Documents and information you'll need before you walk in

Most banks want the same core set of documents before they'll open a business account: your Employer Identification Number (EIN), proof of your business structure, a government-issued ID, and your Social Security Number. The exact list depends on whether you're a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, S-corp, or C-corp — each structure requires different paperwork.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. Banks verify documents against their own databases, and a copy won't pass that check. If you don't have all the documents yet, ask the bank which ones are truly required to open the account versus which ones can come later (some banks will let you fund the account and sort paperwork within 30 days).

Have your business address ready, even if it's your home address. You'll also need to know your expected monthly deposit volume and transaction patterns — banks ask this partly for compliance and partly to recommend the right account tier for your business size.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an EIN from the IRS, a government ID, and proof of your business structure — the structure type determines which additional documents the bank will ask for.
  • Sole proprietors can sometimes open an account with just an SSN and ID, but most banks now require an EIN even for solo businesses.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies; photocopies will not pass the bank's verification process.
  • The whole process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, or one to three business days if you apply online.

What each business structure needs to bring

Sole proprietors need their Social Security Number, government-issued ID, and an EIN (or proof they've applied for one). Some banks will let you use your SSN instead of an EIN, but most now require the EIN. You'll also need proof of your business name if you're operating under a name other than your legal name — this is usually a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate filed with your county or state.

Partnerships need the EIN, a copy of the partnership agreement, government IDs and SSNs for all partners, and proof of the business name registration. The bank may ask which partner is authorized to sign checks and make withdrawals, so decide that before you arrive.

LLCs need the EIN, a copy of the Articles of Organization filed with your state, the Operating Agreement, government IDs and SSNs for all members, and proof of the registered business name. If the LLC is brand new and you haven't received the Articles back from your state yet, bring the filing receipt and ask if the bank will hold the account pending receipt of the official document.

Corporations (S-corp or C-corp) need the EIN, Articles of Incorporation, corporate bylaws, a corporate resolution authorizing the account (some banks provide a template), government IDs and SSNs for all officers, and proof of the business name. Corporations have the most paperwork because banks need to verify who has legal authority to sign.

Getting an EIN if you don't have one yet

You can get an EIN from the IRS for free, and it takes minutes if you apply online. Go to irs.gov, find the EIN application tool, and answer questions about your business structure, location, and what you do. The IRS will issue your number immediately and let you print a confirmation letter.

If you apply by phone (1-800-829-4933), the process takes about 15 minutes and you'll receive your number the same day. By mail, it takes about four weeks. Most banks will let you open an account with a printed EIN confirmation letter even if you haven't received the official IRS document yet.

Do not use your Social Security Number as your business tax ID, even if the bank says it's an option. An EIN separates your personal and business finances in the IRS system and protects your SSN from being exposed to vendors and customers.

Proof of business registration and name

If you're operating under a name different from your legal name, you need proof that the name is registered. For sole proprietors, this is usually a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate filed with your county clerk or state Secretary of State. For LLCs and corporations, it's the Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation.

If your state hasn't issued the official document yet, bring the filing receipt showing you've submitted it. Most banks will accept this as temporary proof while you wait for the state to process and mail the official certificate. Ask the bank how long they'll hold the account open before they need the final document — most give you 30 days.

Some states allow you to check registration status online through the Secretary of State website. If your state offers this, print the confirmation page and bring it along with your receipt. It speeds up the verification process.

Personal identification and authorization

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will verify your identity against their fraud database and may ask follow-up questions about your address or previous accounts.

If you're opening the account on behalf of someone else (a partner, spouse, or co-owner), that person must be present with their own government ID. Banks will not open a business account based on a power of attorney or letter of authorization — all owners or authorized signers must appear in person or, for online accounts, verify their identity through the bank's digital process.

For corporations, the person opening the account should be an officer listed in the bylaws or the corporate resolution. Bring documentation showing their title and authority to act on behalf of the corporation.

What to expect during the account opening process

In person, the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The banker will review your documents, verify them against the IRS and state databases, ask questions about your business and expected account activity, and then walk you through the account agreement and fee schedule. You'll sign the signature card (which authorizes who can sign checks), choose your account type, and fund the account if you want to deposit money that day.

Online account opening takes one to three business days. You'll upload photos of your documents, answer questions about your business, and verify your identity through the bank's app or website. Some banks use video verification; others use a code sent to your phone. Once the bank approves your documents, they'll email you login credentials and you can start using the account immediately.

A few banks still require you to visit a branch in person even if you start the application online. Check the bank's website or call ahead to confirm whether your location allows fully online opening.

Common reasons banks reject applications

Banks deny business accounts most often because documents don't match — your ID shows one address, your business registration shows another, or your EIN confirmation has a different spelling of your name. Bring all documents showing your current address and make sure the spelling of your name and business name is identical across every document.

A second common reason is that the person opening the account is not authorized to do so. If you're opening an LLC account but you're not listed as a member on the Articles of Organization, the bank will ask for a resolution or amendment proving you have authority. Bring this before you apply.

Banks also reject applications if they cannot verify your documents through their databases. This usually means the state hasn't processed your filing yet. If this happens, ask the bank how long they'll wait for verification and whether you can resubmit in a few days. Most will hold your application for 10 to 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a business account with just my Social Security Number instead of an EIN?

Some banks still allow this for sole proprietors, but most now require an EIN. Even if a bank accepts your SSN, using an EIN is safer because it keeps your Social Security Number off vendor invoices and customer records. Getting an EIN takes minutes and costs nothing, so it's worth doing before you apply.

What if my business is brand new and I haven't received my Articles of Organization yet?

Bring the filing receipt from your state showing you've submitted the Articles. Most banks will open the account with the receipt and give you 30 days to provide the official document once the state processes it. Call the bank before you visit to confirm they'll accept a receipt.

Do I need to bring a business plan or proof of funding?

No. Banks do not require a business plan to open an account. They may ask what your business does and how much money you expect to deposit each month, but this is for compliance and account recommendations, not approval. Answer honestly but you do not need written proof.

Can someone else open the account on my behalf?

No. All owners and authorized signers must appear in person with their own government ID, or verify their identity through the bank's online process. Banks will not accept a power of attorney or letter of authorization for business account opening.

How long does it take to start using the account after I open it?

If you open in person, you can use the account immediately — the bank will give you a debit card and online login before you leave. If you open online, the bank typically activates your account within one to three business days, and you can set up transfers and payments as soon as you receive your login credentials.