You can start a Chase business checking account online, but you will need to finish it in person or by phone
Chase allows you to begin the application for a business checking account on their website, but the account cannot be fully opened online. You will fill out your business information, tax ID, and ownership details on chase.com, but Chase requires a phone call or in-person visit to verify your identity and complete the account setup. This is a compliance requirement — Chase must confirm you are who you say you are before they hand you access to a business account.
The online portion takes about 10 to 15 minutes. After you submit it, a Chase representative will contact you within one business day to schedule a verification call or arrange an in-person appointment at a branch. The full process, from starting online to having a usable account, typically takes three to five business days.
Key Takeaways
- You can fill out the business checking application on chase.com, but Chase will call you to verify your identity before the account opens.
- You will need your business tax ID (EIN), Social Security number, and proof of business ownership or registration documents.
- The verification step can happen by phone or in person at a Chase branch — you choose which works for you.
- Once verified, your account is usually active within one business day, and you can order a debit card and set up online banking immediately.
What information and documents you need before you start
Gather these items before you go to chase.com to begin the application. Chase will ask for them during the online portion, and the representative who calls you will need to confirm them:
- Your business tax ID (Employer Identification Number or EIN) — if you do not have one, you can obtain it from the IRS website before applying.
- Your Social Security number and date of birth.
- Proof of business ownership or registration: articles of incorporation, a partnership agreement, a sole proprietorship registration, or an LLC formation document.
- Your business address and phone number.
- The names and ownership percentages of all owners or partners who own 20% or more of the business.
If your business is brand new and you do not yet have an EIN, you can apply for one on irs.gov — it takes about 15 minutes and you receive a number immediately. Chase will accept an application number in place of an EIN if you have applied but not yet received the official number.
How the online application works and what happens next
Go to chase.com/business and select "Open a Business Checking Account." You will enter your business type (sole proprietor, LLC, S-corp, C-corp, partnership, or nonprofit), your business name, and your EIN. Chase will then ask for your personal information, the names of all owners with 20% or more stake, and your business address.
At the end of the online form, you will see a message saying your application is under review. Within one business day, a Chase business banker will call the phone number you provided. They will verify your identity by asking security questions, confirm the information you entered, and ask you to read and agree to the account terms. If you prefer to complete this step in person, you can request that during the call or note it in the application.
Once verification is complete, your account opens immediately. You will receive an email confirmation with your account number, and you can log into Chase's online banking portal right away. A debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Why Chase requires a phone call or in-person visit
Federal banking regulations require Chase to verify the identity of anyone opening a business account. This is part of the Bank Secrecy Act and Know Your Customer (KYC) rules. Chase cannot complete this verification through the website alone — they must hear your voice or see you in person to confirm you are authorized to open the account on behalf of the business.
This is not unique to Chase. Every major bank has the same requirement. The verification call is brief — usually five to ten minutes — and the representative will ask you to confirm your name, address, and the business details you entered online.
What to expect if you choose an in-person appointment
If you prefer to complete the verification in person, tell the Chase representative who calls you, or request it in writing through your online application. You will schedule an appointment at a Chase branch near you. Bring a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport) and one of your business registration documents (articles of incorporation, LLC formation certificate, or partnership agreement).
The appointment takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The banker will review your documents, verify your identity, and have you sign the account agreement. Your account will be active by the end of the business day, and you can order checks and a debit card before you leave the branch.
In-person appointments can be faster if you need the account open urgently, because you avoid the wait for a callback and can complete everything in one visit. However, you also have to travel to a branch. If you have a Chase branch nearby and can go during business hours, this route often saves a day or two.
Monthly fees and account requirements
Chase offers several business checking accounts with different fee structures. The most common is the Chase Business Basic Checking, which has a monthly maintenance fee (the amount varies by region and changes periodically — contact Chase for current pricing). Some accounts waive the fee if you maintain a minimum daily balance or set up direct deposit.
There is no minimum opening deposit required. You can open the account with zero dollars and fund it later. However, if you do not maintain the minimum balance or meet other fee-waiver requirements, you will be charged the monthly maintenance fee.
Ask the Chase representative about fee waivers when they call you for verification. They can tell you which account option has the lowest fees for your business size and transaction volume.
What to do if Chase denies your application
Chase may deny your application if the business information does not match public records, if there are fraud concerns, or if you have a history of banking problems. If this happens, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason. The letter will also tell you how to dispute the decision if you believe it was made in error.
If your application is denied, you can contact Chase's business customer service line to ask for clarification. You can also try applying again after addressing the issue — for example, if your business registration was incomplete, update it and reapply. Some applicants have better luck applying in person at a branch rather than online, because a banker can see your documents and advocate for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase business checking account without an EIN?
No, Chase requires an EIN for all business accounts except sole proprietorships, which can use your Social Security number. If you are a sole proprietor and do not have an EIN, you can still open the account using your SSN. For all other business structures, you must have an EIN before you apply.
How long does the verification call take?
The verification call usually takes five to ten minutes. The representative will confirm your identity, review the information you entered online, and have you agree to the account terms. You can request to do this in person at a branch instead if you prefer not to do it by phone.
Can I use my personal Social Security number instead of an EIN?
Only if you are a sole proprietor with no employees. All other business structures (LLC, partnership, S-corp, C-corp) must have an EIN. Sole proprietors can choose to use either an EIN or their SSN, but Chase may ask for an EIN if you plan to hire employees later.
What if I miss the verification call from Chase?
Chase will try to reach you again within the next business day. If you miss the second call, you can call Chase's business banking line directly and ask them to complete the verification over the phone. Your application will not be cancelled if you miss one call — you just need to connect with them to finish the process.
Can I order checks before my account is fully open?
No, you cannot order checks until your account is active and verified. However, once verification is complete, you can order checks immediately through your online banking portal or ask the banker to order them for you during the verification call.