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 your Employer Identification Number (EIN) — the nine-digit tax ID the IRS assigns to your business. If you're a sole proprietor, you can use your Social Security number instead, but banks often prefer the EIN. You'll also need a business license or certificate of formation, depending on your business structure. For an LLC, that's your articles of organization. For a corporation, it's your articles of incorporation. For a sole proprietorship, it's usually your business license from your city or county.
Bring a government-issued photo ID — your driver's license or passport. The bank will verify your identity against this. You'll also need to provide your business address and a personal address if they're different. Some banks ask for your business plan or a brief description of what the business does, though this is less common for straightforward operations.
If you're opening the account as a representative of the business rather than the owner, bring documentation showing you have authority to do so — a corporate resolution, a power of attorney, or similar paperwork. Banks treat this seriously because they're protecting themselves against fraud.
Key Takeaways
- You need an EIN (or your Social Security number for sole proprietorships), a government photo ID, and proof of your business structure like articles of organization or a business license.
- Different business structures — sole proprietorship, LLC, S-corp, C-corp — require different documents, so know which one you are before you go to the bank.
- Banks verify your identity and your authority to open the account, so bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
- The process usually takes 15 minutes to an hour in person, or one to three business days if you open online.
What your business structure determines
The documents you bring depend on what kind of business you are. A sole proprietorship is the simplest — you and the business are legally the same entity. You'll need your Social Security number or EIN, a business license from your city or county, and your personal ID. No articles of organization required.
An LLC (limited liability company) is a separate legal entity. You need your articles of organization (filed with your state), your EIN, and your personal ID. Some states call this document the certificate of formation or certificate of organization — the name varies, but it's the filing that created your LLC.
A corporation — either C-corp or S-corp — needs articles of incorporation filed with your state, an EIN, and proof of your authority to open the account (usually a corporate resolution signed by the board). Your personal ID is still required.
A partnership needs the partnership agreement, an EIN, and IDs from the partners who are authorized to open and manage the account. Some banks require all partners to be present; others allow one authorized partner to act alone.
Original documents versus copies
Banks vary on whether they'll accept photocopies or require originals. Most will take a photocopy of your business license or articles of organization, but some want to see the original to verify it hasn't been altered. Call the bank before you go and ask what they accept. If you don't have the original, you can request a certified copy from your state's Secretary of State office — this is an official copy stamped by the state and carries the same weight as the original.
Your government photo ID should be the original. Banks will not accept a photocopy for identity verification. If you're opening the account online, you may be asked to upload a photo of your ID or verify it through a video call.
How to get an EIN if you don't have one yet
If your business doesn't have an EIN, you can get one the same day you open the bank account. Apply online at the IRS website (irs.gov) using Form SS-4. The online application takes about 15 minutes and you receive your EIN immediately. You can also apply by phone, fax, or mail, but those methods take longer — phone approval is usually same-day, while mail takes two to four weeks.
Print out your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS website or keep the number handy. Some banks will accept the number alone; others want to see the confirmation. If you're applying by phone or mail and don't have the confirmation yet, bring whatever documentation you have showing you've applied — the bank may open a temporary account and switch it to the permanent EIN once it arrives.
In-person versus online account opening
Opening in person at a branch is usually faster if you have all your documents ready. You walk in, hand over your paperwork, answer a few questions about the business, and the account opens in 15 minutes to an hour. You get a debit card and checks ordered on the spot, and you can start using the account immediately.
Online account opening takes longer but is more convenient if you can't visit a branch. You upload photos of your documents, answer questions about your business and ownership, and the bank reviews everything. This typically takes one to three business days. Some banks send a verification code to your phone or email, or ask you to verify your identity through a video call. You won't have a physical debit card right away — you'll get a temporary card number to use online while the physical card is mailed to you.
A few banks offer a hybrid: you start online and finish in person, or vice versa. Ask what the bank offers before you commit to one method.
What happens after you submit your documents
The bank will verify your identity, check that your business structure documents are legitimate, and confirm your EIN with the IRS. This is standard anti-fraud procedure. If everything matches, your account opens. If something doesn't line up — your name on the ID doesn't match the business documents, or the EIN doesn't correspond to the business name — the bank will contact you to clarify.
Once the account is open, you can deposit money, write checks, and set up online banking. Most banks offer a business debit card within a few days. Checks usually arrive within one to two weeks. If you need checks faster, you can order them from a third-party printer and have them arrive in a few days, though they cost more than bank-ordered checks.
Some banks require a minimum opening deposit, usually $100 to $500. A few have no minimum. Ask about this before you go — it affects whether you need to bring a check or cash to fund the account on day one.
Common reasons banks reject or delay account opening
Banks may refuse to open an account if your documents don't match — for example, if the name on your ID is different from the name on your business license. This is fixable: update your ID or your business license to match, or bring a legal name-change document if you've changed your name since one of them was issued.
If your business address is a mailbox or a virtual office, some banks will reject the application. They want a physical street address where the business actually operates. If you work from home, use your home address. If you rent a mailbox at a UPS store or similar, that usually won't work — you'll need to find a bank that accepts it or use a coworking space address.
Banks also check for fraud using databases that flag suspicious patterns. If your name or business appears in a fraud database, the bank will deny the account. This is rare for legitimate businesses, but it can happen if someone has stolen your identity or if there's a name collision with a flagged entity. If this happens, you can dispute it with the bank and provide additional documentation to prove you're legitimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a business account without an EIN?
Yes, if you're a sole proprietor you can use your Social Security number instead. However, most banks prefer an EIN because it separates your personal and business finances more clearly. Getting an EIN takes 15 minutes online, so it's worth doing before you go to the bank.
Do I need to bring my business partner or co-owner to open the account?
Not always. If you have authority to open the account on behalf of the business — which you do as a sole owner or as a designated representative — you can go alone. Bring documentation of your authority if you're not the sole owner. Some banks ask all owners to be present; call ahead to confirm the bank's policy.
What if my business license hasn't arrived yet but I've filed for it?
Bring proof that you've filed — a receipt from your city or county showing the application was submitted. Some banks will open a temporary account and convert it once the license arrives. Others will wait. Call the bank first to see what they'll accept.
How long does it take to get checks after I open the account?
Bank-ordered checks usually arrive in one to two weeks. If you need them faster, third-party check printers can deliver in three to five business days, though they charge more. You can also use online bill pay or transfers instead of checks while you wait.
Can I open a business account online if I'm out of state?
Yes, most banks allow online account opening regardless of where you live. You'll upload photos of your documents and verify your identity through a video call or code verification. The account opens in one to three business days, and the bank mails your debit card and checks to your address.