Most banks let you start a commercial account online, but you'll hit a wall partway through

You can open a commercial bank account online with many banks, but the process usually splits into two parts: the part you do on your computer, and the part that requires you to show up or mail documents. Some banks complete the whole thing remotely. Most don't. The difference depends on the bank, the type of business structure you have, and whether the bank already knows you.

The online portion typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll enter your business name, tax ID or Social Security number, ownership structure, and basic financial information. The bank runs a background check and verifies your identity. Then it either approves you to fund the account when ready, or it asks you to come in with documents, mail certified copies, or use a video call to confirm who you are.

If you want to avoid the in-person step entirely, your options narrow. Banks that offer fully remote account opening usually require you to already be a customer, or they limit it to sole proprietorships and LLCs with a single owner. Larger banks like Chase and Bank of America can open business accounts online but typically ask for in-person verification or notarized documents. Smaller regional banks and online-only banks like Mercury and Brex are more likely to complete everything remotely, though they may have higher minimum balances or specific industry restrictions.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks let you start the process online but require you to verify your identity in person, by mail, or by video before the account is active.
  • Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs have the easiest time opening accounts fully online; partnerships and multi-member LLCs usually need more documentation.
  • You'll need your business tax ID (EIN) or Social Security number, proof of business registration, and a government-issued ID to begin any process.
  • Online-only banks and fintech platforms are more likely to complete the entire process remotely, but they may not offer the same services as traditional banks.
  • The verification step—whether in-person, by mail, or by video—is where most applications stall, so confirm the bank's requirements before you start.

What documents you need before you start

Have these ready before you open the process. Banks ask for them at different points in the process, and missing one will pause your process until you upload it or mail it in.

You need proof of your business registration. For a sole proprietorship, that's usually a DBA (doing business as) certificate or business license from your city or county. For an LLC or corporation, it's your articles of organization or articles of incorporation filed with your state. For a partnership, it's your partnership agreement plus the same state filing. Banks typically want a copy dated within the last 90 days, though some accept older documents if they're certified.

You also need a tax ID. If your business is a sole proprietorship and you're using your Social Security number, you can use that. Otherwise, you need an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS. You can get one free at irs.gov in about 15 minutes; the IRS issues it when ready online. If you don't have one yet, explore for it before you start the bank process.

Finally, you need a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID. The bank will ask you to upload an image of it or show it during a video call. Some banks also ask for a second form of ID, like a utility bill or lease in your name, to verify your address.

How the online process actually works

The process itself is straightforward. You enter your business name, structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, partnership), ownership percentage if there are multiple owners, and the business address. You'll answer questions about what the business does, how long it's been operating, and expected monthly deposit volume. The bank uses this to assess risk and decide whether to open the account.

Then comes the identity verification step. This is where the process branches. Some banks let you upload a photo of your ID and a selfie, and the system verifies you automatically using facial recognition. Others require you to schedule a video call with a bank representative, who watches you show your ID and answer questions about your business. A few still require you to come into a branch in person or mail in notarized copies of your documents.

After verification, the bank either approves you when ready or tells you it needs more information. If approved, you can usually fund the account the same day by linking a personal bank account or making a wire transfer. Some banks hold the account in a pending state for 24 to 48 hours while they run final checks.

Which banks actually complete it all online

Mercury, Brex, and Stripe are built for remote account opening and complete the entire process online without requiring you to visit a branch. Mercury and Brex both verify identity through video calls and can open accounts for most business structures. Stripe focuses on payment processing but also offers business accounts. All three are designed for startups and small businesses that don't have physical locations.

Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank let you start the process online, but most require in-person verification or notarized documents. Chase has a hybrid option: you can start online and finish at a branch, or you can mail in notarized documents. Bank of America requires a branch visit for most business accounts, though it offers video verification for some account types. Regional banks vary widely—some complete everything online, others require a branch visit.

Credit unions typically require you to visit a branch or mail in documents, even if they have an online process. Community banks are split: some have moved to fully remote processes, others still require in-person verification.

If you're choosing a bank specifically to avoid leaving your house, call or check the bank's website first. The process page usually says whether you can complete it fully online or whether you'll need to come in. If the website doesn't say, email the business banking team and ask directly—it's a common question and they'll give you a straight answer.

What happens if you can't verify in person

If you can't visit a branch, you have two alternatives: video verification and notarized documents by mail.

Video verification is faster. The bank schedules a call with you, usually within 24 to 48 hours of your process. You show your ID to the camera, answer a few questions about your business, and the representative confirms your identity. The call takes 10 to 15 minutes. After it's done, your account is usually approved within a few hours. This is the standard for online-only banks and increasingly common at traditional banks.

Notarized documents by mail is slower but works if you can't do a video call. You print the verification form the bank sends you, have a notary public sign and stamp it, and mail it back. Getting a notary takes a few days—you can find one at a bank branch, UPS store, or online notary service. Mailing takes another few days. Once the bank receives and processes it, approval usually takes 3 to 5 business days. Total time is typically 1 to 2 weeks.

Some banks also accept video notarization, where a notary verifies you over video and stamps the document electronically. This is faster than in-person notarization and mail, usually taking 2 to 3 days total.

Why some applications get stuck

The most common reason an process stalls is a mismatch between the name on your ID and the business name you entered. If your ID says "Sarah Chen" but your business is registered as "Chen Consulting LLC," the bank's system flags it as a potential fraud risk. You'll get an email asking you to clarify the relationship. Send a copy of your business registration showing you're the owner, and it usually clears within a day.

The second reason is a missing or incomplete business registration. If you entered an LLC name but haven't actually filed the articles of organization with your state yet, the bank can't verify the business exists. You have to file with your state first, then upload the filing confirmation. This takes 1 to 2 weeks depending on your state's processing time.

The third reason is a problem with your tax ID. If you entered an EIN that doesn't match your business name, or if the EIN is new and hasn't fully synced with the IRS database yet, the bank's verification system will reject it. The IRS issues EINs when ready online, but it can take 24 hours for the number to appear in the bank's verification system. If you just got your EIN, wait a day before starting the bank process.

If your process gets stuck, the bank will email you explaining what's missing. Don't ignore it—respond within the timeframe they give you (usually 10 days) or the process will be closed and you'll have to start over.

Minimum balances and account types

Most banks don't require a minimum balance to open a commercial account, but many require one to avoid a monthly fee. Traditional banks like Chase and Bank of America typically charge $15 to $25 per month if you don't maintain a balance of $1,000 to $2,500. Online banks like Mercury and Brex have no monthly fees and no minimum balance.

Some banks also offer different account types for different business structures. A sole proprietorship might open a "business checking" account, while an LLC might need a "business operating account." The process usually guides you to the right type, but if you're unsure, ask before you start—switching account types after opening can be a hassle.

A few banks restrict who they'll open accounts for. Some won't open accounts for certain industries (like cannabis, cryptocurrency, or high-risk lending), and some have geographic restrictions. If you're in an industry that's sometimes flagged as high-risk, check the bank's policy before you explore. You can usually find this on their business banking page or by calling their business line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a commercial account if my business isn't registered yet?

No. Banks require proof that your business is registered with your state. If you're a sole proprietor, you need a DBA or business license. If you're an LLC or corporation, you need the filed articles of organization or incorporation. You can register your business online with your state in 1 to 2 days, then start the bank process.

Do I need an EIN if I'm a sole proprietor?

Not required, but recommended. You can use your Social Security number instead. However, using an EIN keeps your personal and business finances more separate and is better for your business credit. Getting an EIN is free and takes 15 minutes at irs.gov.

What if the bank asks for documents I don't have?

Email the bank and ask what you can provide instead. For example, if they ask for a utility bill in your business name but you work from home, they may accept a lease or a recent bank statement. Banks have some flexibility here—they just need to verify your address and identity.

How long does it take to fund the account after approval?

If you link a personal bank account, the transfer usually takes 1 to 3 business days. If you wire money, it can be available the same day or next business day depending on the bank. Some banks hold new accounts for 24 to 48 hours before releasing funds, so check the bank's policy.

Can I open a commercial account for an LLC I haven't formed yet?

No. The bank needs proof the LLC exists. You have to file the articles of organization with your state first. Most states process this in 1 to 10 business days. Once you have the filing confirmation, you can open the bank account.