Yes, you can open a business bank account online, but not completely remotely
Most banks let you start a business account application online and finish it in minutes. However, nearly all require you to verify your identity in person or through a video call before the account becomes active. Some banks complete the video verification the same day; others schedule it within a few business days. A few banks still require you to visit a branch in person, though this is becoming less common.
The online part handles the paperwork — your business name, tax ID, ownership structure, and initial deposit information. The verification part is where the bank confirms you are who you say you are and that your business actually exists. This step cannot be skipped, even if everything else happens on your computer.
Key Takeaways
- You can fill out a business bank account application online at most major banks, but you will need to verify your identity through a video call or in-person visit before the account opens.
- The documents you need are your Social Security number or EIN, a government-issued ID, and proof of your business structure (articles of incorporation, DBA filing, or sole proprietor documentation).
- Online-first banks like Square Cash for Business and Stripe Atlas often complete the entire process faster than traditional banks, sometimes within one business day.
- If you cannot visit a branch, ask the bank whether they offer video verification before you start the application.
What you need before you start an online application
Gather these documents before opening your browser. Banks will ask for them during the application, and having them ready means you will not lose your place halfway through.
You need a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The name on this ID must match the name you use to open the account. You also need your Social Security number if you are a sole proprietor, or your Employer Identification Number (EIN) if your business is registered as an LLC, S-corp, C-corp, or partnership. You can get an EIN free from the IRS website in minutes.
Third, you need proof of your business structure. For a sole proprietorship, this might be a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate from your county or state, or simply your personal ID if you are operating under your own name. For an LLC or corporation, bring your articles of incorporation or organization — the document you filed with your state when you registered the business. For a partnership, bring the partnership agreement or the state filing.
Some banks also ask for a recent business license, proof of your business address (a utility bill or lease), or a business plan. Check the bank's website before you apply to see what they specifically require.
How the online application process works
The application itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. You enter your business name, structure (sole proprietor, LLC, etc.), the industry you work in, and your expected monthly deposit volume. The bank asks for your personal information — name, address, Social Security number or EIN — and your initial deposit amount.
At the end of the online form, the bank will tell you what happens next. Some banks offer same-day video verification; you schedule a call with a representative who watches you hold up your ID and asks a few questions. Others send you an email with instructions to visit a branch or schedule a video call within a set number of days. A small number of banks still require you to print, sign, and mail documents back to them, which adds a week or more to the timeline.
Once your identity is verified, the bank usually activates your account within one business day. You will receive your account number, routing number, and online banking login details by email. Some banks mail a debit card; others let you order one from your online dashboard.
Banks that complete the entire process online fastest
Square Cash for Business and Stripe Atlas are designed for speed. Both let you complete identity verification through your phone camera during the application, and both can activate your account the same day or within one business day. Neither requires a branch visit. The tradeoff is that these are not traditional banks — they are payment processors with banking features — so they may not offer the full range of services a business bank account provides (like business loans or merchant services through the same institution).
Chime, Mercury, and Brex also offer fast online opening with video verification. Mercury and Brex are built for startups and small businesses and can open accounts in one to two business days. Chime is faster but has lower transaction limits for new accounts.
Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo let you start the application online, but they typically require a branch visit or a scheduled video call. The timeline is usually three to five business days from application to activation, though some branches move faster than others.
Credit unions vary widely. Some offer online opening with video verification; others require you to visit in person. Call your credit union before you apply to confirm their process.
What happens if you cannot verify your identity online
If the bank requires a branch visit and you do not have one nearby, you have a few options. First, ask the bank whether they will accept a video call with a notary instead — some do, though it is less common. Second, check whether the bank has a partner branch network you can visit; some regional banks let you use branches from other banks in their network.
Third, consider opening with an online-first bank instead. If you need specific features that only a traditional bank offers — like a business line of credit or merchant services — call the bank's business phone line and ask whether they can arrange a video verification call or a branch appointment in a location you can reach.
Do not lie about your location or identity to speed up the process. Banks verify information against government records, and mismatches will delay or cancel your application.
Fees and minimum deposits for online business accounts
Most banks charge a monthly maintenance fee for business accounts, ranging from $0 to $25 per month depending on the bank and account type. Some waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $2,500) or set up direct deposit.
Minimum opening deposits vary. Many banks require $0 to open; others ask for $100 to $500. Online-first banks often have no minimum. Check the bank's website or call their business line to confirm the fee structure before you apply, because this information sometimes changes and varies by location.
Watch for hidden fees on transactions. Some banks charge for wire transfers, ACH transfers, or checks written over a certain number per month. These fees are usually listed in the account agreement, which the bank will show you during or after the application.
What to do if your online application is denied or stuck
If the bank denies your application, they are required to tell you why. Common reasons are a mismatch between your ID and the name on your business registration, an incomplete business filing in your state, or a problem with your credit or banking history. If the reason is a mismatch, you can usually reapply once you have corrected the issue — for example, by filing a DBA if you were operating under a name that does not match your ID.
If your application is stuck — meaning you completed the online part but the bank has not scheduled your verification call or sent you next steps — call the bank's business phone line. Have your application reference number ready. Banks sometimes lose track of applications, especially if you applied during a weekend or holiday.
If you are denied by multiple banks, the issue may be with your business registration itself. Check your state's business database to confirm your LLC or corporation is actually registered and that the name and ownership information match what you told the banks. If your business is not registered yet, you will need to register it before opening an account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a business account if I do not have an EIN yet?
Yes. You can get an EIN free from the IRS website (irs.gov) in about 15 minutes, and you will receive it immediately. Some banks let you use your Social Security number temporarily and switch to your EIN later, but most require the EIN before you open the account. Get your EIN first to avoid delays.
Do I need to have my business registered with the state before I open a bank account?
For a sole proprietorship, no — you can open an account under your own name or a DBA. For an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp, yes — you need to file articles of incorporation or organization with your state first. The bank will verify this filing, and if it does not exist, your application will be denied.
What if I do not have a government-issued ID?
You will need one. A passport, driver's license, or state ID card all work. If you do not have any of these, you will need to get one before you can open a business account. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity with a government-issued ID.
Can I open a business account for someone else, or does the owner have to do it?
The owner or authorized representative must complete the application and verify their identity. If you are opening an account for an LLC or corporation, the person who signs the application must be listed as an owner or authorized signer on the business registration. You cannot open an account for a business you do not own or have authority over.
How long does it take to get my debit card after the account opens?
This varies by bank. Some banks mail a debit card within three to five business days; others let you order one from your online dashboard and choose standard or expedited shipping. A few banks issue a virtual debit card number immediately that you can use online before the physical card arrives. Ask the bank during or after the application what to expect.