Documents and information you'll need before you walk in
Most banks want the same core set of documents before they'll open a business account. You'll need proof of your business's legal structure, proof of your identity, and proof of your address. The exact list depends on whether you're a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, S-corp, or C-corp — each one requires different paperwork.
For any business structure, bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport). Bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your personal address. Banks use this to verify you are who you say you are and to comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules.
If you operate under a business name that's different from your legal name, bring a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate or a copy of the registration you filed with your state or county. Some banks will accept a business license instead. Without this, the bank may only let you open an account under your personal name.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a government photo ID, proof of your personal address, and documentation of your business structure — the specific documents vary by whether you're a sole proprietor, LLC, partnership, or corporation.
- If you use a business name different from your legal name, you need a DBA certificate or business license to prove the name is registered.
- Sole proprietors can often open an account with just an ID and address proof, but LLCs and corporations need formation documents like articles of organization or incorporation.
- Bring your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number (EIN) — banks use this to report account activity to the IRS.
- Some banks require a minimum opening deposit, which ranges from $0 to $500 depending on the bank and account type.
What sole proprietors need
If you're a sole proprietor — meaning you operate the business under your personal name with no separate legal entity — the barrier to entry is lowest. You need your government photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security Number. That's often enough.
If you registered a DBA with your county or state, bring that certificate. It's not always required, but it proves the business name is officially registered and makes the account opening faster. Without it, some banks will still open the account but only under your legal name, which defeats the purpose for many sole proprietors.
Ask the bank whether they require a business license. Some do, some don't. A business license is issued by your city or county and shows you've registered to do business locally. If the bank asks for one and you don't have it, you can usually get one the same day or within a few days from your city or county clerk's office.
What LLCs and partnerships need
An LLC or partnership needs more documentation because it's a separate legal entity. Bring your Articles of Organization (for an LLC) or Articles of Partnership (for a partnership). These are the formation documents you filed with your state when you created the entity. You can get a certified copy from your state's Secretary of State office if you don't have the original.
You also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which the IRS assigns to your business. You can get an EIN for free from the IRS website (irs.gov) in minutes. Bring the EIN letter or a copy of your EIN application confirmation. Some banks will let you open the account with just the EIN number and verify it later, but having documentation in hand speeds things up.
Bring a copy of your operating agreement if you have one. This is the internal document that outlines how your LLC or partnership is run. Not all banks require it, but some do, especially if the account will have multiple signers. If you don't have one, ask the bank whether it's mandatory before you leave.
What corporations need
A C-corp or S-corp requires your Articles of Incorporation, which you filed with your state when you formed the corporation. Get a certified copy from your state's Secretary of State office. Bring your EIN letter or confirmation from the IRS.
Some banks also ask for a corporate resolution — a document signed by the board of directors authorizing the opening of the bank account and naming who can sign checks or make withdrawals. If you're a one-person corporation, you may still need this. Ask the bank in advance whether they require it; if they do, you can draft one yourself or use a template, but it must be signed and dated.
Bring a copy of your bylaws if the bank requests them. Bylaws are the rules governing how your corporation operates. Like operating agreements for LLCs, they're not always required, but some banks ask for them.
Your tax identification number
Every business account needs a tax ID. For a sole proprietor, that's your Social Security Number. For any other structure — LLC, partnership, or corporation — it's an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
You can get an EIN free from the IRS at irs.gov/ein. You can apply online and get your number immediately. Print the confirmation page or take a screenshot. If you apply by phone or mail, the process takes longer, so online is fastest.
The bank uses this number to report the account to the IRS and to file any required tax forms. Without it, the bank cannot open the account (except for sole proprietors using their Social Security Number).
Minimum deposit and account fees
Different banks have different opening deposit requirements. Some have no minimum. Others require $100, $250, or $500 to open the account. A few high-end business accounts may require $1,000 or more. Check the bank's website or call ahead to confirm the minimum before you go in.
Ask about monthly maintenance fees, per-check fees, and fees for transfers or wire transfers. Some banks charge $10 to $30 per month just to keep the account open. Others waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. These fees add up over time, so compare a few banks before you decide.
Bringing everything together: a checklist
| Business Structure | Documents to Bring |
|---|---|
| Sole Proprietor | Government photo ID, proof of address, Social Security Number, DBA certificate (if you use a business name) |
| LLC | Government photo ID, proof of address, Articles of Organization, EIN letter, operating agreement (if bank requests) |
| Partnership | Government photo ID, proof of address, Articles of Partnership, EIN letter, partnership agreement (if bank requests) |
| C-Corp or S-Corp | Government photo ID, proof of address, Articles of Incorporation, EIN letter, corporate resolution (if bank requests), bylaws (if bank requests) |
Before you go to the bank, call or visit their website to confirm they have everything on this list. Some banks have slightly different requirements, and a few minutes on the phone can save you a trip back home for a missing document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a business account online without going to the bank in person?
Some banks allow online account opening for certain business structures, usually sole proprietors. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, and the bank verifies them electronically. For LLCs, partnerships, and corporations, most banks still require an in-person visit or a notarized signature from an authorized person. Check your bank's website to see what they offer.
What if I don't have an EIN yet?
Get one before you go to the bank. You can apply online at irs.gov/ein and receive your number immediately. Print the confirmation page. If you're opening an account for an LLC, partnership, or corporation, the bank will not open the account without an EIN or a valid application in progress.
Do I need a business license to open a business bank account?
It depends on the bank. Some require it, some don't. Call the bank ahead of time and ask. If they do require one and you don't have it, contact your city or county clerk's office — most can issue one the same day or within a few business days.
Can I use a business address that's different from my home address?
Yes, but you still need to prove your personal address with a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The business address goes on the account, but the bank verifies your identity using your home address. If you use a virtual office or mailbox service, ask the bank whether they accept that as a business address — some do, some don't.
What happens if I open a business account but don't have all the documents yet?
Most banks will not open the account without the required documents. Some may let you open a temporary account and upgrade it once you provide missing paperwork, but this is rare. It's better to gather everything before you go in. If you're missing something, ask the bank what you can do — they may accept a signed statement or a timeline for providing the document later.