What you need before you start
Chase requires you to bring specific documents and information in person to a branch, or you can start the process online and finish it in the branch. You will need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your business address. The address proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or business license — anything dated within the last 60 days with your business name and address on it.
If your business is a sole proprietorship, that is all Chase needs from you. If you have a partnership, LLC, S-corp, or C-corp, you will also need to bring your Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, or you can apply for one during the account opening if you do not have it yet. For LLCs and corporations, Chase will ask to see your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation — the document you filed with your state when you formed the business.
Have your expected monthly deposit volume and transaction patterns ready to discuss. Chase uses this information to recommend which account type fits your business size and to set your initial deposit requirements, which vary by account.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Chase branch in person to complete the account opening, though you can start online and finish at the branch.
- Bring your photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and a recent utility bill or lease showing your business address.
- Sole proprietors need only personal identification; partnerships and corporations need an EIN and formation documents from your state.
- Chase offers different business account types with different minimum balances and fee structures depending on your transaction volume and business type.
- The entire process takes about 20 to 30 minutes in the branch once you have your documents ready.
Starting online versus going straight to the branch
You can begin the account opening on Chase's website by entering your business name, type, and basic contact information. This pre-fills some of your application and lets you see which account types are available to you before you go to the branch. The online start also shows you the current minimum balance requirement for each account type, which changes periodically.
If you prefer to skip the online step, you can walk into any Chase branch and ask to open a business account. A banker will walk you through the same questions and documents on paper or on their computer. Either way, you cannot complete the account opening without visiting a branch in person — Chase does not offer fully remote business account opening.
Starting online saves you time at the branch because the banker will not have to re-enter your basic information. If you start online, bring the confirmation email or reference number with you to the branch.
Which account type matches your business
Chase offers several business checking accounts, and the one you choose depends on how many transactions you expect each month and whether you need additional services like merchant processing or payroll.
Chase Business Basic Checking is designed for very small businesses or sole proprietors with low transaction volume. It has no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance (the amount varies by region, typically $500 to $1,000). If your balance falls below the minimum, you pay a monthly maintenance fee, usually around $15.
Chase Business Checking is the mid-tier option for growing businesses. It also waives the monthly fee with a minimum balance, usually higher than Basic Checking. This account includes features like check imaging and online bill pay at no extra charge.
Chase Business Premier Checking is for larger businesses with higher transaction volumes. It has a higher minimum balance requirement but includes additional services and may offer relationship pricing if you use other Chase business products.
Ask the banker which account type fits your expected monthly activity. If you are unsure, start with Business Checking — it is the most flexible middle option.
Documents to bring to the branch
| Document Type | What It Proves | Acceptable Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Your identity | Driver's license, passport, state ID card |
| Business address proof | Your business location | Utility bill, lease, business license, mortgage statement (dated within 60 days) |
| EIN documentation | Your business tax ID (if not sole proprietor) | IRS Form SS-4 confirmation, EIN letter from IRS, or your most recent tax return |
| Formation documents | Your business structure (if LLC, partnership, or corporation) | Articles of Organization, Articles of Incorporation, or Certificate of Formation from your state |
If you do not have your EIN yet, you can apply for one at the branch during account opening. Chase can help you file IRS Form SS-4 on the spot, though the EIN itself comes from the IRS, not from Chase. The IRS typically issues an EIN within a few minutes if you apply online yourself before going to the branch, so that is faster than waiting for the branch to file it.
Bring originals or certified copies of your formation documents. Chase will not accept photocopies for Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation. If you cannot locate your original documents, contact your state's Secretary of State office — they can issue certified copies for a small fee.
What happens during the account opening appointment
The banker will verify your identity and business information, review your documents, and ask you to sign the account agreement and signature card. The signature card is the document that authorizes you to sign checks and conduct transactions on the account. If other people will have access to the account, you will need to designate them as authorized users or signers at this time, and they may need to be present or provide their own identification.
The banker will also discuss your expected monthly deposits and transaction patterns to confirm the account type is right for you. They will explain the fee structure, minimum balance requirement, and any promotional offers Chase is currently running for new business accounts.
Once everything is signed, Chase will issue you a temporary debit card on the spot or mail one to your business address within 7 to 10 business days. Your account number and routing number will be provided immediately so you can set up direct deposits or payments right away. You can start using the account as soon as the banker confirms it is open, usually within the same day.
Setting up online banking and transfers after opening
Before you leave the branch, ask the banker to activate your online banking access. You will receive a temporary password that you change the first time you log in. Online banking lets you view your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and download statements without visiting the branch.
If you plan to receive payroll deposits or customer payments, set those up as soon as your account is open. You will need to provide your new account number and Chase's routing number to your payroll provider or customers. Chase's routing number is the same for all business accounts in your region, and the banker will give it to you in writing.
If you need to transfer money from a personal account or another bank, you can do that through Chase's online banking or by visiting the branch. Transfers between your own Chase accounts are instant; transfers from other banks take 1 to 3 business days.
Fees and minimum balance requirements
Chase business checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee if your balance falls below the minimum, but the fee is waived if you maintain the required balance. The minimum balance varies by account type and region — it is typically between $500 and $2,500 for most business accounts. Ask the banker for the exact minimum for your account type and location.
Beyond the monthly maintenance fee, Chase charges per-transaction fees for certain activities if you exceed a threshold. For example, some accounts include a set number of check deposits per month; additional deposits may incur a fee. The banker will explain which activities are included and which cost extra for your specific account.
Chase also charges fees for overdrafts, stop payments, wire transfers, and returned checks. These fees are the same across most business account types. Ask for a fee schedule in writing so you have it for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a business account online without going to a branch?
No. Chase requires you to complete the account opening in person at a branch with your documents and photo ID. You can start the application online to save time, but you must finish it at the branch.
What if I do not have an EIN yet?
You can obtain an EIN before your appointment by going to the IRS website and applying online — it takes a few minutes and you receive the number immediately. Or you can apply for one at the Chase branch during account opening, though that takes longer because the IRS has to process it.
Do I need to bring my business partner or co-owner to the appointment?
Only if they will be a signer on the account. If you are the sole signer and your partner is just an owner, you do not need them present. The banker will explain the difference between owners and authorized signers.
How long does it take to open the account?
The appointment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents ready. Your account is active the same day, though your debit card may arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What is the minimum balance, and what happens if I go below it?
The minimum balance varies by account type and region, typically $500 to $2,500. If your balance falls below it, Chase charges a monthly maintenance fee, usually $10 to $20. You can avoid the fee by maintaining the minimum or by setting up direct deposits that meet a certain threshold each month — ask the banker if your account qualifies for a waiver based on deposits.