What you need before you start

Chase requires specific documents and information before you can open a business checking account. You'll need your business Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, or your Social Security Number if you're a sole proprietor. You'll also need a government-issued ID, your business address, and initial deposit funds—the amount varies by account type but typically starts at $100 to $500.

If your business is a corporation, LLC, or partnership, bring your Articles of Incorporation, Certificate of Formation, or partnership agreement. Sole proprietors can open an account with just an EIN and ID. Chase will also ask for your business's legal name, the type of business structure, and your ownership percentage if there are multiple owners.

Have your personal information ready: full legal name, date of birth, phone number, and email address. If you're opening the account in person at a branch, bring originals of all documents. If you're opening online, you'll upload images or PDFs of these documents during the process.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an EIN (or SSN for sole proprietors), government ID, business address, and formation documents like Articles of Incorporation or an LLC Certificate before you begin.
  • Chase offers multiple business checking accounts with different fee structures and minimum balances, so compare the Chase Business Basic, Chase Business Checking, and Chase Business Complete before deciding.
  • You can open an account online in about 10 to 15 minutes, or in person at a Chase branch with an appointment or walk-in visit.
  • After approval, your account typically becomes active within one to three business days, and you can order checks and set up online banking immediately.
  • Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $25 depending on the account type and whether you meet balance or deposit requirements.

Choosing the right Chase business account for your needs

Chase offers three main business checking options, each with different costs and features. Chase Business Basic has no monthly fee, no minimum balance requirement, and includes online and mobile banking, but limits you to a lower number of transactions per month. Chase Business Checking charges $12 per month (waived if you maintain a $2,500 minimum balance or deposit $10,000 or more monthly) and includes unlimited transactions and a debit card. Chase Business Complete costs $25 per month (waived with a $20,000 minimum balance) and adds merchant services, payroll processing, and investment advisory services.

If you're just starting out and expect low transaction volume, Business Basic keeps costs down. If you need unlimited transactions and plan to use the account actively, Business Checking is the middle ground. If you're running a larger operation and want integrated payroll or merchant processing, Business Complete bundles those services, though you can also add them separately to other accounts.

Review the fee schedule for each account type on Chase's website before opening. Fees apply for things like wire transfers, overdrafts, and stop payments, and these are the same across all three account types. The main difference is the monthly maintenance fee and what it takes to waive it.

Opening your account online

Go to Chase.com and select "Open an Account" under the business banking section. You'll be asked to choose your account type, then enter your business information: legal name, business structure (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, etc.), EIN or SSN, and business address. Chase will ask whether you're the sole owner or have other owners, and if there are others, their names and ownership percentages.

Next, you'll provide personal information: your full legal name, date of birth, phone number, and email. Chase will ask you to upload or photograph your government ID and any formation documents (Articles of Incorporation, LLC Certificate, etc.). The upload process accepts JPG, PNG, or PDF files. Make sure the images are clear and all four corners of the document are visible.

You'll then choose your initial deposit method—either a transfer from an existing bank account or a wire transfer. Chase will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your credit history. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You'll receive a confirmation email with your new account number and temporary online banking credentials within a few minutes.

Opening your account in person at a Chase branch

Visit your nearest Chase branch with all required documents: government ID, EIN letter (or SSN for sole proprietors), business formation documents, and proof of business address (a utility bill or lease in the business name works). A Chase business banker will review your documents, answer questions about your business, and help you choose the right account type.

Bring your initial deposit in the form of a check, cash, or be prepared to transfer funds from another account. The banker will complete the application on their computer while you're there, and you'll sign the signature card. The process typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. You'll leave with temporary online banking access and a confirmation of your new account number.

Opening in person is useful if you have questions about which account fits your business or if you want to discuss additional services like merchant processing or business credit cards. You can schedule an appointment online or walk in during branch hours, though appointments are faster during busy times.

What happens after your account is approved

Your account becomes active within one to three business days. You'll receive a welcome email with your online banking username and a temporary password. Log in to Chase.com or the Chase mobile app to set a permanent password and enable additional security features like two-factor authentication.

Order checks through your online banking dashboard—Chase charges for checks, typically $10 to $15 per box of 25, though prices vary. Checks usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can also order a debit card through online banking; it arrives within 7 to 10 business days as well. Until your checks and card arrive, you can make transfers and payments through online banking or mobile app.

Set up online bill pay, which is free and lets you schedule payments to vendors and suppliers. You can also add authorized users (other owners or employees) to the account through online banking. Each authorized user can have their own debit card and login credentials. Review the account terms and fee schedule in your welcome materials so you understand what triggers charges.

Fees and what to watch for

Monthly maintenance fees are $0 to $25 depending on your account type. Beyond that, Chase charges for specific transactions: wire transfers ($15 domestic, $20 international), stop payments ($30), overdraft fees ($35 per occurrence), and returned deposit items ($10). These fees apply to all three business checking account types.

If you fall below the minimum balance requirement on Business Checking ($2,500) or Business Complete ($20,000), the monthly maintenance fee applies unless you meet the alternative requirement—depositing $10,000 or more monthly for Business Checking, or $25,000 or more for Business Complete. Track your balance and deposits to avoid unexpected fees.

Overdraft protection is optional. If you enable it, Chase will transfer funds from a linked savings account to cover overdrafts, usually charging $10 per transfer. If you don't enable it, overdraft transactions may be declined or charged the $35 overdraft fee. Review your overdraft settings in online banking and decide what works for your business.

Adding services and managing your account

Once your account is open, you can add services through online banking or by calling the business banking phone line. Chase QuickAccept lets you accept credit card payments from customers; fees vary based on your industry and transaction volume. Chase Payroll handles employee payroll processing and tax filing. Chase Business Credit Cards can be linked to your checking account for expense tracking and rewards.

You can also add authorized users, set up recurring payments, and create sub-accounts if you want to separate funds for different purposes. All of these changes can be made online or by calling Chase business banking at the number on your debit card or account statement.

Review your account statements monthly through online banking. Chase provides statements in PDF format and allows you to download transaction history for accounting or tax purposes. Keep records of all business expenses and deposits for tax filing and business record-keeping.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can apply for an EIN from the IRS before opening the account, which takes about 15 minutes online at irs.gov. If you're a sole proprietor, you can use your Social Security Number instead. If you're an LLC or corporation, you need the EIN before Chase will open the account.

How long does it take to get my debit card and checks?

Both typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using your account immediately through online banking and mobile app transfers while you wait. If you need checks sooner, some Chase branches can print temporary checks at the time of account opening.

What's the difference between the $2,500 and $10,000 monthly deposit requirement?

On Chase Business Checking, you can waive the $12 monthly fee by either keeping a $2,500 minimum balance at all times, or by depositing $10,000 or more each month. You only need to meet one of these requirements—whichever is easier for your business cash flow.

Can I open a business account if I'm the only owner?

Yes. Sole proprietors can open a business checking account with just an EIN (or SSN) and a government ID. You don't need formation documents like an LLC Certificate because you're operating as an individual business owner.

What if I need to add another owner to the account later?

Call Chase business banking or visit a branch with the new owner's ID and Social Security Number. Chase will update the account ownership and may ask for updated business formation documents if your business structure has changed. The process usually takes a few business days.