What you need before you walk in

A business checking account requires proof that your business exists and proof of your identity. The exact documents depend on your business structure — sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation — and which bank you choose. Most banks want to see the same things: a government ID, a document showing your business name and structure, and a way to verify your address.

If you are a sole proprietor operating under your own name, you may only need a personal ID and proof of address. If you operate under a business name (like "Sarah's Consulting" when your name is Sarah Martinez), you will need a Doing Business As certificate, also called a DBA or fictitious name certificate. You get this from your county clerk's office, usually for a small fee, and it takes a few days to a few weeks depending on where you live.

If your business is an LLC or corporation, you need your Articles of Organization (for an LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (for a corporation). These are the documents you filed with your state when you formed the business. You should have a copy; if not, your state's Secretary of State office can provide one for a fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Sole proprietors need a government ID, proof of address, and a DBA certificate if they use a business name other than their own.
  • LLCs and corporations need their Articles of Organization or Incorporation, plus the owner's ID and proof of address.
  • You will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if your business has employees or is structured as an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp; sole proprietors can use their Social Security number instead.
  • Different banks have different minimum balance requirements and fee structures, so comparing a few options before opening saves money over time.
  • The account typically opens the same day or within a few business days once the bank verifies your documents.

Getting an EIN if you need one

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to your business. You need one if you have employees, operate as an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp, or plan to hire contractors. Sole proprietors without employees can use their Social Security number instead, though some banks prefer an EIN even when it is not required.

You can get an EIN free from the IRS. The fastest way is online at irs.gov/ein — you answer questions about your business and receive your number when ready. You can also explore by phone at 1-800-829-4933 (have your business documents ready) or by mail using Form SS-4, though mail takes several weeks. If you explore online or by phone, print or write down your EIN right away; the IRS does not mail it to you automatically.

Have your EIN before you go to the bank. Some banks will open an account while you are explore for an EIN, but most want to see the number first. If you are in a hurry, the online process takes about 15 minutes.

Choosing a bank and what to compare

Not all banks offer business checking accounts, and the ones that do charge different fees and require different minimum balances. Call or visit the websites of banks in your area — both large national banks and smaller local banks — and ask about their business checking options.

Compare these things: the monthly maintenance fee (some banks charge nothing, others charge $10 to $25 per month), the minimum balance requirement (the amount you must keep in the account to avoid fees, which ranges from $0 to $2,500 or more), the number of free deposits and withdrawals per month, whether they charge per check, and whether they offer online banking and mobile deposits. Ask about fees for wire transfers, ACH transfers, and overdrafts — these add up if you use them often.

A bank with no monthly fee but a high minimum balance requirement may cost you more than one with a small monthly fee and no minimum, depending on how much cash you typically keep in the account. Do the math for your situation before deciding.

Documents to bring to the bank

Bring originals or certified copies of everything — banks will not accept photos or scans for account opening. Here is what to have ready:

  • Your government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • Proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days)
  • Your EIN letter from the IRS, or your Social Security number if you are using that instead
  • Your DBA certificate (if you operate under a business name)
  • Your Articles of Organization or Incorporation (if you are an LLC or corporation)
  • A document showing who owns the business and who has signing authority — this might be your operating agreement, bylaws, or a straightforward letter you write yourself

If someone other than the owner will be signing checks or accessing the account, bring their government ID as well. The bank will ask for their information and may require them to be present or to sign a separate authorization form.

What happens at the bank

When you arrive, tell the banker you want to open a business checking account. They will ask you questions about your business: what you do, how long you have been operating, how many employees you have, and roughly how much money moves through the account each month. These questions help the bank assess risk; answer honestly.

The banker will verify your documents, check your ID, and run a background check. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. They will then show you the account options available and help you choose one. You will sign paperwork — typically a signature card (showing who can sign checks) and the account agreement (the bank's rules for the account).

Most banks open the account the same day. You will receive a temporary debit card when ready or within a few days, and checks arrive by mail in one to two weeks. Some banks let you order checks online right away; others require you to order through them. Ask before you leave.

After the account opens

Set up online banking as soon as possible. This lets you check your balance, transfer money, and deposit checks by phone or computer without visiting the bank. Most banks offer this free, and many let you set up bill pay so you can pay vendors and contractors electronically.

If you have employees, ask the bank about ACH payroll — a way to deposit paychecks directly into employee bank accounts. This is safer and faster than writing checks, and most banks offer it free or for a small monthly fee.

Keep your account agreement and the bank's fee schedule in a safe place. Review them once a year to make sure the fees have not changed and that you are still getting a good deal. Banks sometimes raise fees or change terms, and switching accounts is easier than you might think.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a business checking account online without visiting the bank?

Some banks allow online opening for sole proprietors, but most require at least one visit to verify your ID in person. Even banks that offer online opening usually ask you to come in later to sign additional paperwork or to set up a debit card. Call your bank first to ask what their process is.

What if I do not have a DBA certificate yet?

You can open the account while you are waiting for the certificate to arrive, but you will need to show the bank a receipt or confirmation from your county clerk proving you have applied. Some banks will hold the account open temporarily; others will ask you to come back once the certificate arrives. Call ahead to ask.

Do I need a separate business account if I am a sole proprietor?

You are not legally required to have one, but it is strongly recommended. A separate account makes taxes much easier because all your business income and expenses are in one place, and it protects you if the IRS ever audits you — mixing personal and business money can raise red flags.

What if the bank denies my process?

Banks sometimes deny business accounts if you have a history of unpaid debts, fraud, or other financial problems. Ask the bank why they denied you. If it is a mistake, you can dispute it. If it is accurate, try a smaller local bank or a credit union, which sometimes have less strict requirements.

How long does it take to get checks?

Checks ordered through the bank usually arrive in one to two weeks. You can order checks from a third-party printer (search "business checks") and often receive them faster and cheaper, but make sure you have your account number and routing number first — the bank will give you these on your first day.