You can open a Chase business checking account online in about 15 minutes, but you'll need your EIN, business documents, and personal identification ready before you start
Chase lets you open most business checking accounts through their website without visiting a branch. The process moves quickly if you have the right documents in front of you — typically your Employer Identification Number (EIN), articles of incorporation or formation, and a government-issued ID. The account itself usually becomes active within one to three business days, though some account features may take longer to turn on.
The speed depends partly on what type of business you're registering. A sole proprietorship with an EIN moves faster than a corporation or LLC, because Chase needs to verify more information. If you're a sole proprietor using your Social Security Number instead of an EIN, the process is even quicker, though Chase will still ask for business details.
Key Takeaways
- You need an EIN (or your Social Security Number as a sole proprietor), your business formation documents, and a government-issued photo ID to start the process online.
- Chase will verify your identity and business information during the process, which usually takes a few minutes but may require a follow-up call if documents don't match their records.
- Your account number and routing number arrive by mail within five to seven business days, even though you can start using some features online sooner.
- The online process asks for your business address, the names and ownership percentages of all owners, and details about what your business does.
- You cannot complete the full process on a mobile phone — you'll need a computer or tablet to upload documents and sign electronically.
What documents and information to gather before you start
Gather these items before opening the Chase website. Having them ready cuts the process time in half and prevents you from getting stuck mid-process.
You'll need your Employer Identification Number (EIN) if your business is structured as an LLC, S-corp, C-corp, or partnership. If you're a sole proprietor and don't have an EIN, you can use your Social Security Number instead, though Chase may still ask you to get an EIN later. If you don't have an EIN yet, you can get one free from the IRS website (irs.gov) in about 15 minutes — the EIN is issued when ready online.
Bring your business formation documents: articles of incorporation for a corporation, articles of organization for an LLC, or a partnership agreement. Chase needs these to confirm your business structure and ownership. If you're a sole proprietor, you may only need your business license or DBA (Doing Business As) certificate, depending on your state.
You'll also need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID — for the owner or authorized representative signing the process. Chase will ask you to upload a photo of both sides during the online process.
Have your business address ready, along with the names, titles, and ownership percentages of all owners or officers. If your business is brand new and you're still using a home address, that's acceptable. Chase will also ask what your business does and roughly how much you expect to deposit monthly.
The step-by-step online process process
Start at chase.com/business and look for "Open an Account" or "Business Checking". Chase will ask you to choose your account type first — most small businesses use Chase Business Basic or Chase Business Complete, depending on whether you need merchant services or payroll features. The process itself doesn't charge you to choose; you're just selecting which account features you want.
The process then walks you through five main sections. First, you'll enter your business type (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, etc.) and your EIN or Social Security Number. Chase checks this information against IRS records in real time, so make sure it matches exactly. If it doesn't, the process will pause and ask you to correct it or verify your information by phone.
Next, you'll enter your business name, address, and the nature of your business. Chase asks this partly for compliance reasons — they need to know if you're in a regulated industry like lending or insurance. Then you'll list all owners with at least 20% ownership, along with their names, titles, dates of birth, and Social Security Numbers. Chase verifies each owner's identity separately.
You'll then upload photos of your business documents and your ID. The upload tool works best on a desktop or tablet; mobile phones often struggle with the document camera. Take clear photos of both sides of your ID and all pages of your formation documents. Blurry or cut-off images will cause Chase to ask you to resubmit.
Finally, you'll review the account terms, sign electronically, and submit. The entire process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes if everything matches Chase's records. If there's a mismatch — your name on the ID doesn't match your business documents, or your EIN doesn't match the IRS database — Chase will call you to verify before opening the account.
What happens after you submit your process
Chase sends you a confirmation email when ready after you submit. Within a few hours to one business day, you'll receive another email telling you whether your account was approved or if Chase needs more information. Most applications are approved the same day or the next morning.
Once approved, your account is technically open, but you won't have full access yet. Chase mails your debit card, checks, and account statements to your business address. The debit card and checks typically arrive within five to seven business days. Your account number and routing number come in a separate mailing, also within five to seven days.
In the meantime, you can log into your account online and set up bill pay, transfers, and other features. You can also deposit checks using Chase's mobile app (mobile check deposit) as soon as your account is active, even before your debit card arrives. Wire transfer details are available in your online account when ready, so you can receive incoming wires right away.
If Chase needs to verify additional information — for example, if one of your owners has a name variation on different documents — they'll call the phone number you provided. This verification call usually takes five minutes and happens within one business day of your process.
Common reasons applications get delayed or rejected
The most common delay is a mismatch between your documents. Your name on your ID might be slightly different from your name on your business formation documents (a middle initial missing, a nickname instead of your legal name, or a maiden name versus a married name). Chase's system flags these automatically, and you'll need to call to confirm it's the same person. This usually resolves in one phone call.
A second common issue is an EIN that doesn't match the IRS database. This happens when you recently formed your business and the IRS hasn't fully processed your EIN yet, or when you entered the EIN incorrectly. If this happens, Chase will ask you to verify your EIN by phone or to provide a copy of your EIN letter from the IRS.
Chase may also ask for clarification if your business is in a high-risk industry (money transmission, cryptocurrency, gambling, or certain financial services). This doesn't mean you'll be rejected — it means Chase needs to understand your business model better before opening the account. They'll ask you to describe your business in more detail or provide additional documentation like a business plan or client contracts.
Rejection is rare for legitimate small businesses. Chase typically rejects applications only if they cannot verify your identity, if your business is in a prohibited industry, or if you have a history of fraud or serious banking violations. If your process is rejected, Chase will tell you why and whether you can reapply.
Choosing between account types and what each costs
Chase offers several business checking accounts online. Chase Business Basic has no monthly fee if you maintain a $2,500 minimum balance, or $15 per month if you don't. It includes unlimited transactions, online bill pay, and mobile deposit. Chase Business Complete costs $25 per month (waived with a $10,000 minimum balance) and adds merchant services and payroll processing options.
For most new businesses, Business Basic is the right choice. You get the core features — checking, transfers, bill pay, and mobile deposit — without paying a monthly fee if you keep a small balance. You can upgrade to Business Complete later if you add merchant services or payroll.
Chase also offers Chase Business Premier, which is designed for larger businesses with higher transaction volumes and includes dedicated support. This account has a $25 monthly fee (waived with a $25,000 minimum balance) and is rarely necessary for a new business.
All three accounts include the same basic features: no limit on transactions, free online bill pay, free mobile deposit, and free wire transfers (though Chase charges for incoming wires at some account levels). The difference is mainly in the minimum balance requirement and access to premium features like payroll and merchant services.
After your account opens: next steps and common issues
Once your account is active and your debit card arrives, set up your online banking login if you haven't already. Chase sends you a temporary password by email; change it to something only you know before you use the account for real transactions.
If you plan to receive payroll deposits or regular transfers from clients, set up direct deposit as soon as possible. You'll need to provide your new account number and routing number (which you'll find in your online account or on your first statement). Direct deposits typically post within one to two business days of being sent.
A common issue: your first few transactions may take longer than expected. Chase sometimes holds deposits for 24 to 48 hours on new accounts as a fraud prevention measure. This is normal and doesn't mean anything is wrong. After a few weeks of normal activity, holds usually stop.
If you need checks before they arrive in the mail, you can order them through your online account. Chase charges for checks (usually $10 to $20 per box), but they arrive faster than the free checks that come with your account opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase business account if I don't have an EIN yet?
Yes, if you're a sole proprietor, you can use your Social Security Number instead of an EIN. However, Chase may ask you to get an EIN later, especially if your business grows or you hire employees. You can get an EIN free from the IRS website in about 15 minutes.
How long does it take to use my account after I open it online?
Your account is usually active within one business day, and you can log in and set up transfers or bill pay when ready. However, you won't have your debit card or checks for five to seven business days. Mobile deposit works as soon as your account is active, so you can start depositing checks right away.
What if Chase asks for more information after I submit my process?
Chase will call you at the phone number you provided. This usually happens within one business day and takes about five minutes. Common requests are clarification on your business type, verification of your EIN, or confirmation that variations in your name on different documents are the same person. Have your documents handy when they call.
Can I open a Chase business account on my phone?
You can start the process on your phone, but you'll need a computer or tablet to finish it. The document upload and electronic signature steps don't work reliably on mobile phones, and Chase's system will prompt you to switch devices before you can submit.
What's the difference between a business checking account and a personal account?
A business account is designed for business transactions and keeps your business finances separate from your personal money. This separation is important for taxes and liability protection. Business accounts also include features like bill pay and mobile deposit that are optimized for business use, and they report activity to business credit bureaus rather than personal credit bureaus.