Bank Accounts
Primary Checking Account
- Financial Service: Bluevine (Fintech, front-end service)
- Depository Bank: Coastal Community Bank
- Holds our funds.
Key Facts:
- Bluevine is a fintech platform that serves as a front-end to Coastal Community Bank.
- Sweep Network: Bluevine automatically sweeps balances, offering FDIC insurance for amounts up to $3M.
- Interest Rate: *Free tier: 2% APR on balances up to $250K. *Paid tier: 4.25% APR on balances up to $3M (we use the paid tier).
Account Access & Security:
- We do not share our private account numbers. Of the multiple Bluevine accounts we hold, only two are shared externally.
- “Public’’ Accounts (used for contracting and external purposes):
- Transfer Account (Transfers Inbox): Receives funds from lenders/investors.
- Current Account: Handles customer payments and bill payments. This account has a maximum balance, and excess funds are swept once the maximum balance is reached.
- Private Accounts (account details not shared):
- Equity: Tracks equity and retained earnings.
- Kresge Proceeds: Dedicated to the Kresge loan drawdown.
- Main Checking: Linked to our debit card, with minimal funds kept for security purposes.
Novo Checking Account
- Depository Bank: Middlesex Federal Savings
- Allows us to receive check payments, providing an alternative when issues arise with Bluevine.
- Use Case: This account is primarily used for customers’ check processing. By utilizing Novo, we can ensure smoother handling of such payments.
Secondary Accounts
- Depository Bank: Locus (Virginia-based non-profit CDFI)
- Our business Money Market Account (MMA)
- Interest Rate: 2%
- Purpose: Serves as a backup to the primary account, funded to cover at least one payroll run in case we lose access to the primary account.
- Key Contact: Tim Grimes (our banker).
- Mission Alignment: Locus provides an interest-bearing small business account, selected for its alignment with our values.
Alternative Banks Considered: (lastly considered in 2023)
- Beneficial State Bank: CA-based for-profit B-Corp CDFI (less attractive rates, fees for basic services).
- Amalgamated Bank: Publicly traded B-Corp (less attractive rates, subpar sales process).
- Carver Federal Savings Bank: Black-owned bank (requires in-person account setup with long processing times).
- Lower Eastside People’s Mutual Credit Union: Non-profit (unclear membership process, less attractive rates).
Accounts in Transition
These accounts are being phased out by the end of 2024:
- Silicon Valley Bank Accounts: Will be closed.