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 opening a business checking or savings account on their website, but the process does not finish there. You will fill out basic 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. This is true whether you are opening your first business account or adding another one to an existing relationship with Chase.

The reason for this requirement is federal law. Banks must verify the identity of people who own or control a business before opening the account, and Chase does this through a conversation with a banker, not through a website form alone. This step typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and can happen the same day you start the online process.

Key Takeaways

  • You can fill out the initial process online at Chase.com, but you must complete the account opening with a banker by phone or in person.
  • Chase will ask for your Social Security number, business tax ID (EIN), and proof of business ownership or registration before opening the account.
  • The verification call or visit usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and can happen when ready after you submit your online process.
  • You will need to fund the account with an opening deposit, which varies by account type — Chase can tell you the minimum when you speak with a banker.

What information you need before you start

Gather these documents before you begin the online process. Having them ready will speed up the process when you speak with a banker.

You will need your Social Security number and the business owner's or authorized representative's date of birth. If your business has an Employer Identification Number (EIN) — a tax ID issued by the IRS — have that ready. If you do not have an EIN yet, you can still open the account using your Social Security number, though Chase may ask you to provide the EIN later.

You will also need proof that your business exists. This might be a business license, articles of incorporation, a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate, or a partnership agreement — the exact document depends on your business structure. If you are a sole proprietor operating under your own name, you may not need a separate document, but Chase will ask during the verification call.

How the online part of the process works

Go to Chase.com and look for the business account section. You will see options for business checking, business savings, or both. Select the account type that fits your needs.

The online form asks for your business name, the type of business (sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, corporation, and so on), your business address, and the names and ownership percentages of all owners. If you own 20 percent or more of the business, Chase will ask for your personal information. You will also enter how you plan to use the account — whether you expect to deposit checks, make wire transfers, or use other services.

At the end of the online process, Chase will tell you the next step: either a phone number to call or an option to schedule an in-person appointment at a branch. You do not have to complete this step when ready, but the sooner you do, the sooner your account will be open.

What happens during the verification call or visit

When you call or meet with a banker, they will confirm the information you entered online and ask you to verify your identity. Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license or passport. The banker will also confirm the business ownership structure and may ask why you are opening the account.

This is also when Chase will tell you the opening deposit amount required for your account type. Business accounts typically require a minimum deposit, though the amount varies. The banker can explain what that minimum is and discuss how you want to fund the account — whether you will transfer money from another bank, deposit a check, or wire funds.

If you are opening the account by phone, the banker will guide you through funding options. If you are in a branch, you can often fund the account that same day. Either way, once the banker confirms your identity and you fund the account, it is open and ready to use.

Timeline from start to using your account

If you complete the online process and schedule a phone call with a banker on the same day, you could have a working account within 24 hours. If you visit a branch in person, the account may be ready to use when ready after your visit, though you may need to wait for debit cards or checks to arrive by mail.

The online process itself takes about 10 minutes. The verification call or branch visit takes another 10 to 15 minutes. The main variable is how quickly you schedule the verification step after you submit the online form. Some people do it the same day; others wait a few days.

Once your account is open, you can use it to receive deposits and make transfers right away. Checks and debit cards will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What you cannot do entirely online

You cannot complete the entire account opening without speaking to a banker or visiting a branch. Chase does not offer a fully online business account opening, even if you are an existing Chase customer with a personal account. The federal requirement to verify business ownership in real time means that final step must happen over the phone or in person.

You also cannot open a business account using only a mobile app. You must start on Chase.com or call a banker directly. If you call without starting online first, a banker can walk you through the entire process over the phone, but you will still need to provide the same information and documents.

If you already bank with Chase

If you have a personal account with Chase, opening a business account is slightly faster because Chase already has some of your information on file. You will still need to complete the online process and speak with a banker, but the banker may not need to re-verify information they already have.

You can log into your existing Chase account and look for a link to open a business account, or you can start fresh on the business account page. Either way, the process is the same: online process plus verification call or branch visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase business account if I do not have an EIN yet?

Yes. You can open the account using your Social Security number as the tax ID. Chase will ask you to provide your EIN later once you have obtained it from the IRS. You do not need to wait for the EIN to open the account.

What if I cannot visit a branch or make a phone call right away?

You can complete the online process and schedule the verification call or appointment for a later date. Your process will be saved, and you can return to it when you are ready. Chase will not close your process if you wait a few days.

Do I need to bring original documents to a branch, or can I show them on my phone?

If you visit in person, bring original documents or certified copies. If you verify by phone, the banker will ask you to describe the documents or may accept photos you email or upload. Ask the banker what they prefer before your call.

Will opening a business account affect my personal credit?

Chase may check your personal credit as part of the business account opening, but this is a soft inquiry and does not lower your credit score. The bank is verifying your identity and assessing risk, not making a lending decision.

Can someone else open the account on behalf of my business?

Yes, if they have power of attorney or are an authorized representative. They will need to bring documentation proving their authority, such as a power of attorney letter or corporate resolution. The business owner will still need to be verified at some point in the process.