What you need before you start
Chase requires you to bring or provide several documents before you can open a business checking account. The exact list depends on your business structure — sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation, or nonprofit — but all accounts need proof of identity and proof that your business exists.
For any business type, bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport). You will also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, or your Social Security number if you are a sole proprietor with no employees. Chase will ask for this during the application, and they verify it before the account opens.
Beyond that, what you bring depends on your structure. If you are a sole proprietor, you may need a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate if you operate under a name different from your own. If you are an LLC, corporation, or partnership, bring your Articles of Organization, Articles of Incorporation, or partnership agreement — whichever your state issued when you formed the business. Nonprofits need their IRS information letter showing 501(c)(3) status.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a government photo ID and either an EIN or Social Security number; sole proprietors can use their SSN if they have no employees.
- LLCs, corporations, and partnerships need their formation documents (Articles of Organization or Incorporation); sole proprietors need a DBA certificate only if they operate under a business name.
- You can open an account in person at a Chase branch, by phone, or online, though in-person is fastest if you have all documents ready.
- The account typically opens within one to three business days, and Chase will mail you debit cards and checks within five to seven business days after that.
- Chase business checking accounts have monthly fees ranging from $10 to $25 depending on the account type, though some waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
Opening the account in person at a branch
Walking into a Chase branch with your documents is the fastest route if you have everything ready. Bring your photo ID, your EIN or SSN, and your formation documents or DBA certificate. A business banker will review what you have, ask questions about your business (what you do, how many owners, expected monthly deposits), and start the application on the spot.
The banker will also ask you to choose which business checking product you want. Chase offers several: Chase Business Basic Checking (lowest monthly fee), Chase Business Checking (includes checks and online bill pay), and Chase Business Complete Banking (bundles checking with other services). The banker can explain the differences and help you pick based on your needs.
Once the application is complete, Chase usually approves it the same day if your documents are in order. The account opens within one to three business days. You will receive a temporary debit card at the branch or by mail, and permanent cards and checks arrive within five to seven business days.
Opening the account online or by phone
If you cannot visit a branch, you can start the application online at chase.com or by calling Chase Business Banking at 1-800-955-9060. The online process walks you through questions about your business structure, ownership, and expected transaction volume. You will upload images of your ID and formation documents directly into the application.
Chase may ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or confirming recent transactions on a personal account you hold with them. If you do not have an existing Chase account, they may require a phone call or video verification before approval.
Online and phone applications typically take longer than in-person — usually three to five business days for approval — because Chase cannot verify your documents in real time. Once approved, they mail your debit card and checks to your business address.
What happens after approval
Once your account is open, you can log in to Chase Business Online or the Chase mobile app to transfer money, pay bills, and monitor your balance. You can also set up ACH transfers to move money to and from other bank accounts, though the first transfer may take an extra day for verification.
Your first set of checks usually arrives within five to seven business days. If you need checks sooner, you can order them through Chase's online portal, though third-party check printers are often cheaper for large orders. You can also use your debit card for immediate purchases while you wait for checks.
Chase will send you a monthly statement showing all deposits, withdrawals, and fees. If your account has a monthly maintenance fee, it appears on this statement. Some accounts waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance (typically $1,500 to $2,500) or set up direct deposit of payroll.
Monthly fees and how to avoid them
Chase Business Basic Checking has a $10 monthly fee. Chase Business Checking costs $15 per month. Chase Business Complete Banking runs $25 per month. These fees are charged on the last day of each statement cycle unless you meet a waiver condition.
The most common way to avoid fees is to maintain a minimum daily balance. For Chase Business Basic, this is usually $1,500. For Chase Business Checking, it is $2,500. For Chase Business Complete, it is $5,000. If your balance never drops below that threshold, the monthly fee is waived.
Some accounts also waive fees if you set up direct deposit of payroll or if you maintain a linked Chase business savings account with a certain balance. Ask the banker or check your account terms online to see which waivers apply to your specific account type.
What to do if your application is denied
Chase may deny your application if your EIN or business formation documents do not match their records, if you have a history of overdrafts or fraud at another bank, or if your business is in a high-risk industry (such as money transmission or adult entertainment). If this happens, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason.
If the denial is due to a documentation mismatch, contact the IRS or your state's business registration office to confirm your EIN or formation documents are correct, then reapply with the corrected information. If the denial is based on your banking history, you may have better luck with a community bank or credit union, which sometimes have more flexible underwriting.
You can also call Chase Business Banking to ask whether you can appeal the decision or provide additional information. Some denials can be overturned if you explain the circumstances or provide proof that a past issue has been resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a business license to open a Chase business checking account?
No, but Chase needs proof that your business exists. For an LLC or corporation, that is your formation documents from your state. For a sole proprietor, an EIN or SSN is enough; a business license or DBA certificate helps but is not required in every state.
Can I open a business account if I do not have an EIN yet?
Yes. Sole proprietors can use their Social Security number instead. If you are an LLC or corporation and do not have an EIN, you can apply for one from the IRS online (takes about 15 minutes) or by phone, and it is issued immediately. Then use that EIN when you open your Chase account.
How long does it take to receive checks after my account opens?
Chase mails checks within five to seven business days of account opening. If you need them faster, you can order expedited checks through Chase's online portal for an extra fee, or use a third-party printer like Deluxe or Costco, which are often cheaper for large quantities.
What if I have a personal Chase account — does that speed up the business account process?
Yes, slightly. Chase can verify your identity faster if you already bank with them, which may shorten approval from three to five days down to one to three days. But you still need to provide all business documents; having a personal account does not waive that requirement.
Can I change my account type after opening?
Yes. You can call Chase Business Banking or log into your online account to switch between Chase Business Basic, Chase Business Checking, and Chase Business Complete Banking. The change usually takes effect on your next statement cycle, and your monthly fee adjusts accordingly.