What Clover offers instead of a savings account
Clover does not offer a dedicated business savings account. Clover is a point-of-sale system — software and hardware that processes payments in physical stores and restaurants. The company does offer a Clover Cash account, which is a business checking account with a debit card, but this is designed for daily operations and spending, not for setting money aside to earn interest.
If you use Clover to process payments, your daily sales deposits go into the Clover Cash account automatically. You can access the money the same day or next business day depending on your payment processor. But because this account is built for transaction flow rather than savings, it typically does not pay interest on the balance you hold.
The distinction matters: a savings account is meant to hold money you are not spending right now and earn a small return on it. A checking account is meant to receive deposits and pay bills. Clover Cash is a checking account, not a savings account.
Key Takeaways
- Clover offers Clover Cash, a business checking account, but not a business savings account with interest.
- Clover Cash deposits from card sales typically arrive the same day or next business day, making it useful for operational cash flow rather than savings.
- If you need a separate savings account to set aside money and earn interest, you will need to open one at a different bank.
- Some business owners use Clover Cash for daily operations and a separate savings account at a traditional bank for longer-term funds.
How Clover Cash works as a checking account
When you process a payment through Clover, the money goes directly into your Clover Cash account. You receive a debit card tied to that account, so you can withdraw cash or pay vendors without waiting for a separate transfer. This speed is useful for businesses that need to access revenue quickly to buy inventory or cover payroll.
Clover Cash accounts come with online banking access, so you can check your balance and review transactions from your phone or computer. You can also set up automatic bill payments and transfers to other accounts you own. The account is FDIC-insured up to the standard limit, meaning your money is protected if Clover's banking partner fails.
The trade-off is that Clover Cash does not pay interest. Money sitting in the account earns nothing, which is typical for business checking accounts. If you want to earn interest on funds you are not spending when ready, you need a separate account.
Why Clover does not offer a savings account
Clover's business model is built around payment processing and point-of-sale software, not banking. The company partners with banks to offer the Clover Cash account, but that partnership is designed to make it straightforward for merchants to access their sales revenue, not to compete with traditional savings products.
Offering a savings account would require Clover to become a full-service bank or partner with one in a way that includes savings products. That is a different business than what Clover does. Many payment processors and point-of-sale companies make the same choice — they focus on moving money quickly rather than storing it.
Where to open a business savings account if you use Clover
You can open a business savings account at any bank that offers them, separate from your Clover Cash account. Many business owners keep both: they use Clover Cash for daily deposits and spending, and they move money to a savings account at a traditional bank when they want to set it aside and earn interest.
Common places to open a business savings account include community banks, credit unions, and online banks. Community banks and credit unions often have lower minimum balances and higher interest rates than large national banks. Online banks typically offer the highest interest rates because they have lower overhead costs.
The process is straightforward: you will need your business tax ID (EIN), a business license or formation documents, and a personal ID. You can open the account online or in person depending on the bank. Once it is open, you can transfer money from Clover Cash to your savings account whenever you want to move funds.
Moving money between Clover Cash and a savings account
If you have both a Clover Cash account and a business savings account elsewhere, you can transfer money between them. Most banks allow you to link external accounts and move money electronically. The transfer usually takes one to three business days.
Some business owners set up a regular transfer — for example, moving a fixed amount to savings every Friday. Others transfer money only when they have set aside enough for a specific goal, like a tax payment or equipment purchase. The flexibility is yours.
Keep in mind that moving money out of Clover Cash does not affect your ability to process payments. Your Clover system will continue to deposit sales revenue into Clover Cash regardless of how much you have transferred elsewhere.
Interest rates and fees to compare
Clover Cash accounts typically do not charge monthly fees if you process a minimum amount of card transactions each month. The exact threshold varies, so check your agreement. If you do not meet the minimum, you may see a small monthly fee.
Business savings accounts at other banks vary widely in their interest rates and fees. Some offer no monthly fee and pay interest on any balance. Others charge a monthly fee but pay higher interest. Some require a minimum balance to earn interest or to avoid fees. Compare a few options before opening an account — the difference in interest rates can add up over time if you hold a large balance.
Interest rates on business savings accounts change frequently and vary by bank and account type. Rather than listing a specific rate, check the current rates at banks in your area or online banks that serve your state. You can compare rates on banking websites or by calling banks directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn interest on money in my Clover Cash account?
No. Clover Cash is a checking account, and checking accounts do not pay interest. If you want to earn interest on business funds, you need to open a savings account at a separate bank and transfer money there.
Do I have to use Clover Cash, or can I send my sales to a different bank account?
You can usually choose where your Clover deposits go. When you set up Clover, you provide banking information, and you may be able to direct deposits to an account at your own bank instead of Clover Cash. Contact Clover support to confirm your options — some payment processors limit where deposits can go.
What happens to my Clover Cash account if I stop using Clover?
If you close your Clover service, you can still access your Clover Cash account and withdraw any remaining balance. The account does not automatically close. You can keep it open as a regular business checking account or close it yourself once you have moved your money.
Can I open a Clover Cash account without a business license?
Clover requires a business tax ID (EIN) or sole proprietor identification to open an account. You do not necessarily need a formal business license, but you do need to be registered with the IRS. Check with Clover directly about what documents they accept in your state.
Is Clover Cash FDIC-insured?
Yes, Clover Cash is FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per account, the same as any other business checking account. This means your money is protected if the bank fails. If you have more than $250,000, consider splitting funds across multiple accounts or banks to stay within the insurance limit.