What you need before you walk in

An LLC bank account requires two things a personal account does not: proof that your LLC exists as a legal entity, and proof that you are authorized to open accounts on its behalf. Most banks will ask for your Articles of Organization (the document you filed with your state to create the LLC) and a form of ID showing your name and signature. Some banks also want an EIN letter from the IRS—a one-page document confirming your Employer Identification Number.

You do not need an EIN to open the account, but having one makes the process faster. You can get an EIN for free from the IRS website (irs.gov) in about 15 minutes, or by phone in one business day. If you have not yet obtained an EIN, the bank can sometimes help you apply during the account opening, though this adds time.

Bring your personal ID (driver's license or passport), your Articles of Organization, and your EIN letter if you have one. Some banks ask for a second form of ID or a utility bill showing your address. Call the bank branch ahead of time to ask what they specifically need—requirements vary by institution and by state.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need your Articles of Organization, a personal ID, and ideally an EIN letter from the IRS before you open the account.
  • The bank will ask you to sign resolutions or certifications stating that you have authority to open and manage the account on behalf of the LLC.
  • Some banks require a minimum opening deposit, which ranges from zero to several hundred dollars depending on the account type and the institution.
  • The account opening process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, or one to three business days if you do it online or by mail.
  • You will receive a Tax ID number (EIN) confirmation, a debit card, and online banking access; checks typically arrive within one to two weeks.

Bringing proof of your LLC's existence

The bank needs to see that your LLC is real and registered with your state. Bring an original or certified copy of your Articles of Organization—the filing you submitted to your state's Secretary of State office when you created the LLC. If you do not have a copy, you can request one from your state's Secretary of State website, usually for a small fee ($5 to $25), and it arrives by mail or email within a few days.

Some banks will accept a photocopy or a PDF you print yourself, but certified copies carry more weight and reduce the chance the bank will ask follow-up questions. If you are opening the account in person, bring both an original and a copy; if you are doing it by mail or online, ask the bank whether they need a certified copy or whether a regular copy is acceptable.

If your LLC is very new and your Articles of Organization have not yet been processed by your state, call the bank and ask whether they will accept a filing receipt or confirmation email from the Secretary of State's office in the meantime. Most will, but some require the official document.

Getting an EIN and why it matters

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit tax ID assigned by the IRS to your LLC. You do not legally need one to open a bank account—the bank can use your personal Social Security Number instead—but having an EIN keeps your personal and business finances separate on paper and makes the account opening smoother.

To get an EIN, go to irs.gov, find the EIN application tool, and fill out Form SS-4 online. The IRS will issue your EIN immediately on screen, and you can print a confirmation letter right away. This letter is what the bank wants to see. If you prefer not to use the online tool, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 and get an EIN by phone in one business day.

If you do not have an EIN when you open the account, the bank can sometimes file the application for you or give you a temporary number to use while the IRS processes your request. Ask the bank what their process is. Having the EIN letter in hand before you arrive simply saves a step.

What the bank will ask you to sign

When you open an LLC account, the bank will present you with a signature card and often a Certificate of Authority or Certification of Incumbency. These documents state that you are authorized to open and manage the account on behalf of the LLC. You will sign them in front of a bank employee, who will also sign and date them. This protects the bank by creating a record that you had permission to act for the LLC.

If your LLC has multiple owners (members), the bank may require all of them to sign, or only the one opening the account—this varies by bank and by your LLC's operating agreement. If you are unsure who needs to sign, bring a copy of your operating agreement to the bank, or call ahead and ask. If you do not have an operating agreement, tell the bank; they will proceed based on state law, which typically allows any member to open accounts unless the agreement says otherwise.

Do not sign anything you do not understand. If the bank asks you to sign a document that seems to give them unusual authority over the account or your LLC, ask them to explain it or take it home to review. This is your money and your business.

Minimum deposits and account types

Most banks offer both checking and savings accounts for LLCs. A business checking account is what you will use for day-to-day transactions; a savings account is optional and useful if you want to set aside money and earn a small amount of interest. Some banks bundle them together; others let you open just checking.

Minimum opening deposits range from zero to several hundred dollars, depending on the bank and the account type. Many online banks and credit unions have no minimum. Traditional brick-and-mortar banks often require $100 to $500 to open a business checking account. Ask the bank what their minimum is before you arrive, so you know whether you need to bring cash or a check.

Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit or maintain a certain balance. Others charge a monthly fee ($10 to $30) if your balance falls below a threshold. Read the fee schedule the bank gives you, or ask them to walk you through it. These fees add up over time, so it is worth comparing a few banks before you choose.

Opening the account in person, online, or by mail

You can open an LLC account three ways: in person at a branch, online through the bank's website, or by mail. In-person opening is fastest and simplest—you bring your documents, sign the forms, and walk out with a debit card and online banking access in 15 to 30 minutes. The bank employee can answer questions on the spot and make sure you have everything you need.

Online opening is convenient but slower. You upload photos of your documents (Articles of Organization, ID, EIN letter), fill out the application, and sign electronically. The bank then reviews your documents, which takes one to three business days. Once approved, they mail you a debit card and checks. You can usually start using online banking and transfers before the card arrives.

Opening by mail is the slowest option. You print the application from the bank's website, gather your documents, and mail everything to the address they provide. The bank reviews it, mails you back a signature card to sign and return, and then processes the account. This can take two to four weeks. Use this method only if you cannot visit a branch or do not have reliable internet access.

What happens after you open the account

Once the account is open, the bank will give you a debit card, online banking login credentials, and a routing number and account number for wire transfers and ACH payments. Checks typically arrive within one to two weeks. You can start making deposits and payments immediately through online banking, even before your physical checks arrive.

Set up online banking right away so you can monitor the account and catch any errors or fraud. Most banks offer free bill pay, which lets you schedule payments to vendors and contractors directly from the account. Link your personal account to the business account if you need to transfer money between them, but keep the accounts separate for tax purposes—mixing personal and business money can create problems at tax time and weaken your LLC's legal protection.

If you have employees, you will need to set up payroll. Many banks offer payroll services, or you can use a third-party payroll provider like Gusto or ADP. You will need your EIN and your state's unemployment insurance account number to set up payroll, so have those ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my personal Social Security Number instead of an EIN?

Yes. The bank can open the account using your SSN as the tax ID. However, using an EIN keeps your personal credit and finances separate from the business on paper, which is cleaner for accounting and taxes. Getting an EIN is free and takes 15 minutes online, so most people do it.

What if I do not have my Articles of Organization yet?

Call your state's Secretary of State office and ask for a filing receipt or confirmation email showing that your LLC has been registered. Most banks will accept this as temporary proof while you wait for the official document. Once you receive the Articles, bring them to the bank to update the file.

Do all members of the LLC have to sign the account opening forms?

Not always. Most banks allow one authorized member to open and manage the account. However, your LLC's operating agreement may require all members to approve it, or the bank may ask all members to sign for their own protection. Check your operating agreement or ask the bank what they require before you go in.

Can I open an LLC account online if I do not have a physical address yet?

Most banks require a physical address for the LLC and for you personally. If you are using a mail forwarding service or a UPS store, ask the bank whether they accept that as an address. Some do; others require a residential or commercial street address. Call ahead to confirm.

How long does it take to get checks after I open the account?

Checks typically arrive within one to two weeks of opening the account. You can start using the account immediately through online banking and debit card, so you do not have to wait for checks to arrive to start doing business. If you need checks faster, some banks offer expedited printing for an extra fee.