Yes, you can open a business checking account online, but the bank will ask for more paperwork than a personal account
Most banks let you start a business checking account through their website without visiting a branch. The process is faster than it used to be, but it is not the same as opening a personal account. Banks need to verify that your business actually exists, that you are authorized to open the account, and sometimes that you are not on a government watchlist. This means you will upload documents instead of just typing in your name and address.
The timeline varies. Some banks complete the whole thing in a few hours. Others take one to three business days because a person has to review your documents by hand. A few banks still require you to sign papers in person or have a notary witness your signature, which means you cannot finish entirely online—but this is becoming less common.
Key Takeaways
- You will need your Social Security number or Employer Identification Number (EIN), a government ID, and proof that your business exists—usually articles of incorporation, a business license, or a DBA certificate.
- Banks verify your identity and your business's legal status before opening the account, which takes anywhere from a few hours to three business days depending on the bank.
- Some banks ask for a business plan, recent tax returns, or proof of your business address, while others do not—call ahead to know what to gather.
- You can deposit checks online through mobile deposit or by mailing them once the account is open, but you cannot deposit checks before the account exists.
What documents you need to have ready
Start by gathering your business formation documents. If you incorporated or formed an LLC, you need a copy of your articles of incorporation or articles of organization—the document the state issued when you registered the business. If you are a sole proprietor operating under your own name, you may not need this. If you are a sole proprietor using a business name (called a DBA, or "doing business as"), you need the DBA certificate from your county or state.
You will also need a government-issued ID—a driver's license or passport. The bank will ask for your Social Security number if you are a sole proprietor, or your Employer Identification Number (EIN) if you have one. You can get an EIN free from the IRS website, and many banks prefer it because it separates your personal and business finances on their records.
Some banks ask for proof of your business address. This can be a utility bill, a lease, or a recent business license. A few banks ask for recent tax returns or a business plan, especially if you are a new business with no tax history. Call the bank before you start the application and ask what they need—this saves you from uploading documents, having the application rejected, and starting over.
How the online application actually works
You start on the bank's website by clicking a link for business accounts. You enter your business name, the type of business structure (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, partnership), and your contact information. The bank then asks you to upload images of your documents—take clear photos or scans of both sides of your ID, your articles of incorporation or DBA certificate, and anything else they request.
After you upload, the bank's system checks your information against databases. This is automated and usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. If everything matches, you move to the next step. If something does not match—your name on your ID does not match your business registration, for example—a person will contact you to ask questions or request more documents.
Once the bank approves you, you sign documents electronically. These are usually the account agreement, fee schedule, and a form authorizing the bank to check your background. You review them on screen, type your name or use an electronic signature tool, and submit. The account opens immediately or within one business day, and you get your account number and routing number right away.
Banks that let you finish the whole process online
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all offer online business account opening, though each has slightly different requirements and timelines. Regional banks like PNC, US Bank, and KeyBank also offer online opening. Online-only banks like Mercury, Brex, and Wise have streamlined the process further and often approve accounts in hours instead of days.
The trade-off is that online-only banks may have fewer physical locations if you ever need to deposit cash or speak to someone in person. They also may not offer all the services a traditional bank does—some do not have business credit cards, for example, or do not work with certain types of businesses. Before you choose a bank, check whether they serve your industry. Some banks decline cannabis businesses, nonprofits, or certain other categories regardless of legality.
What happens if the bank asks for more information
If the bank's automated system flags something, a person will email or call you. This usually means one of three things: your documents did not scan clearly, information on your documents does not match what you typed into the application, or the bank needs clarification about your business. For example, if your DBA certificate says you operate under "Smith Consulting" but you typed "Smith Consulting LLC" in the application, they will ask which is correct.
Respond as quickly as you can. Most banks give you five to ten business days to reply before they close the application. If you need to resubmit documents, take new photos in good lighting and make sure all text is readable. If the bank asks about your business—what you do, who your customers are, how long you have been operating—answer honestly and briefly. Banks are required by federal law to verify that you are not using the account for illegal activity, so these questions are routine, not a sign of a problem.
When you might have to sign in person
A small number of banks still require a wet signature—your actual handwritten signature on paper—for business accounts. This is less common than it used to be, but it happens. If your bank requires it, they will tell you during the application. You can usually schedule an appointment at a branch, sign the documents, and mail them back, or sign them in front of a notary and email the notarized copy to the bank. A few banks will send a representative to your business location if you are opening a large account.
If you are in a hurry and the bank requires in-person signing, ask whether they will accept a notarized signature instead. Many will. A notary public can witness your signature for a small fee—usually ten to twenty dollars—and you can find notaries at banks, UPS stores, and online through services like Notarize or Notary.com.
Depositing checks once your account is open
Once the account is active, you can deposit checks through mobile deposit if the bank offers it. You photograph the front and back of the check with your phone, enter the amount, and submit it through the bank's app. The check clears within one to three business days, depending on the bank and the amount. Some banks hold large deposits for longer.
If the bank does not offer mobile deposit, you can mail checks to the address on your account statement, or visit a branch to deposit them in person. A few banks still require you to mail checks or bring them to a branch, so ask about mobile deposit when you open the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EIN to open a business checking account online?
No. If you are a sole proprietor, you can use your Social Security number instead. However, using an EIN keeps your personal and business finances separate on the bank's records and is generally better practice. You can get an EIN free from the IRS website in about ten minutes.
How long does it take to open a business account online?
Most banks complete the process in one to three business days. Some online-only banks approve accounts in a few hours. The timeline depends on how quickly the bank's system can verify your documents and whether a person needs to review your application by hand.
What if my business is brand new and I have no tax returns?
Most banks do not require tax returns for new businesses. They ask for your articles of incorporation or DBA certificate, your ID, and your EIN or Social Security number. If a bank asks for tax returns and you do not have any, call and explain that you are newly formed. They may ask for a business plan or proof of funding instead.
Can I open a business account if I am a sole proprietor with no business license?
Yes, in most states. Sole proprietors do not always need a business license—it depends on your state and what you do. You can open the account with just your ID and Social Security number or EIN. If your state requires a license and you do not have one, the bank will tell you during the application.
What if the bank rejects my application?
Banks rarely reject applications outright. More often they ask for more information or clarification. If they do reject you, they will tell you why—usually because your documents did not verify, your identity could not be confirmed, or your business structure is not one they serve. You can try a different bank, or ask the first bank whether you can reapply once you have corrected the issue.