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How to Start a Bank

Written by:

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by:

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

How to Start a Bank

Fast Facts

Investment range

$13,385,150 - $28,710,200

Revenue potential

$7.2 million - $72 million p.a.

Time to build

12 – 18 months

Profit potential

$720,000 - $7.2 million p.a.

Industry trend

Growing

Commitment

Full-time

Banks provide people with a safe place to stash their money and a potential source of financing, along with a slew of other services. After expanding nearly 30% in the years before the pandemic, the US bank industry is now worth more than $850 billion after returning to growth in 2022. 

Starting a bank is no easy undertaking, but it could be a very lucrative venture, and now is a great time. But you’ll need to learn the ropes of entrepreneurialism before you jump in. Lucky for you, this step-by-step guide details all the business knowledge you’ll need to launch and run a successful bank.

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons

Starting a bank has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you. 

Pros

  • Provide Value – Crucial financial services for your community
  • Large Market – Most people rely on banks
  • Good Money – Banks are big money makers

Cons

  • Large Investment – Millions in starting capital required
  • Highly Regulated – Banking is the most regulated industry in the US

Bank industry trends

Industry size and growth

banking industry size and growth

Trends and challenges

Trends in the bank industry include:

  • Digital banking is the way of the future with major banks competing to have the best apps, websites and digital services like instant payments.
  • Technologies such as Robotic Process Automation and machine learning are helping banks replace manual workflows with cost-efficient, lightning-fast operations.

Challenges in the bank industry include:

  • For small banks, keeping up with technology to compete with major banks can be expensive. 
  • Regulations on banks — already the country’s most regulated industry — are continuing to tighten, creating new expenses and operational challenges.
banking industry Trends and Challenges

Demand hotspots

  • Most popular states The most popular states for bank managers are New York, North Carolina, and Connecticut.((https://www.zippia.com/bank-manager-jobs/best-states/))
  • Least popular states – The least popular states for bank managers are Idaho, South Dakota, and Montana.
banking industry demand hotspots

What kind of people work in banks?

  • Gender – 51.1% of bank managers are female, while 48.9% are male.((https://www.zippia.com/bank-manager-jobs/demographics/))
  • Average level of education – The average bank manager has a bachelor’s degree.
  • Average age – The average bank manager in the US is 45.5 years old.
banking industry demographics

How much does it cost to start a bank business?

Startup costs for a bank range from $13 million to $28 million, with the biggest expense being the startup capital required to meet federal regulations. If you start a digital bank, rather than a physical bank, you could save up to $4 million. 

You will need to apply for licenses and insurance with the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which is often a laborious process.

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your bank business, including: 

  • Computer system
  • Printers, money counters, other office equipment
  • Security system
  • Furnishings
Start-up CostsBallpark RangeAverage
Setting up a business name and corporation$150 - $200$175
Business licenses and permits$10,000 - $20,000$15,000
Insurance$25,000 - $50,000$37,500
Website and app development$100,000 - $150,000$125,000
Land plus bank construction$1,000,000 - $4,000,000$2,500,000
Computer system$30,000 - $50,000$40,000
Starting capital to meet regulations$12,000,000 - $24,000,000$18,000,000
Labor and operating budget$200,000 - $400,000$300,000
Bank furnishings and equipment$20,000 - $40,000$30,000
Total$13,385,150 - $28,710,200$21,047,675

How much can you earn from a bank business?

Banks make money from fees and from the interest on loans that they make. The profit margin of a bank is typically about 10%. 

In your first year or two, you might get 10,000 customers and make $100,000 in fees per month and $500,000 in interest, bringing in $7,200,000 in annual revenue. This would mean $720,000 in profit, assuming that 10% margin. As you build your customer base, those numbers might increase ten-fold. With annual revenue of $72,000,000, you’d make an outstanding profit of $7.2 million. 

bank earnings forecast

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a bank. Your biggest challenges will be:

  • The large amount of initial capital 
  • Understanding the complex administrative processes 
  • Navigating the regulatory environment

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If you’re still not sure whether this business idea is the right choice for you, here are some related business opportunities to help you on your path to entrepreneurial success.
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Step 2: Hone Your Idea

develop a business idea

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a bank, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research banks in your area to examine their products and services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a community bank that offers free checking accounts or an online bank that offers money market accounts. 

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as savings accounts and mortgage loans, or business accounts and loans.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your financial products or services

Banks offer a variety of products and services including:

  • Checking accounts
  • Savings accounts
  • Money market accounts
  • Mortgage loans and other loans
  • Credit cards
  • Wealth management services

How much should you charge for bank services?

Account fees can range from $5 to $15 per month. Banks also charge fees for overdrafts, ATMs, and other services. Loan rates will be dictated by the current market environment. The profit margin for banks is generally about 10%. 

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will be basically anyone. You should spread out your marketing to include TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

Where? Choose your bank location

Selecting the right location for your bank is crucial for its success. Look for a location in a high-traffic area, preferably in a commercial district or near other financial institutions. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist, Crexi, and Instant Offices.

Consider the accessibility and convenience for clients, with easy access to parking and public transportation. Additionally, analyze the demographics of the surrounding area to ensure there is a demand for banking services.

By choosing a strategic location, you can position your bank to attract a wide range of customers and establish a strong presence in the financial industry.

bank business idea rating

Step 3: Brainstorm a Bank Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

  • Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
  • Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
  • Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
  • Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
  • Including keywords, such as “bank” or “community bank”, boosts SEO
  • Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “Peak Performance Bank” over “Student Loan Bank”
  • Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion

Discover over 290 unique bank business name ideas here. If you want your business name to include specific keywords, you can also use our bank business name generator. Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Bank Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

  • Executive Summary: A concise summary highlighting the key points of the business plan, including its mission, goals, and financial projections.
  • Business Overview: An overview of the business, detailing its mission, vision, values, and the problem it aims to solve or the need it fulfills.
  • Product and Services: A detailed description of the products and services offered by the business, emphasizing their unique selling points and value proposition.
  • Market Analysis: A comprehensive analysis of the target market, including demographics, trends, and potential opportunities and challenges.
  • Competitive Analysis: An assessment of the competitive landscape, identifying key competitors, their strengths and weaknesses, and the business’s competitive advantage.
  • Sales and Marketing: A strategy outlining how the business plans to promote and sell its products or services, including pricing, distribution, and promotional activities.
  • Management Team: A brief introduction to the key members of the management team, highlighting their relevant skills and experience.
  • Operations Plan: An outline of the day-to-day operations of the business, covering processes, facilities, technology, and any other critical operational aspects.
  • Financial Plan: A detailed financial forecast, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow projections, demonstrating the business’s financial viability and potential for profitability.
  • Appendix: Supplementary materials such as charts, graphs, and additional information that support and enhance the main components of the business plan.
what to include in a business plan

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you’re planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to banks. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your bank will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Banks are typically corporations – they cannot be formed as LLCs by law.

Here are the main options:

  • C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
  • S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC, which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
types of business structures

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist, and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you’re completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

  • Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
  • SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan.
  • Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
  • Venture capital: Venture capital investors take an ownership stake in exchange for funds, so keep in mind that you’d be sacrificing some control over your business. This is generally only available for businesses with high growth potential.
  • Angel investors: Reach out to your entire network in search of people interested in investing in early-stage startups in exchange for a stake. Established angel investors are always looking for good opportunities. 
  • Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
  • Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Your best bet to finance a bank is to seek out angel investors or venture capital. You’ll have to have an extremely detailed business plan and pitch when seeking the considerable amount of money that you need. 

Step 8: Apply for Bank Business Licenses and Permits

Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a bank business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments. You will need to apply for licenses and insurance with the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package. They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account.

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your bank business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

  • General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
  • Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
  • Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
  • Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
  • Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
  • Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
  • Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
  • Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

You will also need FDIC insurance, and then you can use “member FDIC” in your marketing. 

types of business insurance

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

Launching a Business

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks. 

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as Sales Force, FIS, or AccuSystems, to manage your operations, insurance, compliance, accounts, and financial processing.

Accounting

  • Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks, Freshbooks, and Xero
  • If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders. This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Marketing

Create a comprehensive strategy that enhances the bank’s brand presence, underlines its financial products’ strengths, and engages with clients on both digital and personal levels. Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

Digital Presence and Online Marketing

  • Social Media Financial Education: Use platforms like LinkedIn to provide financial insights and advice, positioning the bank as a thought leader.
  • Local SEO and Online Banking Features: Ensure online banking services are highlighted on the website, optimized for local search engine results.
  • Digital Advertising: Run targeted ad campaigns for specific financial products and services.

Content Marketing and Engagement

  • Financial Literacy Campaigns: Send out regular newsletters with tips on financial wellness and product updates.
  • Educational Blog: Share articles on financial trends, investment advice, and saving strategies.
  • Webinars and Live Q&As: Host online sessions addressing customer financial concerns and market changes.

Community and Networking

  • Local Sponsorships: Sponsor local events and sports teams to increase community presence.
  • Financial Workshops: Conduct free financial planning workshops for different life stages.
  • Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses to offer banking benefits and financial seminars.

Customer Relationship and Loyalty Programs

  • Personalized Banking Services: Offer tailored banking solutions based on customer data analysis.
  • Rewards Program: Introduce a rewards program that benefits customers for using various banking services.

Promotions and Advertising

  • Introductory Offers: Promote new account signup bonuses or lower loan rates for a limited time.
  • Community Events: Organize and advertise community-focused events that the bank hosts or participates in.
  • Out-of-Home Advertising: Utilize billboards and public transport advertising spaces to maintain high visibility.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that set it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your bank meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your bank business could be:

  • A welcoming community bank for all your financial needs
  • Free checking accounts and the best loan rates in town
  • Digital banking made easy
unique selling proposition

Networking

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a bank, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in banks for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in banks. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

Building a Team for a New Business

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a bank business include:

  • Bank Tellers – handle bank transactions
  • Personal Bankers – open accounts, take loan applications
  • Mortgage Originators – take mortgage loan applications
  • Bank Manager – scheduling, managing branch operations
  • Operations Manager – manage back-office functions
  • Compliance Officer – handle regulatory compliance

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter. Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Bank – Start Making Money!

Running a Business

Starting a bank takes time and money, and it’s a complicated business to run, but once you get it going, you can make a lot of money and serve your community. If you’re willing to do what it takes, you could even build your community bank into a national powerhouse! 

Now that you understand what’s involved in the business, it’s time to find investors, get your bank up and running and start financing people’s dreams. 

Bank Business FAQs

How profitable are banks?

Banks are very profitable, considering that the U.S. banking industry is worth more than $860 billion. The key is to provide a variety of banking services and offer great customer service.

How do I build relationships with customers and attract deposits to my bank?

You’ll have to spend some time marketing to get the word out. Then, when customers come in, you’ll want them to receive personal service.

How do I develop a business plan for my bank?

A business plan is a complex document, and you’ll spend significant time on it. It should have several sections including:

  • An executive summary
  • A company overview
  • A description of your products and services
  • A market analysis 
  • A competitor analysis
  • A sales and marketing plan
  • A management summary
  • An operations plan
  • Financial projections
How do I create a risk management plan for my bank?

A risk management plan for a bank is very complex. Your best bet is to hire an experienced banking consultant to help you. It will be worth the cost.

What is the difference between a commercial bank and a community bank?

Commercial banks generally operate nationally and are subject to federal multi-state banking regulations. Community banks only operate in one state or locality.

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How to Start a Bank