If you’re trying to understand what is an operating account, there’s a good chance that you’re looking to organize your business banking activities.
If that’s the case, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about business operating accounts and more.
Plus, you can also access our free guide on financial services, corporate banking solutions, and features by clicking here.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections that are most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- What is an Operating Account?
- Operating Accounts 101
- Operating Account vs Checking Account
- Ready to Unlock the Benefits of International Banking?
What is an Operating Account?
An operating account is a business bank account that is dedicated to receiving payments from customers and sending payments to vendors. Additionally, due to a higher volume of both inbound and outbound transactions, most businesses choose to use a low-cost checking account to meet their operating account requirements.
Before diving in, if this is your first time visiting GlobalBanks, don’t forget to download your FREE Business Banking Starter Guide. It’s designed to help your business find and open accounts with the services you need around the world.
Operating Accounts 101
For an operating account to be effective, several factors need to be considered. Which specific factors apply to your business will depend on your business activities, the number of transacting parties, and the banks that your business can realistically open accounts with. Another important factor to consider is the financial banking perks or the benefits of a business bank account available to you.
That said, the following should act as a starting point to help you find the best possible operating account for your business banking requirements.
Factors to Consider When Opening an Operating Account
Jurisdictions
The specific countries you are sending and receiving the money to and from have an impact on where you should open operating accounts. This is especially important if your business is registered in one jurisdiction and engages with vendors or receives payments from customers in another jurisdiction.
Additionally, it’s worth considering which countries are on your jurisdiction’s blacklist (e.g. EU list of non-cooperative countries or FATF greylist) before deciding where to open. This is important because opening in countries that your jurisdiction designates blacklisted can cause many issues when sending transactions.
Software Integrations
Most businesses require some level of integration with management or accounting software for streamlined reporting. That said, while banks in developed countries like the US, UK, Canada, etc., integrate with such platforms, many international banks do not. So, if you are looking for an international operating account, you should keep this in mind before opening.
Payment Integrations
Businesses that regularly engage in cross-border transactions often use international transfer services to reduce foreign exchange costs and batch payments. Again, not all international banks allow these integrations. So, if integrating with such services is a requirement of your business, you should confirm which banks allow for it before applying.
Operating Account vs Checking Account
As mentioned above, an operating account can be a checking account. However, it is typically designated for specific business activities, such as receiving payments from customers and sending payments to vendors or contractors.
That said, there are other applications for checking accounts as well. We’ll explore one of these common account types below. But first, if you’re curious about business account opening, specifically how many bank accounts should a business have, you can click this link to get your answer.
Operating Account
Operating accounts are designated for specific activities, such as sending and receiving payments to and from clients and vendors. These accounts are typically standard checking accounts with low transaction fees, low deposit requirements, and minimal maintenance fees.
Payroll Checking Account
A payroll checking account is a dedicated account that is used to distribute payroll and compensation payments to employees. Payroll checking accounts are often held separately from other business bank accounts. They are also usually based in jurisdictions where businesses have a high concentration of employees.
Ready to Unlock the Benefits of International Banking?
If you’re seeking better banking options, diversification, or enhanced privacy—our International Account Opening Service is your fastest, most effective path forward.
Trusted by high-net-worth-individuals and 8-figure businesses, it’s a fully personalized solution backed by real experts, with real results.
Here’s what you can expect:
✅ Direct support from our international banking experts—so you’re never stuck guessing what to do next.
✅ Prequalification with banks that match your profile and actually want you (or your business) as a customer.
✅ Custom strategies to overcome any challenges and help you open the accounts you need—whether you’re a non-resident, entrepreneur, investor, or global citizen.
✅ Personal introductions to banks that perfectly match your profile (not random suggestions you have to cold-call yourself).
✅ Answers to tough questions about documentation, compliance, and what works in today’s evolving banking climate.
✅ Guaranteed account opening because we will keep working with you until you successfully open the bank account you need.
And yes—GlobalBanks’ International Account Opening Service is purpose-built for foreign and non-resident individuals and companies.
But, spots are limited and we only accept qualified applicants—so if you’re ready to move forward, take 60 seconds to complete your free assessment.
