Most people think that having a business banking account is a must for any business that wants to be able to take advantage of credit cards, loans, and other types of financial services offered by banks and credit unions. But are these services really necessary? Can a business effectively operate without a bank account?
Yes, you can start a business online that generates enough revenue to sustain itself. However, as a business owner, you will need to consider whether or not you want to be completely dependent on your earnings, or if you want to have a safer, more stable source of income. Fortunately, there are alternatives to traditional bank accounts.
Cash Is Still King
Even though businesses can operate successfully without a bank account, that doesn’t mean they should. After all, why should your business depend on someone else for the funds it needs? The obvious solution is to have your own resource of funds that you can use to pay your bills and operate your business. This is where investing in cash flows from.
Cash is the preferred method of payment for most businesses. Even those who operate solely online want to be able to receive cash deposits, as it is much easier to transfer funds this way. Also, when an order is paid for in cash, the business does not have to worry about whether or not the credit card company will charge them a fee for processing the transaction.
Credit Cards And Other Financing Options
Now, many people think that having a business banking account is a must for any business that wants to be able to take advantage of credit cards, loans, and other types of financial services offered by banks and credit unions. But are these services really necessary? Can a business effectively operate without a bank account?
Yes, you can start a business online that generates enough revenue to sustain itself. However, as a business owner, you will need to consider whether or not you want to be completely dependent on your earnings, or if you want to have a safer, more stable source of income. Fortunately, there are alternatives to traditional bank accounts.
Banks and credit unions offer numerous ways for businesses to obtain loans and credit cards. Some of these are more suitable for companies, and others are better suited for individuals. But, no matter what, you will need to have a good credit score in order to be approved for these types of loans and credit cards.
Personal Bank Accounts
The first thing you should do if you want to have a safer, more stable income source is to set up a personal bank account. This is an account that is specifically for you and your business, and which you can access with any of your personal information. Funds can be deposited into this account through any of the various bank collection methods (direct deposit, mail check, or by handing cash over the counter).
A business bank account can be set up using most any business name, but it must be registered with the state, and it must follow the rules and regulations of the bank. There are no special regulations or requirements for a personal bank account.
By having a personal bank account, you are in effect, investing in your own business. If you are using a business bank account, you are, in effect, investing in someone else’s business. With a personal account, you are putting your own money at risk, but you are also taking part in the investment of the business.
Raising Capital Through Equity Investments
Another way to generate additional revenue is to raise capital through equity investments. This is where friends and family members come in. If you are looking for a way to raise money for your business, you can contact various accredited investors who may be interested in making an investment in your business.
There are a few different routes to going about doing this. You can find an investment partner who lives in a different state, and who owns a business in a different state. In this case, both of you live in a different state, and there is no office or store location in the same state. In the case of an online business, you can also set up an investment company without having an office or storefront in a physical location. You can incorporate in Delaware, and the investment company that you set up in Delaware cannot operate out of state. This is one way to protect yourself from any litigation that may arise from operations in your company.
A Word On Taxes
You must remember that, when paying yourself a salary, you are responsible for a number of different taxes. These include payroll taxes, income taxes, and, in some cases, self-employment taxes. Consult with an accountant or tax attorney to find out more about these taxes.
However, the good news is that these taxes can be minimized or avoided if you play your cards right. For example, you can use a tax saving strategy known as salary reduction. With this strategy, a business owner will typically set up a qualified retirement account at the same time that a business bank account is being set up. The owner then deposits a certain amount of money (usually between $3,000 and $5,000) into the account, on a weekly basis. The owner’s weekly deposits will then be taxed at a lower rate than most other forms of income. So, if you make $1,000 in interest on a business saving account, you will only have to pay $400 in income tax. That’s a savings of $600! Play your cards right, and you can save yourself a pretty penny.
Now, every business is different, and there are multiple ways to approach being able to operate without a bank account. But, if you want to have a safer, more stable source of income, one option is to set up a personal bank account, or an investment company that issues stock. As always, consult with an accountant or tax attorney to find the best way for your particular situation.