Why You Need to Know about Sweep Accounts

Never heard of sweep accounts? Once a secret perk for preferred

banking customers, they're now becoming more widely known to smart entrepreneurs. In fact, a recent study found sweep accounts to be one of the fastest growing and most profitable banking products.

How Sweep Accounts Work
A sweep account links a commercial checking account with an investment account, such as a money market account or stock fund. It automatically keeps the checking account balance at a preset target level, by transferring funds to or from the investment account as needed. Sweep accounts allow small businesses to get higher returns on cash that might otherwise languish in commercial checking accounts. Because most small businesses don't have the time or capital to reap the benefits of more profitable investments, sweep accounts make a lot of sense.

Most sweep accounts require the business to maintain a minimum balance. The bank then "sweeps" the account (usually daily) and removes any funds in excess of the balance minimum. The bank automatically invests those funds in an account you select. When your checking account drops below its required balance, the bank automatically "sweeps" back enough cash to bring your account up to its required minimum balance.

It's smart to try and find a bank that is aggressively seeking new customers. You may get a special deal or extra value for your business. You should also consider smaller banks with just a few offices. They may have more relaxed rules and offer more personalized service, and they're less likely to have highly bureaucratized loan procedures.

Benefits of Sweep Accounts

Minimum investments. A sweep account allows a business to invest smaller dollar amounts on a regular basis. By contrast, most overnight investments require minimum amounts that are out of reach for most small companies.

Convenience. Sweep accounts are passive investment vehicles, because they automatically move extra cash into an investment account without requiring you to make the transfer yourself.

Liquidity. Sweep accounts offer same-day access to the invested funds, although there may be situations where there are delays in getting access to money. This depends on the particular bank and type of account.

Options. Sweep accounts offer businesses a variety of investment vehicles. This is especially beneficial to companies in need of tax-advantaged investments.

Yield. The rate for sweep accounts varies with each bank, and depends on the yield of the particular investment account selected.

Fees
Most banks charge a flat fee for a sweep account, although some may levy a percentage charge on yields. You're limited to a specified number of transactions per account before you start incurring extra fees. The definition of a transaction is set by each bank (see the fine print of the account agreement). Any transactions over the maximum number are subject to a separate fee.

Monthly fees for a sweep account start at $20 to $40, but they can run as high as $150 or more. Terms vary widely from bank to bank, so you'll need to shop around. Always make sure you'll earn enough in interest to offset the bank's fees — otherwise, it's not worth your while.