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 paths require proof of identity, proof of address, and documentation of your business itself.
For any business account, bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport). Chase will also ask for a current utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your name and address from the last 60 days. If you are opening the account in person at a branch, bring these originals; if you open online, you will upload images of them.
The business documentation piece changes by structure. A sole proprietor needs an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, or can use a Social Security Number instead. An LLC or corporation needs articles of incorporation or formation filed with your state, plus an EIN. A partnership needs an EIN and a partnership agreement. Chase will ask for these during the process, either as uploads or as documents you show in branch.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government photo ID, proof of current address, and business formation documents (articles of incorporation, EIN letter, or partnership agreement depending on your structure).
- Chase offers online and in-branch account opening; online is faster if your documents are ready, but in-branch lets you ask questions and resolve issues on the spot.
- The account opening decision happens in real time for online applications, or within a few minutes in branch — you will know whether you are approved before you leave.
- Chase requires a minimum opening deposit that varies by account type; checking accounts typically start at $100 to $500, and you can fund it when ready from another bank account.
- After approval, your account number and routing number are available the same day, so you can set up payroll or vendor payments right away.
Opening an Account Online
Chase's online business account opening process takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents ready. Go to chase.com/business, select the account type you want (checking, savings, or a combination), and enter your business name, structure, and EIN or Social Security Number.
The system will ask you to upload images of your ID, proof of address, and business formation documents. Phone photos work as long as all four corners of the document are visible and the text is readable. Chase's system will tell you when ready if an image is too blurry or cut off, so you can retake it on the spot.
Once you submit, Chase reviews your process in real time. Most decisions come back within minutes; you will see either an approval, a request for more information, or a decline. If approved, you choose your opening deposit amount and funding method — you can transfer from another bank account, wire funds, or mail a check. Your account opens the same day, and you receive your account number and routing number when ready by email.
Opening an Account in a Chase Branch
Walking into a branch takes longer than online — plan for 30 to 45 minutes — but a banker can answer questions about account features, help you choose the right products, and resolve document issues on the spot if something is unclear or incomplete.
Bring originals of your ID, proof of address, and business documents. The banker will review them, enter your information into the system, and run a background check. You will know the decision before you leave. If approved, you can fund the account when ready with a check, debit card, or transfer from another bank account, and you walk out with temporary checks and your account details.
Branch opening is useful if you have questions about features like merchant services, payroll processing, or credit lines — the banker can discuss those options while you are there. It is also the better route if your documents are incomplete or you are unsure whether your business structure will be recognized by Chase's system.
What Happens After Approval
Your account is live the moment Chase approves it. You can log into Chase's online banking portal and mobile app when ready, set up bill pay, and view your account number and routing number. If you need to set up direct deposit for payroll or recurring vendor payments, you have everything you need the same day.
Physical debit cards and checks arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until then, you can use your account number and routing number for electronic transfers, or request temporary checks from the branch or through online banking. Some businesses request a rush card delivery for an additional fee if they need to make in-person purchases before the standard card arrives.
Chase will also send you information about additional services — merchant processing, business credit cards, lines of credit — either by mail or through your online account. You do not have to open any of these; they are optional products Chase offers to business customers.
Minimum Deposits and Account Fees
Chase business checking accounts typically require a $100 to $500 minimum opening deposit, depending on the specific account product. Some accounts waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit of payroll or maintain a certain monthly balance. Chase's website shows the current minimum for each account type when you start the process.
Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the account. Some accounts have no fee if you maintain a minimum balance (usually $1,500 to $5,000) or receive a certain number of direct deposits per month. Others charge a flat fee regardless of balance. The fee structure is disclosed before you open the account, so you can choose the product that fits your business cash flow.
You can fund the opening deposit from another bank account via electronic transfer, or by check or wire. If you transfer electronically, the funds arrive within 1 to 3 business days, and your account opens once the deposit clears. If you wire funds or deposit a check in branch, the account opens the same day.
Documents You Will Need by Business Type
| Business Structure | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | Government photo ID, proof of address, EIN letter from IRS (or Social Security Number) |
| LLC | Government photo ID, proof of address, articles of organization filed with your state, EIN letter from IRS |
| Corporation | Government photo ID, proof of address, articles of incorporation filed with your state, EIN letter from IRS |
| Partnership | Government photo ID, proof of address, partnership agreement, EIN letter from IRS |
What Happens If Chase Declines Your process
Chase will tell you the reason for a decline, though the explanation is sometimes general — "business risk," "banking history," or "documentation issue." If the reason is documentation, you can reapply once you have corrected or obtained the missing item. If the reason is banking history or a background check result, you have the right to ask Chase for details under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
A decline does not prevent you from opening a business account elsewhere. Other banks and credit unions have different underwriting standards and may approve you even if Chase declines. You can also reapply to Chase after 30 to 90 days if your circumstances have changed — for example, if you have resolved a past banking issue or obtained an EIN you did not have before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase business account without an EIN?
Yes, if you are a sole proprietor. Chase will accept your Social Security Number in place of an EIN. However, if you plan to hire employees or want to keep your business finances separate from your personal ones, obtaining an EIN from the IRS is straightforward and free — you can explore online at irs.gov and receive your number the same day.
How long does it take to get my account number after approval?
Your account number and routing number are available when ready after approval, either on your online banking portal or from the banker in branch. You can use these numbers to set up payroll, receive payments, or make transfers the same day. Physical checks and debit cards arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
What if I do not have a business address yet?
Chase requires a current address for the account owner (you), not necessarily a separate business address. You can use your home address as the business address if you are operating from home. If you are using a virtual office or mailbox service, bring documentation showing that address is registered to your business.
Can I open a business account for a business that is not yet registered with my state?
Chase typically requires proof that your business is registered or filed with your state — articles of incorporation, articles of organization, or a DBA (doing business as) filing. If you have not filed yet, you will need to do that first. Most states allow you to file online and receive confirmation the same day or within a few business days.
What if I am opening an account for a business I just started?
New businesses can open Chase accounts as long as you have your business structure documented (even if the business has no revenue yet). You will need your EIN or Social Security Number, proof of your business registration or formation, and your personal ID and address. Chase does not require a minimum operating history or revenue.