What to bring on the day you open the account
You will need two categories of documents: proof of who you are, and proof of what your business is. Most banks want these in person, though some allow you to start online and finish in a branch.
For your identity, bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you are opening the account as the owner or a signer, the bank will ask for this from each person who will have access to the money. Bring the original, not a copy.
For your business, what you bring depends on what kind of business you have. A sole proprietorship (you running the business alone under your own name) needs less paperwork than a corporation or LLC. A partnership or business with multiple owners needs documents from each owner.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a government photo ID and a document that proves your business exists — a business license, articles of incorporation, or an EIN letter from the IRS.
- Sole proprietors can often open an account with just an ID and proof they are doing business under a name, but requirements vary by bank.
- Businesses with multiple owners or a formal structure (LLC, corporation, partnership) need documents showing who owns the business and who can sign checks.
- Some banks require a minimum deposit to open the account, and some waive it if you set up direct deposit or keep a certain balance.
- The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in a branch, or a few days if you start online.
Documents for a sole proprietorship
If you are the only owner and you are using your own name for the business, you may only need your ID and a Social Security number. Some banks will open the account on the spot with just those two things.
If you are using a business name that is different from your legal name — for example, "Sarah's Cleaning Service" when your name is Sarah Martinez — bring proof that you are operating under that name. This can be a business license from your city or county, a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate, or a business registration. If you do not have one yet, ask the bank whether they will open the account without it, or whether you need to register the name first.
You will also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, even if you have no employees. You can get one free at irs.gov by filling out Form SS-4 online — it takes about 15 minutes and you get the number when ready. Bring the confirmation letter or write down the number to give to the bank.
Documents for an LLC, corporation, or partnership
These business structures are registered with your state, and the bank will want proof. Bring your Articles of Incorporation (for a corporation) or Articles of Organization (for an LLC). These are the documents you filed with your state's Secretary of State office when you created the business. If you do not have a printed copy, you can usually read one from your state's website or ask the bank to look it up.
You will also need an EIN letter from the IRS. This is a one-page document the IRS sends when you explore for an EIN. If you do not have it, you can print a confirmation from irs.gov when you explore online, and most banks will accept that.
If the business has more than one owner, the bank will want to know who can sign checks and withdraw money. Bring a document that shows the ownership structure — this might be your operating agreement (for an LLC), bylaws (for a corporation), or partnership agreement. If you do not have a formal document, some banks will ask you to fill out a form listing the owners and signers.
What happens if you do not have all the documents yet
If you have not registered your business with the state or gotten an EIN yet, you have two options. You can register and get the EIN before you go to the bank — both take less than an hour online — or you can ask the bank whether they will let you open the account and bring the documents later.
Some banks will open a temporary account and let you deposit checks while you are waiting for your paperwork. Others will not. Call the bank branch where you plan to open the account and ask what they need before you make the trip.
If you are in a hurry, registering your business name and getting an EIN online is faster than waiting for the bank to tell you what is missing. Your state's Secretary of State website has instructions for business registration, and irs.gov has the EIN process.
Minimum deposits and account fees
Some banks require you to deposit a minimum amount of money to open the account — this might be $100, $500, or more. Other banks have no minimum. The bank's website usually lists this, or you can call and ask.
Many banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit (having money automatically transferred into the account from a customer or client) or if you keep a certain balance in the account. Some business accounts have monthly fees, and some do not. Compare a few banks before you decide — the fee structure can add up over a year.
What to expect during the appointment
When you arrive, a banker will ask you to show your ID and the business documents. They will ask what you plan to use the account for — this is routine and helps them set up the right type of account for you. They will ask who else needs access to the account and whether those people need to be present.
If other owners or signers are not there, the bank may ask them to come in separately, or they may mail them a form to sign. Some banks now allow remote signings, where the other person signs electronically. Ask what the bank's process is.
You will sign paperwork agreeing to the bank's terms. This includes the fee schedule, overdraft policies, and rules about who can access the account. Read it or ask the banker to explain anything you do not understand. You will also set up online banking and choose a debit card if you want one.
Opening the account online or by mail
Some banks let you start the process online. You upload photos of your ID and business documents, answer questions about the business, and set up online banking. The bank then asks you to come in to verify your identity in person, or they mail you a debit card and you are done.
A few banks will open the account entirely by mail or video call, but most still require at least one in-person visit. If you cannot get to a branch, ask whether the bank offers remote opening or whether they will send you a form to sign and mail back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a business license to open a business bank account?
It depends on the bank and your business structure. Sole proprietors often do not need one, but the bank may ask for proof that you are operating under a business name. Corporations and LLCs usually need their state registration documents. Call your bank to ask what they require before you explore.
Can I open a business account if my business is not registered yet?
Some banks will open a temporary account and let you bring the registration documents later. Others will not. The fastest route is to register your business and get an EIN online first — both take less than an hour — then open the account. This avoids delays or having to go back to the bank.
What if I do not have an EIN yet?
You can get one free from irs.gov by filling out Form SS-4 online. It takes about 15 minutes and you get the number when ready. Print the confirmation page and bring it to the bank, or write down the number. Most banks will accept this instead of waiting for the official letter.
Do I have to bring all the owners to open the account?
No. You can open the account with your ID and business documents. The bank will ask who else needs access, and they will either ask those people to come in separately or send them forms to sign. Some banks now allow remote signing, so ask what the bank offers.
How long does it take to open a business bank account?
In a branch, the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you start online, it may take a few days while the bank verifies your documents and identity. Some banks will let you start using the account when ready; others wait until everything is confirmed.