What you need before you start

Wells Fargo requires you to bring specific documents and information in person or online. You will need your Employer Identification Number (EIN) — the nine-digit tax ID the IRS assigns to your business — or your Social Security number if you are a sole proprietor. You will also need a government-issued photo ID, your business formation documents (articles of incorporation, partnership agreement, or DBA certificate if you have one), and proof of your business address.

If you are opening the account online, Wells Fargo will ask for your legal business name, the type of business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, S-corp, C-corp, partnership), and your ownership percentage. Have your business license and a recent utility bill or lease showing your business address ready. The process takes about 15 minutes if your documents are in order.

If you are opening in a branch, bring originals of your documents. A Wells Fargo business banker will verify everything and may ask follow-up questions about the nature of your business and expected monthly transaction volume. Bring multiple forms of ID — a driver's license plus a business card or tax return helps move things faster.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an EIN (or SSN for sole proprietors), photo ID, and business formation documents to open an account online or in a branch.
  • Wells Fargo offers several business checking products with different fee structures and minimum balances — compare them before you commit.
  • Online applications take about 15 minutes; branch applications may take 30 to 45 minutes and require you to bring originals of all documents.
  • You can fund the account immediately after approval, and most debit cards arrive within 5 to 7 business days.
  • If you do not have an EIN yet, you can obtain one from the IRS online in minutes, or apply by phone or mail.

Which Wells Fargo business checking account fits your needs

Wells Fargo offers three main business checking products: Wells Fargo Business Checking, Wells Fargo Business Elite Checking, and Wells Fargo Business Advantage Checking. Each has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and included transaction limits. The standard Business Checking account has a monthly maintenance fee (the amount varies by region and changes periodically) and includes a set number of transactions per month before overage fees apply.

Business Elite Checking is designed for higher-volume businesses and requires a higher minimum balance but waives the monthly fee if you maintain it. Business Advantage Checking is Wells Fargo's entry-level option with lower fees but fewer included services. Before you open an account, call a Wells Fargo business banker at 1-800-869-3557 or visit a branch to ask about current fee schedules and minimum balance requirements for your region — these change and vary by location.

Consider your expected monthly transaction volume, whether you need merchant services or payroll processing, and how much you can keep in the account. If you plan to deposit checks frequently or process many wire transfers, the higher-tier accounts may save you money despite the higher minimum balance.

Opening your account online

Go to wellsfargo.com and select "Open an Account" under the business banking section. Choose the account type that matches your business structure and needs. You will be asked to enter your legal business name, EIN or SSN, business address, and ownership information. Wells Fargo will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your credit history.

Upload images of your government-issued photo ID and your business formation documents (articles of incorporation, EIN letter from the IRS, or DBA certificate). Make sure the images are clear and all four corners of each document are visible. Wells Fargo's system will attempt to read them automatically, but if it cannot, a person will review them manually — this can add one to two business days.

Once Wells Fargo approves your application, you will receive a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. You can begin using the account immediately for ACH transfers and bill pay. Your debit card will ship within 5 to 7 business days to the address you provided.

Opening your account in a branch

Visit your nearest Wells Fargo branch with your documents and photo ID. Ask to speak with a business banker — do not go to the consumer teller line. Bring originals of your EIN letter (from the IRS), business formation documents, and proof of business address. If you are a sole proprietor, bring your Social Security card or a tax return showing your SSN.

The banker will review your documents, ask about your business and expected account activity, and enter your information into Wells Fargo's system. This process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Once approved, you can fund the account immediately with a check, cash, or transfer from another bank account. You will receive a temporary debit card on the spot or within a few days, and your permanent card will arrive by mail within 5 to 7 business days.

Opening in a branch is useful if you have questions about account features, want to set up merchant services or payroll processing at the same time, or prefer to speak with someone in person. Some branches offer same-day approval if you complete the process before 2 p.m. local time.

Getting an EIN if you do not have one yet

If your business does not yet have an EIN, you can obtain one from the IRS before opening your Wells Fargo account. The fastest way is to apply online at irs.gov/ein. The online application takes about 15 minutes, and you receive your EIN immediately. You can then use it right away on your Wells Fargo application.

If you prefer not to apply online, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time) and receive your EIN over the phone. You can also mail Form SS-4 to the IRS, but this method takes four to six weeks. For most business owners, the online option is fastest and requires no paperwork beyond what you already have.

Funding your account and using it right away

Once your account is approved, you can fund it immediately. If you opened online, you can transfer money from another bank account using ACH (which takes one to three business days) or deposit a check using mobile deposit (which posts within one to two business days). If you opened in a branch, you can hand the banker a check or cash to deposit on the spot.

Your account is active for ACH transfers and bill pay as soon as approval is complete, even if your debit card has not arrived yet. You can set up automatic payments to vendors, transfer money to other accounts, and receive deposits before your card shows up. This means you do not have to wait to start using the account for business purposes.

Your debit card will arrive by mail within 5 to 7 business days. When it arrives, you will need to activate it by calling the number on the back or using the Wells Fargo mobile app. Until then, you can make payments and transfers online or by phone.

What happens after approval

After Wells Fargo approves your account, you will receive login credentials for Wells Fargo Online Banking. Use these to access your account, set up bill pay, view transactions, and manage your business finances. You can also download the Wells Fargo mobile app to deposit checks, transfer money, and monitor your balance from your phone.

Within the first 30 days, review your account agreement and fee schedule carefully. If you have questions about charges or features, contact Wells Fargo Business Banking at 1-800-869-3557. If you want to add services like merchant processing, payroll, or credit cards, you can do so online or by calling your business banker.

Keep your account active by using it regularly. Wells Fargo may close inactive business accounts after a period of no transactions, though the exact timeline varies. Make at least one deposit or withdrawal every few months to keep the account in good standing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Wells Fargo business checking account without an EIN?

If you are a sole proprietor, you can use your Social Security number instead of an EIN. However, if your business is structured as an LLC, partnership, S-corp, or C-corp, you must have an EIN. You can obtain one from the IRS online in 15 minutes at irs.gov/ein.

How long does it take to get approved?

Online applications are usually approved within 24 hours. Branch applications may be approved on the spot if you complete them before 2 p.m. local time. If Wells Fargo needs to verify documents manually, approval may take one to three business days.

What is the minimum balance required?

Minimum balance requirements vary by account type and region. Standard Business Checking typically requires $500 to $2,500; Business Elite Checking may require $10,000 or more. Call 1-800-869-3557 to ask about current minimums for your location and account type.

Can I open an account if my business is brand new?

Yes. Wells Fargo will open an account for a new business as long as you have an EIN (or SSN for sole proprietors) and business formation documents. You do not need to have been in business for a specific length of time.

What if I need to add another owner or signer to the account?

You can add authorized signers online through Wells Fargo Online Banking or by visiting a branch with the other owner's government-issued photo ID and Social Security number. The process takes about 15 minutes in a branch or one to two business days online.