‘risk’ is what is known as your credit rating. In ascertaining your credit rating, they might assess your cash flow and your cash on hand. A savings account can therefore assist in providing this context to a lender. 5. It can help finance future investments Interest rates on savings accounts may not be very high, but they still offer a way to earn some passive income on idle funds. The extra cash that you earn from interest can be invested back into your business: whether you use it for purchasing new equipment, upgrading your technology, or helping to fund an advertising campaign, over time, these purchases can make a considerable difference to your business. While the day-to-day running of your business can be all consuming, making a contribution each week to a savings account can set you up for future expansion by earning you money in the background. How does a Zeller Savings Account compare to the big-4 banks? *Interest rates current at 2 March 2026. Terms apply . Don’t let your business savings stagnate in a big-4 bank account. With Zeller’s competitive interest business savings account , not only will you earn a better return on your savings without a minimum balance requirement, but you will also benefit from a whole ecosystem of financial services and business products. From securely holding your money to accepting payments, managing expenses and tracking your cash flow, Zeller’s suite of financial tools lets you tailor your solution to your business needs. With everything consolidated into one reliable platform, you can accept, settle, spend, and track your funds faster, leaving you more time to run your business. Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as advice that takes into account your business needs and objectives. If you are unsure, seek the advice of a qualified accountant or financial service advisor before deciding whether a savings account is right for your business.

If you’re surcharging in Australia, you need to notify your customers about it. In this article, you'll learn what the legal requirements are around surcharge signs, as well as accepting card-only payments and weekend and holiday surcharges. Plus, download our printable EFTPOS surcharge sign template for free. So, you’ve decided to start surcharging. To ensure you are being fully transparent with your customers as well as meeting regulatory requirements, there are certain rules around surcharge signage that you must comply with. Being aware of these as soon as you start surcharging will not only help you avoid potential disputes but, importantly, maintain good faith among your clientele. Not sure about passing the transaction fee onto your customer? This handy guide will help you decide whether surcharging is right for your business. What are the legal requirements around EFTPOS surcharge signs? Surcharging in Australia is governed by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC), which mandates very strict requirements around how much a business can legally surcharge ( read their guide on calculating surcharges here ). According to the ACCC , the rules around surcharge signs are as follows: If your business accepts alternative, non-surcharged payment methods (such as cash or bank transfer), then you are only legally required to have an EFTPOS surcharge sign visible at the counter. There are no specifications around how this sign must be formatted, however it must sufficiently communicate to your customers what they will be paying before they tap, dip, or swipe their card or mobile wallet. If your bank or payment provider charges a different fee per card type, then you need to specify exactly how much will be surcharged for each card. But don’t worry, we’ve done the work for you: download our credit card surcharge sign template below, add your transaction fees, print it out and display it at your counter. If your business does not accept any payment methods that don’t incur a surcharge, then you must include the surcharge within the price of the product. For example, a $5 coffee with a 2% surcharge added to it will need to be displayed at all times as $5.10. In this instance, it is not sufficient to display the coffee as $5 on the menu and to only have a credit card surcharge sign at the point of payment. Is it legal for businesses to not accept cash? Yes, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia , there is no legal requirement for merchants to accept cash for retail payments. It is the decision of the merchant as to whether they accept or encourage payments in cash. However, the ACCC states that consumers must be made aware of these terms and conditions before they make a purchase and the total minimum price payable for the goods or services must be clearly stated (as per the example above). If you choose to stop accepting cash, make sure to update all your pricing displays to incorporate the surcharge amount into the individual prices, and ensure you have a clear and conspicuous sign detailing the payment methods you do accept. Are weekend and public holiday surcharges legal in Australia? Yes. The ACCC allows cafes and restaurants to apply a service charge on weekend and public holidays to help cover the increased costs of penalty rates during these periods. However, it’s imperative that you effectively communicate this to your customers. The ACCC mandates that the venue include the following words on the menu and/or price display: “ A surcharge of [percentage] applies on [day or days].” Additionally, the words must be at least as prominent as the most prominent price on the menu, or made visible elsewhere in your venue. How much should you surcharge on public holidays? Unlike credit card surcharges, there is no limit to the amount a business can set as a public holiday surcharge. However, the standard rate in Australia is between 10% and 15%. It is up to you as a business to assess whether you risk potential customer dissatisfaction to ensure your operational costs are covered, or whether you absorb the public holiday penalty rates with the knowledge that it might bring in more customers. The rule of thumb when it comes to surcharge signage While the ACCC doesn’t specifically detail exactly how large or visible your surcharge signs should be, they can investigate cases of non-compliance. If a customer considers that your business is breaking the rules around pricing displays, at best they won’t return to your business, but at worst, they will report you to the ACCC. It is therefore extremely important that you do not mislead your customers about what they’ll be charged or why. Ensure you have a clear, visible surcharge sign at your counter, so that consumers can easily see whether there are any additional costs that may apply before making their decision. Additionally, opt for an EFTPOS machine , such as Zeller Terminal, which calculates the surcharge and displays it clearly for the customer on-screen before they tap their card.