What you need before you start

Chase requires you to bring specific documents and information in person or online, depending on which route you choose. You will need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, a government-issued photo ID, and your business's Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security number if you operate as a sole proprietor. If your business is registered as an LLC, corporation, or partnership, bring the formation documents — the articles of incorporation, articles of organization, or partnership agreement.

You will also need to know your business structure (sole proprietor, LLC, S-corp, C-corp, or partnership) and have a business address. If you are opening the account online, Chase will ask for your personal information, business details, and initial deposit amount before you complete the application. Some account types require a minimum opening deposit; this varies by account and changes periodically, so confirm the current requirement when you begin.

If you are a new Chase customer, you may be asked to verify your identity through a video call or by visiting a branch in person. Existing Chase customers can often open a business account faster through the online portal.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your EIN (or SSN for sole proprietors), government photo ID, and business formation documents if your business is registered as an LLC or corporation.
  • Chase offers two main routes: opening online through their business portal or visiting a branch in person; online is usually faster for existing customers.
  • Minimum opening deposits vary by account type and change over time, so check Chase's current requirements before you start.
  • The account is typically active within one to three business days if you open online, or the same day if you complete the process at a branch.
  • You will receive routing and account numbers immediately or within a few days, which you need to set up direct deposit or ACH transfers.

Opening an account online through Chase Business

Go to Chase's business banking website and select "Open an account." You will be asked to choose your business structure from a dropdown menu: sole proprietor, LLC, S-corp, C-corp, or partnership. Enter your business name, address, and phone number, then provide your personal information including your Social Security number or ITIN.

Chase will ask for your EIN if your business is registered; if you operate as a sole proprietor, you can use your Social Security number instead. You will also select which business checking account you want — Chase offers several tiers with different fee structures and minimum balances. Review the features and monthly fees for each before you choose.

Next, you will be asked to verify your identity. If you are an existing Chase personal banking customer, this step may be skipped or completed instantly. If you are new to Chase, you may need to complete a video call with a Chase representative or visit a branch to verify your identity in person. Once identity verification is complete, you will receive your account number and routing number, usually within one to three business days.

Opening an account at a Chase branch

Visit a Chase branch with your government-issued photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and your business's EIN or formation documents. Bring your business address and phone number. A business banker will walk you through the account setup process and answer questions about which account type fits your needs.

At the branch, you can often complete the entire process and receive your account number the same day. You will sign the account agreement and deposit your opening deposit in cash or by check. The banker will provide you with temporary access to your account and explain how to set up online banking and mobile access.

Branch opening is useful if you want to ask questions about account features, fee structures, or business banking services in real time. It also eliminates the wait for identity verification if you are a new Chase customer.

Account types and their differences

Chase offers several business checking accounts with different fee structures. The Chase Business Basic Checking account has no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. The Chase Business Checking account charges a monthly fee unless you meet balance or deposit requirements. The Chase Business Premier Checking account is designed for larger businesses and includes additional services like merchant processing and payroll.

Each account comes with online banking, mobile deposit, and the ability to add authorized users. Some accounts include a set number of free transactions per month; additional transactions may incur fees. Review the current fee schedule on Chase's website before you open, because fees and minimum balance requirements change periodically.

What happens after your account opens

Once your account is active, you will receive a debit card and checks within one to two weeks. Your routing number and account number are available immediately through online banking or the mobile app. You can use these to set up direct deposit, ACH transfers, or wire transfers right away — you do not need to wait for your physical checks to arrive.

Set up online banking by logging into your Chase Business account with your username and password. From there, you can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, view transaction history, and manage authorized users. If you plan to accept credit card payments or process payroll, Chase offers those services as add-ons; you can set them up during account opening or later through your online banking portal.

Fees and ongoing requirements

Most Chase business checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee unless you meet one of several conditions: maintaining a minimum daily balance, receiving a certain amount in monthly direct deposits, or maintaining a linked Chase savings account. The specific requirements vary by account type. If you do not meet any of these conditions, the monthly fee typically ranges from $10 to $25, depending on the account.

There are also per-transaction fees for certain activities: wire transfers, stop payments, and excessive transactions beyond your monthly limit. Overdraft fees apply if your account goes negative. Review the fee schedule for your specific account type on Chase's website or ask a banker at the branch.

Chase may also require you to maintain a minimum balance to avoid fees. This balance is calculated as a daily average or a minimum daily balance, depending on your account. If your balance drops below the requirement, you will be charged the monthly fee.

Adding authorized users and signers

You can add other people to your account as authorized users or signers. An authorized user can access the account and make transactions but is not legally responsible for the account. A signer has the same access and shares legal responsibility for the account. You can add authorized users online through your Chase Business banking portal or by visiting a branch.

To add someone, you will need their name, Social Security number, and date of birth. Chase will verify their identity before they gain access. You can remove authorized users at any time through online banking or by contacting Chase.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Chase business checking account?

If you open online and are an existing Chase customer, your account is usually active within one to three business days. If you open at a branch, you may receive your account number the same day. New Chase customers may need an additional one to two business days for identity verification.

Can I open a business account if I do not have an EIN yet?

Yes. If you operate as a sole proprietor, you can use your Social Security number instead of an EIN. If your business is registered as an LLC or corporation but you have not yet received your EIN, you can apply for one through the IRS website before opening your Chase account, or ask Chase whether you can use your Social Security number temporarily.

What is the minimum opening deposit for a Chase business checking account?

The minimum opening deposit varies by account type and changes periodically. Some accounts require $100 to $500; others have no minimum. Check Chase's current requirements on their business banking website or ask at a branch before you start the application.

Do I need to visit a branch in person, or can I do everything online?

Existing Chase customers can usually open an account entirely online. New customers may need to complete a video call with a Chase representative or visit a branch in person for identity verification. You can ask during the online application whether a video call or branch visit is required.

What documents do I need if my business is an LLC?

Bring your articles of organization, your government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number or ITIN, and your business's EIN. If you are opening online, you may be able to upload images of these documents instead of bringing originals.