The documents you need before you walk in
You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your business's legal existence, and proof of your address. The ID and address proof are non-negotiable — every bank requires them. What counts as proof of business existence depends on what kind of business you have, and that is where most people get stuck.
If you are a sole proprietor operating under your own name, you may only need your personal ID and Social Security Number. If you are operating under a business name, you will need either a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate filed with your county or state, or articles of incorporation or formation if you have formed an LLC or corporation. The bank will ask which one you have — they are not interchangeable, and the bank cannot tell you which one to file. That is a legal question for your state's Secretary of State office or a business formation service.
Bring your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number (EIN). If you have not yet obtained an EIN from the IRS, you can request one free at irs.gov before you go to the bank, or some banks will help you request one during the account opening. Bring whatever documentation you have about your business structure — a partnership agreement, operating agreement, or incorporation papers if they exist.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government-issued ID, proof of address, and proof that your business legally exists in the form your bank recognizes.
- Sole proprietors using their own name need only personal ID and Social Security Number; those using a business name need a DBA certificate or articles of formation.
- An EIN is required for most business structures but optional for sole proprietors — you can request one free from the IRS before opening the account.
- Different banks have different document requirements, so calling ahead to ask what they need for your specific business type saves a wasted trip.
- Bring originals or certified copies of legal documents; banks will not accept photocopies of incorporation papers or DBAs.
Why your business structure matters
Banks categorize business accounts by legal structure because each structure has different tax and liability rules, and the bank needs to know which one applies to you. A sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, S-corporation, and C-corporation are all treated differently on the bank's end — they have different signatory requirements, different tax reporting, and different liability protections that the bank has to verify.
If you have not yet decided on a structure, the bank cannot open the account until you have. This is not the bank being difficult; it is a regulatory requirement. The bank has to know whether the account holder is personally liable for business debts, whether multiple people can sign checks, and how the account will be reported to the IRS. You have to make that decision before you arrive.
Proof of address and what the bank will accept
Banks accept a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued mail (tax notice, voter registration card) as proof of address. The document must show your name and current address, and it must be dated within the last 60 to 90 days — banks vary on this. A utility bill in your name is the fastest route because it is current and unambiguous.
If you are using a business address rather than your home address, bring a lease or deed for that address as well. If you are using a virtual office or mail forwarding service, call the bank first — some accept them, some do not. A few banks will not open a business account with a residential address at all, so if you are working from home, confirm the bank's policy before you go in.
The EIN question: when you need one and when you do not
An Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit tax ID issued by the IRS. You need one if you have formed an LLC, partnership, S-corporation, or C-corporation. You do not need one if you are a sole proprietor operating under your own name — you can use your Social Security Number instead. If you are a sole proprietor using a business name, you may or may not need an EIN depending on your state and whether you have employees; check with your state's tax authority.
You can request an EIN free and when ready at irs.gov/ein. The online request takes about 15 minutes. If you prefer not to request online, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 and receive an EIN over the phone. Some banks will also help you request one during account opening, though this adds time to the process. Having the EIN before you arrive is faster.
What happens if you do not have all the documents yet
If you have not filed your DBA or formed your LLC yet, you have two options: file it first, then open the account, or open a personal account in your name and transfer it to a business account once your business structure is official. The first route is cleaner and takes one to three weeks depending on your state. The second route is messier and some banks will not allow it.
If you are waiting for an EIN, most banks will open the account with your Social Security Number and update the account information once the EIN arrives. Ask the bank whether they require the EIN before opening or whether they can add it later. Some will do one, some the other.
Different banks, different requirements
National banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have standardized requirements that are the same across all their branches. Credit unions and regional banks vary more widely. Some banks require a minimum deposit to open; others do not. Some require you to open a business checking account and a business savings account together; others let you choose one. Some charge monthly fees; others waive fees for the first year or if you maintain a minimum balance.
Call the bank's business account line or visit a branch and ask what they need for your specific business type before you gather documents. A five-minute phone call can save you a trip back home for a missing document. Ask whether they have a checklist they can email or mail you — many do.
What you do not need
You do not need a business license to open a business bank account, though some states require one to operate a business legally. You do not need a business plan, financial statements, or tax returns from previous years — banks do not ask for these when opening a new account. You do not need to have made any sales or have any revenue.
You do not need a lawyer or accountant to help you open the account, though you may want one to help you decide on a business structure. You do not need to have been in business for any length of time. The bank's job is to verify your identity and your business's legal existence, not to judge whether your business is viable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a business account with just my Social Security Number?
Yes, if you are a sole proprietor operating under your own name. You will still need government-issued ID, proof of address, and proof that you are in business (which can be as straightforward as a business license or DBA). If you are using a business name, you need either a DBA certificate or articles of formation, not just your Social Security Number.
What if I have not formed an LLC yet but want to open an account?
You can open a personal account in your name and operate the business under that account until you form the LLC, then transfer it. Alternatively, form the LLC first (takes one to three weeks depending on your state), then open the business account. The second route is cleaner because it separates your personal and business finances from day one.
Do I need to bring original documents or can I bring copies?
Banks require originals or certified copies of legal documents like articles of incorporation or DBA certificates. They will photocopy your ID and address proof themselves. Bring the originals of anything the bank asks for; do not assume a photocopy will work.
How long does it take to open a business bank account?
If you have all documents, the account opens the same day or within one to two business days. If you are missing documents, it can take a week or more. Some banks offer same-day opening if you request online and have all documents ready; others require an in-person visit.
Can I open a business account online, or do I have to go to a branch?
Many banks now offer online business account opening, but some still require an in-person visit to verify your ID and signature. Check the bank's website or call their business line to see whether they offer online opening for your business type. Even if they do, you may need to visit a branch later to deposit checks or handle other transactions.