What you need before you walk in
A business checking account requires you to prove two things: that your business exists and that you are authorized to open accounts on its behalf. The documents you bring depend on what kind of business you have, but every bank will ask for your Employer Identification Number (EIN) — a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to businesses. If you do not have one yet, you can get it free from the IRS website in about 15 minutes, and the number is issued when ready.
You will also need a government-issued photo ID showing your name and address. A driver's license works. Beyond that, the documents split based on your business structure.
If you are a sole proprietor — you own the business by yourself and have not filed any paperwork with your state — you typically need only your ID and EIN. Some banks ask for a Social Security number as well. If you operate under a name different from your legal name, bring a copy of your Doing Business As (DBA) certificate, which you file with your county or state.
If you have formed an LLC, corporation, or partnership, bring your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation — the document you filed with your state when you created the business. You will also need a Certificate of Good Standing, which proves the business is currently active. You can order this from your state's Secretary of State office, usually online, for a small fee. The bank may also ask for a Resolution or Board Consent — a document stating that you are authorized to open the account. Some banks provide a template you can use.
Key Takeaways
- You need an EIN (which takes 15 minutes to get free from the IRS), a government photo ID, and documents proving your business structure — the exact papers depend on whether you are a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation.
- Sole proprietors usually need only an ID and EIN; LLCs and corporations need Articles of Organization or Incorporation plus a Certificate of Good Standing from the state.
- Banks vary in what they require, so calling ahead to ask what documents to bring saves a trip back home.
- You can open an account in person at a branch, by mail with some banks, or online with banks that serve businesses remotely.
- Bring originals or certified copies of state documents; photocopies are usually not accepted.
Where to open the account
You have three main routes: a bank with physical branches near you, an online bank, or a credit union. Each has a different process and timeline.
Traditional banks with branches let you walk in with your documents and often open an account the same day. You will meet with a business banker who will verify your documents, ask about your expected monthly deposits and withdrawals, and set up the account. Bring originals or certified copies of your state documents — photocopies are usually rejected. The banker will also explain the account's monthly fee (which varies widely), minimum balance requirements, and what checks or debit cards cost extra.
Online banks have lower monthly fees and no minimum balance, but the process is slower. You upload photos of your documents through their website, and approval typically takes three to five business days. You cannot walk in and ask questions in person, so read the account details carefully before you start. Some online banks mail you checks and a debit card; others require you to order them separately. A few online banks do not offer business accounts at all, so confirm before you begin.
Credit unions work similarly to traditional banks but may have lower fees and more flexibility if your business is small or new. You must be a member of the credit union to open a business account, which usually means opening a personal savings account first — a process that takes 10 to 15 minutes. Ask whether the credit union serves businesses in your industry; some specialize in certain fields.
The documents you will actually hand over
When you open the account, the bank keeps copies of your documents. Bring originals or certified copies — the bank will photocopy them for their file. Here is what each business structure typically needs:
| Business Structure | Documents to Bring | Where to Get Them |
|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietor | Government photo ID, EIN letter, DBA certificate (if you use a business name) | IRS website for EIN; county clerk or state for DBA |
| LLC | Government photo ID, EIN letter, Articles of Organization, Certificate of Good Standing | IRS website for EIN; state Secretary of State for Articles and Certificate |
| Corporation | Government photo ID, EIN letter, Articles of Incorporation, Certificate of Good Standing, Board Resolution or Consent | IRS website for EIN; state Secretary of State for Articles and Certificate; bank may provide Resolution template |
| Partnership | Government photo ID, EIN letter, Partnership Agreement, Certificate of Good Standing | IRS website for EIN; state Secretary of State for Certificate; you create the Partnership Agreement |
The Certificate of Good Standing is the document most people forget. It is a one-page letter from your state confirming your business is registered and in good standing. You order it online from your state's Secretary of State office — search "[your state] Secretary of State Certificate of Good Standing" — and it arrives by mail or email within a few days. The fee is usually between $5 and $25.
What happens during the account opening
Whether you go in person or online, the bank will ask you several questions about your business and how you plan to use the account. They want to know your expected monthly deposit volume, whether you will be receiving checks or wire transfers, and whether you plan to deposit cash. They will also ask about the nature of your business — not to judge you, but to flag any high-risk industries that require extra monitoring under federal law.
The bank will run a background check on you personally and may check your business's history with other banks through a system called ChexSystems. This is not a credit check and does not affect your credit score. If you have had accounts closed for fraud or unpaid overdrafts in the past, the bank may decline to open an account or require a higher minimum balance.
You will also sign documents authorizing the bank to hold your money and explaining the account's terms — monthly fees, overdraft policies, how disputes are handled. Read these carefully. Some banks charge a monthly fee only if your balance drops below a certain amount; others charge it regardless. Some offer the first year free.
Getting your checks and debit card
Once the account is open, you can start depositing money when ready, but you will not have checks or a debit card yet. Most banks mail these to you within five to ten business days. If you need checks sooner, ask whether the bank can issue temporary checks or provide a debit card at the branch that day.
Some banks charge for checks; others include a certain number free. A box of 200 checks typically costs $20 to $50 if you buy them from the bank, or $10 to $20 if you order them from a third-party printer. Ask the bank for the routing number and account number before you leave — you may need these to set up direct deposit or automatic payments while you wait for checks to arrive.
If you opened the account online, the bank will mail checks and a debit card to your business address. Confirm the address is correct before you finish the process, because changing it later can delay delivery.
After the account opens: what to do next
Once your account is active, set up your payroll and tax payments. If you have employees, you will need to enroll in your state's unemployment insurance program and set up federal payroll tax withholding. The bank can provide the routing and account numbers you need for these, but the actual enrollment happens through your state's labor department and the IRS — not through the bank.
If you are a sole proprietor or LLC taxed as a sole proprietor, you will owe quarterly estimated taxes to the IRS. Set up a separate savings account or reserve within your business checking account to hold this money, so you do not accidentally spend it. Many small business owners transfer 25 to 30 percent of their profit to savings each month to cover taxes.
Keep your business and personal finances separate from day one. Deposit all business income into the business account and pay all business expenses from it. This separation protects you legally and makes tax time much simpler. If you mix personal and business money, the IRS may disallow business deductions, and if your business is sued, a court may hold you personally liable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a business checking account if my business is not registered with the state yet?
Yes, if you are a sole proprietor. You need only an EIN and a government photo ID. If you operate under a business name, you should file a DBA with your county or state first — it takes a few days and costs $10 to $50. For an LLC or corporation, you must file your Articles of Organization or Incorporation before the bank will open an account.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
If you explore online through the IRS website, you receive your EIN when ready and can use it the same day. If you explore by mail or phone, it takes two to four weeks. Online is free and when ready, so use that method.
Do I need a business license to open a business checking account?
No. A business license is separate from a checking account and is required by your city or county, not by the bank. Some banks do not ask whether you have one. If your business requires a license (restaurants, contractors, and certain service businesses usually do), get the license before you open the account, but the bank will not verify it.
What if I do not have a physical business address yet?
You can use your home address or a mail forwarding service address. The bank needs a mailing address for statements and correspondence. If you use a mail service, confirm it accepts business mail and can receive checks and wire transfers.
Can someone else open the account on behalf of my business?
Only if you give them written authorization and they have a government photo ID. The bank will ask for a power of attorney document or a board resolution naming them as authorized. It is simpler to open the account yourself.