Documents and information you'll bring to the bank
Most banks need the same core set of documents before they'll open a business checking account. You'll need proof of your business identity, proof of your personal identity, and proof of your business address. The exact documents vary by bank and by the structure of your business, but the pattern is consistent across institutions.
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license or passport. Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you're a sole proprietor, that's often all the personal identification a bank needs. If you're an LLC, partnership, or corporation, you'll also need to show that the business legally exists.
For proof that your business exists, bring your Employer Identification Number (EIN) letter from the IRS, or your business formation documents — the articles of incorporation for a corporation, articles of organization for an LLC, or a partnership agreement. If you formed your business through your state, bring a copy of the formation filing or a certificate of good standing from your state's secretary of state office. Some banks will accept a business license from your city or county instead, though a state-level document is stronger.
Bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your business address. If you work from home, a utility bill in your name at that address works. If you rent commercial space, a lease is clearer. Some banks will accept a post office box, but most prefer a physical street address.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, your Social Security number or ITIN, and proof your business legally exists — usually an EIN letter or state formation documents.
- Bring a recent utility bill or lease showing your business address; banks rarely accept a mailing address alone.
- Different banks ask for different documents, so call ahead or check the bank's website to see what they specifically require before you visit.
- If you're opening an account for a business you don't own, the bank will need documentation showing you have authority to act on behalf of the business.
- Some banks require a minimum deposit to open the account, and that amount varies widely — ask before you go in.
How your business structure affects what you bring
A sole proprietorship is the simplest case. If you're operating under your own name, you may not need any business formation documents at all — just your personal ID and Social Security number. If you're using a business name that's different from your legal name, bring a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate or a copy of your DBA filing from your county or state. Some banks will open the account without it, but having it removes any question about whether you have the right to use that name.
An LLC, corporation, or partnership requires more. Bring your EIN letter from the IRS — this is the document the IRS sends you after you've filed Form SS-4 to get an EIN. If you don't have the letter yet, bring a copy of the Form SS-4 confirmation, or bring your state formation documents and the bank can often verify the EIN themselves. You'll also need to show the bank who is authorized to sign on the account. For an LLC or corporation, this is usually the owner or a designated manager; for a partnership, it's usually a partner. The bank may ask you to bring a resolution or a certificate of authority showing who has signing power.
If you're opening the account as a representative of the business but you're not the owner, the bank will need documentation showing you have authority to act. This might be a power of attorney, a board resolution, or a letter from the owner authorizing you to open the account. Different banks have different requirements here, so ask what they need before you arrive.
Minimum deposits and initial funding
Most banks require a minimum deposit to open a business checking account, but the amount varies widely — anywhere from zero to several thousand dollars depending on the bank and the account type. Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit or maintain a certain balance. Others charge a monthly fee if you don't meet a minimum balance threshold.
Ask the bank what the minimum is before you open the account. If you're opening the account in person, you can bring a check or transfer funds from another account on the spot. If you're opening online, the bank will tell you how to fund the account — usually by wire transfer, ACH transfer from another bank account, or a check deposit through their mobile app.
The minimum deposit is not a fee; it's money that goes into your account and belongs to you. You can withdraw it immediately after the account is open, though some banks ask you to keep a certain balance to avoid monthly fees.
Opening the account in person versus online
Most banks let you open a business checking account online, but the process is slower and sometimes requires a follow-up visit. Online, you'll upload photos of your documents, enter your business and personal information, and fund the account by transfer or check deposit. The bank then verifies your documents — this can take a few business days to a week. Some banks will ask you to come in and show the original documents in person before they fully activate the account.
Opening in person is faster. You bring your documents, the bank verifies them on the spot, you fund the account, and you walk out with a debit card and checks in hand — or at least with an account that's ready to use immediately. The trade-off is that you have to go to a branch during business hours.
If you're opening online, start the process at least a week before you need the account to be active. If you're opening in person, plan for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how busy the branch is and whether the bank has any questions about your documents.
What happens if your documents are incomplete or expired
If your government ID is expired, most banks will still accept it as long as it's not more than a few years past expiration. Call ahead to ask — policies vary. If your business formation documents are old or you're not sure whether they're current, bring them anyway and ask the bank whether they need a fresh copy from your state.
If you don't have an EIN yet, you can get one immediately by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 or applying online at irs.gov. The IRS issues EINs over the phone the same day you apply. Write down the number and bring it to the bank, or ask the bank whether they can verify it themselves — many can. If you're applying online, you can usually get your EIN before you finish the application.
If your business address is not yet finalized — you're still looking for office space, for example — some banks will let you use a home address temporarily and update it later. Ask whether the bank allows this before you apply. If your business doesn't have a physical address yet, a UPS store mailbox or a virtual office address sometimes works, though banks are increasingly strict about this.
Fees and account features to compare
Business checking accounts charge different fees depending on the bank and the account tier. Common fees include a monthly maintenance fee (usually $10 to $30), a per-check fee (usually $0.10 to $0.50 per check), a per-deposit fee, and an overdraft fee. Some accounts waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
Before you open the account, ask the bank for a fee schedule or look it up on their website. Compare the total cost across a few banks — the cheapest account at one bank might be more expensive than a mid-tier account at another, depending on how many checks you write and how many deposits you make each month.
Also ask about features that matter to your business: mobile check deposit, wire transfer limits, ACH transfer limits, the number of free transactions per month, and whether the bank offers merchant services or credit lines. Some banks offer these as add-ons; others include them in the base account.
After the account opens: what to do next
Once your account is open, set up online banking and mobile banking so you can check your balance and transfer money without going to a branch. Most banks let you do this immediately after opening the account. You'll create a username and password, and the bank will send you a temporary access code by text or email.
Order checks if you need them — most banks let you order through their website, and checks usually arrive within a week. Ask whether the bank charges for checks or includes them free; some do, some don't.
If you plan to accept credit card or debit card payments from customers, ask the bank about merchant services. This is a separate service from the checking account, but banks often offer it and can set it up quickly. You'll need to provide information about your business and expected monthly sales volume.
Set up payroll if you have employees. Most banks offer payroll services, or you can use a third-party payroll provider like ADP or Gusto. The bank can help you connect your checking account to whichever payroll system you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a business checking account if my business isn't registered yet?
Most banks require proof that your business legally exists, which usually means an EIN or state formation documents. If you haven't registered your business yet, you can get an EIN from the IRS before you register — the IRS doesn't require state registration first. Once you have an EIN, most banks will open the account. You can then register your business with your state afterward.
What if I don't have an EIN yet?
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 and apply for an EIN over the phone. The IRS issues EINs the same day. Write down the number and bring it to the bank, or tell the bank you're applying and ask whether they can verify it. Many banks can look up a new EIN in their system within a day or two.
Do I need to bring original documents or are copies okay?
Banks almost always want to see original documents in person, even if you're opening the account online. If you're opening online, you'll upload photos or scans of your documents. If you're opening in person, bring the originals. The bank will verify them and may make copies for their records.
Can someone else open the account on behalf of my business?
Yes, but the bank will need documentation showing that person has authority to act on behalf of the business. This might be a power of attorney, a board resolution, or a letter from the owner. The person opening the account will also need to show their own government ID. Call the bank ahead of time to ask what documentation they need.
How long does it take to open a business checking account?
In person, usually 30 to 60 minutes. Online, it typically takes three to seven business days for the bank to verify your documents and fully activate the account. Some banks ask you to visit a branch afterward to confirm your identity in person before the account is fully active.