What You Need Before You Start
Chase requires specific documents and information before you can open a business account. The exact list depends on your business structure—sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation—but all accounts need proof of identity, proof of address, and documentation of your business itself.
For a sole proprietorship, you'll need a personal ID and Social Security number. For an LLC or corporation, you'll need the articles of organization or incorporation, an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS, and often a business license or DBA (Doing Business As) certificate from your state or county. If you have business partners or multiple owners, Chase will ask for identification from each person with ownership stake above a certain threshold, typically 20 percent.
Bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement as proof of business address. If your business address is the same as your home address, a personal utility bill works. Chase also asks for initial deposit information—you'll need to fund the account at opening, and the minimum varies by account type.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government-issued ID, Social Security number or EIN, and proof of business structure (articles of organization, business license, or DBA certificate) before opening.
- Chase requires identification from all owners with significant ownership stakes, not just the person opening the account.
- You can open an account in person at a Chase branch, by phone, or online depending on your business type and the account you choose.
- The process typically takes one business day to one week, though some account types open when ready online if all documents are ready.
- Minimum opening deposits range from $0 to $2,500 depending on the account type, and monthly fees vary based on average balance and transaction volume.
Opening in Person at a Chase Branch
Opening at a branch is the most straightforward route if you have all your documents ready. Call your local Chase branch ahead of time or use the branch locator on Chase's website to confirm they handle business accounts—not all branches do. Ask whether you need an appointment; many branches now require one, especially for business accounts.
Bring originals of your ID, business license or articles of organization, and proof of address. Bring your EIN letter from the IRS if you have one. A Chase banker will review your documents, ask about your business and expected monthly activity, and walk you through the account options. If everything is in order, the account opens that day, though it may take 24 hours for the account number to be fully active for transfers and payments.
The banker can also discuss which account type fits your business—Chase offers several, including Chase Business Checking, Chase Business Complete Banking, and Chase Ink Business accounts. Each has different fee structures and minimum balances, so ask about the differences before committing.
Opening Online or by Phone
Chase allows online account opening for some business account types, though the process is more limited than in-branch opening. You'll upload images of your documents—ID, business license, EIN letter, and proof of address—through the Chase website. The system verifies your information and may ask follow-up questions by email or phone.
Online opening typically takes one to three business days. You'll receive your account number and routing number by email once approved, and you can begin using the account when ready for transfers and payments. However, physical debit cards and checks take an additional 5 to 10 business days to arrive.
Phone opening is available through Chase Business Banking at 1-800-935-9935. A representative will ask the same questions as an in-person banker and guide you through uploading documents. Phone opening follows the same timeline as online opening—approval in one to three business days, with cards and checks arriving separately.
Documents You'll Need for Different Business Types
| Business Type | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | Personal ID, Social Security number, DBA certificate (if using a name other than your own), proof of address |
| Partnership | Partnership agreement, IDs and Social Security numbers for all partners, EIN letter, proof of business address |
| LLC | Articles of organization, EIN letter, business license, IDs for all owners with 20%+ stake, proof of business address |
| Corporation | Articles of incorporation, EIN letter, corporate bylaws, board resolution authorizing account opening, IDs for all officers and shareholders with 20%+ stake, proof of business address |
| Nonprofit | Articles of incorporation, IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ approval letter, bylaws, board resolution, IDs for authorized signers, proof of address |
What Happens After You Open the Account
Once your account is open, Chase sends you a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and information about online banking setup. You can log into Chase Business Online when ready using your Social Security number or EIN and a temporary password. Change this password on first login.
Your debit card arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Checks take 7 to 14 business days. Until they arrive, you can transfer money, pay bills, and make ACH payments through online banking. If you need checks sooner, you can order expedited checks through a third-party vendor, though Chase does not offer this directly.
Chase also offers optional add-ons like merchant services, payroll processing, and credit card accounts. A banker can discuss these during opening or you can explore them later through your online account. You're not required to use any of these services to maintain your checking account.
Fees and Minimum Balances
Chase Business Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $2,500 minimum daily balance or have at least $5,000 in combined Chase business deposits. If you fall below these thresholds, the monthly fee is $15. Some accounts, like Chase Business Complete Banking, have higher minimums ($10,000) but include additional services like bill pay and merchant processing.
Chase also charges per-transaction fees for certain activities—typically $0.50 to $2.00 per wire transfer sent, depending on whether it's domestic or international. Incoming wire transfers are free. ATM withdrawals at non-Chase ATMs cost $2.50 per transaction. Overdraft fees are $35 per occurrence if you go negative.
Review the fee schedule for your specific account type before opening. Chase publishes this information on their business banking page, and the banker can walk you through it during opening. Fees change periodically, so check your account statements regularly to catch any changes.
If Your process Is Denied or Delayed
Chase may deny a business account process if you have a history of fraud, unpaid debts to Chase, or significant negative items on your personal or business credit report. If denied, Chase sends a letter explaining the reason. You can call Chase Business Banking to ask for more detail or to dispute factual errors in their review.
If your process is delayed beyond the expected timeline, call the branch or the number on your process confirmation email. Delays usually happen because Chase needs additional documentation—a clearer image of your ID, a more recent utility bill, or clarification about your business structure. Providing this information quickly moves the process forward.
If you're denied and believe the decision was wrong, you can reapply after addressing the issue. For example, if you were denied due to a recent late payment, waiting six months and reapplying may succeed. There's no rule against multiple applications, but Chase will see your previous denial in their system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase business account if I don't have an EIN yet?
Yes, but only if you're a sole proprietor using your Social Security number. For partnerships, LLCs, and corporations, Chase requires an EIN before opening. You can obtain an EIN for free from the IRS website (irs.gov) in about 15 minutes, and you'll receive it when ready by email.
Do all owners have to be present when opening the account?
No. Only the person authorized to sign on the account needs to be present in person or to complete the online process. However, Chase will request identification from all owners with significant ownership stakes (typically 20 percent or more) at some point during the process, either before or shortly after opening.
How long does it take to get checks and a debit card?
Debit cards arrive within 5 to 10 business days. Checks take 7 to 14 business days. Both are mailed to the address on file. You can use your account for transfers and online payments when ready, even before the physical items arrive.
What if I need to add another authorized signer later?
Call Chase Business Banking or visit your local branch with the new signer's ID and Social Security number. Chase will add them to the account, usually within one business day. You can also manage signers through Chase Business Online if your account type permits it.
Can I open a business account if I'm not the owner?
No. The person opening the account must be an owner or authorized representative with power of attorney. If you're opening on behalf of someone else, bring a notarized power of attorney document along with your own ID and the owner's ID.