The documents and information banks will ask for
To open a business bank account, you will need to bring proof of your business's legal existence and proof of your identity. The exact documents depend on what type of business you have — a sole proprietorship needs different paperwork than an LLC or corporation — and which bank you choose. No two banks ask for identical lists, but the core requirements are consistent enough that you can prepare once and use the same stack at multiple banks if you shop around.
Start by gathering your personal identification (a driver's license or passport), your Social Security number or Employer Identification Number (EIN), and proof that your business is registered with your state. If you have not yet registered your business, you will need to do that first — it is a separate step from opening the account, and banks will not proceed without it.
Key Takeaways
- You must register your business with your state before any bank will open an account, even if you are a sole proprietor operating under your own name.
- Personal identification, your Social Security number or EIN, and your state registration documents are required at every bank.
- Corporations and LLCs need additional documents like articles of incorporation or organization; sole proprietors may only need a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate if they use a name other than their own.
- Banks verify your identity and business registration before opening the account, a process that usually takes a few business days to a week.
- Some banks require an initial deposit to open the account; the amount varies by bank and account type.
What sole proprietors need to bring
If you operate as a sole proprietor — meaning you are the only owner and have not formed an LLC or corporation — you still need to register with your state, usually through your Secretary of State's office. The registration is often called a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate if you use a business name different from your legal name. If you use only your own name for your business, some states do not require a separate registration, but you should check your state's rules before assuming you can skip this step.
Bring your personal ID, your Social Security number, and a copy of your DBA certificate or state registration. Some banks will also ask for a business license from your city or county if your type of business requires one — restaurants, salons, and contractors often do. Call the bank before you go in and ask what they need for a sole proprietor in your state; this saves a wasted trip.
What LLCs and corporations need to bring
If you have formed an LLC (Limited Liability Company) or corporation, bring your articles of incorporation or articles of organization — the document you filed with your state to create the business. You will also need an EIN, which is a federal tax identification number for your business. You can get an EIN free from the IRS; it takes about 15 minutes online at irs.gov, and you receive it when ready.
Bring your personal ID, the EIN, and a certified copy of your articles of incorporation or organization. Some banks ask for a corporate resolution or certificate of good standing — a document from your state confirming the business is registered and in good standing. You can order a certificate of good standing from your state's Secretary of State office, usually for a small fee, and it arrives by mail or email within a few days.
If your LLC or corporation has more than one owner, the bank may ask for an operating agreement (for LLCs) or bylaws (for corporations) to confirm who has authority to open the account and sign checks. If you do not have these documents yet, ask the bank whether they are required before you open the account; some banks will proceed without them if you sign a resolution stating you have authority to act.
Proof of identity and ownership
Every bank will ask you to prove you are who you say you are. Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you are opening the account in person, the bank will scan or photocopy this during your visit.
The bank will also verify that you actually own or control the business. For sole proprietors, this is straightforward — your personal ID and your DBA or state registration are enough. For LLCs and corporations, the bank uses your articles of organization or incorporation to confirm you are listed as the owner or manager. If you are opening the account on behalf of someone else, you will need written permission from the owner, usually in the form of a corporate resolution or a notarized letter.
Initial deposits and account minimums
Most banks require an initial deposit to open a business account, though the amount varies widely. Some banks ask for as little as $25 or $100; others require $500 or more. A few banks have no minimum deposit requirement, but they are less common. Call ahead or check the bank's website to find out what they require before you visit.
The initial deposit counts toward your account balance — it is not a separate fee. You can deposit a check, transfer money from another account, or bring cash. If you do not have funds to deposit yet, ask the bank whether they will waive the requirement or let you deposit later; some will, especially if you are opening other accounts with them or setting up payroll.
What happens after you hand over your documents
Once you submit your documents and initial deposit, the bank will verify your identity and your business registration. This verification usually takes a few business days to a week. During this time, the bank checks your personal credit (for sole proprietors) or your business credit history if one exists. They also confirm your business is registered and in good standing with your state.
You will receive your account number, debit card, and checks within one to two weeks. Some banks offer temporary debit cards or online access when ready while you wait for the physical card. Ask the bank what you can do while the account is being set up — many let you start using online banking right away, even if your card has not arrived yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EIN if I am a sole proprietor?
Not always. If you are the only owner and use your Social Security number for taxes, you can use that instead of an EIN. However, getting an EIN is free and takes 15 minutes, and some banks prefer it because it keeps your personal and business finances more separate. Ask the bank whether they require an EIN before you visit.
What if I have not registered my business with the state yet?
You must register before opening a business account. The registration process varies by state and business type — it takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Start with your state's Secretary of State office or your city or county clerk's office. They can tell you exactly what you need to file and how long it takes.
Can I open a business account online instead of going to the bank in person?
Some banks let you start the process online, but most require you to verify your identity in person or by video call before the account is fully open. A few online banks offer fully remote account opening for businesses, but they are less common than for personal accounts. Check the bank's website or call to ask whether they offer remote opening.
What if the bank says my documents are not good enough?
Banks have different standards, and what one bank accepts another may reject. If a bank asks for documents you do not have, ask them specifically what they need and why. If they ask for something unusual or expensive to obtain, try a different bank — most have reasonable requirements, and shopping around takes less time than chasing down an obscure document.
Do I need a business license to open a business bank account?
It depends on your business type and location. Some businesses — restaurants, salons, contractors — need a license. Others do not. Check with your city or county clerk to find out whether your business requires one. If it does, get it before opening the account; if it does not, you do not need one.