What you need before you walk in or go online
A business bank account requires proof that your business exists as a legal entity separate from you personally. The bank will ask for documents that show this — the exact list depends on your business structure and the bank you choose, but most banks want the same core items.
If you are a sole proprietor, you will need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and proof of your business name — either a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate filed with your county, or a business license. If you have an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS, bring that too, though it is not always required for sole proprietors.
If you are an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp, you will need your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation (the document the state issued when you registered), your EIN letter from the IRS, and the ID of at least one owner or authorized signer. Some banks also ask for a Certificate of Good Standing from your state, which proves your business is currently registered and in compliance.
Key Takeaways
- Sole proprietors need a government ID, Social Security number, and proof of business name; LLCs and corporations need their state registration documents and EIN letter.
- Banks verify your identity and your business's legal status before opening the account, which usually takes one to three business days if you apply online or in person.
- You will choose between a basic business checking account and accounts that include savings, merchant services, or credit lines — the right choice depends on your transaction volume and whether you take card payments.
- Bring originals or certified copies of your registration documents; banks will not accept photos or scans of some documents, so call ahead to confirm what format they accept.
- After the account opens, you will receive routing and account numbers, and the bank will issue debit cards and checks — this takes three to seven business days by mail.
Sole proprietor accounts: the fastest route
If you operate as a sole proprietor — meaning you have not filed any formal business registration — you can open a business account using just your Social Security number and a government ID. Many banks will let you do this online in under 10 minutes. You do not need an EIN, though having one keeps your personal and business finances more clearly separated for tax purposes.
Some banks ask for proof that you are actually running a business. This can be a business license from your city or county, a DBA certificate, a recent invoice to a customer, or even a screenshot of your business website or social media page. If you do not have any of these yet, call the bank's business line and ask what they will accept — many will open the account on the spot if you can describe your business and show your ID.
The account will be in your name, but labeled as a business account. This matters for tax time, because the IRS expects you to keep business and personal money separate even if they are technically in the same legal entity.
LLC and corporation accounts: what the bank needs from the state
If you have registered your business as an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp with your state, the bank will want to see the document that proves it. This is usually called Articles of Organization (for LLCs) or Articles of Incorporation (for corporations). You should have received this from your state when you filed — it is a one or two-page document with your business name, the date filed, and the state's official stamp or signature.
The bank will also ask for your EIN letter. This is a one-page letter from the IRS that shows your business's Employer Identification Number. You get this by applying for an EIN on the IRS website (irs.gov) — it takes about 15 minutes, and the IRS emails you the letter immediately. If you have not applied yet, do that before you go to the bank.
Some banks also ask for a Certificate of Good Standing, which is a document from your state confirming that your business is currently registered and has paid all required fees. You can order this from your state's Secretary of State office, usually online, for $5 to $25. It arrives by mail in three to five business days, though some states offer same-day pickup or email delivery. Call the bank first — many do not actually require it, and asking saves you the time and cost.
Choosing between account types
Most banks offer a basic business checking account, which is what most small businesses need. It comes with a debit card, checks, online banking, and the ability to set up automatic payments and deposits. Monthly fees range from $0 to $30 depending on the bank and how much you keep in the account.
Some banks bundle a business savings account with checking, which makes sense if you want to set aside money for taxes or emergencies and earn a small amount of interest. Others offer merchant services — the ability to accept credit and debit card payments — built into the account or as an add-on. If you take card payments in person or online, ask whether the bank offers this and what the per-transaction fee is, because it varies widely.
A few banks offer business money market accounts or credit lines tied to your checking account. These are useful if you need to borrow money for inventory or equipment, but they are not necessary to start. Open a basic checking account first, and add these later if you need them.
What happens when you apply in person versus online
Applying in person at a branch takes about 30 minutes. You bring your documents, the banker verifies them, runs a background check (which is routine and does not affect your credit score), and opens the account on the spot. You leave with a temporary debit card or a card number you can use immediately, and permanent cards and checks arrive by mail in three to seven business days.
Applying online is faster — you upload photos of your documents, answer questions about your business, and the bank's system verifies everything. This usually takes one to three business days. Some banks let you start using the account (transferring money, setting up direct deposit) before the physical cards arrive, while others wait until they have verified everything.
A few banks require you to come in person to verify your ID, even if you start the application online. They will tell you this during the application process. If you are opening an account for an LLC or corporation, some banks require at least one owner to appear in person with ID, so check the bank's requirements before you start.
Documents the bank will and will not accept
Banks have strict rules about document formats because they are required by federal law to verify your identity and your business's legitimacy. Most banks will accept originals or certified copies of your registration documents (Articles of Organization, Articles of Incorporation, or your state's Certificate of Good Standing). Many will also accept a photocopy if you bring the original to show the banker in person.
What banks usually will not accept: photos of documents taken on your phone, PDF files you downloaded from your state's website (even if they are official), or documents that have been altered or are missing pages. If you are applying online and the bank asks for a document, the upload system will usually tell you if the image is too blurry or incomplete — try again with better lighting or a clearer scan.
If you do not have a physical copy of your registration documents, order a certified copy from your state's Secretary of State office. This costs $5 to $25 and takes three to five business days by mail, or sometimes same-day if you pick it up in person. It is worth the cost because it removes any question about whether the document is authentic.
After the account opens: what to expect next
Once the bank approves your account, you will receive a welcome packet by mail with your routing number, account number, and temporary checks. This usually arrives within three to seven business days. Your debit card arrives separately, sometimes in the same envelope and sometimes a few days later.
In the meantime, you can log into online banking and set up transfers, direct deposit, and bill pay. If the bank issued you a temporary card number during the application process, you can use that to make purchases or withdraw cash at ATMs right away.
If you need checks before they arrive, most banks can print them for you in the branch within 24 hours, or you can order them from a third-party printer (Deluxe, Costco, or Vistaprint) for less money — though this takes a few days. Ask the bank what your routing and account numbers are so you can place the order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EIN to open a business bank account?
No, not if you are a sole proprietor — you can use your Social Security number instead. If you are an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp, you need an EIN, but you can get one free from the IRS website in 15 minutes and receive the letter immediately by email.
Can I open a business account if my business is not registered yet?
Yes, if you are a sole proprietor. You can open an account using your Social Security number and ID. If you have not registered as an LLC or corporation, you do not need to — sole proprietorships do not require registration in most states. If you want to register later, you can do that anytime.
What if the bank says they need documents I do not have?
Ask the banker which specific documents they need and whether there are alternatives. For example, if they ask for a Certificate of Good Standing and you do not have one, ask if a copy of your Articles of Organization will work instead. If they require something you genuinely cannot get, ask whether a different bank in your area has different requirements.
How long does it take to start using the account after I open it?
If you apply online, you can usually log into online banking and set up transfers within one to three business days. If the bank issued a temporary debit card number, you can use that immediately. Physical cards and checks arrive by mail in three to seven business days.
Will opening a business account affect my personal credit?
No. Banks run a background check when you open the account, but this does not show up on your personal credit report and does not affect your credit score. It is a routine verification that you are who you say you are.