What documents and information you'll need before you walk in

Most banks want the same core set of documents before they'll open a business account: proof of your business structure, proof of your identity, and proof of your address. The exact list depends on whether you're a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, S-corp, or C-corp — each one triggers different paperwork requirements. You'll also need a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, even if you're the only employee.

Bring your personal ID (driver's license or passport), your Social Security number, and the business registration documents from your state. If you formed an LLC or corporation, bring your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation — the document your state issued when you registered the business. If you're a sole proprietor operating under your own name, you may not need registration paperwork at all, but if you're using a business name, bring a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate from your county or state.

Have your EIN ready. You can get one free from the IRS website (irs.gov) in minutes — it's a nine-digit number they issue instantly. Some banks will help you apply if you don't have one yet, but having it beforehand speeds things up. You'll also need a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your business address, or your home address if you're running the business from home.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your personal ID, Social Security number, and your business registration documents (Articles of Organization, DBA certificate, or equivalent for your state).
  • An EIN from the IRS is required for most business structures and takes minutes to obtain online at irs.gov.
  • Bring proof of your business address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement — even if the business operates from your home.
  • Different business structures (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation) require different documents, so confirm with your bank what they need before you visit.
  • Some banks require a minimum opening deposit, which ranges widely by institution, so call ahead to ask what they require.

Documents for each business structure

A sole proprietor operating under their own name needs the least paperwork: personal ID, Social Security number, and proof of address. If you're using a business name (like "Jane's Consulting" instead of "Jane Smith"), bring your DBA certificate from your county clerk's office or your state's business filing office. The DBA is inexpensive (usually $10 to $50) and takes a few days to a few weeks to process, depending on your state.

An LLC or partnership requires your Articles of Organization (for an LLC) or a partnership agreement. Your state issued the Articles when you filed to form the LLC — it's the official registration document. If you don't have a copy, you can request one from your state's Secretary of State office, usually online and for a small fee. Bring the original or a certified copy.

A corporation (S-corp or C-corp) needs your Articles of Incorporation, the document your state issued when you incorporated. You'll also need to bring a corporate resolution authorizing the account opening and naming the people who can sign checks — some banks provide a template for this, others ask you to bring your own. Call the bank before you visit to ask whether they want the resolution in advance.

Your EIN and why you need it before you apply

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit tax ID the IRS assigns to your business. You need one if you have employees, operate as an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp, or file certain tax forms. Even if you don't legally need one, most banks require it to open a business account — they use it to verify your business with the IRS.

Getting an EIN is free and takes minutes. Go to irs.gov, find the "Apply for an EIN" page, and answer questions about your business structure, location, and what you do. The IRS issues the number immediately on screen. Write it down and save the confirmation page. If you apply by mail or phone instead, it takes about four weeks.

Some banks will let you open an account and apply for an EIN afterward, but this slows down the process and may require a follow-up visit. It's faster to have the EIN in hand when you walk in.

Proof of identity and address

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will photocopy it and verify your name and address match what you've told them. If your ID shows an old address, bring a second document proving your current address: a recent utility bill (electric, gas, water), a lease or mortgage statement, or a property tax bill. The document should be dated within the last 60 to 90 days, depending on the bank's policy.

If you're opening the account in person, the bank will verify your identity on the spot. If you're opening it online or by mail, you may need to upload scans of these documents or verify your identity through a video call with a bank employee.

Opening deposit and account minimums

Most banks require an opening deposit to start a business account, but the amount varies widely — some ask for $100, others for $1,000 or more. A few banks have no minimum. Call or visit the bank's website to find out what they require before you go in. Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit or maintain a certain monthly balance.

Ask about monthly fees too. Many business accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee ($10 to $30 is common), though some waive it if you keep a minimum balance or meet other conditions like a certain number of transactions per month. These fees add up, so compare a few banks before you decide.

What to bring to the bank

Make a checklist before you visit: your personal ID, your Social Security number (written down or on your ID), your EIN, your business registration documents (DBA, Articles of Organization, or Articles of Incorporation), proof of your business address, and your opening deposit (check or cash). If you're opening a corporate account, bring the corporate resolution authorizing the account and naming the signers.

Call the bank a day or two before you visit and confirm what they need. Banks sometimes have additional requirements — some want a business plan, others want to see a lease or proof of business location. A quick call saves you a wasted trip.

If you're opening the account online or by mail, the bank will tell you what documents to upload or mail in. Most banks now offer online account opening for business accounts, which can be faster than visiting in person, though some still require a video call to verify your identity.

Timeline and what happens next

If you visit the bank in person with all your documents, the account usually opens the same day or within one business day. You'll get a debit card, checks, and online banking access within a week or two. If you open online, it typically takes three to five business days for the account to be fully set up.

Once the account is open, the bank will send you a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and instructions for setting up online banking and bill pay. You'll use the routing number and account number to set up direct deposit, pay vendors, or transfer money between accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an EIN if I'm a sole proprietor?

Not always. If you're a sole proprietor with no employees and you use your Social Security number for taxes, you don't legally need an EIN. However, most banks require one to open a business account, so it's easier to get one anyway. It's free and takes five minutes online.

Can I open a business account if my business isn't registered yet?

Some banks will let you open an account as a sole proprietor using your personal name and Social Security number before you register a DBA or form an LLC. However, you won't be able to use a business name on the account until you register it with your state. Check with your bank about their specific policy.

What if I don't have a business address yet?

You can use your home address as your business address. Bring a utility bill or mortgage statement showing your home address as proof. Some banks accept a PO box or mailbox service address, but not all — call ahead to ask.

Do I need to bring my business partner or co-owner to open the account?

Not necessarily. One owner can open the account and name the other owners as authorized signers later. However, some banks require all owners to sign the account opening paperwork in person. Ask the bank whether all owners need to be present before you visit.

How much does it cost to open a business bank account?

Opening the account itself is free at most banks. However, you'll need to make an opening deposit (amounts vary by bank, typically $100 to $1,000), and most business accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee ($10 to $30 is common). Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.