What you need before you walk in
An LLC bank account requires the bank to verify that your business exists and that you have the authority to open an account on its behalf. This means you cannot walk in with just your social security number. You need documents that prove the LLC is real and that you are authorized to act for it.
The core documents are your Articles of Organization (the filing you submitted to your state to create the LLC) and an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Some banks also ask for a Certificate of Good Standing from your state, which costs $10 to $30 and proves the LLC is still active. A few banks want a resolution or authorization letter signed by all members stating that you are authorized to open the account.
You will also need a government-issued photo ID in your personal name, your social security number, and the LLC's address. If the LLC has multiple members, the bank may require all of them to be present or to sign authorization documents.
Key Takeaways
- You must have an EIN from the IRS before opening the account; you can obtain one online for free in minutes or by phone.
- Bring your Articles of Organization, your personal photo ID, and your social security number to the bank.
- Some banks require a Certificate of Good Standing from your state; call ahead to ask what your bank requires.
- If your LLC has multiple members, the bank may require all members to sign or may allow one member to sign with written authorization from the others.
- The account opens on the same day in most cases, though some banks take one to three business days to set up it for transfers.
Getting an EIN if you do not have one yet
An Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit identifier the IRS uses to track your business. You need one even if you have no employees. The fastest way to get one is online through the IRS website at irs.gov. Go to the EIN page, select "explore for an EIN Online", and answer questions about your LLC's name, address, and ownership. The process takes about 10 minutes and you receive your EIN when ready on screen.
If you prefer not to explore online, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 and request an EIN by phone. A representative will ask the same questions and give you the number over the phone; you can then write it down. There is no cost either way.
Write down your EIN and keep it in a safe place. You will need it not only for the bank account but also for taxes, hiring, and business licenses. The IRS will mail you a formal letter confirming the EIN within two weeks, but you can use the number when ready.
Documents to bring to the bank
Call your bank before you go in and ask what documents they require for an LLC account. Most banks ask for the same core set, but some have additional requirements. Here is what to expect:
| Document | What it is | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | The state filing that created your LLC. You received a copy when the state approved it. | Your records, or request a certified copy from your state's Secretary of State office for $5–$25. |
| Employer Identification Number (EIN) | Your nine-digit IRS business number. | explore online at irs.gov or call 1-800-829-4933. |
| Certificate of Good Standing | Proof from your state that the LLC is active and in good standing. | Request from your state's Secretary of State office; costs $10–$30 and arrives in 1–5 business days. |
| Personal photo ID | Your driver's license, passport, or state ID. | You already have this. |
| Social security number | Your personal SSN (the bank will verify it). | You already have this. |
If your LLC has multiple members, ask the bank whether all members must be present or whether one member can open the account with a signed authorization from the others. Some banks require all members to sign in person; others accept a letter from the other members authorizing one person to open and manage the account.
What happens at the bank
When you arrive, tell the bank representative you want to open a business checking account for an LLC. They will ask to see your documents and will verify your identity using your photo ID and social security number. They will also verify the EIN with the IRS (this is when ready) and may verify the Certificate of Good Standing with your state.
The representative will ask you questions about how you plan to use the account: how many transactions per month, whether you expect large deposits, whether you need a debit card or checks, and so on. These answers help the bank assign you to the right account tier and set your initial limits.
You will sign signature cards or digital authorization forms. If the LLC has multiple members and only one is present, the bank will ask for written authorization from the others before opening the account. Once everything is signed, the account opens when ready in most cases. Some banks set up the account for transfers and online access within one to three business days.
Fees and account types
LLC business checking accounts cost more than personal accounts. Most banks charge a monthly maintenance fee ranging from $10 to $30, though some waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance (often $1,000 to $5,000) or set up direct deposit. Some banks offer introductory periods with no fee for the first three to six months.
Ask about per-transaction fees as well. Some accounts include a set number of free transactions per month (for example, 50 checks and 100 deposits) and charge for anything above that. Others charge per check or per deposit. If you plan to write many checks or make many deposits, a higher-tier account may cost less in the long run.
Debit cards, checks, and online banking are usually included, but some banks charge extra for rush checks or overnight card delivery. Ask what is included in the account you are opening before you sign.
If you have trouble opening the account
The most common reason a bank declines to open an LLC account is that the Articles of Organization are missing or unclear. If the bank says your Articles do not match their records, ask them what is wrong. Usually it is a spelling mismatch between what you told the IRS (for your EIN) and what you filed with your state. Call the IRS and your state's Secretary of State to confirm the exact legal name of your LLC, then bring corrected documents back to the bank.
If the bank says your EIN is not in their system, it may be because you just received it and the IRS has not yet uploaded it to the verification database. This usually clears within 24 hours. Ask the bank if you can come back the next day, or ask whether they will open the account conditionally and verify the EIN later.
If a bank refuses to open the account and you cannot resolve the issue, try a different bank. Some banks are stricter about LLC documentation than others, and a credit union or online bank may have simpler requirements. You are not locked into the first bank you approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an LLC bank account online without going to the bank in person?
Some online banks and fintech platforms allow you to open an LLC account entirely online by uploading photos of your documents. However, most traditional banks require at least one in-person visit to verify your identity and signature. Check with your bank about their specific process before you gather documents.
Do I need a Certificate of Good Standing to open the account?
Not always. Many banks accept just the Articles of Organization and your EIN. Call your bank ahead of time and ask what they require. If they do ask for a Certificate of Good Standing, you can request one from your state's Secretary of State office while you are gathering other documents.
What if my LLC has multiple members and they cannot all come to the bank?
Most banks allow one member to open the account if the other members sign a written authorization letter. The letter should state that the signatory member is authorized to open and manage the account on behalf of the LLC. Ask the bank for their specific authorization form or template before the meeting.
How long does it take to open the account?
The account usually opens the same day you visit the bank. However, some banks take one to three business days to set up online access and the ability to transfer money. Ask the bank when you will be able to use the account for transfers and payments.
Can I use my personal social security number instead of an EIN?
Some banks allow single-member LLCs to use the owner's social security number instead of an EIN, but most require an EIN. Getting an EIN is free and takes 10 minutes online, so it is simpler to obtain one before you go to the bank rather than risk being turned away.