what is a zero balance account zba 
a zero balance account zba is exactly what it sounds like a checking account in which a balance of 0 is maintained when funds are needed in the zba the exact amount of money required is automatically transferred from a central or master account similarly deposits are swept into the master account daily corporations sometimes use zero balance accounts to ensure funds are readily available throughout different departments to eliminate excess balances in separate accounts and to maintain greater control over the disbursement of funds these accounts often handle items such as payroll petty cash and other similar needs 