What you need before you start
Chase requires specific documents and information before you can open a business checking account. The exact list depends on your business structure — sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation — but all accounts need proof of identity, proof of business existence, and an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number.
For a sole proprietorship, you'll need your Social Security Number and a government-issued ID. For any other structure, you'll need an EIN, which you can obtain from the IRS at no cost before you open the account. You'll also need to bring or upload a document that proves your business exists: a business license, Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Organization, or a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate filed with your state or county.
Chase also asks for the names and Social Security Numbers of anyone who owns 20% or more of the business. If you're opening the account in person, bring originals or certified copies of your documents. If you're opening online, you'll photograph or upload them.
Key Takeaways
- You need an EIN (unless you're a sole proprietor using your SSN), a government-issued ID, and proof your business exists — a license, Articles of Organization, or DBA filing.
- Chase offers business checking accounts online and in branches, with different account types that vary by monthly fee, transaction limits, and included services.
- Opening online takes 10 to 15 minutes if your documents are ready; opening in a branch may take longer but lets you ask questions and set up services the same day.
- You'll need to fund the account with an initial deposit, which can come from a transfer from another bank or a check deposited at a Chase branch or ATM.
- After approval, you can order checks and debit cards, set up online banking, and link the account to payroll or accounting software within a few days.
Opening an account online versus in a branch
Chase lets you start the process online at chase.com/business or in a local branch. Online is faster if you have your documents scanned or photographed and ready. You'll enter your business information, upload documents, and receive a decision within hours or a few business days. You won't need to visit a branch unless Chase asks for additional information.
Opening in a branch takes longer — usually 30 to 60 minutes — but a banker can answer questions about which account type fits your business, explain fee structures, and help you set up online banking and bill pay on the spot. Some people choose the branch route if they're unsure which account to pick or if they want to deposit cash or checks when ready after opening.
If you open online and are approved, Chase will mail you temporary checks and a debit card, or you can pick them up at a branch. You can start using the account for transfers and bill pay before the physical cards arrive.
Chase business checking account types and their costs
Chase offers several business checking accounts with different fee structures. The Chase Business Basic Checking has no monthly maintenance fee if you maintain a $2,500 minimum daily balance, or you pay $15 per month if you don't. It includes online banking, bill pay, and mobile deposits, with no limit on transactions.
The Chase Business Checking Plus costs $25 per month (waived with a $10,000 minimum daily balance) and includes additional services like wire transfer capability and higher transaction limits. The Chase Infinite Business Checking is designed for larger businesses and costs $100 per month (waived with a $50,000 minimum daily balance).
Each account type includes the same core features — online banking, mobile deposit, and bill pay — but differs in monthly cost, minimum balance requirement, and add-on services. Most small businesses start with Basic Checking and upgrade later if they need wire transfers or higher transaction volumes.
Documents to bring or upload for each business structure
| Business Structure | Required Documents | ID and Tax ID |
|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | Business license or DBA filing (if operating under a name other than your own) | Government-issued ID + Social Security Number |
| Partnership | Articles of Partnership or DBA filing | Government-issued ID for each partner + EIN |
| LLC | Articles of Organization filed with your state | Government-issued ID + EIN |
| Corporation | Articles of Incorporation and corporate resolution (optional but helpful) | Government-issued ID + EIN |
If you don't have an EIN yet, you can obtain one online from the IRS at irs.gov/ein. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you receive your number when ready. You can use that number to open your Chase account the same day.
Funding your account and getting started
After approval, you'll need to make an initial deposit. Chase does not require a minimum opening deposit, but you'll need to fund the account before you can use it. You can transfer money from another bank account using ACH (which takes 1 to 3 business days), deposit a check at a Chase ATM or branch, or wire funds if you have wire capability set up.
Once the deposit clears, you can use online banking and bill pay when ready. Physical checks and a debit card will arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days. If you need checks sooner, you can order them through your online banking portal and pick them up at a branch, or order expedited checks from a third-party printer.
After opening, set up online banking by visiting chase.com and creating a username and password. You can then link the account to accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero, set up payroll through Chase Payroll Services, or configure automatic bill payments for recurring expenses.
What happens after you submit your information
Chase reviews your process within hours if you open online during business hours, or within one business day if you open after hours or on a weekend. You'll receive an email or phone call with a decision. If approved, you'll get account details and instructions for funding the account. If Chase needs more information, they'll contact you and tell you what's missing.
Common reasons for delays include a mismatch between the name on your ID and the business name, an EIN that hasn't been registered with the IRS yet, or missing documentation for owners with 20% or more stake in the business. If this happens, respond to Chase's request as quickly as possible — most delays are resolved within a few days.
Once approved, you can log into your account online within 24 hours. You'll see your account number, routing number, and available balance. You can start making transfers and setting up bill pay when ready, even before your debit card arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EIN if I'm a sole proprietor?
No. As a sole proprietor, you can use your Social Security Number instead of an EIN. However, many sole proprietors obtain an EIN anyway to keep business and personal finances separate and to protect their Social Security Number from being shared with vendors and employees.
How long does it take to open an account?
Online applications are usually approved within hours during business hours, or within one business day otherwise. In-branch applications take 30 to 60 minutes. After approval, you can use online banking and bill pay when ready, but physical checks and debit cards arrive by mail in 5 to 10 business days.
What if I don't have a business license yet?
For sole proprietorships and some LLCs, you may not need a business license to open a checking account — your government-issued ID and EIN or SSN are usually enough. For other structures, you'll need your Articles of Organization or Incorporation. Contact Chase directly if you're unsure whether your business documents are sufficient.
Can I open an account if my business is brand new?
Yes. Chase does not require your business to be operating for a certain length of time. You'll need your EIN (which you can obtain the same day from the IRS), your business formation documents, and a government-issued ID. Some new businesses are approved within hours; others may take a few business days if Chase needs additional verification.
What's the difference between a business checking account and a personal checking account?
Business accounts are designed for business transactions and typically include features like bill pay, higher transaction limits, and the ability to add multiple authorized users. Personal accounts are for individual use and may have restrictions on the number of business deposits or transfers. Using a personal account for business can complicate taxes and may violate your account agreement.