Yes, you can open most business checking accounts completely online

Most banks and credit unions now let you open a business checking account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. You upload documents, verify your identity, and get approved in hours or days. The account number and routing number arrive by email, and you can start using the account immediately for transfers and bill pay.

The catch is that some banks still require an in-person visit for certain business structures—usually C corporations or LLCs with multiple owners. Even then, many of those banks let you complete most of the process online and only need you to show up to sign papers. A few banks have eliminated the in-person requirement entirely by using video verification or notary services.

How fast you can open an account depends on your business type, how quickly you can gather documents, and which bank you choose. Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs typically move fastest. Partnerships and corporations take longer because more people need to sign or verify their identity.

Key Takeaways

  • Most online banks and large national banks let you open a business checking account entirely online, with approval in one to three business days.
  • Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs are fastest to open online; partnerships and multi-member LLCs may require an in-person visit or video verification.
  • You will need your Social Security number or EIN, a government-issued ID, and proof of your business address—usually a utility bill or lease.
  • Some banks verify your identity through video call or third-party notary services instead of requiring you to visit a branch.
  • Your account number and routing number arrive by email once approved, and you can use them for transfers and bill pay before any physical debit card arrives.

What documents you need to open an account online

The documents required depend on your business structure. For a sole proprietorship, you typically need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), and proof of your business address. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days usually works for the address.

For an LLC or corporation, you need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which you can get online for free at irs.gov. You also need your Articles of Organization (for an LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (for a corporation). Some banks ask for a Certificate of Good Standing from your state, which you can order online from your state's Secretary of State office.

If your LLC or corporation has multiple owners, each owner typically needs to verify their identity separately—usually through a video call or by uploading their own government ID. This is where the process slows down, because the bank needs to confirm that all owners consent to opening the account.

Have these documents ready in digital form before you start. Most banks let you upload PDFs or photos directly through their website. Poor image quality or missing pages can delay approval, so take clear photos or scan documents at high resolution.

Which banks let you open accounts completely online

Online-only banks like Novo, Mercury, and Brex have no branches, so they handle everything digitally. They typically approve sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs within hours. Some use video verification for identity confirmation, which speeds up the process for business structures that normally require in-person visits.

Large national banks including Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo let you start the application online, but some still require you to visit a branch to finish. Chase's online process works for sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs; partnerships and corporations may need a branch visit. Bank of America has similar rules but offers video verification as an alternative to visiting a branch in some states.

Credit unions vary widely. Some credit unions let you open accounts entirely online if you already have a personal account with them. Others require membership in a specific group or organization and may still need an in-person visit. Call your credit union or check their website to confirm their process.

Regional banks often fall between online-only banks and large national banks. Many let you open sole proprietorships online but require a branch visit for LLCs or corporations. A few regional banks have added video verification to eliminate the branch visit requirement.

How identity verification works when you cannot visit a branch

Most banks that offer fully online account opening use one of three methods to verify your identity: uploading a government ID photo, a video call with a bank employee, or a third-party notary service.

Uploading your ID is the fastest method. You photograph both sides of your driver's license or passport and upload them through the bank's website. The bank's system scans the document for security features and compares the photo to your uploaded selfie. This usually takes minutes to hours.

Video verification involves a scheduled call with a bank employee or a third-party verification service. You show your government ID to the camera, answer questions about your identity, and sign documents electronically. This method works well for business structures with multiple owners because each owner can verify separately on their own schedule. Video calls typically take 10 to 20 minutes and can be scheduled within 24 hours.

Notary verification means the bank arranges for a remote notary to verify your identity and witness your signature on account documents. You schedule a video call with the notary, show your ID, and sign electronically. This is slower than the other methods—usually three to five business days—but some banks use it for corporations and partnerships to ensure all owners have properly authorized the account.

Timeline from application to first use

Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs typically get approved within one business day at online-only banks. You receive your account number and routing number by email the same day or the next morning. You can use these numbers immediately for wire transfers, ACH transfers, and bill pay through your bank's website.

At large national banks, the timeline is usually one to three business days for sole proprietorships. If the bank requires a branch visit, add the time it takes you to schedule and complete that visit—usually another one to three business days.

Partnerships and multi-member LLCs take longer because each owner must verify their identity separately. If all owners can complete verification on the same day, approval may come within two to three business days. If owners verify on different days, add one to two business days for each additional owner.

Corporations typically take three to five business days because banks often require a Certificate of Good Standing and may verify that the person opening the account has authority to do so. Some banks ask for board resolutions or bylaws, which can add another day or two if you need to obtain them.

Physical debit cards arrive separately by mail, usually within five to ten business days after approval. You do not need to wait for the card to start using your account—you can transfer money and pay bills immediately once your account is open.

What to do if the bank requires a branch visit

If your bank requires an in-person visit, you can usually schedule it online through their website or by calling. Some banks let you book an appointment weeks in advance; others have same-day or next-day slots. Bring your government ID, your EIN documentation, and any other papers the bank requested during the online application.

The branch visit typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. A banker will verify your identity in person, answer questions about your business, and have you sign account documents. Some banks print and sign papers on the spot; others may have you sign electronically on a tablet.

If you cannot visit a branch near you, ask whether the bank offers video verification or remote notary services as an alternative. Many banks that require in-person visits for some customers will waive the requirement if you use one of these methods. This request usually adds one to three business days to the timeline but eliminates the need to travel.

Why some business structures take longer to open online

Sole proprietorships are fastest because only one person owns the business and only one person needs to verify their identity. The bank confirms your Social Security number and government ID, and you are done.

Single-member LLCs are nearly as fast. The bank verifies your identity and confirms that your EIN matches your business name and address. The process is almost identical to a sole proprietorship.

Multi-member LLCs and partnerships require each owner to verify their identity separately. If you have three owners, the bank needs three separate identity verifications. This is why some banks ask all owners to be present at a branch visit—it is faster than coordinating multiple video calls or notary appointments.

Corporations take the longest because banks want to confirm that the person opening the account has authority to do so. The bank may ask for bylaws, board resolutions, or a Certificate of Good Standing to prove that the account opener is an officer or director. These documents take time to obtain if you do not already have them.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you are a sole proprietor. You can use your Social Security number instead of an EIN. If you have an LLC or corporation, you need an EIN before opening an account. You can get one free at irs.gov in about 15 minutes; the IRS issues it immediately online.

What if my business address is the same as my home address?

That is fine. Most banks accept a home address as your business address. You still need to prove the address with a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If the bill is in someone else's name, bring a letter from that person authorizing you to use the address.

Do I need a business license to open an account online?

No. Banks do not require a business license to open a checking account. Some banks ask whether you have one, but a missing license will not stop approval. However, you will need one eventually if you operate in a state or city that requires it.

Can I open an account for a business I have not started yet?

Most banks require that your business already exist—meaning your LLC is registered with your state or your corporation is incorporated. You cannot open an account for a business you are only planning to start. Register your business first, then open the account.

What happens if I upload documents and the bank asks for more information?

The bank will email you a list of missing or unclear documents. You have a set number of days—usually 10 to 30—to upload the additional information. If you do not respond in time, your application may be denied and you will need to start over.