Mercury vs Relay vs Chase: Best Business Bank Account for Solo Pet Services
Mixing your personal checking account with money from dog walks, pet sits, or mobile grooming sessions is the quickest way for solo pet pros to get into tax trouble or accidentally lose their business's legal protection. A dedicated business bank account costs nothing to open and immediately fixes that problem. This guide will help you pick the right one for your pet services business, whether you're taking payments online or getting cash tips.
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The quick answer
Mercury is the top choice for solo pet service pros who primarily get paid through apps like Rover or Wag, or use online invoicing. It has no fees and a great online setup. Relay is better if you want built-in tools to budget for future equipment, taxes, or marketing — like putting money into separate 'envelopes.' Chase Business Complete Banking wins if you frequently get paid in cash (like tips or direct cash payments) or need to visit a bank branch. All three accounts can be opened online in under 30 minutes, getting you ready for your next client payment.
Side-by-side breakdown
Mercury: This bank has no monthly fees and no minimum balance. It’s FDIC insured, includes ACH and wire transfers, and offers easy-to-use virtual debit cards. It’s perfect for managing payments from apps like Rover or Wag, paying for online scheduling software like Time To Pet, or buying pet supplies from online vendors. You cannot deposit cash directly.
Relay: Also has no monthly fees. It lets you create up to 20 checking accounts and 50 virtual debit cards. This is a game-changer for solo pet pros who want to budget effectively—you can have one account for 'Operating Expenses,' another for 'Self-Employment Taxes' (aim for 25-30% of income), and one for 'New Grooming Equipment.' It integrates well with QuickBooks Self-Employed and Xero.
Chase Business Complete Banking: This account has a $15/month fee, but it's easy to get it waived if you keep at least $2,000 in your account or have qualifying activity. It’s ideal for mobile groomers or dog walkers who get cash tips or direct cash payments from clients. You can easily deposit cash at any Chase branch or ATM. It also offers over 100 free transactions per month, which is plenty for most solo pet businesses.
When to choose Mercury
Choose Mercury if your pet services business is mostly digital. This means you get paid primarily through apps like Rover or Wag, online invoicing for your pet-sitting clients, or direct bank transfers. Its excellent online interface makes tracking payments and expenses for things like your liability insurance, monthly scheduling software subscription, or online ads for your pet services super easy. The virtual cards are great for separating different online subscriptions you might use for your business, ensuring you never mix them with personal spending.
When to choose Relay
Choose Relay if you want to be smart with your money right from the start. As a solo pet pro, it’s easy to spend what you earn, but Relay helps you set aside money for important things. You can create separate 'envelopes' for your business: one for 'Taxes' (aim for 25-30% of every payment), one for 'Vehicle Maintenance' (for your mobile grooming van or dog walking car), and another for 'New Equipment' (like a fancy new grooming dryer or more durable leashes). This method helps you save for big expenses and prevent tax-time surprises.
When to choose Chase
Choose Chase when you regularly handle cash. If your mobile grooming clients pay you in cash, or your dog walking clients often leave cash tips, Chase is the best choice for depositing that money safely. With branches and ATMs widely available, it’s simple to deposit your cash earnings after a busy day. This is also helpful if you prefer to buy pet food, treats, or grooming supplies in person at stores like Petco or local suppliers and need easy access to your business funds.
The verdict
For solo pet service businesses that are mostly online (Rover, Wag, digital invoices): Mercury. For pet pros who want to budget carefully for taxes, equipment, and marketing: Relay. For businesses with cash payments, cash tips, or a need for in-person banking: Chase. Open your account today – before your next client payment. Every day you deposit business income into your personal account is a day you risk your financial future and business protection.
How to get started
1. Choose the bank that best fits how you get paid and manage money for your pet services business. 2. Apply online. You’ll typically need your EIN (if you have one, or your Social Security Number), any business registration documents (like your LLC formation papers), and a personal ID. 3. Fund the account with a small initial deposit from your personal account. 4. Update all your client invoicing, payment apps (like Rover or Wag for direct payouts), and payment links to show your new business account details. 5. Set up separate accounts or envelopes for taxes (25-30% of revenue is a good target for self-employment taxes) from day one. This makes tax season much less stressful for solo pet service providers.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
Mercury
Best online business bank — no fees, strong integrations
Relay
Built for profit-first budgeting with multiple accounts
Chase
Best for businesses needing branch access and cash deposits
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a business bank account if I am a sole proprietor?
Legally no, but practically yes. Even as a sole proprietor with no liability protection, a separate business account makes bookkeeping, tax preparation, and expense tracking dramatically simpler. When you form an LLC, a separate account becomes essential for maintaining your liability protection.
Can I open a business bank account without an LLC?
Yes. Most banks will open a business bank account for a sole proprietor using your Social Security Number and a DBA (Doing Business As) registration. However, forming an LLC first and using your EIN is cleaner and protects you better.
How much should I keep in my business account?
At minimum: enough to cover two months of operating expenses. Additionally, set aside 25-30% of gross revenue in a separate tax savings account from day one. Many business owners are blindsided by their first quarterly estimated tax payment — this prevents that.
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