Documents and information Chase will ask for

Chase requires three categories of documents before you can open a business account: proof of your business identity, proof of your personal identity, and proof of your business address. The exact documents depend on your business structure—sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, S-corp, or C-corp each have different requirements.

For your business identity, you will need either an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS or your Social Security Number if you are a sole proprietor. An EIN is a nine-digit number that looks like 12-3456789. You can get one free from the IRS website (irs.gov) in minutes, or by mail or phone if you prefer. If you do not have an EIN yet, you can still open the account using your SSN, but Chase may ask you to provide the EIN later.

For business structure documents, bring a copy of your articles of incorporation (for corporations), articles of organization (for LLCs), or partnership agreement. If you are a sole proprietor with no formal business registration, you do not need these. If your business operates under a name different from your legal name, bring a DBA certificate (Doing Business As) or a copy of the business registration filed with your state or county.

For your personal identity, bring a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will also run a background check, so be prepared to answer questions about your identity and address history.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government photo ID, proof of your business address, and either an EIN or Social Security Number.
  • Sole proprietors can use their SSN instead of an EIN, but having an EIN makes the process faster.
  • If your business has a formal structure (LLC, corporation, partnership), bring the formation documents.
  • Chase can open the account in person at a branch, by phone, or online depending on your account type and business structure.
  • You will need to fund the account with an initial deposit, which varies by account type.

Proof of business address and ownership

Chase needs to confirm that your business address is real and that you control it. Bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or property tax statement showing your business address and dated within the last 60 days. If you work from home, a utility bill in your name at that address works. If you rent a mailbox or use a virtual office, Chase may ask for additional documentation—a lease from the mailbox provider or a letter from the virtual office company confirming your use of the space.

If someone else owns the property or the lease is in another person's name, bring a letter from the owner or leaseholder authorizing your business to operate there. This does not have to be notarized, but it should be dated and signed.

Personal and business background information

Chase will ask you to provide personal information about the business owners and signers on the account. For sole proprietors, this is just you. For partnerships, LLCs, and corporations, Chase typically requires information on all owners with 20% or more ownership stake, plus any officers (president, treasurer, etc.).

For each person, Chase will ask for date of birth, Social Security Number, current address, and employment history for the past five years. Chase runs these details through background-check systems to verify identity and check for fraud or sanctions history. If you have moved frequently or changed names, have documents ready that show the connection—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You will also need to describe your business: what you sell or do, how long you have been operating, and how many employees you have. If your business is brand new, say so. Chase does not reject new businesses, but they may ask follow-up questions about your business plan or funding.

Initial deposit and account funding

Chase requires an opening deposit to activate your business account. The amount depends on the account type. Basic business checking accounts typically require $500 to $2,500 as an opening deposit. Some accounts have no minimum, but those may carry monthly fees. Check the current requirements on Chase's website or ask a banker, because minimums change.

You can fund the account with a check, wire transfer, or ACH transfer from another bank account. If you are opening the account in person at a branch, you can also bring cash or a cashier's check. If you are opening online or by phone, you will need to transfer funds from an existing bank account in your name.

Where and how to open the account

Chase offers three ways to open a business account: in person at a branch, by phone, or online. The route you can use depends on your business structure and whether you already have a personal account with Chase.

Opening in person at a Chase branch is the most straightforward if you have all your documents ready. Bring everything listed above, and a banker will walk you through the application, verify your identity, and fund the account on the spot. The appointment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You can book an appointment online or walk in during business hours.

Opening by phone works for simpler business structures (sole proprietors and some LLCs). Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and ask to open a business account. A banker will guide you through the application, but you will need to mail or upload documents afterward. This route takes longer because of the document verification step.

Opening online is available for sole proprietors and some business structures, but not all. Go to chase.com/business and select "Open an Account". You will upload documents, provide information, and fund the account online. Chase will verify your identity using questions about your credit history. This route is fastest if your business structure qualifies.

What happens after you apply

If you apply in person, your account is usually active the same day or within one business day. You will receive a debit card and checks in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you apply by phone or online, Chase will review your documents and contact you if they need anything else. Approval typically takes 3 to 5 business days. Once approved, your account is active immediately, and you can use it to transfer money or pay bills. Physical cards and checks arrive separately.

Chase will send you login credentials for Chase Business Online, which is their digital banking platform. You can use it to check balances, transfer money, pay bills, and manage users and permissions. Set up two-factor authentication as soon as you log in for the first time.

Common reasons Chase may ask for more information

Chase may request additional documents or clarification if your application raises questions during their review. Common triggers include a mismatch between your business name and your legal name, a recent address change, a gap in your employment history, or a business address that is a virtual office or mailbox.

If Chase asks for more information, respond as soon as possible. Delays in providing documents can slow approval. If Chase denies your application, they will send you a written notice explaining the reason. You can reapply after addressing the issue, or you can contact Chase directly to discuss what went wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an EIN if I am a sole proprietor?

No. Sole proprietors can use their Social Security Number instead. However, getting an EIN (free from the IRS) is faster and keeps your personal SSN off business documents. If you plan to hire employees later, you will need an EIN anyway.

Can I open a Chase business account online if I have an LLC?

It depends on your state and the specific LLC structure. Some LLCs can open online; others require an in-person appointment or phone application. Start with the online application, and Chase will tell you if you need to switch to another method.

What if I do not have a business address yet?

You can use your home address as your business address if you operate from home. If you do not have a permanent location, some people use a mailbox service or virtual office address, but Chase may ask for a letter from the provider confirming your use of the space.

How long does it take to open a Chase business account?

In-person applications are usually approved the same day. Online and phone applications typically take 3 to 5 business days. Physical cards and checks arrive in 7 to 10 business days after approval.

What if Chase rejects my application?

Chase will send a written notice explaining why. Common reasons include identity verification issues, address mismatches, or background-check concerns. You can address the issue and reapply, or contact Chase to discuss the decision.