Running a business in Hawaii means you need a bank that understands local commerce, and American Savings Bank (ASB) is one of the largest banks in the islands. If you are weighing an American Savings Bank business account, you likely want the plain facts: which checking tiers exist, what they cost, how to avoid the monthly fee, and which one fits a business your size. This review lays it all out using ASB's own published details as of July 2026.
ASB is a Hawaii bank, headquartered in Honolulu and a member of the FDIC. Its business checking lineup is built to grow with you, moving from a simple starter account up to accounts for higher transaction volume. Terms and conditions apply, and the bank notes it may change products and fees from time to time, so always confirm current terms before you open.
Key Facts at a Glance
Here is a quick snapshot of the three main American Savings Bank business checking accounts as of July 2026.
| Feature | Biz Essentials | Biz Plus | Biz Deluxe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum opening deposit | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Monthly service fee | $5 | $15 | $25 |
| Fee waiver | Enroll in Online Banking and eStatements | $10,000 combined deposit or loan balances | $50,000 combined deposit or loan balances |
| Free transactions | First 50, then $0.50 each | First 100, then $0.25 each | First 200, then $0.25 each |
| Business check discount | None | $50 off yearly | $50 off yearly |
All three include a Visa Business Debit Card, online banking with no monthly fee, free bill pay, and access to ACH and wire services.
Biz Essentials Checking
Biz Essentials is the entry-level account, built for a new or small business that keeps things simple. The minimum opening deposit is $100 and the monthly service fee is $5. That fee is waived when you enroll in both Online Banking and eStatements, which is easy to set up and free to keep.
The account gives you 50 free transactions each month, then charges $0.50 for each one after that. Transactions here mean checks processed or deposited, not everyday debit card or ATM activity. Biz Essentials includes a Visa Business Debit Card, free bill pay, and wire and ACH access. One thing to note: this tier charges a $5 monthly fee to view images of deposited items, while the higher tiers waive it.
Biz Plus Checking
Biz Plus steps up for a growing business that writes and deposits more checks. The minimum opening deposit stays at $100, but the monthly service fee rises to $15. You can waive that fee by keeping a $10,000 combined monthly average balance across business deposits, or by holding an outstanding business loan or line of credit balance.
The payoff for the higher fee is more room and more perks. Biz Plus includes 100 free transactions per month, then $0.25 each, which is half the per-item cost of Biz Essentials. You also get $50 off business checks each year, waived deposit item image fees, lower overdraft transfer fees, and discounts on some business loan application fees.
Biz Deluxe Checking
Biz Deluxe is aimed at established businesses with higher transaction counts and larger balances. The minimum opening deposit is again $100, but the monthly service fee is $25. To waive it, you need $50,000 in combined business deposit or loan balances, a higher bar that matches the account's fuller feature set.
Biz Deluxe raises the free transaction count to 200 per month, then $0.25 each after that. It keeps the $50 yearly check discount and waived image fees from Biz Plus, and it goes further by waiving savings overdraft transfer fees entirely. Like the other tiers, it includes the Visa Business Debit Card, free online banking, and free bill pay. For businesses that outgrow even Biz Deluxe, ASB also offers an Analyzed Checking account designed for high-volume transactions and advanced cash management, where fees are based on activity and earnings credits.
How Fee Waivers Work
The fee waivers are the most important part of choosing a tier, because they decide whether you pay anything at all. Biz Essentials is the easiest to keep free, since you only need to turn on Online Banking and eStatements. That makes it a strong pick for a lean startup.
Biz Plus and Biz Deluxe tie their waivers to balances. ASB counts combined business deposit balances, which include business checking, savings, money market, and CD balances, plus outstanding business loan and line of credit balances, though not credit card balances. If your business naturally carries $10,000 or $50,000 across those accounts, the higher tiers can be free while giving you more free transactions.
Choosing the Right Tier for Your Business
Start by counting your monthly check activity and your typical balances. A brand-new business with light check volume and modest balances usually fits Biz Essentials, since the $5 fee is simple to waive and 50 free transactions cover most small operations.
A business that processes 50 to 100 checks a month, or that keeps around $10,000 in combined balances, often comes out ahead with Biz Plus. The extra free transactions and the check discount can more than offset the higher fee, especially once the balance waiver kicks in. Biz Deluxe makes sense when your transaction count climbs toward 200 or your balances comfortably clear $50,000. If you are unsure, ASB lets you talk with a business banker who can match an account to your numbers.
Other Services to Consider
Beyond checking, ASB rounds out its business offering with business savings accounts, CDs, business loans, lines of credit, and merchant services for card payment processing. It also provides cash management tools for collecting, disbursing, and protecting money, plus online and mobile banking for day-to-day access. Bundling these with your checking account can unlock some of the fee waivers and loan discounts tied to the Biz Plus and Biz Deluxe tiers.
Is an ASB Business Account Worth It?
For a business based in Hawaii, ASB offers a practical, tiered lineup with a low $100 opening deposit across the board and clear paths to waive monthly fees. The structure lets you start simple and move up as your check volume and balances grow, without switching banks. Local branches and business bankers add a hands-on option that fully online banks do not match.
The main thing to weigh is whether you can meet the waiver rules for the tier you want. If you cannot hold the required balances, the monthly fee is a real cost that adds up. As with any account, read the current Business Deposit Terms and Conditions before opening, since fees and features can change. This review is for general information only and is not financial advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to open an American Savings Bank business account?
All three main business checking tiers, Biz Essentials, Biz Plus, and Biz Deluxe, require a minimum opening deposit of $100 as of July 2026. That low bar makes ASB accessible for new businesses. Keep in mind that avoiding the monthly service fee may require enrolling in eStatements or holding certain balances, depending on the tier.
How do I avoid the monthly service fee?
It depends on your account. Biz Essentials waives its $5 fee when you enroll in Online Banking and eStatements. Biz Plus waives its $15 fee with $10,000 in combined business deposit or loan balances, and Biz Deluxe waives its $25 fee with $50,000 in combined balances. Confirm the current rules with ASB before opening.
Does American Savings Bank charge for online banking?
No. Online Banking for Business carries no monthly fee on the Biz Essentials, Biz Plus, and Biz Deluxe accounts, and free bill pay is included as well. Optional services you choose to add may still carry fees. Online Banking enrollment is also how Biz Essentials customers waive their monthly service fee.
Can I open an ASB business account if my business is outside Hawaii?
American Savings Bank primarily serves businesses in Hawaii through its local branches and business bankers. If your business is based elsewhere, ASB may not be the right fit, and you would likely be better served by a bank that operates in your state. Contact ASB directly to confirm eligibility before applying.
This article is for general information and is not financial advice. Fees, terms, and account features vary and can change. Terms and conditions apply, and you should confirm current details directly with American Savings Bank before opening an account.
