Yes, you can open a Chase business bank account online, but the process stops short of full completion
Chase lets you start a business bank account application online through their website or mobile app, but you cannot finish it entirely online. You will begin the application, provide basic business and personal information, and get a decision on whether Chase will move forward. If approved, you must then visit a Chase branch in person to verify your identity, sign documents, and fund the account before it becomes active.
The online portion takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The in-person visit typically takes 20 to 30 minutes and must happen within a set timeframe—usually 30 days from when you start the application—or your application expires and you have to begin again.
Key Takeaways
- You can start the application online on Chase.com or the Chase mobile app, but you must complete it in person at a branch.
- Chase will ask for your Social Security number, business tax ID (EIN), business structure type, and ownership details during the online portion.
- You must bring a government-issued ID and your Social Security card or tax documents to the branch to finish opening the account.
- The in-person visit must happen within 30 days of starting your online application, or the application expires.
- Funding requirements and monthly fees vary by account type, so confirm the details before you visit the branch.
What information you need before you start online
Gather these items before you open your browser. Having them ready prevents you from getting stuck mid-application or having to restart.
You will need your Social Security number, your business's Employer Identification Number (EIN) if you have one, and your business structure type (sole proprietorship, LLC, S-corp, C-corp, partnership, or nonprofit). If your business is brand new and you do not yet have an EIN, you can still apply—Chase will let you use your Social Security number temporarily, though you will need to provide the EIN later.
You will also need to know who owns the business and what percentage each owner holds. Chase asks this to verify ownership and comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules. If there are multiple owners, have their names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers ready.
Steps to start your application online
Go to Chase.com and navigate to the business banking section, or open the Chase mobile app and select business banking. Look for the link to open a new business checking account. Chase will ask you to enter your email address and create or sign into your Chase online account.
From there, you will answer questions about your business: its legal name, the type of business structure, the industry, and how long it has been operating. You will provide your personal information—name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number—and the same for any other owners. Chase will also ask about your expected monthly deposit volume and transaction activity, which helps them assign you to the right account tier.
At the end of the online application, Chase will tell you whether they can move forward. This decision is usually instant or within a few minutes. If approved, you will receive a message with next steps and a deadline for visiting a branch. If denied, Chase will explain why and may suggest alternatives.
What happens at the branch visit
You must visit a Chase branch in person to complete the account opening. Bring your government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your Social Security card. If you do not have your Social Security card, bring a tax return, W-2, or 1099 that shows your Social Security number.
The Chase representative will verify your identity against the information you provided online, have you sign the account agreement and any required disclosures, and ask you to make an initial deposit. The minimum deposit varies by account type—some business checking accounts require $500 to $1,000, while others have no minimum. Ask about the specific account you are opening before you go to the branch so you know how much to bring.
Once you complete the in-person visit and fund the account, it becomes active. You can usually start using it the same day or within one business day, depending on how you fund it and the time of day you visit.
Timeline from start to active account
The online application takes 10 to 15 minutes. After you submit it, Chase's decision usually comes within minutes to a few hours. You then have 30 days to visit a branch and complete the in-person portion. If you visit within a week, the entire process from application to active account typically takes one to three business days after your branch visit.
If you wait longer to visit the branch, your application may expire. Chase will tell you the exact deadline when you finish the online portion. If your application expires, you will have to start over from the beginning.
Account types and fees
Chase offers several business checking accounts with different features and fee structures. The most common are Chase Business Basic Checking, Chase Business Checking, and Chase Business Platinum Checking. Each has different monthly maintenance fees (ranging from $0 to $25 per month depending on the account and your activity), minimum balance requirements, and included transaction limits.
Some accounts waive the monthly fee if you maintain a certain average monthly balance or meet a minimum monthly deposit threshold. Review the fee schedule for the specific account you want before you visit the branch, because the representative will confirm which account you are opening and what fees apply. You can also call Chase business banking at the number on their website to ask about current promotions or fee waivers.
What to do if your application is denied
Chase may deny your application if you have a history of fraud, unpaid debts to Chase, or other risk factors that show up in a background check. If denied, Chase will send you a notice explaining the reason in general terms. You can call Chase business banking to ask for more detail, though they may not provide specifics.
If you believe the denial was a mistake—for example, if Chase confused you with someone else or if the issue has been resolved—you can ask to reapply. Wait at least 30 days before reapplying, and address the issue that led to the denial (such as paying off a debt or resolving a fraud claim). Some applicants have better luck calling a Chase business banker directly rather than applying online again, because a banker can review your situation and sometimes override an automated decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EIN to open a Chase business account online?
No. If your business is brand new and you do not yet have an EIN, you can use your Social Security number to start the application. Chase will ask you to provide the EIN later once you obtain it from the IRS. The account can remain open and active while you are waiting for the EIN.
Can someone else complete the in-person visit if I cannot go to the branch?
No. Chase requires the account owner or authorized signer to appear in person with a government-issued ID. A spouse, business partner, or employee cannot complete the visit on your behalf, even with a power of attorney. You must be present to verify your identity and sign the account agreement.
What if there are multiple owners—do they all have to visit the branch?
Chase requires at least one owner to visit in person to verify identity and sign documents. Other owners may not need to appear, depending on their ownership stake and Chase's internal policies. Ask during your online application or call Chase business banking to confirm who needs to visit the branch for your specific situation.
How long does it take to receive checks and a debit card after I open the account?
Debit cards typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days after the account is opened. Checks usually take 10 to 14 business days. You can order additional checks or expedite delivery through your online banking portal, though expedited shipping may carry a fee.
Can I open a business savings account online at Chase the same way?
Chase offers business savings accounts online, and the process is similar: you start online and must visit a branch to complete it. However, some business savings products have different funding requirements and fee structures than checking accounts, so review the specific product details before you apply.