You can start a Chase business account online, but you will need to finish it in person or by phone
Chase allows you to begin the business account application on their website, but the process does not end there. You can fill out your business information, provide your tax ID, and upload documents from your computer, but Chase requires a phone call or in-person visit to complete the account opening. The final step involves identity verification and, depending on your business structure, additional documentation that Chase needs to see directly.
The online portion typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. After you submit, a Chase representative will contact you within one to two business days to schedule the completion step. That conversation or visit is where the account actually gets approved and activated.
Key Takeaways
- You can start your Chase business account application online, but you must complete it by phone or in a branch before the account opens.
- Chase will ask for your business tax ID (EIN), ownership structure, and estimated monthly transaction volume during the online portion.
- A Chase representative will call you within one to two business days to verify your identity and collect any remaining documents.
- The entire process from start to finish usually takes three to five business days once you complete the phone or in-person step.
- You will need a valid government ID and a Social Security number or ITIN for the business owner or authorized representative.
What information Chase asks for online
When you start the application on Chase's website, you will enter basic business details: your legal business name, the structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, S-corp, C-corp, partnership), your business address, and your Employer Identification Number (EIN). If your business is brand new and does not have an EIN yet, you can use your Social Security number temporarily, but Chase will ask you to obtain an EIN before the account fully activates.
Chase also asks about your expected monthly deposit volume and the primary purpose of the account—whether you plan to use it for payroll, vendor payments, or general business operations. This information helps Chase route your application to the right team and determine which account type fits your needs.
You will upload a copy of your business license, articles of incorporation or formation (if applicable), and a government-issued ID. Chase accepts PDFs, JPGs, and PNGs. Make sure the documents are clear and fully legible; blurry or cut-off images will delay the process.
The phone or branch completion step
After you submit your online application, a Chase business banking representative will contact you by phone at the number you provided. This call is mandatory and is where Chase verifies your identity by asking security questions and confirming the information you entered online. The representative may also ask follow-up questions about your business operations or ownership structure.
If you prefer to complete the account opening in person, you can request that during the phone call or note it in the application. You will then visit a Chase branch with your government ID and any additional documents the representative asks for. In-person completion typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
During this step, Chase may also ask for a voided check or deposit slip if you plan to set up automatic transfers, though this is not always required immediately. Some business owners complete this part within a few days; others wait weeks if they miss the initial call or need to gather additional paperwork.
Documents you will need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online application to avoid delays:
- Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security number if you do not have an EIN yet
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Your business license or certificate of formation
- Articles of incorporation or LLC operating agreement (if your business is incorporated or formed as an LLC)
- A recent business tax return or profit-and-loss statement (Chase may ask for this during the phone call, not necessarily online)
If you are opening the account as an authorized representative rather than the business owner, Chase will need the owner's information and may require a power of attorney document or corporate resolution authorizing you to open the account.
How long the entire process takes
The online portion takes 10 to 15 minutes. After you submit, expect Chase to call within one to two business days. The phone call itself lasts 10 to 20 minutes. Once you complete that call and Chase has all required documents, the account typically opens within one to three business days.
In total, from the moment you start the online application to the moment you can make your first deposit, the process usually takes three to five business days. This assumes you answer Chase's call promptly and have all documents ready. If you miss the call or need to gather additional paperwork, it can stretch to two weeks or longer.
Chase does not charge a monthly fee for most business checking accounts, but some account types require a minimum daily balance or monthly transaction volume to waive fees. Confirm the fee structure for the specific account type you are opening before you complete the application.
What happens if you cannot complete the account online
Chase's online process works for most sole proprietorships, LLCs, and small corporations. If your business structure is unusual—such as a nonprofit, partnership with multiple owners, or a business operating under a fictitious name—Chase may require you to complete the entire application in a branch rather than online.
Some business owners also find that Chase requests additional documentation that is not available digitally, such as a certified copy of your articles of incorporation or a recent business license renewal. In these cases, you will need to visit a branch or mail documents to Chase. The branch staff can tell you which documents they need and whether you can mail them or must bring them in person.
If you have a complex ownership structure or operate in multiple states, calling Chase's business banking line at 1-800-935-9935 before you start the online application can save time. A representative can tell you upfront whether the online process will work for your situation or whether you should go directly to a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Social Security number instead of an EIN?
Yes, you can start the application with your Social Security number if your business does not have an EIN yet. However, Chase will require you to obtain an EIN before the account fully activates. You can apply for an EIN for free through the IRS website (irs.gov) or by calling 1-800-829-4933. The process takes a few minutes online or a few days by phone.
What if I do not have a business license yet?
Chase may still open your account if you have articles of incorporation or an LLC formation document. Some business structures do not require a separate license to operate. Call Chase's business banking line to confirm what documents your specific business type needs before you start the application.
Can someone else open the account on behalf of my business?
Yes, but Chase will need written authorization from the business owner. This typically takes the form of a corporate resolution, power of attorney, or a letter signed by the owner authorizing the representative to open the account. Have this document ready before the phone call with Chase.
What if Chase denies my application?
Chase will tell you the reason during or after the phone call. Common reasons include an incomplete EIN, a mismatch between the information you provided and public records, or a business address that does not match your registration. You can ask Chase what specific issue caused the denial and whether you can reapply after fixing it.
Do I need to deposit money immediately after the account opens?
No. Your account will be active and ready to receive deposits, but you are not required to make a deposit on day one. However, some Chase business accounts require a minimum daily balance to waive monthly fees, so check your account terms to understand any balance requirements.