Documents and information you'll need before you walk in
Most banks want the same core set of documents, though the exact list varies by bank and by business structure. You will need proof of your business identity, proof of your personal identity, and proof that you own or control the business. Bring originals or certified copies — banks rarely accept photocopies or digital images for the account opening itself, even if they let you upload them later.
For a sole proprietorship, bring your driver's license or passport, your Social Security number, and a document showing your business name and address — this can be a business license, a lease, a utility bill in the business name, or even a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate if your state requires one. If you operate under your legal name alone, you may need only your ID and Social Security number.
For an LLC or corporation, bring your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation (the document you filed with your state), your EIN letter from the IRS, and a government-issued ID for the person opening the account. Some banks also ask for a resolution or certificate of good standing from your state's Secretary of State office — you can order this online from your state for a small fee, usually $5 to $25.
For a partnership, bring the partnership agreement, each partner's ID, and the EIN letter. If the partnership is new and you haven't received an EIN yet, you can apply for one online at irs.gov before you visit the bank, and the bank can often proceed with a copy of your application receipt.
Key Takeaways
- Bring originals or certified copies of your business formation documents — Articles of Organization for an LLC, Articles of Incorporation for a corporation, or a DBA certificate for a sole proprietorship.
- You will need an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS for any business structure except a sole proprietorship using your Social Security number, and you can obtain one free online before opening the account.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID and your Social Security number or EIN, depending on your business structure.
- Some banks require a certificate of good standing or a partnership agreement; call your bank ahead of time to confirm what they need for your specific business type.
- The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, though account approval and card issuance may take a few business days.
Getting an EIN if you don't have one yet
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to your business. You need one if you have an LLC, corporation, partnership, or S-corp. Sole proprietors using their Social Security number do not need an EIN, but getting one is free and makes your business look more established, so many sole proprietors get one anyway.
Apply online at irs.gov/ein — the application takes about 15 minutes and is free. You will receive your EIN immediately on screen, and the IRS will mail you a formal letter within two weeks. Print the confirmation page or take a screenshot; most banks will accept this as proof while you wait for the letter. If you apply by phone (1-800-829-4933) or by mail, the process takes longer, so online is fastest.
Do not pay anyone to get an EIN for you. Tax preparation services and business formation websites sometimes charge $50 to $300 for this, but the IRS provides it free directly.
What to bring for your personal identity
Bring a current government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will copy it and verify it matches the name on your business documents. If your ID is expired, some banks will still accept it as long as it was not expired when you opened the account, but call ahead to confirm your bank's policy.
You will also need your Social Security number. If you are opening the account as a sole proprietor using your own name, this is straightforward. If you are opening it as an LLC, corporation, or partnership, the person signing the account opening paperwork (usually the owner or authorized representative) will provide their Social Security number, and the bank will run a credit check and background screening on that person.
If you are opening the account on behalf of an LLC or corporation but you are not the owner, bring a letter from the owner authorizing you to open the account, along with your ID and Social Security number. Some banks require this authorization to be notarized.
Business formation documents the bank will ask for
For an LLC, bring the Articles of Organization you filed with your state. This is the document that officially created your LLC. You can find a copy in your email or in your state's Secretary of State office online portal. If you cannot locate it, you can order a certified copy from your state for $5 to $25.
For a corporation (C-corp or S-corp), bring the Articles of Incorporation. This is similar to the LLC's Articles of Organization — it is the founding document you filed with your state. You will also need the IRS letter confirming your S-corp election if you chose S-corp status, though this is not always required at account opening.
For a partnership, bring the partnership agreement — the document that outlines how the partnership is structured, who the partners are, and how profits and losses are split. If you do not have a formal written agreement, some banks will still open the account but may ask you to sign one later.
For a sole proprietorship, you may not need any formation document if you operate under your legal name. If you use a DBA (Doing Business As name), bring the DBA certificate you filed with your county or state.
Information about the business itself
The bank will ask for your business address, phone number, and a description of what the business does. Have this information ready before you go in. If your business is brand new and you do not have a physical location yet, some banks will accept a home address or a mailing address. A few banks require a commercial address, so if that matters to you, call ahead.
The bank may also ask how much money you expect to deposit each month, how many employees you have (or plan to have), and whether you will be receiving payments from customers or clients. These questions help the bank understand your account activity and flag any unusual patterns later. Answer honestly — the bank is not judging your business model, just setting expectations.
If your business is very new and you have no revenue yet, that is fine. Many banks open accounts for businesses that have not yet made their first sale. If you are opening the account before you have officially registered your business, some banks will let you open it with just your Social Security number and a business plan or a letter describing the business.
Timing and what happens after you open the account
The account opening process itself takes 15 to 30 minutes in person. The bank will verify your documents, run a background check on you (or the authorized representative), and set up the account. You will choose a checking account, and possibly a savings account or money market account, depending on the bank's offerings and your needs.
The account is usually active immediately, and you can start depositing money the same day. However, debit cards and checks typically take 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. If you need to make payments or withdrawals before then, ask the bank for a temporary debit card or a counter check you can use in the meantime.
Some banks also offer online account opening for business accounts, though this is less common than for personal accounts. If your bank offers it, you can upload documents digitally and complete the process from home. However, you may still need to visit in person to verify your identity and sign the account agreement, or the bank may send a representative to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a business bank account without an LLC or corporation?
Yes. Sole proprietors can open a business account using just their Social Security number and a government ID. You do not need to form an LLC or corporation first. However, having an EIN makes the account look more professional and separates your business finances from your personal finances more clearly.
What if I do not have my Articles of Organization yet?
If you have filed them with your state but have not received a copy, contact your state's Secretary of State office and request a certified copy — this usually takes a few days and costs $5 to $25. If you have not filed yet, file online with your state first, then bring the confirmation receipt to the bank. Most banks will open the account with the receipt while you wait for the official documents.
Do I need a business license to open a business bank account?
Not always. A business license helps prove your business exists, but it is not required by most banks. If you have one, bring it. If you do not, bring your formation documents (LLC Articles, corporation Articles, or DBA certificate) instead. Some industries do require a license before you can legally operate, so check your state and local rules for your specific business type.
What if I am opening the account for someone else's business?
You will need a written authorization letter from the business owner, your government ID, and your Social Security number. Some banks require the authorization to be notarized. The owner may also need to be present or sign the account agreement, depending on the bank's policy — call ahead to confirm.
How much money do I need to deposit to open the account?
Most banks have no minimum opening deposit for business checking accounts, though some require $100 to $500. A few banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit or maintain a certain balance. Ask your bank about their specific requirements before you go in.