You can start a Chase business account online, but you will need to finish it in person or by phone
Chase allows you to begin a business account application on their website, but they do not complete the entire process online. You will fill out basic information—your business type, tax ID, and ownership details—through their portal, but a Chase representative must verify your identity and sign-off before the account opens. This verification step cannot happen through the website alone.
The reason is regulatory. Banks must confirm that the person opening the account is who they claim to be, and that the business itself is real. Chase does this through a phone call or an in-person visit to a branch. You cannot skip this step, even if you have been a Chase personal customer for years.
Key Takeaways
- Chase's online application collects your business information but does not complete the account opening—you must speak to a representative by phone or visit a branch to finish.
- You will need your business tax ID (EIN or SSN), a government-issued ID, and proof of your business address before you start.
- The verification call or branch visit typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and happens within a few business days of submitting your online application.
- Chase offers different business account types (checking, savings, money market) with different fee structures, so confirm which one fits your needs before applying.
What documents to gather before you start the online application
Have these items ready before you log into Chase's business account portal. The application will ask for them, and having them on hand speeds up the process.
You will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if your business is a corporation, partnership, or LLC. If you are a sole proprietor, you can use your Social Security Number instead. You will also need a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license or passport—and proof of your business address. That proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or business license, and it must show your name and the business address.
If you are opening the account as a representative of the business rather than the owner, bring documentation showing you have authority to do so—a corporate resolution, partnership agreement, or power of attorney. Chase will ask about this during the verification step.
The online application step: what happens and what does not
When you visit Chase's business banking website and select "Open an account," you will enter your business type (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, or nonprofit). The form then asks for your business name, address, phone number, and tax ID. You will also provide personal information about the owner or authorized representative.
Chase uses this information to run a background check and to see whether your business already has accounts with them. The application does not ask for funding at this stage—you are not transferring money or linking another account yet. Once you submit, Chase sends you a confirmation email with next steps.
Do not expect the account to be active after you submit the online form. Chase will contact you within one to three business days to schedule the verification call or branch appointment. Until that conversation happens and is completed, your account does not exist.
How the verification call works
A Chase business banker will call the phone number you provided in the application. They will ask you to confirm your identity using your government ID, verify the business details you entered, and answer questions about the account's intended use—how often you will deposit, what your typical transaction volume looks like, and whether you plan to use online banking or mobile deposits.
This call usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes. The banker may also ask about your business's ownership structure and whether any other individuals will have access to the account. Be honest about who will use it; Chase flags accounts where the stated owner and the actual user do not match.
If everything checks out, the banker will confirm that your account is approved and will be opened within one to two business days. They will give you your account number and routing number on the call. You can begin using online banking immediately after the account opens, even if your debit card has not arrived yet.
Opening the account in person at a Chase branch instead
If you prefer not to do a phone verification, you can complete the entire process at a Chase branch. Bring your government ID, business tax ID, and proof of business address. A banker will review your application, ask the same verification questions as the phone call, and open the account on the spot.
In-person appointments are often faster than waiting for a callback, especially if your local branch is not busy. You can also ask questions face-to-face and set up online banking access before you leave. However, you still need to start with the online application first—Chase does not allow you to walk into a branch and open a business account without submitting the form on their website.
Account types and fees to compare before you apply
Chase offers several business checking and savings products. Their Chase Business Complete Checking is designed for small businesses and includes online banking, bill pay, and mobile deposits. There is a monthly maintenance fee unless you meet a minimum balance or deposit requirement—these thresholds vary by region and change periodically, so ask during your verification call what applies to your branch.
Chase also offers Chase Business Savings and Chase Business Money Market accounts if you want to set aside funds separately. These earn interest but have lower transaction limits than checking accounts. Some businesses open both a checking and savings account to keep operating funds separate from reserves.
Fee structures differ by account type and location. Before you submit your online application, visit Chase's business banking page or call their business line at 1-800-935-9935 to confirm the current fees and minimum balance requirements for your area. This prevents surprises after your account opens.
What happens after your account opens
Once your account is active, you can log into Chase's online banking portal using the username and password you set up during the verification call. You can transfer money from another bank account, set up bill pay, and create sub-accounts if you need to. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you need to deposit cash or checks immediately, you can visit any Chase branch with your account number and ID. You can also set up mobile deposits through the Chase mobile app once your account is open—this lets you photograph checks and deposit them without visiting a branch.
Chase also offers add-on services like merchant processing, payroll, and accounting software integrations. These are optional and can be set up anytime after your account opens, either through online banking or by calling your business banker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase business account if I do not have an EIN yet?
You can start the application with your Social Security Number if you are a sole proprietor or have not yet received your EIN. However, Chase may ask you to provide the EIN later once you receive it from the IRS. If your business structure requires an EIN (LLC, corporation, partnership), you should obtain it before applying.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
The online application takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Chase then contacts you within one to three business days to schedule verification. The verification call or branch visit takes 15 to 30 minutes. After that, your account opens within one to two business days. Total time is usually one to two weeks.
What if I fail the verification or background check?
Chase will contact you to explain why the account cannot open. Common reasons include mismatched identity information, a business address that cannot be verified, or a history of fraud or unpaid accounts. You can ask Chase to reconsider if you believe the information is incorrect, but you may need to provide additional documentation.
Do I have to use the same Chase branch where I verify my account?
No. Once your account opens, you can visit any Chase branch to deposit cash or checks, withdraw money, or speak with a banker. Your account is not tied to a specific location. However, if you choose to do the in-person verification, you must visit a branch in the state where your business is located.
Can I open a business account online if I already have a personal Chase account?
Having a personal account with Chase does not speed up or change the business account process. Chase still requires the same verification steps for business accounts, even for existing customers. Your personal and business accounts will be separate, with different account numbers and login credentials.