The documents you'll need before you walk in
Banks need to verify who owns the business, confirm the business exists as a legal entity, and check that you are who you say you are. This means bringing government-issued ID, proof that your business is registered, and documentation of your ownership stake. The exact list varies by bank and by what type of business structure you have — a sole proprietorship needs different paperwork than an LLC or corporation.
Most banks will ask for these items in person or online before they open your account. Some will let you upload documents through their website; others require originals or certified copies. A few banks will mail you forms to sign and return. Call the bank's business banking line before you go in, because requirements shift between branches and between banks, and you do not want to make the trip twice.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number or EIN, and proof your business is registered with your state or county.
- The bank will ask for the business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, S-corp, C-corp) and will need documentation that matches — articles of incorporation for a corporation, an operating agreement for an LLC.
- If someone other than you will sign checks or move money, the bank will need their name, ID, and Social Security number before they can be added as a signer.
- Some banks require a minimum deposit to open the account, and the amount varies widely — anywhere from zero to several thousand dollars depending on the bank and account type.
- The whole process usually takes one to three business days once the bank has all documents, though some banks can open accounts same-day in branch.
Personal identification and tax information
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will copy it and use it to verify your identity. You will also need your Social Security number. If your business is registered as a separate tax entity (an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp), you will need an Employer Identification Number, or EIN, which the IRS issues. If you are a sole proprietor, you can use your Social Security number instead, though some banks prefer an EIN.
If you do not yet have an EIN and your business structure requires one, you can get one from the IRS for free on their website (irs.gov) or by phone. It takes a few minutes. If you are still deciding whether to form an LLC or stay a sole proprietor, check with your bank first — some have a preference, and it may affect which documents you need.
Proof that your business is registered
The bank needs to confirm your business actually exists as a legal entity. For a sole proprietorship, this might be a business license from your city or county, or a DBA (doing business as) certificate if you are operating under a name other than your own. For an LLC, corporation, or partnership, bring a copy of your articles of incorporation or articles of organization — the document you filed with your state to create the business. These are public records, and you can read them from your state's Secretary of State website if you have lost your copy.
Some banks will accept a screenshot or PDF from the state website. Others want an official certified copy, which you can order from the Secretary of State's office for a small fee (usually five to fifteen dollars). Call the bank before you order to ask which they prefer. If your business is very new and the state has not yet processed your filing, ask the bank whether they will accept a copy of your filing receipt or confirmation email while you wait for the official document.
Documentation of ownership and business structure
The bank needs to know what type of business you have and who owns it. If you are a sole proprietor, this is straightforward — you own it, and you bring your ID. If you have an LLC, bring a copy of your operating agreement (the document that outlines how the LLC is run and who the members are). If you have a corporation, bring a copy of your bylaws or a corporate resolution authorizing the account. If you have a partnership, bring a copy of the partnership agreement.
If your business has multiple owners, the bank will need the name, address, and Social Security number or EIN for each owner who owns more than a certain percentage — usually 20 percent, though this varies by bank. Some banks require all owners to be present in person; others will accept notarized documents from owners who cannot attend. Ask the bank what their policy is before you schedule your appointment.
Information about authorized signers and users
If you want someone other than yourself to be able to sign checks, move money, or access the account online, the bank will need their information before they can be added. This includes their full name, date of birth, address, phone number, Social Security number, and a copy of their government-issued ID. The bank may also run a background check on anyone with signing authority.
You do not have to add signers when you open the account — you can do it later. But if you know you will need them, it is faster to add them at the same time. Some banks allow you to set limits on what signers can do (for example, a signer might be able to move money but not close the account), so ask what options are available.
Minimum deposit and account funding
Many banks require a minimum deposit to open a business checking account. The amount varies widely — some banks have no minimum, while others require anywhere from five hundred to five thousand dollars or more. A few banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit or maintain a certain monthly balance. Ask about the minimum when you call to confirm what documents to bring, because it affects whether you can open the account that day.
You can usually fund the account by transferring money from another bank account, bringing a check to deposit, or wiring money in. Some banks let you fund it online before you come in; others require you to bring the money with you or arrange the transfer in person. If you do not have the minimum on hand, ask whether the bank will let you deposit it after opening the account, or whether you can open with a lower amount and bring the rest within a certain timeframe.
What happens after you submit everything
Once the bank has all your documents and the minimum deposit, they will verify the information — checking that your business registration is real, that your ID is valid, and that your Social Security number or EIN matches your name. This verification usually takes one to three business days. Some banks do it same-day if you open in person and all documents are complete.
During this time, the bank may contact you if they need clarification on anything or if a document is missing. Once verification is complete, your account is active and you can start using it. The bank will provide you with a routing number and account number, either in person or by email, and will send you checks and a debit card by mail within one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have my business registered before I open a checking account?
Yes. Banks need proof that your business exists as a legal entity. If you are a sole proprietor, a business license or DBA certificate counts. If you are an LLC or corporation, you need your articles of organization or incorporation. If your filing is still processing, ask the bank whether they will accept your filing receipt while you wait for the official document.
Can I open a business checking account if I do not have an EIN yet?
If you are a sole proprietor, you can use your Social Security number instead. If your business structure requires an EIN (LLC, S-corp, C-corp, partnership), you will need one. You can get an EIN from the IRS for free in a few minutes on their website or by phone before you go to the bank.
What if I do not have the minimum deposit amount right now?
Ask the bank whether they will let you open the account with a lower amount and deposit the rest within a set timeframe, or whether they will waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit. Some banks have no minimum at all. Call ahead to ask, because policies vary by bank and by account type.
Do all owners have to be present when I open the account?
Not always. Some banks require all owners to come in person; others will accept notarized documents from owners who cannot attend. Call the bank and ask their policy before you schedule. If multiple owners are involved, confirm whether the bank needs all of them present or just the person opening the account.
How long does it take to open a business checking account?
If you open in person with all documents complete, some banks can set up the account same-day. Most take one to three business days for verification. You will receive your routing number and account number once the account is active, and checks and a debit card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.