Documents and information you'll need at the bank
When you walk into a bank to open a business checking account, bring your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your business address. The bank will also ask for your business structure — whether you're a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, S-corp, or C-corp — because the paperwork differs for each one.
Most banks want to see your business formation documents. For an LLC or corporation, that means your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation filed with your state. For a sole proprietorship, you may only need a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate if you're operating under a name other than your own. If you're a partnership, bring your partnership agreement.
You'll also need to provide the names and ownership percentages of all owners who hold more than 20 percent of the business. The bank will ask for their Social Security Numbers and dates of birth so they can run background checks. This is a federal requirement, not a bank choice.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your EIN (or SSN if you don't have an EIN yet), a government photo ID, and proof of your business address such as a utility bill or lease.
- Have your business formation documents ready — Articles of Organization for an LLC, Articles of Incorporation for a corporation, or a DBA certificate for a sole proprietorship.
- The bank will need the names, Social Security Numbers, and ownership percentages of all owners holding more than 20 percent of the business.
- Bring a voided check or deposit slip if you want to set up direct deposit or automatic transfers on the same day.
What happens if you don't have an EIN yet
If your business is brand new and you haven't received your EIN from the IRS, you can still open an account using your Social Security Number instead. The bank will accept this as a temporary identifier. You'll need to update the account with your EIN once it arrives, which typically takes one to two weeks if you applied online through the IRS website.
Some banks will let you apply for an EIN during the account-opening process, but this is not standard. Call ahead and ask whether your bank offers this service. If not, you can apply for an EIN online at irs.gov before you visit the bank, which is faster than waiting.
Proof of business address and ownership
The bank needs to confirm that your business actually exists at the address you claim. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement in your business name works. If you're working from home, a utility bill or property tax statement showing your home address is acceptable. Some banks will also accept a recent mail piece from a government agency addressed to your business.
If you're opening the account for a business you just started and don't have utility bills yet, bring your lease or rental agreement. If you're operating from home and the utility bill is in a spouse's name, bring that bill plus a statement from you explaining the situation — most banks will accept this.
Personal identification and background information
Bring a current government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will scan or photocopy this. You'll also need to provide your date of birth and Social Security Number, which the bank uses to run a background check as part of federal anti-money-laundering rules.
If you have multiple owners, each owner present at the account opening should bring their own ID. Owners who are not present will need to sign a resolution or authorization form that the bank provides, confirming they consent to the account opening. Some banks will mail this form to absent owners; others require it to be notarized.
Business formation documents by structure type
| Business Structure | Document to Bring | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | DBA certificate (if operating under a different name) or Social Security Number alone | County clerk's office or state Secretary of State |
| Partnership | Partnership agreement and DBA certificate if applicable | You created this; state Secretary of State for DBA |
| LLC | Articles of Organization | State Secretary of State (download from their website or bring a certified copy) |
| S-Corp or C-Corp | Articles of Incorporation and corporate bylaws | State Secretary of State (download or bring certified copy) |
If you filed your formation documents online with your state, you can usually download a certified copy from the state's website for a small fee, or print the confirmation email you received. Some banks will accept the email confirmation; others require an official certified copy. Call your bank ahead of time to ask which they prefer.
What to bring if you want to set up transfers or payroll
If you plan to set up direct deposit for employees or automatic transfers to another account on the day you open the account, bring a voided check from the business account or a deposit slip. A voided check shows the bank routing number and account number clearly, which speeds up the setup process. If you don't have checks yet, the bank can print a deposit slip for you during the appointment.
You don't need to bring this on day one — you can set up transfers and payroll later once your checks arrive or through the bank's online portal. But bringing it saves you a return trip or a phone call.
What the bank will ask you in person
Beyond documents, the bank representative will ask questions about your business: what industry you're in, what you expect your monthly deposit volume to be, and whether you plan to accept credit card payments or process payroll. These questions help the bank determine which account tier fits your needs and whether you need additional services like merchant processing or a business line of credit.
Be honest about your expected activity. If you tell the bank you'll deposit $500 a month but then deposit $50,000 a month, the bank may flag the account for review. The bank is not trying to trap you — they're following federal rules about monitoring unusual activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a business checking account online without going to the bank in person?
Some banks offer online account opening for businesses, but most still require at least one in-person visit or a video call with a representative to verify your identity and documents. Call your bank to ask whether they offer fully remote opening. If they do, you'll upload photos of your documents instead of bringing originals.
Do I need a business license to open a checking account?
No. A business license is not required to open an account. Your EIN, formation documents (if applicable), and ID are sufficient. Some businesses don't need a license at all, depending on their industry and location. The bank does not check for a license.
What if I'm a sole proprietor with no formal business structure?
You can open a business checking account using just your Social Security Number and a government ID. If you're operating under a business name different from your personal name, bring a DBA certificate. If you haven't filed a DBA, some banks will still open the account, but you may need to use your personal name on the account.
Can someone else open the account on my behalf?
No. The bank requires at least one owner to be present in person (or on a video call) to verify identity and sign the account agreement. A spouse, accountant, or business partner cannot open the account without you, even if they have power of attorney. Some banks allow a notarized power of attorney to substitute for in-person presence, but this is rare.
How long does it take to open the account after I bring everything?
If all your documents are in order and you're opening a standard business checking account, the bank can usually complete the process in 15 to 30 minutes. Your account number and routing number will be available immediately. Checks and debit cards typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days.