What you need to bring to Chase for a business account

Chase requires two categories of documents: proof of who you are as the owner, and proof of what your business is. For the owner, you need a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For the business itself, you need something that shows Chase the business exists and that you have the right to open an account for it.

What that second document is depends on your business structure. If you're a sole proprietor operating under your own name, you may only need your Social Security number and a personal ID. If you're operating under a different name—say, "Sarah's Consulting" when your name is Sarah Chen—you'll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, or in some states, a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate filed with your county or state. If you're an LLC, partnership, or corporation, you need your EIN and articles of organization or incorporation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a government-issued photo ID and proof your business exists—either an EIN letter from the IRS or articles of organization for an LLC or corporation.
  • Sole proprietors using their own name need only an ID and Social Security number, but sole proprietors using a business name need an EIN or DBA certificate.
  • Chase will verify your identity in person at a branch or through their online process, which involves uploading documents and answering security questions.
  • The account can be opened same-day in a branch, but online applications typically take one to three business days to process.
  • You'll need to fund the account with an initial deposit, which varies by account type but is often $100 to $500.

How to get an EIN if you don't have one

An EIN is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to your business. You can get one free from the IRS website at irs.gov. The online process takes about 15 minutes and you receive your number when ready. You can also explore by mail or phone, but mail takes four weeks and phone applications require you to call during business hours.

Once you have your EIN, the IRS will mail you a formal EIN letter. Chase will accept either the number itself (which you can screenshot from the IRS website after you explore) or the official letter. If you're opening the account online, having the number is usually enough. If you're opening in a branch, bring the letter or a printout of your confirmation from the IRS website.

Documents to bring to a Chase branch

If you're opening your account in person, bring your photo ID and one of the following: your EIN letter from the IRS, your articles of organization or incorporation, or your DBA certificate. Bring the originals, not copies—Chase will look at them but you keep them. You'll also need to bring a blank check or have your routing and account number ready if you want to set up transfers on the same day.

Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized. Chase will ask for it during the process, and you'll need it to verify your identity. If you're opening a joint business account, both owners need to be present with their own IDs and Social Security numbers.

What happens during the online process

Chase's online business account process asks for your name, address, Social Security number, and business information. You'll upload a photo of your ID and a photo of your business formation document—your EIN letter, articles of organization, or DBA certificate. The system will ask you to take a photo of yourself to verify your identity, similar to how you might unlock a phone with your face.

After you submit, Chase reviews the documents and your identity. This usually takes one to three business days. You'll receive an email when the account is approved, and you can then log in to set up transfers and order checks. Some applications are approved within hours, but don't count on same-day completion with the online process.

Initial deposit requirements and account types

Chase offers several business checking accounts, and the minimum opening deposit varies. The Chase Business Basic Checking account typically requires $100 to $500 to open, depending on your location and current promotions. Some accounts have no minimum deposit. You can fund the account with a transfer from another bank account, a wire transfer, or a check deposit.

If you're transferring money from a personal account at another bank, that transfer usually takes three to five business days. If you're depositing a check at a Chase ATM or branch, it may post the same day or the next business day. Wire transfers post the same day if you initiate them before the bank's cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. local time.

Verification steps Chase will take

Chase verifies your identity by checking your ID against government databases and confirming your Social Security number. They also verify that your business formation documents are real by checking state records. This is why they need originals or clear photos—they're looking for security features and checking that the document number matches what's on file with your state or the IRS.

If anything doesn't match—your address on the ID doesn't match the address you gave Chase, or your Social Security number doesn't match IRS records—Chase will ask you to clarify or provide additional documents. This can add a few days to the process. If you've recently moved, bring a recent utility bill or lease as proof of your current address.

What happens if you don't have all the documents yet

If you haven't received your EIN letter from the IRS yet, you can still open an account using the EIN number itself. The IRS gives you the number when ready when you explore online, and you can use that number at Chase. If you're a new LLC and haven't received your articles of organization from your state yet, you can use your EIN as proof of business formation—Chase accepts it as sufficient.

If you're a sole proprietor and haven't filed for a DBA yet, you can open the account using just your Social Security number and ID, as long as you're operating under your own name. If you're operating under a business name and don't have a DBA or EIN, you'll need to get one before Chase will open the account. The fastest route is the IRS EIN process online, which takes 15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase business account without an EIN?

Yes, if you're a sole proprietor using your own name. You need only your photo ID and Social Security number. If you're using a business name or have any other business structure, you need an EIN or DBA certificate.

How long does it take to open an account in a Chase branch?

Same-day, usually within 30 minutes to an hour. The banker will verify your documents, take your information, and set up the account while you wait. You'll receive your account number when ready and can start using it the same day.

What if my business formation documents are from another state?

Chase will accept them. They verify the documents against state records, so as long as your LLC or corporation is registered in any U.S. state, Chase can confirm it exists. Bring the original articles of organization or incorporation.

Do I need a business license to open a Chase business account?

No. Chase requires proof that your business exists—an EIN, articles of organization, or DBA—but not a business license. Some states and cities require licenses for certain types of business, but Chase does not.

Can I open the account if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have a valid government-issued ID and a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Bring your ID and whichever number you have. Chase will verify both during the process.