What You'll Hand Over to Open an Account
Banks need two categories of information before they open a business checking account: proof that your business exists, and proof of who you are. The exact documents vary by bank and by business structure, but most will ask for your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number, a government-issued ID, and something that shows your business name and address.
The reason banks ask for all of this is federal law. The Bank Secrecy Act requires them to verify your identity and confirm that your business is real before they hand you a checking account. This is not a bank being cautious—it is a legal requirement that every bank follows the same way.
What you bring depends on whether you are a sole proprietor, an LLC, a corporation, or a partnership. Each structure has a different paper trail, and banks know which documents to expect from each one.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security Number or EIN, and proof of your business address—usually a utility bill or lease in your business name.
- Sole proprietors can often open an account with just an SSN and ID, while LLCs and corporations need an EIN and formation documents like Articles of Organization or Incorporation.
- Banks verify your identity and business existence before opening the account because federal law requires it, not because they are being difficult.
- Some banks ask for a business license or DBA registration, while others do not—calling ahead to ask what a specific bank needs saves a trip with the wrong papers.
Documents for Sole Proprietors
If you operate as a sole proprietor—meaning you have not formed an LLC or corporation—you can open a business checking account with your personal Social Security Number. You will still need a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, and proof that you are who you say you are.
Most banks also want to see that your business exists. This can be a business license from your city or county, a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate if you registered one, a business card, or even a utility bill or lease in your business name. If you have none of these, some banks will accept a business plan or invoice from a customer, though this varies widely.
The fastest path for a sole proprietor is usually to bring your ID, your SSN, and a business license if you have one. If you have not registered your business name anywhere, call the bank first and ask what they will accept as proof that you are running a business.
Documents for LLCs and Corporations
If you have formed an LLC or corporation, you need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. You can get one for free at irs.gov by filling out Form SS-4 online, and the IRS will give you the number immediately. You do not have to wait for a letter in the mail.
Bring your EIN, your personal government-issued ID, and your Articles of Organization (for an LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (for a corporation). These are the documents you filed with your state when you formed the business. The bank needs these to confirm that the business is real and that you have the authority to open an account on its behalf.
Some banks also ask for a copy of your business license or a resolution from your board of directors authorizing you to open the account. This is less common, but calling ahead to ask what the specific bank needs will save you a trip back home for a missing document.
Documents for Partnerships
Partnerships need an EIN, just like LLCs and corporations. You will also need your Partnership Agreement—the document that spells out who owns what and who can sign checks on behalf of the business.
Bring your personal ID, the EIN, the Partnership Agreement, and proof of the partnership's address. Some banks ask for a resolution or written authorization from all partners saying that you are allowed to open the account. If the partnership has more than one person authorized to sign, the bank may ask to see ID from each of them, or at least to have each one sign a signature card.
Call the bank before you go in. Partnership rules vary more than sole proprietor or LLC rules, and different banks handle them differently.
Proof of Business Address
Banks need to know where your business is located. If your business is in a physical office or storefront, bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in your business name. If your business is at your home, a utility bill or mortgage statement in your name at that address usually works.
If you use a mail forwarding service or a virtual office address, call the bank first. Some banks will accept a letter from the service confirming that you rent the address. Others will not accept a virtual address at all and will require a physical location. This varies by bank and by state.
The document does not have to be recent—a utility bill from three months ago is fine. It just has to show your name (or your business name) and the address where you want the bank to send statements.
What Happens After You Hand Over the Documents
The bank will verify your identity by checking your ID against government databases. They will also run a background check to make sure you are not on any federal watchlists. This is standard and required by law.
For LLCs and corporations, the bank will verify that your business formation documents are real by checking with your state's Secretary of State office. This can take a few days, which is why some banks tell you the account will be open in 24 hours but it actually takes three to five business days.
Once the bank confirms everything, they will open the account and give you a debit card, checks, and online banking access. Some banks do this the same day. Others mail your debit card and checks, which can take another week.
What to Bring to the Bank
| Business Structure | Required Documents | Also Helpful |
|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietor | Government-issued ID, SSN, proof of business address | Business license, DBA certificate, business card |
| LLC | Government-issued ID, EIN, Articles of Organization, proof of business address | Business license, business card |
| Corporation | Government-issued ID, EIN, Articles of Incorporation, proof of business address | Business license, board resolution |
| Partnership | Government-issued ID, EIN, Partnership Agreement, proof of business address | Business license, written authorization from partners |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a business checking account online without going to the bank?
Some banks let you start the process online and upload photos of your documents, but most still require you to come in person or have a video call with someone who can verify your ID. A few online banks will open the account entirely online, but they are less common. Call or check the bank's website to see what they offer.
What if I do not have an EIN yet for my LLC?
You can get an EIN for free from the IRS at irs.gov using Form SS-4. The process takes about 15 minutes online, and the IRS gives you the number right away. You do not have to wait for anything in the mail. Some banks will let you open an account with your SSN while you wait for the EIN, but most want the EIN before they open the account.
Do I need a business license to open a business checking account?
Not always. A business license helps, but it is not required by most banks. If you have one, bring it. If you do not, bring whatever else you have that shows your business exists—a DBA certificate, utility bill in your business name, or lease. Call the bank first to ask what they will accept.
What if I am a sole proprietor and I do not have a business license or DBA?
You can still open an account, but you may need to bring extra proof that your business is real. A utility bill or lease in your business name, invoices from customers, or a business card can work. Some banks are flexible here. Call ahead and ask what the specific bank needs.
How long does it take to open a business checking account?
If you walk in with all the right documents, the bank can open the account the same day. However, verification can take three to five business days, especially for LLCs and corporations. Your debit card and checks may take another week to arrive by mail. Ask the bank for a timeline when you open the account.