Yes, but only if you have the legal right to act for the LLC
An LLC member can open a bank account in the business name, but the bank will ask for proof that you have authority to do so. Most banks require either a document showing you are authorized to manage the LLC, or written permission from the other members. If you are the sole member, you have this authority automatically — but you still need to prove it to the bank.
The bank is protecting itself. They need to know that the person walking in with the LLC's tax ID number actually has the right to control that account. If you open an account without authority and someone else in the LLC finds out, they can demand the account be closed and the money returned.
The process is straightforward if you have the right paperwork, but it matters which documents you bring and what your LLC's operating agreement says.
Key Takeaways
- A sole member of an LLC can open a bank account in the business name by bringing the LLC's formation documents and a government ID.
- If there are multiple members, you need either a document from the LLC showing you have authority to manage the business, or written consent from all other members.
- Banks will ask for your LLC's EIN (Employer Identification Number), which you get from the IRS before opening the account.
- Your LLC's operating agreement controls who can open accounts and spend money, so check it before you go to the bank.
- Some banks ask for a resolution or certificate of authority — a one-page document stating that you are authorized to open the account on behalf of the LLC.
What documents the bank will ask for
Bring your LLC's Articles of Organization (the document you filed to create the LLC), your personal government ID, and your LLC's EIN. The Articles of Organization prove the LLC exists and show who the members are. Your personal ID proves you are who you say you are.
The bank will also ask for a document showing you have authority to open the account. If you are the sole member, this is often just a statement on the bank's own form saying so. If there are multiple members, you will need either a copy of the operating agreement showing you have management authority, or a written consent signed by the other members.
Some banks ask for a certificate of authority or resolution — a short document stating that you are authorized to open and manage the account. You can write this yourself or ask your accountant to prepare it. It does not need to be notarized, but the bank may ask you to sign it in front of a bank employee.
Sole member versus multiple members
If you are the only member of the LLC, the bank will treat you as the owner and decision-maker. You bring your Articles of Organization and your ID, and that is usually enough. The bank may ask you to sign a statement saying you are the sole member, but this is a straightforward form they provide.
If there are two or more members, the bank needs to know whether you personally have the right to open accounts without asking the others first. This depends on your operating agreement. Some agreements say any member can act alone; others say all members must agree; still others say only certain members (called managers) can make decisions.
If your operating agreement says all members must agree, you will need written consent from every other member before opening the account. If it says you are a manager or have authority to manage the business, bring a copy of that section of the agreement. The bank will keep a copy on file.
Getting an EIN before you go to the bank
You cannot open a business bank account without an EIN — the IRS's nine-digit identification number for your LLC. If you do not have one yet, you need to get it before you visit the bank. The process takes about 15 minutes and costs nothing.
You can get an EIN online through the IRS website (irs.gov) by going to the EIN section and choosing "explore for an EIN online." You will answer questions about your LLC, and the IRS will issue the number when ready. Write it down and keep it safe — you will need it for the bank and for taxes.
If you formed your LLC through a registered agent or formation service, they may have already obtained the EIN for you. Check any documents they sent you, or call them and ask. If you have the EIN, you are ready to go to the bank.
What happens if your operating agreement does not give you authority
If your operating agreement says you do not have the right to open accounts alone, the bank will not let you open one without proof that the other members have agreed. This is a protection for the LLC — it prevents one member from taking control of the money without the others knowing.
In this situation, you have two choices. First, you can get written consent from all other members. This does not have to be formal; an email from each member saying they agree is usually enough. Bring these to the bank along with your operating agreement.
Second, you can ask the other members to amend the operating agreement to give you authority. This is more formal but makes sense if you will be managing the account regularly. An amendment is a short document that all members sign, saying the agreement has changed. Once you have it, bring it to the bank.
Bringing the right documents to the bank
Call the bank before you go and ask what they need for an LLC account. Different banks have different requirements, and some ask for more paperwork than others. A few banks ask for a certificate of authority even from sole members; others do not.
Bring originals or certified copies of your Articles of Organization. Bring your personal ID and your LLC's EIN. If there are multiple members, bring either a copy of the operating agreement or written consent from the other members. If the bank asked for a certificate of authority, bring that too.
Bring more than you think you need. If the bank asks for something you do not have, you will have to go home and come back. Having extra documents on hand — like a copy of the operating agreement even if they did not ask for it — can speed things up.
What to do if the bank says no
Some banks have strict policies about LLC accounts and may ask for documents you do not have or cannot easily get. If this happens, try a different bank. Community banks and credit unions are often more flexible than large national banks, and they may be willing to work with you if you explain your situation.
If every bank in your area turns you down, the problem is usually that you do not have proof of authority. Go back to the other members and get written consent, or amend your operating agreement. Once you have that, banks will open the account.
Do not open a personal account in your own name and use it for LLC money. This blurs the line between your personal finances and the business, and it can cause problems with taxes and with the LLC's legal protection. The bank account should be in the LLC's name, with you authorized to manage it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the other members' permission if I am a manager of the LLC?
It depends on your operating agreement. If the agreement says managers can open accounts without asking members, then no. If it says all members must agree, then yes — being a manager does not override that. Bring a copy of the relevant section of your operating agreement to the bank so they can see what your authority is.
Can I open the account if I do not have the original Articles of Organization?
You can get a certified copy from the state office where you filed the LLC (usually the Secretary of State). Call them or check their website to order one. It costs a few dollars and takes a few days. The bank will accept a certified copy just as they would the original.
What if one member refuses to give written consent?
If your operating agreement requires all members to agree and one refuses, you cannot open the account without their consent. You would need to either change the operating agreement (which usually requires all members to agree anyway) or resolve the disagreement with that member. This is a business decision, not a banking one.
Do I need a separate account if I am a member of multiple LLCs?
Yes. Each LLC needs its own bank account in the LLC's name. You cannot use one account for multiple businesses, even if you own them all. The bank will open a separate account for each EIN you bring them.
What if the bank asks for a resolution and I do not have one?
You can write one yourself. A resolution is just a short statement saying "The undersigned member(s) of [LLC name] authorize [your name] to open and manage a bank account on behalf of the LLC." Sign it and date it. If there are multiple members, they should sign it too. The bank will tell you if they need anything else.