Yes, you can open a business banking account online, but the process depends on your business structure and which bank you choose
Most banks now let you start a business account application online without visiting a branch. You fill out forms, upload documents, and fund the account from your computer. However, some banks still require an in-person visit for final verification, especially for sole proprietorships or new businesses without established credit history. The speed and ease vary widely — some accounts open in one business day, others take a week or longer.
The key difference from personal accounts is documentation. Banks need to verify your business exists and that you are authorized to open the account. What counts as proof depends on your business structure: a sole proprietorship needs different documents than an LLC or corporation.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks and many regional banks let you complete a business account application online, but some require a final in-person step.
- You will need your Social Security number or EIN, a government-issued ID, and proof of your business structure (articles of incorporation, EIN letter, or business license).
- Sole proprietorships often face longer review times or in-person requirements because banks cannot verify a separate legal entity.
- Opening an account online typically takes two to seven business days from submission to funding, depending on the bank and how quickly you provide documents.
- Some online-only banks and fintech platforms have faster, fully remote processes, but may charge different fees or offer fewer services than traditional banks.
What documents you need before you start
Have these items ready before you begin any application. Banks ask for them in different orders, but you will need all of them eventually.
For any business structure, you need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and your Social Security number or Employer Identification Number (EIN). If your business has an EIN, bring the letter the IRS sent you when you applied for it — banks use this to verify the number is real.
Next, proof of your business structure. For a sole proprietorship, this might be a business license from your city or county, a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate, or sometimes just your Social Security number and a statement that you operate under your own name. For an LLC or corporation, you need a copy of your articles of incorporation or articles of organization — the document you filed with your state. Some banks also ask for a certificate of good standing from your state's Secretary of State office, which you can order online for a small fee.
A few banks ask for a business plan or proof of business activity (invoices, contracts, or tax returns if you have been operating for a year). This is less common for new businesses but more common if you are opening an account with a large national bank.
Which banks let you open accounts fully online
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all let you start applications online, but most require you to visit a branch or have a video call with a representative to finish. Chase and Bank of America have the most developed online processes — you can complete most of the application on their websites, upload documents, and in some cases fund the account without leaving home. However, they may still call you to verify information before the account is active.
Regional banks vary. Many credit unions and smaller regional banks require an in-person visit, though this is changing. Before you start an application, call the bank's business banking line and ask whether the full process can be done online or whether you will need to visit a branch.
Online-only banks and fintech platforms like Mercury, Brex, Novo, and Lemonade Business often have the fastest fully remote processes. You can open an account in hours or one business day, with no branch visit required. The trade-off is that these platforms may not offer all the services a traditional bank does — some do not have physical locations, some have higher fees for certain transactions, or some focus on specific business types (startups, freelancers, small e-commerce).
The step-by-step process at a traditional bank
Start on the bank's website and look for "Business Banking" or "Open a Business Account." You will land on a page that lets you choose your business structure (sole proprietor, LLC, S-corp, C-corp, nonprofit, etc.). Choose the one that matches your business.
Fill in your personal information, business name, business address, and the type of work you do. You will be asked whether you already have an EIN. If you do not, some banks let you apply for one during the account opening process; others ask you to get one first from the IRS website (irs.gov/ein). Getting an EIN takes about 15 minutes online and is free.
Upload your documents. The bank will ask you to photograph or scan your ID, your EIN letter (if you have one), and your business formation documents. Make sure the images are clear and all four corners of each document are visible. Blurry or cropped images cause delays.
Review the account terms, choose which account type you want (checking, savings, or both), and agree to the bank's terms and conditions. At this point, some banks let you fund the account immediately with a debit card or bank transfer. Others wait until a representative reviews your application.
Expect a call or email within one to three business days. A bank representative will verify your information, ask why you are opening the account, and confirm your identity. This call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Once they approve you, the account opens and you can start using it.
Why sole proprietorships take longer
If you operate as a sole proprietor — meaning you have not formed an LLC or corporation — banks treat your business and personal finances as the same legal entity. This makes verification harder. The bank cannot look up articles of incorporation or a certificate of good standing because neither exists. Instead, they rely on your business license, DBA certificate, or sometimes just your word that you operate a business.
Because of this, sole proprietorships often face longer review times, additional questions, or a requirement to visit a branch in person. Some banks will not open business accounts for sole proprietors at all, or they will open a personal account and let you use it for business (which is legal but not ideal for liability protection).
If you plan to open a business account online and want the fastest process, forming an LLC first — even if it costs $50 to $300 depending on your state — can actually speed up the bank account opening. You will have official formation documents to upload, and banks process these applications faster.
Funding your account and getting started
Once your account is open, you need to fund it. Most banks let you transfer money from a personal bank account using ACH (Automated Clearing House), which is free but takes one to three business days. Some let you wire money, which is faster (same day or next day) but costs $15 to $30. A few banks let you fund with a debit card, though they may charge a fee.
You will receive account and routing numbers, either by email or in the account dashboard, usually within a few hours of approval. You can use these to set up direct deposit, pay bills, or transfer money. Some banks mail you a debit card and checks; others let you order these from the account dashboard. Debit cards typically arrive in five to seven business days, and checks in one to two weeks.
What to do if your application is denied or delayed
Banks deny business account applications for a few common reasons: your personal credit score is very low, you have a history of fraud or financial crime, your business structure documents do not match the information you provided, or the bank suspects money laundering (for example, if you cannot explain the source of your initial deposit).
If your application is denied, ask the bank why in writing. They are required to tell you. If it is a credit issue, you can try a different bank — some are more lenient with new businesses or lower credit scores. If it is a documentation issue, fix the documents and reapply.
If your application is delayed beyond one week, call the business banking department and ask for a status update. Delays often happen because documents are unclear, information does not match across forms, or the bank is waiting for you to provide something. A phone call can usually speed this up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EIN to open a business bank account online?
Not always. Sole proprietors can sometimes open accounts using just their Social Security number. However, having an EIN makes the process faster and clearer, especially for LLCs and corporations. You can get a free EIN from the IRS website in about 15 minutes.
Can I open a business account if my business is brand new and has no revenue yet?
Yes. Banks open accounts for new businesses all the time. You do not need to show revenue or tax returns. You do need to show that your business is registered (with a business license, DBA, or formation documents) and that you are authorized to open the account.
How long does it actually take to open an account online?
The application itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. Approval and account activation usually take two to seven business days at traditional banks, depending on how quickly you provide documents and how busy the bank is. Online-only banks and fintech platforms often finish in one business day or less.
Will I need to visit a branch in person?
Most likely not, but it depends on the bank. Large national banks usually do not require a branch visit if you complete the online application correctly and provide clear documents. Smaller regional banks and credit unions are more likely to require an in-person visit. Call ahead and ask before you start the application.
What is the difference between opening an account at a traditional bank versus an online-only bank?
Traditional banks are slower but offer more services — physical locations, phone support, business loans, and merchant services. Online-only banks are faster and often cheaper, but may not have all those services. Choose based on what you actually need. If you just need a checking account and do not need a loan or in-person support, an online bank is usually faster and simpler.