You can open a Chase business checking account entirely online, but you'll need to finish the process in a branch

Chase lets you start a business checking account application on their website or mobile app, but the account won't be fully active until you visit a Chase branch in person. The online part takes about 15 minutes and asks for your business information, tax ID, and personal details. A Chase banker then completes the account setup during a branch visit, which usually happens within a few days of your application.

This hybrid approach means you can't complete everything from your desk, but you also don't have to schedule an appointment or call ahead—you can walk into any Chase branch during business hours with your application started and finish it there. Some branches are busier than others, so going early in the day or midweek typically means shorter waits.

Key Takeaways

  • Start your application online at chase.com or in the Chase Mobile app, but plan to visit a branch to complete it.
  • You'll need your business tax ID (EIN), Social Security number, and basic business information before you begin.
  • The branch visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes and is when the banker verifies your identity and funds the account.
  • Chase business checking accounts have monthly maintenance fees that vary by account type, though some are waived if you meet deposit or transaction minimums.
  • You can use the account for transfers and bill pay as soon as the banker activates it, though debit cards and checks arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What information you need before starting the online application

Gather these documents and details before you log into Chase's website or app. You'll need your Employer Identification Number (EIN), which the IRS issued to your business. If you're a sole proprietor without an EIN, you can use your Social Security number instead. Have your business address, phone number, and the date you started the business ready.

You'll also need a personal ID—a driver's license or passport—because Chase verifies the owner's identity as part of opening any business account. If your business is a partnership, LLC, or corporation, have the ownership structure and the names of all owners on hand. Chase asks for this information during the online application, so you won't be caught off guard at the branch.

Steps to start your application online

Go to chase.com and navigate to the business checking section, or open the Chase Mobile app and select "Open an Account." Choose the business checking product that fits your needs—Chase offers several versions with different fee structures and minimum balance requirements. Read the account details carefully, because the monthly fee and what waives it differ by product.

Fill in your business information: legal business name, business type (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, etc.), EIN or Social Security number, and business address. Then enter your personal information as the account owner or authorized signer. Chase will ask for your phone number and email address, which they use to contact you and send your temporary account number before you visit the branch.

Review the account terms and disclosures, then submit. Chase usually confirms receipt within minutes and sends you an email with your application reference number. Save this number—you'll give it to the banker when you visit the branch.

What happens when you go to the branch to finish

Bring your government-issued ID and your application reference number to any Chase branch. The banker will pull up your online application, verify your identity in person, and answer any questions about the account features or fees. This is also when they'll ask about your expected monthly deposits and transaction volume, which helps them recommend the right account type if you haven't chosen one yet.

The banker then funds the account—you can deposit a check, transfer money from another account, or make a cash deposit to meet any minimum opening deposit the account requires. Once that's done, your account is active. You can use it for transfers and bill pay immediately through Chase's website or app, though your debit card and checks will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Monthly fees and what waives them

Chase business checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee that ranges depending on the account type. Some accounts waive the fee if you maintain a minimum daily balance (often $2,500 to $10,000), receive a certain amount in monthly deposits, or complete a minimum number of transactions. Other accounts have no monthly fee but charge per transaction or offer fewer features.

Ask the banker which account type makes sense for your business based on how much you'll deposit and how many checks or transfers you'll process each month. The fee difference between account types can add up, so it's worth understanding what you're paying for before you leave the branch.

How to use your account before your debit card arrives

Your account is ready to use for online transfers and bill pay the same day the banker activates it. You can log into Chase.com or the mobile app, add payees, and send money to other accounts or pay bills directly. This means you don't have to wait for your debit card to start moving money or paying vendors.

If you need to deposit checks before your card arrives, use mobile check deposit through the Chase app—photograph the front and back of the check, and Chase deposits it into your account within one business day. You can also visit a Chase branch to deposit checks or cash at the teller window.

What to do if you can't visit a branch

If you're unable to go to a branch in person, call Chase business banking at the number on their website and ask whether they offer remote account opening for your state. Some states allow Chase to complete the account setup over video call with a banker, which takes about 30 minutes. This option is not available everywhere, so confirm before you start the online application.

If remote opening isn't available in your state, you'll need to visit a branch. Chase has thousands of branches nationwide, so there's usually one near you. If travel is genuinely impossible, consider whether another bank's fully online business checking account might work better for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase business checking account if I don't have an EIN yet?

Yes. If you're a sole proprietor or haven't yet obtained an EIN from the IRS, you can use your Social Security number instead. You can apply for an EIN after you open the account—it takes a few minutes on the IRS website and doesn't affect your account.

How long does it take from starting the online application to having a usable account?

The online part takes 15 minutes. The branch visit usually happens within a few days and takes 20 to 30 minutes. Your account is active immediately after the banker completes the setup, though your debit card and checks arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need to bring anything besides my ID to the branch?

Bring your government-issued ID and your application reference number from the email Chase sent you. If you want to deposit a check or cash to meet the opening deposit requirement, bring that too. You don't need to bring any business documents—the banker has everything from your online application.

What if I start the application but don't finish it at a branch for several weeks?

Your application stays in the system, so you can complete it whenever you visit a branch. There's no deadline, though Chase may ask you to update your information if a long time has passed. Bring your application reference number when you go.

Can I add other signers to the account at the branch?

Yes. Tell the banker you want to add authorized signers, and they can set that up during your visit. You'll need the signer's name, address, and ID information. Additional signers can be added later as well through Chase's website or by visiting a branch.