What you need before you walk into a bank
To open an LLC bank account, you need your Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, your Articles of Organization (the document filed with your state to create the LLC), and a government-issued ID. Some banks also ask for your Operating Agreement, though not all require it. A few banks will let you open an account with just your Social Security Number if you have not yet received your EIN, but most will not process the account until the EIN arrives.
Call the bank before you go in. Different branches sometimes have different requirements, and some banks have specific business account teams who handle LLC openings. Asking ahead saves you a wasted trip. You will also want to know whether the bank charges a monthly fee for business accounts and what the minimum balance is.
Bring originals or certified copies of your Articles of Organization. A photocopy usually does not work. If you filed electronically with your state, download the filed version from your state's Secretary of State website — that version has the official stamp and date.
Key Takeaways
- You need an EIN from the IRS, your Articles of Organization, and a government-issued ID to open most LLC bank accounts.
- Some banks will open the account with your Social Security Number temporarily, but will not activate it until your EIN arrives.
- Call ahead to confirm your specific branch accepts LLC accounts and what documents they need in original form.
- The bank will ask you to sign signature cards and may require you to bring the person listed as the LLC manager or member on the Articles.
- Business accounts often have monthly fees and minimum balance requirements that personal accounts do not.
Getting your EIN before you open the account
You can obtain an EIN from the IRS for free. The fastest way is online at irs.gov — go to the EIN section and use their online application. You will answer questions about your LLC, and the IRS will issue your EIN immediately on screen. You can print it right then. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.
If you prefer to apply by phone, call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. They will issue your EIN over the phone and mail you a confirmation letter. This takes longer than the online method but works if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone.
You do not have to wait for the IRS to mail you a formal letter. The number they give you on screen or over the phone is your real EIN, and banks will accept it. However, some banks ask to see the confirmation letter before they fully activate the account, so ask your bank whether they need it.
Bringing the right person to the bank
Most banks require the person who signs the signature card to be listed on your Articles of Organization as the manager or member. If your LLC has only one owner, that person must come in. If your LLC has multiple owners, the bank usually requires at least one owner to be present, though some banks ask for all of them.
Call the bank to ask whether they need all owners present or just one. If you cannot attend in person, some banks allow you to sign documents remotely and mail them back, but this is slower and not all banks offer it. A few banks will let you authorize someone else to sign on your behalf if you provide a notarized power of attorney, but this is rare and you should confirm it before you try.
What happens during the account opening appointment
The bank will ask you to provide your EIN, Social Security Number, and government-issued ID. They will examine your Articles of Organization and may ask questions about the business — what it does, how much money you expect to deposit, whether you plan to receive payments from customers or just move money between your personal account and the LLC account.
You will sign signature cards, which tell the bank who is authorized to sign checks and make withdrawals from the account. If multiple people will use the account, the bank will ask whether all of them must sign checks together or whether any one person can sign alone. This is your choice, but the bank will document it.
The bank will also explain the account type — whether it is a basic business checking account, a money market account, or something else — and review the fee schedule and minimum balance with you. Ask about any fees that apply if you fall below the minimum or if you exceed a certain number of transactions per month.
Documents to bring in person
| Document | Why the bank needs it | Original or copy |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | Proves your LLC exists and who the manager or members are | Original or certified copy |
| Government-issued ID (driver's license, passport) | Verifies your identity | Original |
| EIN confirmation from the IRS | Confirms your Employer Identification Number | Copy is usually fine; some banks want the original letter |
| Operating Agreement (if you have one) | Shows how decisions are made in your LLC; not always required | Copy is usually fine |
| Business license or permit (if your state or city requires one) | Proves you are legally operating the business | Copy is usually fine |
Timeline and what to expect after opening
The account opening itself usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. The bank will give you temporary checks or a debit card on the spot, or they will mail them to you within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks let you start using the account online immediately, even if your physical checks have not arrived yet.
If you applied for your EIN online and printed it immediately, the account will be fully active the same day. If you are waiting for the IRS confirmation letter to arrive by mail, the bank may place a hold on the account until it arrives — this can take 2 to 4 weeks. Ask the bank whether they will do this, and if so, whether you can still use the account for deposits and transfers while the hold is in place.
Once the account is open, you can set up direct deposit, link it to payment processing software, or transfer money from your personal account. The bank will provide you with your routing number and account number, which you will need for any of these tasks.
Common reasons banks reject LLC account applications
Banks sometimes decline to open an LLC account if your Articles of Organization show a different address than the one you provide at the bank, or if the name on your government ID does not match the name listed as the manager on the Articles. Bring all documents and be prepared to explain any discrepancies.
Some banks have restrictions on certain types of businesses — they may not open accounts for businesses in high-risk industries like gambling, money transmission, or cannabis, depending on state law and the bank's own policies. Ask the bank directly whether they accept accounts for your type of business before you make an appointment.
If a bank declines your application, you can apply at a different bank. Credit unions sometimes have different requirements than large banks and may be more willing to work with newer LLCs. Online banks also have different standards, though they may require more documentation because they cannot verify your identity in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an LLC bank account without an EIN?
Some banks will let you open the account using your Social Security Number temporarily, but they will not fully activate it until your EIN arrives. This can take a few weeks. It is faster to get your EIN first — you can do it online in 15 minutes — and then open the account.
Do I need to bring my Operating Agreement to the bank?
Not always. Your Articles of Organization are what the bank really needs. An Operating Agreement is useful if the bank asks questions about who can sign checks or make decisions, but most banks do not require it. Bring it if you have one, but do not delay opening the account if you do not.
What if I cannot go to the bank in person?
Some banks offer remote account opening where you sign documents electronically and mail originals back. This is slower and not all banks offer it. Call your bank to ask. A few banks will accept a notarized power of attorney allowing someone else to sign on your behalf, but this is uncommon.
How much money do I need to deposit to open the account?
This varies by bank. Some require a minimum opening deposit of $25 to $100, while others have no minimum. Some charge a monthly fee if your balance falls below a certain amount. Ask the bank about both the opening deposit and the ongoing minimum balance requirement before you go in.
Can I use my personal bank account instead of opening an LLC account?
Legally, no. Mixing personal and business money in one account can damage the liability protection your LLC provides. If the LLC is sued, a court might decide that the business and personal finances were so mixed that the LLC should not shield you from the judgment. A separate business account costs little and protects you.