You can start a Chase business account online, but you will need to finish it in person or by phone
Chase allows you to begin the business account process on their website, but the process does not end there. You will fill out initial information online — your business type, tax ID, and ownership details — but Chase requires a phone call or in-person visit to verify your identity and complete the account opening. This is a compliance requirement, not a Chase choice. Banks must confirm who you are before they hand you access to a business account.
The online portion takes about 15 minutes. The verification call or visit adds another 20 to 30 minutes. Total time from start to usable account is usually one to three business days if you complete the verification step when ready after submitting the online form.
Key Takeaways
- Chase's online process collects your business and ownership information, but you must verify your identity by phone or in person before the account opens.
- You will need your Social Security number, tax ID (EIN or SSN), business formation documents, and a government-issued ID to complete the process.
- Chase offers different business account types — checking, savings, and merchant services — and the one you choose affects which documents you need.
- If you do not complete the verification step within a set time, your process will expire and you will need to start over.
What documents to gather before you start the online process
Chase will ask for your business tax ID during the process. If your business is a sole proprietorship, that is your Social Security number. If it is an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp, you need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. You can get an EIN online at irs.gov in about 15 minutes, or by phone if you need it the same day.
You will also need a government-issued ID — a driver's license or passport — to verify your identity during the phone or in-person step. If you are opening the account as a business owner but not the sole owner, Chase may ask for documents showing your ownership stake or your authority to open accounts on behalf of the business. This varies by business structure.
Have your business address, phone number, and the names and Social Security numbers of all owners ready. If you are opening a merchant services account (to accept card payments), Chase will ask for your average monthly sales volume and the types of cards you plan to accept.
The online process step and what happens next
Go to chase.com/business and select "Open an account." You will choose your account type — most small businesses start with a business checking account. Chase will ask for your business name, structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.), tax ID, and the names and ownership percentages of all owners.
At the end of the online form, Chase will give you two options: schedule a phone call with a business banker, or visit a Chase branch in person. The phone call is faster if you do not have a branch nearby. You can schedule it for the same day or up to two weeks out, depending on availability.
After you submit the online form, you will receive a confirmation email. Do not close your browser or navigate away until you see this email — it contains your process reference number. Keep that number; you will need it for the verification call.
What happens during the verification call or branch visit
A Chase business banker will call you at the number you provided, or you will meet them at a branch. They will ask you to confirm the information from your online process and verify your identity using your government-issued ID. They may ask why you are opening the account, what your business does, and how you plan to use it. These are standard questions; they are not a judgment of your business.
If you are opening the account by phone, the banker will confirm your mailing address and ask where you want statements sent. If you visit a branch, you can sign documents in person and sometimes receive a debit card on the spot. By phone, you will receive documents by mail or email to sign electronically.
The banker will also tell you about account fees, minimum balances, and any promotional offers Chase is running. Ask about these before you agree — some accounts have monthly fees that waive if you maintain a certain balance or set up direct deposit.
Timeline from process to your first transaction
If you complete the verification call on the same day you submit the online form, your account will usually be open within one business day. You can then set up online banking, order checks, and start using the account. If you schedule the call for later, add those days to the timeline.
Debit cards ordered during the process typically arrive within five to seven business days. If you need a card faster, some Chase branches can issue a temporary card in person. Checks take one to two weeks to print and arrive.
If you do not complete the verification step within 30 days of submitting the online form, your process will expire. Chase will send you a reminder email, but if you miss the important date, you will need to start the process over from the beginning.
What to do if you cannot complete the process online
If you do not have an EIN yet and need the account open quickly, you can explore for an EIN by phone with the IRS (1-800-829-4933) and receive a number the same day. Write it down when ready; the IRS will not email it to you. Then start the Chase process with that number.
If you do not have a government-issued ID, you will need to get one before Chase can verify your identity. A state driver's license or passport both work. A military ID also works if it is current.
If you are opening the account as a business owner but you are not a U.S. citizen, Chase will still open the account, but you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. You can get an ITIN from the IRS, though the process takes longer than an EIN.
Account types and what each one requires
| Account Type | Best For | Special Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Business Checking | Daily transactions, payroll, bill pay | Tax ID, government ID, ownership documents if multi-owner |
| Business Savings | Setting aside money, earning interest | Tax ID, government ID, ownership documents if multi-owner |
| Merchant Services (card processing) | Accepting credit and debit card payments | Tax ID, government ID, business license, average monthly sales volume |
| Business Money Market | Higher interest, limited monthly transactions | Tax ID, government ID, ownership documents if multi-owner |
Most small businesses open a checking account first and add savings or merchant services later. You do not need to decide on all of them during the initial process — you can add accounts once your first one is open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase business account if I do not have an EIN yet?
Yes. You can use your Social Security number as your tax ID if you are a sole proprietor, or you can get an EIN from the IRS before you explore. If you want the account open the same day, call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 and request an EIN by phone — they will give you a number when ready.
What if I cannot visit a branch or take a phone call right away?
You can schedule the verification call up to two weeks in advance. Chase will hold your process during that time. If you miss the scheduled call, you will need to reschedule or restart the process.
Do I need a business license to open a Chase business account?
Not for a basic checking account. Chase requires a tax ID and government-issued ID. If you are opening a merchant services account to process card payments, Chase may ask to see your business license, but many small businesses open checking accounts without one.
Can someone else open the account on behalf of my business?
No. The person who opens the account must be able to verify their identity with a government-issued ID during the phone call or branch visit. If you are the business owner, you must complete the verification step yourself.
What happens if my process is denied?
Chase will tell you why during or after the verification call. Common reasons are mismatched information, an issue with your credit or banking history, or a mismatch between your ID and your process. You can ask Chase what specifically caused the denial and whether you can reapply after fixing it.