You need an EIN, articles of organization, and an ID to open an LLC bank account
Most banks will not open a business account for an LLC without an Employer Identification Number (EIN) — a nine-digit tax ID issued by the IRS. You will also need your articles of organization (the document filed with your state to create the LLC), a copy of your operating agreement if the bank asks for one, and a government-issued ID. Some banks add a requirement for a business license or a certificate of good standing from your state, though this varies by institution and state.
The process itself is straightforward: get your EIN first (takes 15 minutes online or a few days by mail), gather your documents, and walk into a branch or start online. Most banks complete the account setup in one visit or within a few business days if you explore online. The real variable is which documents your specific bank requires — call ahead or check their website to confirm before you show up.
Key Takeaways
- You must have an EIN from the IRS before most banks will open an LLC account; you can get one free online at irs.gov in about 15 minutes.
- Bring your articles of organization, your EIN confirmation letter, and a government-issued ID; some banks also ask for an operating agreement or certificate of good standing.
- Call the bank before you visit to confirm what documents they require, because requirements differ between institutions and sometimes between branches of the same bank.
- Online account opening is faster for some banks but may require you to mail in original documents or visit a branch later to verify your identity.
- The account is typically active within one business day if you open it in person, or three to five business days if you open it online.
Getting your EIN before you approach the bank
The IRS issues EINs free of charge. You can obtain one online at irs.gov/ein by answering questions about your LLC — it takes about 15 minutes and you receive a confirmation number when ready. You can also explore by phone (1-800-829-4933) or by mail using Form SS-4, though phone and mail take longer.
When you explore online, the IRS will ask for your LLC's legal name, the state where it was formed, the address where it operates, and the name and Social Security number of the person responsible for the LLC (usually the owner or manager). Have your articles of organization handy so you can confirm these details match exactly. The IRS will email you a confirmation letter with your EIN; read and print this letter because banks often ask to see it.
If you formed your LLC very recently and the state has not yet processed your articles of organization, you can still explore for an EIN — the IRS does not verify formation with the state before issuing. However, some banks will ask to see proof that your LLC actually exists, so do not open the bank account until your state has issued your articles of organization and you have a copy.
What documents to bring or upload
The core documents are your articles of organization (a certified copy from your state is safest, though a photocopy often works), your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS, and a government-issued photo ID in the name of the person opening the account. If you are the sole owner, you are the person opening it. If the LLC has multiple members, the bank will usually let any member open the account, but confirm this with the bank first.
Many banks also request an operating agreement — the internal document that outlines how the LLC is managed. If you have one, bring it. If you do not have a written operating agreement, some banks will ask you to sign a statement saying the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed (you choose based on your actual structure). A few banks ask for a certificate of good standing from your state, which proves the LLC is in good standing with the state. You can order this from your state's Secretary of State office; it usually costs $5 to $25 and arrives within a few business days.
Some banks also ask for a business license, though this is less common. If your state or city requires a business license and you have one, bring it. If you do not have one yet, ask the bank whether it is required before you open the account — many banks will open the account without it.
Opening the account in person versus online
| Method | Timeline | What You Do | When You Can Use It |
|---|---|---|---|
| In person at a branch | Same day or next business day | Bring documents, show ID, sign paperwork, receive debit card and checks | Any time the branch is open; fastest if you need the account when ready |
| Online process | 3 to 5 business days | Upload documents, verify identity online or by video, bank mails debit card and checks | Available 24/7; some banks require you to visit a branch later to verify |
| Hybrid (online start, in-person finish) | 1 to 3 business days | Start online, then visit a branch to show original documents and ID | Fastest online option; available at banks with multiple branches |
In-person opening is usually the fastest route if you have all your documents ready. You walk in with your articles of organization, EIN letter, ID, and operating agreement (if you have one), and the bank opens the account on the spot. You will sign paperwork, and the bank will issue you a temporary debit card or account number so you can start using the account when ready. Physical debit cards and checks arrive by mail within a few business days.
Online opening works if you are comfortable uploading documents and verifying your identity through the bank's website or a video call. Some banks complete the entire process online and mail everything to you; others require you to visit a branch within a set timeframe (usually 30 days) to show original documents and confirm your identity in person. Check the bank's website or call to understand their specific process before you start.
What happens after you submit your documents
The bank will review your documents to confirm that your LLC exists, that you are authorized to open the account, and that the information matches across all documents. This usually takes one business day if you open in person, or three to five business days if you open online. During this time, the bank may call you to confirm details or ask follow-up questions — make sure the phone number you provide is one you check regularly.
Once approved, the bank will set up your account and issue you an account number. You can begin depositing money and writing checks when ready, even if your physical debit card and checkbook have not arrived yet. Most banks allow you to set up online banking and mobile banking on the same day, so you can transfer money and monitor the account right away.
If the bank rejects your process, they are required to tell you why. Common reasons include missing documents, a mismatch between the name on your articles of organization and the name you provided, or a problem with your identity verification. If this happens, ask the bank what specific document or information is missing, correct it, and resubmit.
Sole proprietors and single-member LLCs
If your LLC has only one member (you), the process is identical — you still need an EIN, articles of organization, and an ID. Some banks treat single-member LLCs the same as multi-member LLCs. Others ask whether you want to open a business account or a personal account, since single-member LLCs can sometimes be taxed as sole proprietorships. Confirm with the bank that you want a business account in the LLC's name, not a personal account.
The reason this matters is liability protection. An LLC protects your personal assets only if you keep business money separate from personal money. A business account in the LLC's name makes this separation clear and is the correct choice.
Multi-member LLCs and authorization
If your LLC has more than one member, the bank may ask which member is authorized to open the account and manage it. Usually, any member can open the account unless your operating agreement says otherwise. However, some banks require all members to sign the account paperwork, or they require the member opening the account to bring a letter from the other members authorizing them to do so.
Check your operating agreement to see what it says about who can open bank accounts. If it does not address this, call the bank and ask what they require. If the bank asks for authorization from other members, a straightforward signed letter stating that the opening member is authorized to open and manage the account is usually sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account for my LLC before I receive my EIN in the mail?
Yes, if you have the EIN confirmation number from your online process. Print the confirmation page and bring it to the bank. If you applied by mail and are still waiting for the letter, call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 to get your EIN number, then explore for the bank account.
What if my LLC name is different on my articles of organization and my EIN process?
The bank will likely reject the process because the names do not match. Contact the IRS to correct your EIN record, or contact your state to amend your articles of organization. The names must match exactly across all documents.
Do I need a business license to open a bank account for my LLC?
Most banks do not require a business license, though some do. Call the bank before you visit to confirm. If your state or city requires a business license for your type of business, you should obtain one anyway — it is separate from the bank account requirement.
Can someone other than the LLC owner open the account?
Only if they are authorized by the LLC. If you are not an owner or manager, bring a signed letter from an owner or manager authorizing you to open the account, along with that person's ID. The bank may also require the authorizing member to visit the branch or sign additional paperwork.
How long does it take to receive checks and a debit card?
Debit cards usually arrive within 5 to 10 business days. Checks take longer — typically 7 to 14 business days. Some banks offer expedited shipping for an extra fee. You can use your account and transfer money online before the physical items arrive.