Banks take in deposits from depositors and then lend that money out to other people and businesses. Banks provide a vital function in the economy. Namely, liquidity. They allow individuals and businesses to pay for goods and services, investments, and assets that they otherwise would not be able to afford.
Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee.
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DIY: How to Start an LLC
Start a bank by following these 10 steps:
- Plan your Bank
- Form your Bank into a Legal Entity
- Register your Bank for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Bank
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Bank
- Get Bank Insurance
- Define your Bank Brand
- Create your Bank Website
- Set up your Business Phone System
We have put together this simple guide to starting your bank. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.
Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.
STEP 1: Plan your business
A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:
- What will you name your business?
- What are the startup and ongoing costs?
- Who is your target market?
- How much can you charge customers?
Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.
What will you name your business?
Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Bank Name Generator
If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.
When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:
- Your state’s business records
- Federal and state trademark records
- Social media platforms
- Web domain availability
It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.
What are the costs involved in opening a bank?
The costs are significant since the banking industry is the most regulated industry in the country. Banks generally need between $12 to $20 million in starting capital. If you start a local community bank, you might be able to raise that money locally. Otherwise, you may have to solicit investors.
Once the capital is raised, you must apply to regulatory agencies. Regulators are strict in their review of applications since the financial crisis. Once you’re approved, you may open up your bank.
What are the ongoing expenses for a bank?
Ongoing expenses vary. However, in general, expenses are 15% of non-interest expenses, with a median expense across the country of about $400,000 per branch.
Who is the target market?
Preferred customers are both individuals and businesses.
How does a bank make money?
Banks make money by taking in deposits and lending them out to other people or businesses. A bank’s primary cost is the infrastructure they build, including buildings and labor costs. However, the basic function of a bank is simple. The bank must invest its money in such a way that they earn more than what it costs them to keep money on deposit.
For example, a bank may accept deposits from the general public and pay them 0.05% on savings accounts. They can then lend this money out to others at market rates. The difference between the 0.05% and the market rate is the interest “spread.” This is the bank’s profit.
Banks also make money by charging fees and offering other banking services, like business checking accounts, bank certificates of deposit, and money market accounts. Some banks also sell insurance.
How much can you charge customers?
You can charge customers for opening and maintaining a checking or savings account. The type and amount of fees vary, as well as how they are charged. Some banks have minimum deposit levels, while others charge monthly service fees that range from $5 per month to $100 per year unless a minimum balance is kept in the account. Most banks charge fees for overdrafts. And then there are the service fees for printing account balances, doing wire transfers, and a performing a host of other services.
How much profit can a bank make?
Banks typically make between 10% and 15% net profit. Return on equity ranges between 7% and 10%. Some banks realize a strong return on equity in excess of 10%.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Consider setting up an expansive network of ATMs to bring in more income for the bank. Offer more services. Banks can do more than just bank, these days. Consider offering insurance and retirement accounts.
Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!
STEP 2: Form a legal entity
One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your bank is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.
This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.
In practice, this means that if your bank were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.
More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We’ve negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.
Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).
STEP 3: Register for taxes
You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!
You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?
There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.
STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card
Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
Open a business bank account
Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.
Get a business credit card
Getting a business credit card helps you:
- Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business’ expenses all in one place.
- Build your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.
Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.
STEP 5: Set up business accounting
Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.
Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.
STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
Federal Business Licensing Requirements
Banks must be approved for federal deposit insurance. Information on requirements and how to get approved can be found on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation website.
State & Local Business Licensing Requirements
Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a bank. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.
Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.
Certificate of Occupancy
A bank is generally run out of a building or storefront. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.
- If you plan to lease a location:
- It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
- Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a bank.
- After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
- If you plan to purchase or build a location:
- You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
- Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your bank will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.
STEP 7: Get business insurance
Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.
There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.
Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.
Find out what types of insurance your Bank needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Bank.
STEP 8: Define your brand
Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.
If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.
How to promote & market a bank
Marketing your bank is difficult. Regulation controls most aspects of what you’re allowed to say and do. You could start by advertising in local newspapers and on local T.V. networks. Tell others in the community about your plans to start a bank. Send out direct mail pieces and fliers to invite people to your grand opening.
How to keep customers coming back
Offer competitive banking products and services. The banking industry is filled with uncompetitive or mediocre banks. Consumers demand lower fees and better customer service and aren’t getting it from many of conventional, established, banks.
Find ways to innovate, lower fees and other costs, and make your banking services simple to understand and use.
STEP 9: Create your business website
After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.
While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.
STEP 10: Set up your business phone system
Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.
There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.
Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com
Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.
Is this Business Right For You?
Owning a bank is a demanding endeavor. It requires intimate knowledge of the banking industry and regulatory structure of the financial services industry. A banker needs to be good under stress, love working with numbers, and also working odd hours. While employees clock out at the end of the day, a bank owner may need to take his or her work home with them.
Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?
Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!
What happens during a typical day at a bank?
Day to day activities of a banker include making loans, taking in deposits, and servicing bank customers. As an owner, you are also responsible for making sure the bank complies with all regulatory requirements. Banks are under immense pressure to turn a profit, so this means spending a lot of time underwriting good credit risks and figuring out where to put the bank’s money so it will make a stable and reliable return.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful bank?
Bankers need to have good business sense and must be good with numbers. They are responsible for overseeing the profitability of the bank so having a degree in finance, business administration, accounting, or related field is helpful.
What is the growth potential for a bank?
Growth potential for a bank is huge. Banks can stay small or can operate as large commercial and investment banks. Some banks offer franchise opportunities, but you don’t have to buy into a franchise to grow into a large national or international bank.
Take the Next Step
Find a business mentor
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.
Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
Learn from other business owners
Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.
Resources to Help Women in Business
There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:
- Funding
- Events
- Guides
- Support
If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a bank?
Hire someone with familiarity in starting a bank. This is a complex process which is controlled almost entirely by state and federal regulation. You must navigate a complex maze of regulatory rules and paperwork. And, the risks are high as regulators may deny your application to become a bank.
One idea for raising the capital (and support) you need is to start a small community bank first. Gain local support and funds from your community. This will show regulators you’re a valuable member of the community you intend to serve.
How and when to build a team
Starting a bank usually requires a large staff. Plan on at least 10 employees for a small bank. Most banks have more than 20 employees working for them.
Useful Links
Industry Opportunities
Real World Examples
Further Reading
- Find more Business Ideas perfect for Small Towns!
- Tips for starting a bank
- More tips for starting a bank