Yes, you can open a business bank account entirely online at most banks
Many banks now let you open a business account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process is faster than it used to be — often taking 15 to 30 minutes — and you can usually start using the account within one to three business days. However, not every bank offers full online opening, and the documents you need depend on your business structure and the bank you choose.
The main catch is that some banks still require you to show up in person with original documents, or they require a video call where you hold up your ID to a camera. A few banks have no in-person requirement at all. Before you start, check whether your chosen bank does full online opening or whether it has a step that forces you to a branch.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks and many online-only banks let you open a business account online, but some still require an in-person visit or video verification.
- You will need your Social Security number or EIN, a government-issued ID, and proof of your business address — the exact documents vary by bank and business type.
- Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs are fastest to open online because they require fewer documents than partnerships or corporations.
- The account is usually ready to use within one to three business days, though some banks take longer to verify your information.
- If a bank requires in-person verification, you can often choose a different bank that does not, rather than making a trip to a branch.
What documents you need to have ready
The documents fall into two categories: proof of who you are, and proof of what your business is. For the first, every bank needs a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need your Social Security number (if you are a sole proprietor) or your Employer Identification Number, called an EIN (if you have registered your business as an LLC, corporation, or partnership).
For the second category, banks ask for proof that your business exists and that you own it. For a sole proprietorship, this might be a business license from your city or county, or a DBA certificate if you registered a "doing business as" name. For an LLC or corporation, you need your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation — the document you filed with your state when you registered the business. Some banks will accept a screenshot or photo of these documents; others want you to upload a PDF.
You will also need to confirm your business address. This can be your home address if you work from home, or a commercial address if you rent an office or storefront. The bank may ask for a utility bill or lease to prove you use that address.
Which banks let you complete the entire process online
Online-only banks like Novo, Mercury, and Brex typically have no in-person requirement — you upload your documents and get approved without a video call or branch visit. Traditional banks vary widely. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all offer online opening for business accounts, but some of their locations still ask you to come in or do a video call. Smaller regional banks are more likely to require a visit.
Before you start the process, go to the bank's website and look for language that says "open online" or "no branch visit required." If you cannot find clear information, call the bank's business account line and ask directly whether they require in-person verification. This takes two minutes and saves you from starting an process you cannot finish online.
Credit unions often have stricter in-person requirements than banks, so if you are set on a credit union, call ahead. Some credit unions will do a video call with a notary instead of requiring you to visit, which is faster but still not fully online.
The actual steps to open the account
The process is similar across most banks. You start on their website by clicking "open a business account" or "business banking." You then answer questions about your business: what it does, how long it has been operating, how many owners it has, and whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, or partnership. These answers determine which documents the bank asks for next.
Once you have answered the business questions, you upload your ID and your business formation documents. Some banks let you take a photo with your phone; others require a PDF scan. After that, you enter your Social Security number or EIN, your business address, and the address where you personally live. The bank then asks you to review the account terms and sign electronically.
At this point, some banks approve you when ready and send you account details the same day. Others send your process to a person who reviews it, which can take one to three business days. A few banks ask you to do a video call at this stage — you hold up your ID to your camera so a person can verify it matches your face. If your bank requires this, they will tell you during the process and let you schedule the call.
How long it takes from process to first use
If the bank approves you the same day and has no video call requirement, you can usually log in and see your account details within a few hours. You can set up direct deposit or transfers right away. However, the bank may not set up certain features — like the ability to order checks or link external accounts — until they have verified your information, which can take a few more days.
If the bank requires a video call or manual review, add one to three business days. If you explore on a Friday, do not expect approval until Monday or Tuesday. Some banks are slower than others; if speed matters to you, ask during the process how long approval typically takes.
Once your account is open, you can usually start receiving deposits and making transfers when ready. Ordering physical checks or a debit card takes longer — typically five to ten business days for standard delivery.
What happens if the bank asks for more information
Sometimes a bank will approve your account but flag it for additional review. This usually happens if your business is in an industry the bank considers higher-risk — such as cannabis, cryptocurrency, or high-value retail — or if your personal credit history raises questions. When this happens, the bank sends you an email asking for more documents, such as business tax returns, a business plan, or proof of funding.
You upload these documents through the same portal where you applied. The review can take another week or two. Your account may be frozen during this time, meaning you cannot withdraw money, though you can usually still receive deposits. This is not a rejection — it is a compliance step. Most accounts pass this review and are unfrozen once the bank is satisfied.
If the bank does reject your process, they will tell you why. Common reasons are that your business is in a restricted industry, your personal credit is too low, or you do not have the documents the bank needs. You can usually explore at a different bank instead.
Sole proprietorships versus LLCs and corporations online
A sole proprietorship — where you run the business under your own name with no formal registration — is the fastest to open online because the bank only needs your ID and Social Security number. You do not have formation documents to upload because you did not file any with the state.
An LLC or corporation requires you to upload your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation, which slows the process slightly because the bank has to verify these documents are real. This usually adds one to two business days. A partnership is slowest because the bank needs documentation from all partners and may require each partner to verify their identity separately.
If you are just starting out and speed is important, opening as a sole proprietorship and opening the account online is the fastest path. You can always form an LLC later and move the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EIN to open a business bank account online?
Not if you are a sole proprietor — you can use your Social Security number instead. If you have formed an LLC, corporation, or partnership, you need an EIN. You can get one free from the IRS website in about 15 minutes, and many banks will let you explore for the account while you are waiting for your EIN number to arrive by mail.
Can I open an account if I work from home?
Yes. Use your home address as your business address. The bank may ask for a utility bill in your name to confirm you live there, but this is normal and does not disqualify you.
What if the bank rejects my process?
The bank will tell you why. If it is because of your industry, try a bank that specializes in that field — for example, some banks focus on cannabis businesses or nonprofits. If it is because of your credit, you can try a different bank or work on improving your credit before explore again.
Can I open a business account online if I do not have a business license yet?
Some banks will let you open with just your formation documents (Articles of Organization or Incorporation). Others require a business license or DBA certificate. Call the bank before you explore to ask what documents they accept for your business type.
How soon can I use the account after it opens?
You can usually log in and set up direct deposit or transfers the same day or within 24 hours. Ordering checks or a debit card takes five to ten business days. Some features like linking external accounts may be delayed until the bank completes its verification, which can take a few days.