# Novo - Small Business Checking — Built for modern businesses

> Digital small business checking account with free banking tools. (iPhone/iPad app by Novo Platform Inc..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/novo-small-business-checking/id1375554760 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Novo Platform Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1207556815)
- Category: Finance, Business
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 20,061 App Store ratings · 208 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.3 · 222 MB
- Languages: American English, French (France), European Spanish
- Released: 2018-09-25
- Data updated: 2026-08-25
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/novo-small-business-checking/id1375554760/reviews.md

## What is Novo?

Do you need a checking account for your small business? Novo is for modern businesses.

With Novo you can apply for an account online in minutes, so you have more time to focus on your business.

Novo is a fintech, not a bank. Banking services provided by Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A.; Member FDIC. Novo provides free banking tools to small businesses, all within the Novo app. You can link your existing accounts, control your debit card, pay your bills, process ACH transfers, deposit checks, categorize transactions, and separate your funds for savings in Reserves.

You’ll receive a Novo Mastercard Business Debit Card and The Novo Virtual Card to pay for things online, around the world, and use any ATM without fees from us. Send unlimited payments and paper checks for free.

Novo supports almost any business operating in the U.S. As long as the owner has a social security number, they're able to apply for a Novo Business Checking Account.

## Key features

- Online account application
- Free banking tools
- Debit card control
- Bill pay and ACH transfers
- Check deposit
- Transaction categorization
- Savings reserves

## What do users think of Novo?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- 🚀 Convenient mobile banking
- 👍 User-friendly app interface
- 💡 Useful features like Profit First accounts

**Cons**

- 🐛 Buggy mobile deposit feature
- 🔒 Lack of transparency around security issues
- 👎 Slow and unhelpful customer support
- 🤖 Overreliance on chatbots instead of live agents
- 💸 Unexpected account closures and fund freezes

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes and freezes
- Inaccurate account balances
- Syncing issues between website and mobile app
- Problems with debit card activation and usage

**Most requested features**

- Ability to attach receipts to transactions
- Instant transfer options like CashApp
- Savings account functionality
- Improved check deposit process

## Recent user reviews (10 of 208)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/novo-small-business-checking/id1375554760/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Great until it’s not

*2026-08-14, version 4.66.0*

This is not a dig on Novo as a bank. Just the app. PIN settings are hidden. The app offers biometric security but still requires a password every 5 seconds to do anything meaningfully important. Not a fan.

### 2/5 — Constant Check Capture Issues

*2026-07-23, version 4.65.0*

Their camera capture is far below industry standard in terms of performance and being able to successfully capture checks via the phone camera. Support is 100% not helpful either.

### 1/5 — It’s a scam, stay away from it

*2026-06-22, version 4.62.1*

After depositing a check (which took over a week clear) they froze the account to “ensure the integrity of my account”. Never had issues depositing checks from the same client to other banks. The account has been frozen for over a month now with no end in sight and with no timeline or reason for the freeze. They are a scam, stay away if you don’t want your money to be stolen from you.

### 1/5 — DO NOT USE NOVO

*2026-05-30, version 4.61.0*

Payee account #s and SSNs are fully viewable when logged in, once  hacked anyone has access to that as well as virtual debit card and ability to authorize addl funding. Don’t do it, stay away from this very poorly secured platform.

### 1/5 — Novo is a Scam bank

*2026-05-25, version 4.60.1*

It is advisable to exercise caution and refrain from sending large sums of money to Novo, as they may seize funds without returning them. I have personally experienced this situation, with Novo withholding my $73,000 for over two months under the claim that the funds are under investigation, with no specified timeline for resolution. As a business owner, I advise potential clients to avoid using Novo for banking services, especially when transferring significant amounts of money, as they tend to hold such transactions. With over 800,000 followers on TikTok, I plan to disseminate this warning across various social media platforms to expose these practices and report the matter to the appropriate authorities.

### 3/5 — Nearly impossible to deposit a check

*2026-05-18, version 4.60.0*

They make it nearly impossible to deposit a check, my check has been denied multiple times. They also say the check is accepted so you think it’s okay and then email you hours later saying it was denied. I wrote the date on the check to show I deposited it thinking it went through and now the check is being denied for that and they want me to have my customer write a new one.

### 1/5 — DO NOT BANK HERE

*2026-05-06, version 4.59.0*

They have you write specific things in a specific order to deposit a check otherwise they decline your check and refuse to explain why leaving you with a useless check and no money in your account.  They refuse to manually review in case their system has an issue.  The only solution they provide is telling you to get a new check.  They give no information of why you were declined.  Do not bank here!

### 1/5 — Denying new account for unknown reasons.

*2026-04-16, version 4.57.1*

Apparently it's really difficult to qualify for an account, maybe they don't actually service small businesses, they will deny you and then say they cannot give you a reason why. I've been denied twice to open a checking account for my small business and I have zero risk factors and great credit. I've never been denied the ability to open a any account  with any business and this is making me suspect that Novo isn't the business it is advertised to be. Happy to give another company my business. Peace.

### 1/5 — Unable to Provide Any Positive Feedback at This Time

*2026-04-06, version 4.57.0*

While I can't share specific details about my review process, common reasons include:
- Poor communication
- Obscure business processes
- Discrepancies in what you say and do

### 2/5 — Great App, Terrible Support

*2026-04-03, version 4.57.0*

The app works great until you need support, then there’s no support available. Also, accounts can be closed due to inactivity without any warning or notification, which is very frustrating.

## Frequently asked questions about Novo

### What is Novo?

Novo is a fintech company that provides a digital checking account specifically built for modern small businesses. While not a bank itself, it offers banking services through Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A., a Member FDIC. It provides a suite of free banking tools accessible through its app to help businesses manage their finances.

### What are the key features of Novo?

Key features include a quick online application process, free banking tools, control over your debit card, bill payment capabilities, ACH transfers, check deposits, transaction categorization, and the ability to set aside funds in Reserves. You also receive a physical and virtual debit card for payments and fee-free ATM withdrawals.

### Is Novo free to use?

Yes, Novo provides free banking tools to small businesses. There are no fees from Novo for using their services, including sending unlimited payments and paper checks, and using any ATM. The banking services are provided by Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A., Member FDIC.

### Who can apply for a Novo Business Checking Account?

Novo supports almost any business operating in the U.S. The primary requirement is that the business owner must have a social security number to apply for a Novo Business Checking Account. This makes it accessible to a wide range of entrepreneurs.

### How can I manage my business funds with Novo?

You can manage your business funds by linking existing accounts, controlling your debit card, paying bills, processing ACH transfers, and depositing checks directly through the app. You can also categorize transactions and use the 'Reserves' feature to separate funds for savings, providing a clear overview of your financial health.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.66.1 — 2026-08-18

Bug fixes with Performance Improvements.

### 4.66.0 — 2026-08-07

Bug fixes with Performance Improvements.

### 4.65.1 — 2026-07-28

Bug fixes with Performance Improvements.

### 4.65.0 — 2026-07-23

Bug fixes with Performance Improvements.

### 4.64.0 — 2026-07-09

* Novo Business Loans — Now Available by Invitation - Eligible Novo customers can now apply for a Novo Business Loan — a fixed-rate installment loan with no prepayment penalties and instant funding to your Novo account. If you've been invited, your pre-approved offer is waiting inside the app.
* Bug fixes with Performance Improvements.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-25.*
