If you’re considering starting your own business, congratulations! That’s exciting news, and it’s bound to be a thrilling time for you. But it may seem overwhelming at times as well. After all, there are a lot of decisions to be made, from choosing the right name for your business to finding the perfect location to open up a business checking account.
Wait a second, you may be thinking. Why can’t I simply use my personal account to do business? That would simplify things, right?
Well, not exactly. There are quite a few differences between a credit union personal account and a credit union business account. Hang tight—we’ll explain the importance of having separate accounts for your personal and business affairs.
Opening Your Account
Oftentimes, there are different requirements for opening a credit union business account versus opening a credit union personal account. For instance, if you’re opening a personal checking account, you may simply be required to become a credit union member, provide identification, and make a qualifying deposit.
On the other hand, you’ll need additional documentation to open your credit union business account. The documents required may vary depending on your business and the account type, but generally speaking, you’ll need to provide a copy of your business license, your certificate of assumed name, partnership agreements, and organizing documents filed with the state.
If you’re in the early stages of development and need some help getting your business up and running, check out these steps outlined by the Small Business Administration. Notice that opening a business account is the last step on this list. By taking care of the other steps first, like registering your business and applying for the necessary licenses and permits, you’ll be all set when it comes time to set up your business account.
Benefits
So if business accounts require extra documentation and completing all these steps before you can even get around to opening one, you may be thinking, “Why even bother? I would prefer to just do business from my personal account instead.”
But business bank accounts, and in particular, credit union business accounts, have a lot of great benefits that you’ll miss out on if you don’t open one. In fact, not having one could actually hinder your business.
“How so?” you ask. Well, for starters, a lot of people feel more comfortable writing checks or making payments to an actual business account rather than a personal account. Having a business account makes you appear more professional and trustworthy, which will help you expand your customer base.
Opening a business account will also allow your business partners to access funds in the account and complete transactions.
It’s important to have a business account if you plan on applying for financing as well. Even if you have all the start-up capital you need, you may decide that you want to grow and expand your business over time. If so, you’ll likely want to have business financing options available. But you’ll need to have a business checking account in order to qualify for a business loan.
Taxes
Even if your business is a sole proprietorship, you should still keep your business and personal funds separate. This makes it easier to keep track of expenses and profits, which is important when it comes time to do your taxes.
For instance, if your business is ever audited, you will have a clear record of your business transactions to help you account for any losses or deductions you claim. On the other hand, if you don’t have a separate account for your business transactions, it may make it more difficult for you to differentiate your business from a hobby. If the IRS views your money-making venture as merely a hobby, you’ll have a hard time deducting any business expenses.
How a Credit Union Business Account Gives You an Edge
Another great aspect of credit union business accounts is that they come with a more hands-on approach. Many credit unions, for example, are community-based so they have a vested interest in seeing your small business succeed.
For instance, here at Rivermark, we want to be more than simply a financial resource. We want to be your business partner at each stage of the process, from inception to expansion. In order to do that, we partner with industry leaders to bring you additional services to help your business grow.
We also want to provide you with the tools and education you need to take your business to the next level. That’s why we maintain an up-to-date business resources page. It features helpful tips on everything from hiring your first employee to managing your cash flow effectively.
This is really what sets credit unions apart. It can even be instrumental in giving your business an edge over the competition. Credit unions offer personalized attention, and community-based credit unions, in particular, have a deep understanding of the community’s wants and needs. This knowledge and expertise can be incredibly useful in helping you determine how to market your business to prospective clients.
A Successful Start
In the end, credit union personal accounts and credit union business accounts function in very similar ways. Both allow you to write checks, make deposits, and even accrue interest on your account balance. But ultimately, a credit union business account will give you more flexibility and credibility as a business owner than a personal account will.
If you want to optimize the success of your business, having a dedicated business account is key. We can help you open one to streamline your business financing needs. If you feel you’re ready to explore opening a credit union business account and you’re in the Portland area, we would be happy to help. We have a switch kit that makes becoming a credit union member quick and easy.
