You can start a Chase business checking account online, but you will need to finish it in person or by phone
Chase lets you begin the process on their website, but they do not complete business accounts entirely online the way they do for personal checking. You will fill out your business information, tax ID, and ownership details on their site, but a Chase representative must verify your identity and your business before the account opens. This usually happens over the phone or at a branch, and it takes a few business days after that verification call.
The reason for this extra step is that business accounts carry more risk than personal ones — Chase needs to confirm that you are who you say you are and that your business actually exists. It is a standard practice across banks, not unique to Chase.
Key Takeaways
- You can start your process online at Chase.com, but a phone call or branch visit is required to finish opening the account.
- You will need your Social Security number, business tax ID (EIN), and proof of business ownership or formation documents.
- The verification call usually happens within one to two business days of submitting your online process.
- After verification, your account opens within a few more business days, and you can set up online banking and order checks.
- If you cannot complete verification by phone, you can finish the process at any Chase branch with your documents in hand.
What you need before you start the online process
Gather these documents before you go to Chase.com. You will need your Social Security number (or individual tax ID if you do not have one), your business tax ID (called an EIN, or Employer Identification Number), and proof that your business exists. Proof can be a business license, articles of incorporation, a DBA certificate, or a partnership agreement — whatever document your state issued when you registered your business.
If your business is brand new and you have not yet received an EIN from the IRS, you can explore for one online at irs.gov before you start the Chase process. It takes about 15 minutes and you get a number when ready. If you are a sole proprietor using your Social Security number instead of an EIN, you still need to tell Chase that during the process.
You will also need to know your business structure — whether you are a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, S-corporation, or C-corporation. Chase asks this question early in the process, and the answer determines which documents they will ask for later.
The online process steps
Start at Chase.com and look for the business checking section. You will enter your business name, address, phone number, and the type of business you run. Then you will provide your tax ID and your personal information as the owner or authorized representative. Chase will ask how many owners the business has and whether any owner is a non-U.S. citizen.
The process also asks about your expected monthly deposit volume and the number of employees you have. These questions help Chase understand the size of your business, but they do not determine whether you can open the account — they shape which checking product Chase recommends and what fees you might pay.
At the end of the online form, you will see a summary of what you entered. Review it carefully, because mistakes here can slow down the verification call. Then submit the process. Chase will send you a confirmation email with a reference number.
What happens after you submit your process
Within one to two business days, a Chase business banker will call the phone number you provided. They will ask you to confirm the information you entered online, verify your identity by asking security questions, and confirm that you are authorized to open this account on behalf of the business. This call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
During this call, have your business documents nearby — the banker may ask to see a photo of your business license or articles of incorporation. If you cannot provide them during the call, Chase can accept them by email or mail, but that adds a few more days to the process.
After the verification call, the banker will tell you when to expect your account to be active. This is usually within two to five business days. You will receive another email when the account is ready, and you can then log into Chase's online banking system to see your new account number and routing number.
If you prefer to finish in person at a branch
You do not have to wait for the phone call. If you have a Chase branch near you, you can walk in with your documents and complete the verification in person instead. Bring your photo ID, your business documents (license, articles of incorporation, or DBA certificate), and your tax ID. A banker will review everything on the spot and can often open your account the same day or within one business day.
This route is faster if you want to start using your account when ready, because you can sometimes leave with temporary checks or a debit card the same day. However, you will still need to set up online banking at home, which requires a separate login and password.
What you can do once your account is open
As soon as Chase notifies you that your account is active, you can log into Chase's business online banking portal using your Social Security number and a password you create. From there, you can see your account balance, set up bill pay, transfer money between accounts, and order checks.
You can also set up direct deposit for payroll or customer payments, and you can add authorized users — other people who can access the account on behalf of your business. Each authorized user needs their own login credentials.
If you want a debit card for the account, you can request one through online banking or ask for it during your verification call. Chase usually mails debit cards within five to seven business days.
Fees and account requirements
Chase offers several business checking products, and the one you get depends on your business size and deposit volume. Some accounts have monthly maintenance fees (usually $15 to $25), while others waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or have a certain amount of monthly deposits. Chase will explain the fee structure during your verification call or branch visit.
Most Chase business checking accounts include online banking, bill pay, and mobile deposits at no extra cost. Wire transfers, cashier's checks, and stop-payment requests usually cost $15 to $30 each. Ask about these fees during your verification call if you think you will use them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a Chase business checking account if I do it online?
The online process takes about 10 minutes to complete. The verification call happens within one to two business days. After that, your account opens within two to five more business days. Total time is usually one to two weeks from start to finish. If you finish in person at a branch, it can be the same day.
What if I do not have an EIN yet?
You can get an EIN from the IRS at irs.gov in about 15 minutes. If you are a sole proprietor, you can use your Social Security number instead of an EIN, but Chase will still ask you to confirm that during the process. Tell them you are using your SSN as your tax ID.
Can I open the account if my business is not registered yet?
No. Chase needs proof that your business exists — a business license, articles of incorporation, or DBA certificate. If you have not registered your business with your state yet, you will need to do that first. Registration usually takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state.
What if the banker cannot reach me during the verification call?
Chase will try the phone number you provided. If they cannot reach you, they will usually try again the next business day. You can also call Chase's business banking line proactively and ask them to complete your verification over the phone instead of waiting for them to call you.
Do I need to visit a branch in person, or can I do everything by phone?
You can do everything by phone if you prefer. The verification call is the only required step after the online process. You do not have to visit a branch unless you want to finish faster or prefer to handle it in person.