My side hustle finally has enough activity to need its own bank account

Second personal account is easiest. Business accounts usually want an EIN and sometimes have monthly fees. Unless you're trying to build credit under a business name, keep it simple.

I used a business account for my freelance work before I formed an LLC. The bank let me open one as a sole prop with just my SSN. It was nice because it kept everything completely separate and I got a debit card with my business name on it. Downside was a $15 monthly fee unless I kept a minimum balance. I eventually switched to a credit union that doesn't charge.

Make sure you check the fee schedule carefully. Some of the online business accounts look free until you read the fine print about cash deposits. If you're depositing cash from local sales that could bite you.

Honestly at 18 sales a month you might be overthinking it. A second personal account at the same bank is fine for now. You can always upgrade later when the volume justifies the paperwork.

that's fair. I only went business account because a client required it for invoicing. If no one is asking for it, the second personal account is less hassle.

One thing nobody mentioned: if you're doing this regularly, your bank's terms might actually prohibit using a personal account for business activity. Most banks don't enforce it for small stuff but it's worth knowing. Credit unions tend to be more lenient.

Good point. i've never had an issue but I also don't deposit much cash.