What You Need Before You Walk In or Go Online

Chase requires specific documents and information before you can open a business account. The exact list depends on whether you are a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation — but all accounts need proof of identity, proof of address, and documentation of your business structure.

For a sole proprietorship, bring a government-issued ID and a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address. If you operate under a name different from your legal name, you will need a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate from your county or state. For an LLC or corporation, bring the Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation — the document filed with your state that officially created the business. A partnership needs a partnership agreement or the equivalent formation document.

You will also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, even if you have no employees. You can obtain an EIN for free at irs.gov or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-4933. The process takes minutes online and you receive the number immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase business accounts require your business formation documents (DBA, Articles of Organization, or Articles of Incorporation) and a current government-issued ID.
  • You will need an EIN from the IRS before opening the account, which you can obtain free and instantly at irs.gov.
  • You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a Chase branch, and the process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Chase offers different account types for different business sizes — basic checking for startups, plus accounts with higher transaction limits and fee waivers for larger operations.
  • Monthly maintenance fees range from zero to $25 depending on the account type and whether you meet balance or activity requirements.

Opening Online Through Chase.com

The online route is the fastest if you have all your documents ready. Go to chase.com, select "Business Banking," then "Open an Account." You will be asked to choose your business structure (sole proprietor, LLC, S-corp, C-corp, or partnership) and enter basic information: your legal name, business name, EIN, and address.

Chase will ask you to upload images of your ID and business formation documents. Use a phone camera or scanner — the images must be clear enough to read. The system will also ask for your Social Security Number and date of birth for identity verification. After you submit, Chase reviews the documents, which usually takes one business day.

Once approved, you will receive a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. You can begin using the account for transfers and bill pay immediately, though physical debit cards and checks arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening In Person at a Chase Branch

If you prefer to speak with someone or have questions about which account type fits your business, visit a Chase branch with your ID, business formation documents, and EIN. A business banker will walk you through the account options and help you choose the right one for your transaction volume and cash flow needs.

Bring originals of your documents — Chase will make copies. The banker will enter your information into the system while you are there, and you will leave with temporary checks and your account number the same day. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person opening is useful if you plan to deposit cash or checks regularly and want to ask about merchant services, lines of credit, or other business products at the same time.

Chase Business Account Types and Their Costs

Chase offers three main business checking accounts. Chase Business Basic Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or have at least one direct deposit per month. If you fall below that, the fee is $10 per month. This account is designed for new or small businesses with light transaction volume.

Chase Business Checking costs $15 per month unless you maintain a $2,500 minimum balance or have $5,000 or more in monthly direct deposits. This account includes unlimited transactions and comes with a business debit card and online bill pay at no extra charge.

Chase Business Premium Checking costs $25 per month and waives the fee if you maintain a $25,000 minimum balance. It includes unlimited transactions, priority customer service, and a relationship manager for accounts with higher activity. The account also includes a business credit card offer and discounted rates on other Chase business products.

All three accounts include free online banking, mobile app access, and the ability to add authorized users. Overdraft fees, wire transfer fees, and stop-payment fees apply across all accounts and are the same regardless of which type you choose.

What Happens After Your Account Opens

Once approved, your account is active for electronic transactions immediately. You can set up bill pay, transfer money between accounts, and receive direct deposits before your physical checks and debit card arrive. Many business owners use this window to set up payroll or vendor payments while waiting for their cards.

Chase will send you a welcome packet by mail containing your temporary checks, debit card, and PIN. Register your debit card in the Chase mobile app or online banking portal to activate it. You can also order additional checks, cards for employees, or a business credit card through online banking.

If you need a business line of credit, merchant services to accept card payments, or a business savings account, you can request these through your online banking portal or by calling the business banking phone line on the back of your debit card. Chase business bankers can discuss options based on your revenue and cash flow.

Common Reasons Chase May Decline or Delay Your Account

Chase may ask for additional documents if your business formation paperwork is unclear, if your address does not match across documents, or if your identity verification does not pass the initial check. If this happens, you will receive an email or phone call asking for the missing information. Respond within the timeframe given — usually 10 business days — or your application will be closed.

Accounts are sometimes delayed if Chase cannot verify your EIN with the IRS database. This can happen if your EIN was issued very recently (within the last few days) or if there is a mismatch between the name on your EIN and the name on your business formation documents. Contact the IRS to confirm your EIN is in their system, then resubmit your application or call Chase business banking to update the information.

Chase may also decline if you have a history of fraud, unpaid debts to Chase, or if you are in a high-risk industry. If declined, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. You can reapply after addressing the issue, or you can contact Chase business banking to discuss whether an exception is possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a business license to open a Chase business account?

No. Chase requires proof of business structure (a DBA, Articles of Organization, or similar), but not a business license. However, some states or cities require a license to operate legally, so check your local requirements separately. A business license and a business account are two different things.

Can I open a business account if I am a sole proprietor with no DBA?

Yes. If you operate under your legal name only, you do not need a DBA. Bring your government-issued ID, proof of address, and your EIN. Chase will open the account under your name as a sole proprietorship.

How long does it take to get my debit card and checks after opening?

Your account is active immediately for online transactions. Physical debit cards and checks arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can order additional cards or checks through online banking once your account is open.

What if I do not have a minimum balance — will I be charged a fee?

It depends on the account type. Chase Business Basic Checking has a $10 monthly fee if you do not maintain a $500 minimum balance or have at least one direct deposit per month. The other accounts have higher minimums or fee-waiver requirements. You can switch account types anytime if your balance or transaction volume changes.

Can I add employees to my business account?

Yes. You can add authorized users through online banking or by visiting a branch. Each authorized user receives their own debit card and can access the account. You control what each person can do — some can only view balances, while others can make transfers or payments.