Yes, you can open a business checking account online, but you will need to verify your identity and business information in real time

Most banks now let you start a business checking account entirely online. You fill out forms on their website, upload documents, and complete a video call with a bank representative who confirms who you are and what business you are opening. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and your account opens the same day or within one business day.

The catch is that banks cannot complete the identity verification step without talking to you directly — either by video call or, at some banks, by phone. You cannot straightforward upload documents and walk away. The bank needs to see you, ask questions about your business, and confirm the documents match the person in front of them.

Some banks still require you to visit a branch in person to sign final paperwork or deposit an initial check, but this is becoming less common. Before you start, check whether the bank you are considering offers fully online opening or whether it has an in-person step at the end.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major banks and many smaller banks let you open a business checking account online, but you will need to complete a video or phone verification call with a bank representative.
  • You will need your Social Security number or Employer Identification Number (EIN), a government-issued ID, and proof of your business address — usually a utility bill or lease.
  • The bank will ask you questions about your business during the verification call, so have basic information ready: what you sell or do, how long you have been operating, and how much money you expect to move through the account each month.
  • Some banks require an initial deposit to open the account, while others do not — this varies by bank and by the type of business checking account you choose.
  • Your account typically opens within one business day, though some banks open it the same day you complete the video call.

What documents you need to have ready

Before you start the online process, gather these items. Having them ready means you will not have to stop halfway through and search for something.

You will need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will compare this to your face during the video call, so make sure it is current and the photo is clear enough to recognize.

You will also need proof that your business exists. If you have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) — a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to businesses — bring that. If you do not have an EIN yet, you can still open the account using your Social Security number, but some banks prefer the EIN. If you are a sole proprietor (you own the business by yourself and have not formed an LLC or corporation), you may be able to use just your Social Security number.

Finally, bring proof of your business address. This is usually a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement showing your business location. If you work from home, a utility bill with your home address works. If you rent a mailbox or use a coworking space, bring the agreement showing that address.

How the online verification process works

After you fill out the process form on the bank's website, the bank will contact you to schedule a video call. This call is where the identity verification happens. A bank representative will ask you to show your ID to the camera, confirm your name and address, and answer basic questions about your business.

The representative will ask what your business does, how long you have been operating, and roughly how much money you expect to deposit or spend each month. These are not trick questions — the bank is checking that you are a real person starting a real business, not someone using a fake identity or opening an account for illegal purposes. Answer honestly and directly.

Some banks also ask you to take a selfie during the call or upload a photo of yourself. This is part of their identity verification system. The whole call usually lasts 10 to 20 minutes.

After the call ends, the bank reviews your information. Most banks approve you within a few hours or by the next business day. You will receive an email confirming that your account is open, along with instructions for setting up online banking and ordering checks.

Banks that offer fully online business account opening

Most large national banks now offer online business checking account opening, including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank. Many regional banks and online-only banks do as well. The process is similar across banks, though the specific documents they ask for and the initial deposit requirements vary.

Online-only banks like Brex, Mercury, and Wise often have faster opening times and lower minimum balances than traditional banks, but they may have fewer physical locations if you ever need to deposit cash or speak to someone in person. Traditional banks have branches where you can deposit checks and cash, but their online opening process may be slower.

Before you choose a bank, compare three things: whether they require an initial deposit, what their monthly fees are, and whether they offer the features you need — such as the ability to send invoices, set spending limits for employees, or integrate with accounting software.

What happens if you cannot complete the video call

If you cannot do a video call — because you do not have a camera, reliable internet, or you straightforward prefer not to — some banks offer phone verification instead. Call the bank's business banking phone line and ask whether you can complete the identity verification by phone. This takes longer than a video call because the representative cannot see your ID, so they may ask more questions or require you to mail in copies of your documents.

A few banks still require you to visit a branch in person to open a business account. If the bank you want does not offer online or phone opening, you will need to go to a branch with your documents and speak to a banker face-to-face. This usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Initial deposits and minimum balances

Some banks require you to deposit money when you open the account. This might be $100, $500, or $1,000 — it depends on the bank and the type of account. Other banks do not require an initial deposit at all.

Separate from the initial deposit is the minimum balance requirement. Some accounts require you to keep a certain amount of money in the account at all times, or you will be charged a monthly fee. Others have no minimum balance. Read the account terms carefully before you open, because a $25 monthly fee adds up quickly if you are just starting out.

After your account opens: next steps

Once your account is open, the bank will send you online banking login information by email. You can log in when ready and start using the account — you can set up direct deposit, transfer money from another account, or receive payments from customers.

Checks usually arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days. If you need checks sooner, some banks let you order expedited checks for an extra fee, or you can use digital payment methods like bank transfers or payment apps while you wait.

Set up online banking security right away. Create a strong password, enable two-factor authentication if the bank offers it, and consider setting up alerts so you are notified of large transactions or low balances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an EIN to open a business checking account online?

No. If you are a sole proprietor, you can use your Social Security number instead. However, some banks prefer an EIN because it separates your personal and business finances more clearly. You can obtain an EIN from the IRS website for free — the process takes about 15 minutes.

Can I open an account if my business is brand new and I have no revenue yet?

Yes. Banks open accounts for new businesses all the time. During the verification call, straightforward tell the bank that you are just starting and have not yet made sales. The bank is checking that you are a real person with a real business plan, not that you are already profitable.

What if the bank rejects my process?

Banks sometimes reject applications if they cannot verify your identity, if there are errors in your documents, or if there are red flags in their fraud-detection system. If this happens, ask the bank why. You may be able to reapply with corrected information, or you may need to try a different bank.

How long does it take to receive my debit card and checks?

Debit cards usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Checks take 5 to 10 business days for standard orders. Some banks offer expedited shipping for an extra fee. You can use your account for transfers and digital payments while you wait for physical items to arrive.

Can I open a business account online if I do not have a business address yet?

Most banks require a business address — either a physical location, a home address if you work from home, or a registered agent address if you use a coworking space or mailbox service. You cannot use a PO box as your business address. If you do not have an address yet, wait until you do before opening the account.