OwnerUnlocked

Found vs Novo: which is better for a new business? (2026)

8.8/10
Found
Free plan

Choose Found if: Self-employed owners who want banking plus tax tools

Skip it if: You deposit cash or paper checks often, or need interest without a paid plan.

Visit Found
8.4/10
Novo
Free plan

Choose Novo if: New owners who want free checking linked to sales apps

Skip it if: You handle cash often, want interest on balances, or need phone support.

Visit Novo

Quick verdict

Higher OwnerUnlocked scoreFound (8.8 vs 8.4)
Lower starting priceTie (Free plan vs Free plan)
Better public ratingsFound (4.7 vs 4.5 / 5)
More Spanish helpNovo (English only vs Spanish website)

Side by side

8.8/10FoundFree plan Visit
8.4/10NovoFree plan Visit
Best forSelf-employed owners who want banking plus tax toolsNew owners who want free checking linked to sales apps
Skip ifYou deposit cash or paper checks often, or need interest without a paid plan.You handle cash often, want interest on balances, or need phone support.
Free plan or trialFree planFree plan
SpanishEnglish onlySpanish website
SupportPhone M-F 8am-5pm PT; email; 24/7 AI chatIn-app chat tickets; email support@novo.co
Mobile appYesYes
Public rating4.8/5 (App Store, 34,338)4.8/5 (App Store, 20,056)
Monthly fee$0 (Plus $35, Pro $80 optional)$0
Opening deposit$0 (none stated)$0 (no minimum deposit)
Minimum balance$0$0
Interest (APY)None on free; 1.50% up to $20K (Plus); 2.50% (Pro)None (no savings accounts or CDs)
Cash deposits79,000+ retailers via barcode; 1 free/mo, then $2Not direct; buy a money order and deposit by mobile
ACH transfersStandard free; express 1% (min $0.50, max $25)Standard free; Express ACH 1.5% (min $0.50, max $20)
Wire transfersIncoming free; outgoing domestic $15 ($10 Pro)Incoming free; outgoing domestic up to $30; international via Wise
ATMsFound charges $0; ATM owner fees may applyNo Novo fee; refunds up to $7/mo in ATM fees; no fee-free network
FDIC insuranceUp to $250K via Lead BankUp to $250K via Middlesex Federal Savings
Mobile check depositMobile app, if eligible; ~4 business days; $3K/weekMobile, free
InvoicingUnlimited free; card payments 2.9% + 30¢ (Stripe)Free unlimited invoices with automatic reminders
Sub-accountsUp to 20 PocketsUp to 20 Reserves (inside one account, not separate)
Connects withStripe and Square payouts; imports from other accounts (Plus)QuickBooks, Xero, Stripe, Square, PayPal, Gusto, Amazon, eBay
CardsMastercard debit (physical, virtual, team); metal card on ProMastercard debit (physical, virtual); Novo business credit card
Top pros
  • $0 plan with no monthly fee and no minimum balance.
  • Up to 20 Pockets (sub-accounts), including one for saving taxes.
  • $0 monthly fee, no minimum balance and free standard ACH.
  • Refunds up to $7 per month in other ATMs' fees.
Watch out for
  • Mobile check deposits take about 4 business days; $3,000 weekly limit.
  • Cash deposits only at retailers: one free per month, then $2 each.
  • No direct cash deposits; you must buy a money order and deposit it.
  • No interest: Novo offers no savings accounts or CDs.

Found

  • $0 plan with no monthly fee and no minimum balance.
  • Up to 20 Pockets (sub-accounts), including one for saving taxes.
  • Unlimited free invoices, W-9 collection and 1099 e-filing.
  • Real-time tax estimates and Schedule C forms built in.
  • Mobile check deposits take about 4 business days; $3,000 weekly limit.
  • Cash deposits only at retailers: one free per month, then $2 each.
  • Outgoing wires cost $15 ($10 on Pro); mailed checks $1 each.

Novo

  • $0 monthly fee, no minimum balance and free standard ACH.
  • Refunds up to $7 per month in other ATMs' fees.
  • Free unlimited invoices plus up to 20 Reserves for taxes and expenses.
  • Connects with QuickBooks, Xero, Stripe, Square, PayPal and Gusto.
  • No direct cash deposits; you must buy a money order and deposit it.
  • No interest: Novo offers no savings accounts or CDs.
  • Outgoing domestic wires cost up to $30; international only through Wise.

Also worth a look

Questions

Is Found or Novo cheaper?

Their published starting prices can't be compared directly (Free plan vs Free plan). Ask both for a quote.

Which has better reviews?

Found, with 4.7/5 on average across the public ratings we checked.

Which one helps in Spanish?

Found: English only. Novo: Spanish website.

Can I switch from one to the other later?

Yes, though switching mid-year takes some setup. Export your records before you cancel, and check for annual contracts or cancellation notice periods.

Facts from each company's own pages and public rating sites, checked Oct 4, 2026. How we rate.