Yes, you can open a business bank account entirely online with most banks, but the process requires documents you may not have ready yet

Most banks now let you start a business account process on their website or app without visiting a branch. You upload documents, answer questions about your business, and wait for approval—typically three to five business days. The catch: you need specific paperwork in hand before you begin, and some banks still require you to verify your identity in person or by video call, even if everything else happens online.

The documents you'll need depend on your business structure. A sole proprietorship requires the least: your Social Security number, a government ID, and proof of your business address (a utility bill or lease works). An LLC or corporation needs your formation documents from your state, an EIN letter from the IRS, and often a resolution authorizing the account. A partnership needs formation documents plus identification for each partner.

Not all banks offer the same online process. Some let you complete the entire process and fund the account without leaving home. Others require you to verify your identity on video with a representative, or to visit a branch to show ID in person before the account becomes active. A few still require an in-person appointment to start.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major banks and many online-only banks let you begin a business account process on their website, but you must have your formation documents and EIN ready before you start.
  • Sole proprietors need only a Social Security number and ID; LLCs and corporations need state formation documents and an EIN letter from the IRS.
  • Even fully online applications often include an identity verification step—either a video call with a representative or an in-person visit—before the account opens.
  • The entire process from process to funded account typically takes three to five business days if you have all documents ready and verification completes without delays.

What documents you need before you start

The first step is gathering the right paperwork for your business structure. If you're a sole proprietor, you need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), and proof of your business address. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days all work. Some banks accept a PO box; others don't.

If you have an LLC or corporation, you need your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation from your state. You also need an EIN—an Employer Identification Number issued by the IRS. You can get an EIN free at irs.gov, and the IRS issues it when ready online. You'll receive a confirmation letter by mail within two weeks, but most banks accept the online confirmation as proof. Some banks ask for a corporate resolution—a document signed by an authorized person stating that the business is opening a bank account. Your state's business filing office or a business formation service can provide a template.

Partnerships need formation documents from the state, identification for each partner, and an EIN. Some banks also require a partnership agreement showing who has authority to sign checks and make withdrawals.

Have these documents ready before you log in to explore. Uploading them during the process saves time and reduces the chance the bank will reject your process and ask you to resubmit.

How the online process actually works

The process itself is straightforward. You enter your business name, structure (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, partnership), the nature of your business, and expected monthly transaction volume. You'll answer questions about the business owners—their names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and ownership percentages. The bank uses this information to verify your identity and check for fraud.

Then you upload documents. The bank's website will have a section for file uploads, usually labeled "Documents" or "Supporting Materials." You photograph or scan your ID, your formation documents, your EIN letter, and your proof of address. Most banks accept PDF, JPG, or PNG files. Make sure the images are clear and fully legible—a blurry photo of your ID will cause the bank to reject the process and ask you to resubmit.

After you submit, the bank reviews your process. This is where timelines vary. Some banks send you an approval or denial within 24 hours. Others take three to five business days. If the bank needs more information, it will email you a request—usually asking for clearer photos of documents or additional paperwork you didn't know you needed.

Identity verification: the step many people don't expect

Even if your process is approved, most banks require you to verify your identity before the account becomes active. This is a federal requirement under the Bank Secrecy Act. The bank needs to confirm you are who you say you are.

Some banks do this through a video call. A representative will ask you to show your ID to the camera, answer security questions, and confirm details from your process. The call usually takes five to ten minutes. You schedule it during the process or the bank contacts you to set a time.

Other banks use a third-party verification service. You may receive an email asking you to verify your identity through a link. You answer questions about your credit history, previous addresses, or other personal details that only you would know. This happens when ready and doesn't require a call.

A smaller number of banks still require an in-person visit to a branch, even if everything else happened online. They'll tell you this during the process or in an approval email. If you're opening an account with a bank that has no branches near you, this becomes a problem—you may need to choose a different bank or open the account by mail instead.

Banks that let you complete the entire process online

Online-only banks like Novo, Mercury, and Brex typically have the fastest fully online process. You explore, upload documents, verify your identity through a video call or automated service, and fund the account—all without visiting a physical location. These banks often approve accounts within 24 hours.

Major national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo offer online applications, but most require you to visit a branch or complete a video verification call before the account is fully active. Some regional banks fall somewhere in between: they let you explore online but require an in-person visit to verify identity.

Credit unions often have more restrictive online processes. Many require you to be a member before you can open a business account, and membership itself may require an in-person visit or a mail-in process. If you're already a member, opening a business account online is usually possible.

What happens after approval

Once your identity is verified and your account is approved, the bank will send you login credentials for online banking. You can usually log in when ready and see your account number and routing number. Some banks mail you a debit card and checks; others let you order them from your online dashboard.

Funding the account is your next step. Most banks let you transfer money from another account you own, or you can deposit a check by photographing it through the mobile app. Some banks require a minimum opening deposit—often $100 to $500—though many online-only banks have no minimum.

Your account is ready to use as soon as it's funded. You can set up direct deposit, pay bills online, and receive payments. If you ordered physical checks or a debit card, those arrive by mail within five to ten business days.

When the online process gets stuck

The most common reason applications are rejected or delayed is unclear document photos. If your ID photo is blurry, partially cut off, or backlit, the bank will ask you to resubmit. Take photos in good lighting, make sure all four corners of the document are visible, and avoid glare from your phone's flash.

Mismatched information also causes delays. If the name on your process doesn't match the name on your ID exactly, or if your address on file differs from your ID, the bank will flag it. Make sure everything is consistent before you submit.

If you're opening an account as an LLC or corporation and the bank can't verify your formation documents, it will ask for additional proof. This sometimes happens if your state's business database hasn't updated yet after you filed. Contact your state's business office to confirm your filing is recorded, then provide the bank with a screenshot or confirmation letter.

If your process is denied, the bank will tell you why—usually because of identity verification issues, fraud concerns, or incomplete information. You can reapply once you've resolved the problem, but there's no may provide the second process will be approved. If one bank denies you, try another; different banks have different approval standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an EIN before I open a business bank account?

For a sole proprietorship, no—you can use your Social Security number. For an LLC, corporation, or partnership, yes. You can get an EIN free from irs.gov in minutes, and the IRS will give you a confirmation number when ready. Most banks accept this confirmation as proof; you don't have to wait for the letter.

Can I open a business account if my business isn't registered yet?

Not with most banks. They require proof of formation—your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation from your state. You need to file with your state first, which takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the state. Some states offer expedited filing for an extra fee.

What if I don't have a business address yet?

You can use a home address, a PO box, or a virtual office address, depending on the bank. Some banks don't accept PO boxes for business accounts. If you're using a home address, have a utility bill or lease in your name ready to prove it. A virtual office address works with most banks, but you'll need documentation from the virtual office provider.

How long does it take to get the account number and routing number?

Most banks provide your account number and routing number when ready after approval, either in your online dashboard or in a confirmation email. You can use these numbers to set up direct deposit or receive payments the same day. Physical checks and debit cards arrive by mail within five to ten business days.

What if the bank asks for a video call but I can't do it right away?

The bank will usually give you a window of time to complete the video verification—often 24 to 48 hours. If you miss the window, contact the bank to reschedule. Delays here can push your account opening back by several days, so schedule the call as soon as the bank requests it.