Yes, you can change your business name on a commercial checking account, but the process depends on your business structure and your bank
Most banks allow you to change the name on a commercial account without closing it and opening a new one. The steps vary: a sole proprietorship or partnership may only need a name change form and a copy of your DBA (doing business as) filing or assumed name certificate. An LLC or corporation requires more documentation—typically articles of amendment or a certificate of name change filed with your state, plus a board resolution authorizing the change. Some banks process this in a few days; others take one to two weeks.
The key is contacting your bank's business services department first, not your branch. They will tell you exactly what documents they need and whether your specific account type allows a name change without reopening. A few banks still require you to close the old account and open a new one, though this is becoming less common.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank's business services line to ask what documents are required for a name change on your specific account type.
- Sole proprietors and partnerships usually need a DBA certificate or assumed name filing from their state; LLCs and corporations need articles of amendment or a certificate of name change.
- Some banks process name changes in a few days; others take one to two weeks, so plan ahead if you have checks or automatic payments tied to the old name.
- A few banks still require closing the old account and opening a new one, so confirm your bank's policy before you file paperwork with the state.
What your bank will ask for depends on your business structure
Sole proprietorships typically need the least paperwork. Bring a copy of your DBA certificate (also called an assumed name certificate or fictitious business name certificate) filed with your county or state, depending on where you registered it. Some banks also ask for a simple name change form they provide, signed by the account owner.
Partnerships follow a similar path: a DBA certificate plus a partnership agreement showing the name change, or a certificate of amendment filed with your state. The bank may also ask for a signature card signed by all partners or a designated representative.
LLCs and corporations require formal state filings. You will need a certificate of amendment (for an LLC) or articles of amendment (for a corporation) showing the new name, filed with your state's secretary of state office. The bank will also ask for a board resolution or member resolution authorizing the name change. This is a one-page document signed by an officer or manager stating that the business has voted to change its name.
If you have not yet filed the name change with your state, do that first. Banks will not process the account change until the state filing is complete and you can show them a certified copy.
Steps to change the name on your account
- File the name change with your state or county (DBA, articles of amendment, or certificate of amendment, depending on your structure). Keep a certified copy.
- Call your bank's business services department and ask what documents they need for a name change. Do not go to your branch—business services handles this.
- Gather the documents the bank requests: the certified state filing, a board or member resolution (if you are an LLC or corporation), and any name change form the bank provides.
- Submit the documents by mail, in person, or through your online banking portal if the bank offers that option. Ask for a confirmation email or reference number.
- Follow up after one week if you have not heard back. Processing times vary, but most banks complete the change within two weeks.
What happens to checks, ACH payments, and wire transfers during the change
Your account number does not change when you update the business name. Checks, automatic payments, and wire transfers will continue to work because banks route transactions by account number, not by the name on the account. However, you should order new checks with the updated name to avoid confusion with vendors and clients.
If you have automatic payments set up (payroll, loan payments, insurance premiums), you do not need to update them with the bank. They will keep processing to the same account. However, if a vendor or client has your old business name on file and sends a check, the bank will still deposit it because the account number matches. To avoid delays, notify anyone who sends you checks or makes regular payments that your name has changed.
Wire transfers and ACH payments work the same way—they route by account number. If someone is sending you money and has your old business name in their records, the transfer will still go through, but it is cleaner to give them the updated information.
Timeline and what to expect
The state filing usually takes three to ten business days, depending on whether you file online or by mail and whether your state processes it immediately or batches filings. Once you have the certified copy, the bank's processing time is typically three to five business days for sole proprietorships and partnerships, and five to ten business days for LLCs and corporations (because they require a board resolution and more verification).
Plan for two to three weeks total from the time you file with the state to the time your account name is officially updated. If you need the change faster, ask your bank whether expedited processing is available—some charge a fee for this.
When your bank might require you to close and reopen the account
Most banks now allow a name change without closing the account, but a few still require it. This is more common at smaller regional banks or credit unions. If your bank insists on closing and reopening, ask whether they can do it on the same day so there is no gap in your account access.
If you do have to reopen, your new account number will be different. You will need to update automatic payments, payroll direct deposits, and any vendor records that reference your account number. This is why it is worth asking your bank upfront whether a name change requires a new account—if it does, you can plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my account if I just add a DBA to my existing business name?
No. If you are a sole proprietor or partnership and you file a DBA for a second business name you want to use, you can keep your current account under your legal name and simply use the DBA for marketing and client-facing purposes. However, if you want the account itself to show the DBA name, you will need to file it and update the account as described above.
What if I changed my business name but have not filed it with the state yet?
Your bank will not update the account name until you show them a certified filing from the state. File first, get the certified copy, then contact the bank. This protects both you and the bank by ensuring the name change is legal and official.
Will changing the business name affect my credit or business history?
No. Your business credit and history stay with your EIN (employer identification number) or business license number, not the name on the checking account. The bank may note the name change in your account history, but it does not reset your credit or account standing.
Can I change the name if the account is in both my name and a partner's name?
Yes, but both owners will typically need to sign the name change form or resolution. Contact your bank to confirm whether both signatures are required or whether one authorized signatory can approve it.
What if I want to change the name but keep using the old checks for a while?
The bank will update the account name, but old checks will still work because they route by account number. However, it is cleaner to order new checks with the updated name within a few weeks. Vendors and clients may question checks with an outdated business name, even though they will clear.