What you need before you start

Chase requires you to have several pieces of information and documentation ready before you walk into a branch or start an online application. You will need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, a government-issued photo ID, your business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, or partnership), and your Employer Identification Number (EIN) if your business has one. If you are a sole proprietor, you can use your personal Social Security number instead of an EIN.

You will also need to bring proof of your business address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you are opening the account online, you can upload these documents. If you are opening in person at a Chase branch, bring the originals or certified copies. Have your initial deposit amount ready; Chase business checking accounts typically require a minimum opening deposit, though the amount varies by account type and your location.

If your business is a corporation or LLC, bring a copy of your Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization. For partnerships, bring a copy of the partnership agreement. Chase may also ask for a business license or certificate of good standing from your state, depending on your business structure.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Chase business checking account online, by phone, or in person at a branch, and the process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have all documents ready.
  • Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, proof of your business address dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or EIN before you can open an account.
  • Minimum opening deposits vary by account type; some Chase business checking accounts require $1,000 or more, while others may have no minimum.
  • You will receive account and routing numbers immediately after approval if you open online, but debit cards and checks arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you open in person, bring originals or certified copies of your business formation documents; if you open online, you can photograph and upload them.

Opening online through Chase.com

Start at Chase.com and navigate to the business banking section. Click the link to open a business checking account and select your business structure from the dropdown menu. Enter your business name, address, and phone number, then provide your personal information including your name, date of birth, and Social Security number or EIN.

Chase will ask you to verify your identity by taking a photo of your government-issued ID using your phone or computer camera. The system reads the ID and cross-checks it against your information. You will then upload a photo of your proof of business address — a recent utility bill or lease works. Once Chase receives and verifies these documents, you will see your account and routing numbers on screen. You can begin setting up online banking and bill pay immediately, though you cannot make deposits or transfers until your account is fully activated, which usually takes one business day.

If you want to fund your account right away, you can transfer money from an existing bank account during the application. Chase will ask for the account and routing number of the bank you want to transfer from. The transfer typically posts within one to two business days.

Opening in person at a Chase branch

Visit any Chase branch during business hours with your documents. Tell the banker you want to open a business checking account. Bring your government-issued photo ID, proof of business address, your Social Security number or EIN, and copies of your business formation documents if you have an LLC or corporation. The banker will fill out the application with you, verify your identity by scanning your ID, and take photos of your supporting documents.

The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive your account and routing numbers before you leave the branch, and you can set up online banking on a branch computer if you want. Your debit card and checks will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you make your opening deposit in cash or check at the branch, it posts immediately to your new account.

Opening by phone with a Chase banker

Call Chase business banking at the number on the back of any Chase card or visit Chase.com to request a callback. A banker will walk you through the application over the phone. You will need to have your documents ready to photograph and email or upload to Chase during the call, or you can arrange to bring them to a branch within a few days of opening the account.

Phone applications take longer than in-person or online applications because the banker must verify each piece of information verbally and wait for you to send documents. Expect the call to last 20 to 30 minutes. Your account will not be fully activated until Chase receives and verifies your documents, which can take one to three business days.

Account types and minimum deposits

Chase offers several business checking accounts with different features and minimum opening deposits. The Chase Business Basic Checking account typically has no minimum opening deposit and no monthly maintenance fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. The Chase Business Checking account requires a higher minimum opening deposit — usually $1,000 or more depending on your location — and includes features like unlimited transactions and higher interest rates on certain balances.

Premium accounts like Chase Business Platinum Checking have higher minimum opening deposits and monthly fees but offer additional services such as dedicated business bankers and discounted rates on loans. Before you apply, visit Chase.com or call a banker to confirm the current minimum deposit for the account type you want, as these amounts change and vary by state.

What happens after your account opens

Once your account is approved, you will receive your account and routing numbers immediately if you opened online or by phone, or before you leave the branch if you opened in person. You can begin using these numbers to set up direct deposit, bill pay, or transfers from other banks right away. Your physical debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and your first box of checks will arrive within the same timeframe.

Chase will send you a welcome packet by mail that includes your account agreement, fee schedule, and information about online banking and mobile app access. You can log into your account online or through the Chase mobile app as soon as your account is activated, which is usually within one business day of approval. If you need to make deposits before your debit card arrives, you can use mobile check deposit through the Chase app or visit a branch to deposit checks or cash.

Common reasons Chase may delay or deny your application

Chase may place a hold on your account if your documents do not match your application information — for example, if the name on your ID does not match the business name you provided. If this happens, Chase will contact you by phone or email to ask for clarification or additional documents. Respond within the timeframe Chase gives you, usually 10 business days, or your application may be closed.

Chase may also deny your application if you have a history of fraud, unpaid debts to Chase, or if you are opening the account for a business in a high-risk industry such as money transmission or certain types of lending. If your application is denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can reapply after addressing the issue, but Chase will likely deny you again if the underlying problem has not changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase business checking account if I do not have an EIN yet?

Yes. If you are a sole proprietor, you can use your personal Social Security number instead of an EIN. If your business is an LLC or corporation, you can apply for an EIN from the IRS before you open the account, or you can use your Social Security number temporarily and add your EIN to the account later once you receive it.

How long does it take to get my debit card and checks after I open the account?

Your debit card and first box of checks arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to make purchases or payments before your card arrives, you can request a temporary card number through the Chase app or call the number on your account statement.

What is the minimum opening deposit for a Chase business checking account?

The minimum opening deposit varies by account type and location. Some accounts have no minimum, while others require $1,000 or more. Contact Chase or visit Chase.com to confirm the current minimum for the specific account you want to open.

Can I open a business checking account if my business is not registered yet?

Chase requires proof that your business exists and operates at a specific address. If your business is not yet registered with your state, you may not be able to open an account. Contact Chase to ask whether you can use a business license, DBA filing, or other proof of business existence.

What if I need to add another person to my account after it opens?

You can add authorized users or signers to your account by visiting a Chase branch, calling business banking, or using the Chase app. Chase will need the additional person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number, and may require them to verify their identity in person or through the app.