Yes, you can open most business checking accounts entirely online

You can open a business checking account online with most banks and many credit unions. The process typically takes 10 to 20 minutes, and you'll have an account number the same day. You won't need to visit a branch, though some banks require you to verify your identity through video call or by uploading documents.

What you can and cannot do online depends on your business structure and the bank. A sole proprietorship is fastest — you need your Social Security number and a government ID. An LLC, partnership, or corporation requires more: an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS, articles of incorporation or formation, and sometimes a resolution authorizing the account. Some banks will let you open the account online and mail in the remaining documents later; others require them before you finish.

The biggest constraint is not the bank — it's whether your business exists on paper yet. If you haven't registered your business with your state or obtained an EIN, you'll need to do that first, which takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the method.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks let you open a business checking account online in 10 to 20 minutes using your Social Security number and ID.
  • Sole proprietorships are fastest because they require only personal identification; LLCs and corporations need an EIN and formation documents.
  • You may need to verify your identity through a video call or by uploading a photo of your ID, depending on the bank.
  • Some banks let you open the account online and mail documents later; others require everything before you finish.
  • Your business must be registered with your state and have an EIN before you can open an account in the business name.

What documents you need before you start

For a sole proprietorship, bring your Social Security number, a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), and your address. That is usually all a bank needs to open the account online.

For an LLC, corporation, or partnership, you need an EIN. You can get one free from the IRS at irs.gov/ein — the process takes about 15 minutes, and you receive the number when ready if you explore online. You also need a copy of your articles of incorporation or formation (the document your state issued when you registered the business) and sometimes a corporate resolution or certificate of good standing. A few banks ask for a copy of your business license, though most do not.

Check the bank's website before you start. Most list exactly what documents they need for your business type. If you do not have the EIN yet, you can usually get it while you are filling out the account process — it takes 15 minutes and does not delay the process.

The online process process, step by step

Start on the bank's business checking page. You will enter your business name, the type of business (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, or partnership), and your business address. Then you enter your personal information: name, Social Security number, date of birth, and address. Some banks ask whether you are the owner or an authorized representative.

Next comes identity verification. Most banks ask you to upload a photo of your government ID — driver's license or passport. Some use a video call instead, where you show your ID to a camera and answer a few questions. A few banks use a third-party service like Socure or IDology that checks your information against public records. This step usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Then you provide your EIN (if your business is not a sole proprietorship) and upload your formation documents. Some banks let you skip this and mail the documents later; others require them before you submit. You choose your account features — overdraft protection, debit card, online bill pay — and set your initial deposit method. Most banks let you fund the account by transferring money from a personal account or by check.

After you submit, you get a confirmation page with your account number. You can usually log in to online banking within a few hours. The debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days.

Which banks let you open online, and which do not

Most national banks and online banks let you open a business checking account entirely online. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank all offer online opening for sole proprietorships and LLCs. Regional banks vary — some require a branch visit for corporations or partnerships, while others handle everything online.

Online banks like Brex, Mercury, and Wise are built for online opening and often have faster identity verification because they use video calls or automated checks. They typically do not require a minimum deposit and charge no monthly fee, though they may not offer all the features of a traditional bank (like in-person check deposits or a physical debit card).

Credit unions usually require a branch visit or a phone call, even if they let you start the process online. Call your credit union before you explore to confirm whether you can complete the process without visiting.

Identity verification: what to expect

Banks verify your identity to comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules. The method varies by bank and by how much information they already have about you.

If you already have a personal account at the bank, verification is usually automatic — the bank already knows who you are, so opening a business account takes less time. If you are new to the bank, you will go through one of three processes: uploading a photo of your ID, a video call with a bank employee, or an automated check against public records. The automated check asks questions only you would know the answer to — your mortgage lender, your previous addresses, the make of your first car — and takes about 2 minutes.

Video calls are the slowest but most reliable. You show your ID to a camera, the employee compares it to your face, and you answer a few questions. This takes 5 to 10 minutes and can happen when ready or be scheduled for later the same day.

What happens if the bank needs more information

Sometimes the bank's automated checks cannot verify you — this happens if you have a common name, a recent address change, or limited credit history. The bank will email you and ask for additional documents: a utility bill, a lease, a tax return, or a letter from another bank confirming your account.

This does not mean you cannot open the account. It means the bank needs a few extra days to review the documents. Send them by email or upload them through the bank's portal. Most banks review additional documents within 24 to 48 hours.

If you cannot provide the documents the bank asks for, ask whether they will accept alternatives. Some banks are flexible; others have strict requirements. If one bank will not work with you, try another — different banks use different verification services and may have an easier time confirming your identity.

Funding your account and getting your debit card

Once your account is open, you can fund it when ready by transferring money from a personal bank account (takes 1 to 3 business days) or by mailing a check. Some banks let you fund the account by credit card, though they may charge a fee.

Your debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can use your account number and routing number to receive payments or set up bill pay. Some banks issue a temporary card number you can use online right away, or they let you order a card rush delivery for a fee (usually $10 to $25).

You can start writing checks as soon as your account is open, even before the physical checkbook arrives. Ask the bank how to order checks — most let you order them online through a third-party printer like Deluxe or through the bank itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an EIN if I am a sole proprietor?

No. As a sole proprietor, you can use your Social Security number instead of an EIN. Many sole proprietors get an EIN anyway because it keeps their personal and business finances more separate and is required if you hire employees. Getting an EIN is free and takes 15 minutes at irs.gov/ein.

Can I open an account if my business is not registered yet?

Most banks will not let you open an account in your business name until your business is registered with your state and has an EIN. You can open a personal account and use it for business in the meantime, though this does not give you the liability protection a business account provides. Register your business first — it takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state and method.

What if the bank rejects my identity verification?

If one bank cannot verify you, try another — they use different verification services. You can also visit a branch in person with your ID and documents; this bypasses the automated checks. If multiple banks reject you, contact the bank's customer service and ask what documents they need to move forward.

Can I open a business account online if I live outside the United States?

Most U.S. banks require you to be a U.S. resident or citizen. Some online banks and fintech companies serve non-residents, but they have stricter requirements and higher fees. Check the bank's website for their residency requirements before you explore.

How long does it take to get my first check?

You can order checks online when ready after your account opens. They arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Some banks let you print temporary checks from your account or order rush delivery for a fee. Ask your bank what options are available.