Yes, but the bank will ask for more than just the EIN
You can open a business bank account using an Employer Identification Number (EIN) as your tax identifier, but no bank will open an account with only that number. Banks need to know who owns the business and verify their identity. The EIN tells the bank what the business is; it does not tell the bank who you are.
The actual requirement depends on your business structure. If you are a sole proprietor, the bank will ask for your Social Security Number (SSN) in addition to the EIN — many banks treat these as equally important for account opening. If you operate as an LLC, corporation, or partnership, the bank will need the EIN plus the personal identification of at least one owner or authorized representative, usually an SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Some banks will let you open an account with just an EIN if you are a non-resident alien or a foreign entity without a U.S. tax number, but this is uncommon and usually requires additional documentation like a passport, visa, or articles of incorporation filed with your state.
Key Takeaways
- Banks require both an EIN and at least one owner's personal identification number (SSN or ITIN) to open a business account.
- Sole proprietors often need their SSN even though they have an EIN, because the IRS treats the two as linked for that business structure.
- LLCs, corporations, and partnerships need the EIN plus identification for the person signing the account agreement, usually the owner or authorized officer.
- If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, some banks accept a passport or visa, but availability varies by institution and state.
What banks actually ask for when you have an EIN
Walk into a bank with an EIN and the first thing they will do is verify it is real. They will ask you to bring the IRS letter that assigned the EIN to your business — this is the document you received when you applied for the number, usually titled "Notice of Assignment of Employer Identification Number" or similar. If you cannot find it, the IRS can send you a copy, but this takes time.
Next, the bank will ask for proof of business ownership or authorization. This means a government-issued ID for the person opening the account. For a sole proprietor, this is your driver's license or passport. For an LLC, it is the ID of the member or manager signing the account agreement. For a corporation, it is the ID of an officer — usually the president or treasurer. For a partnership, it is the ID of a partner authorized to open accounts.
The bank will also ask for documentation that proves the business exists and is registered. This is usually your Articles of Organization (for an LLC), Articles of Incorporation (for a corporation), or a partnership agreement. If you are a sole proprietor, some banks will accept a business license from your city or county, or a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate if you registered one. Other banks skip this step if you can show a business tax return or a lease in the business name.
The difference between sole proprietors and other business structures
A sole proprietor is a person running a business without forming a separate legal entity. The IRS still assigns you an EIN if you have employees or run certain types of businesses, but the EIN is tied to you personally. Banks treat this as a personal account with a business purpose, not a true business account. You will need your SSN, your EIN, and a government ID. Some banks will ask for both numbers on the same form; others treat them as separate identifiers.
An LLC, corporation, or partnership is a separate legal entity. The bank sees the business as distinct from the owner. You will need the EIN, the Articles of Organization or Incorporation, and the personal ID of the person authorized to sign. If multiple people are authorized, the bank may ask for all of their IDs, or it may require only the primary account holder's ID and a board resolution or operating agreement naming the others.
The practical difference: a sole proprietor's account is often easier to open because the bank already knows how to verify a person. An LLC or corporation takes longer because the bank has to verify both the business registration and the person's authority to act on behalf of that business.
What to bring to the bank
| Business Structure | Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| Sole Proprietor | EIN letter from IRS, SSN, government ID (driver's license or passport), business license or DBA certificate if you have one |
| LLC | EIN letter, Articles of Organization, government ID of the member or manager opening the account, business license if required by your state |
| Corporation | EIN letter, Articles of Incorporation, government ID of the officer opening the account, corporate resolution authorizing the account (some banks require this) |
| Partnership | EIN letter, partnership agreement, government ID of the partner opening the account, business license if required by your state |
Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. Banks will not accept a photo of your EIN letter or a screenshot of your Articles of Organization. If you do not have the original EIN letter, call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 and request a copy — they can mail it or, in some cases, provide it when ready over the phone if you can verify your identity.
When you do not have an SSN or ITIN
If you are a non-resident alien or a foreign national without a U.S. tax identification number, you cannot get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN. However, some banks will open a business account for a foreign entity using the EIN assigned to a U.S. agent or representative, or using a passport and visa as proof of identity instead of a U.S. tax number.
This is not standard, and availability depends on the bank and your state. Large national banks like Chase and Bank of America have formal programs for this; smaller regional banks may not. Call ahead and ask whether the bank opens accounts for non-resident business owners. If they do, expect the process to take longer and require additional documentation like a certificate of good standing from your home country or proof of the business's registration abroad.
How long it takes and what happens next
Opening a business account with an EIN usually takes one to three business days if you have all the documents and the bank can verify everything when ready. If the bank needs to contact the IRS to confirm your EIN, or if your state registration is not yet visible in their system, it can take up to a week.
Once the account is open, the bank will issue you a debit card, checks, and online access. You will be able to deposit checks and transfer money the same day. If you need to deposit cash, some banks require you to do this in person at a branch for the first deposit, especially if the account is new. After that, you can usually use ATMs or mobile deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a business account if my EIN is still pending?
No. Banks will not open an account without proof that the EIN has been assigned. You can check the status of your EIN process on the IRS website or by calling 1-800-829-4933. Once assigned, you should receive the notice letter within two weeks.
Do I need a business license to open a bank account with an EIN?
Not always. A business license helps, but it is not required by most banks if you have the EIN letter and Articles of Organization or Incorporation. Some states and cities require a license before you can legally operate, so check your local rules. If you have one, bring it — it speeds up verification.
What if the person opening the account is not the owner?
The bank will need a document showing that person is authorized to act on behalf of the business. For an LLC or corporation, this is usually the operating agreement or bylaws. For a partnership, it is the partnership agreement. Some banks also accept a power of attorney signed by an owner. Call the bank before you go in to ask what they accept.
Can I open an account online with just an EIN?
Most online banks require the same documents as in-person banks: EIN letter, personal ID, and business registration documents. Some online banks have streamlined the process and may not require the Articles of Organization if you can verify the business through other means, but you will still need personal identification for the account holder.
What if my EIN letter is lost or damaged?
Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 and request a duplicate. You can also create an account on IRS.gov and view your EIN in the online system, which some banks will accept as proof. The fastest option is usually the phone call — the IRS can sometimes provide the information when ready and mail the letter the same day.