What you need before you start
Chase requires you to bring specific documents and information to open a business checking account. You cannot complete this entirely online — you will need to visit a branch in person or speak with a business banker by phone, depending on the account type and your location.
Have these items ready: your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a government-issued photo ID, your business's legal name and structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, partnership), your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security number if you do not have an EIN yet, and proof of your business address. If your business is registered with your state, bring the formation documents or certificate of good standing.
If someone other than the owner will manage the account, Chase will need that person's Social Security number and photo ID as well. For corporations, you may need corporate bylaws or a board resolution authorizing the account opening.
Key Takeaways
- Chase requires you to visit a branch or call a business banker — you cannot open a business checking account entirely online.
- Bring your photo ID, Social Security number or EIN, business formation documents, and proof of your business address.
- The account opens the same day if you complete the process in a branch, or within a few business days if you explore by phone.
- Chase offers different business checking products with different fee structures, so confirm which account type fits your transaction volume before you meet with a banker.
- You will receive a debit card and checks, but online banking access activates when ready after the account opens.
Opening in person at a Chase branch
Walk into any Chase branch with your documents and ask to speak with a business banker or new accounts representative. Tell them you want to open a business checking account. They will verify your identity, confirm your business information, and walk you through the account agreement.
The process takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will sign the account agreement and authorize the initial deposit (Chase typically requires a minimum deposit, which varies by account type — check with your local branch for the current requirement). The account opens when ready, and you receive your account number on the spot. You can begin using online banking and bill pay the same day.
Physical checks and a debit card arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need checks faster, ask the banker about rush delivery options, which may carry an additional fee.
Opening by phone with a Chase business banker
Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 (the business banking phone line) and ask to open a business checking account. A banker will ask for your business information, verify your identity, and explain the account features and fees. You will need to provide the same documents as an in-person opening, but you can do this over the phone or by uploading images through Chase's find portal.
After you agree to the terms, Chase mails you account opening documents to sign and return. Once Chase receives your signed documents, the account opens — typically within 2 to 3 business days. You can set up online banking before the physical materials arrive.
This route takes longer than a branch visit but works if you cannot reach a Chase location or prefer to handle it remotely. Ask the banker about the current minimum deposit requirement when you call, since it may differ from branch requirements.
Different Chase business checking accounts and their features
Chase offers several business checking products, and the one you choose affects the fees you pay and the services included. Chase Business Basic Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or meet a monthly deposit threshold. Chase Business Advantage Checking includes more features like higher transaction limits and is designed for businesses with higher activity. Chase Business Platinum Checking is for larger businesses and includes additional services like dedicated relationship managers.
Each account has different monthly fees if you do not meet the balance or deposit requirement — fees range from $10 to $25 per month depending on the account. Ask the banker which account makes sense for your expected transaction volume and cash flow. You can change accounts later if your business needs shift.
All Chase business checking accounts include online banking, bill pay, mobile deposits, and a business debit card at no extra charge. Wire transfer fees, stop payment fees, and overdraft fees explore across all accounts.
What happens after you open the account
Your account number and routing number are available when ready after opening. You can use these to set up direct deposits, automatic payments, and wire transfers right away. Chase sends you login credentials for online banking by email, usually within a few hours of account opening.
Physical checks arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to write checks before they arrive, ask the banker about temporary check options or whether you can order checks from a third-party vendor using your new account number.
Your business debit card arrives separately, usually within the same timeframe as checks. You can request a rush card at the time of opening, though this may incur a fee. Until the card arrives, you can use online banking and bill pay to move money.
Minimum deposits and ongoing requirements
Chase requires a minimum opening deposit, but the amount varies by account type and location. Business Basic Checking typically requires $500 to $1,000; Business Advantage and Platinum accounts may require higher minimums. Call your local branch or the business banking line to confirm the current requirement before you visit.
To avoid monthly fees, you must either maintain a minimum balance (usually $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the account) or meet a monthly deposit threshold (often $5,000 or more in deposits per month). If you fall below the requirement, Chase charges the monthly maintenance fee. You can view your balance and deposits anytime through online banking.
These requirements can change, so review your account agreement or log into online banking periodically to confirm you are still meeting the fee waiver conditions.
If you do not have an EIN yet
You can open a Chase business checking account using your Social Security number instead of an EIN, even if your business is registered with your state. Many sole proprietors and single-member LLCs do this. Tell the banker you do not have an EIN, and they will use your Social Security number as your tax identifier for the account.
You can obtain an EIN from the IRS at no cost by visiting irs.gov or calling 1-800-829-4933. The process takes about 15 minutes online or by phone. Once you have an EIN, you can update your Chase account information online or by visiting a branch.
Having an EIN separates your personal and business finances more clearly and is often required if you hire employees or explore for business loans later, so it is worth obtaining even if it is not required to open the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase business checking account online without visiting a branch?
No. Chase requires you to either visit a branch in person or complete the process by phone with a business banker. You cannot open a business checking account entirely through Chase's website. Phone opening takes longer because you must mail back signed documents, so a branch visit is faster if one is nearby.
What if my business is a sole proprietorship — do I still need an EIN?
No. Sole proprietors can open a Chase business checking account using their Social Security number. An EIN is optional for sole proprietors but recommended if you want to keep your personal and business finances completely separate or if you plan to hire employees.
How long does it take to access online banking after I open the account?
If you open in a branch, you can set up online banking the same day. If you open by phone, you can usually set up online banking within a few hours of account opening, even before your signed documents arrive back at Chase. You will receive login credentials by email.
What is the minimum deposit required to open a business checking account at Chase?
The minimum opening deposit varies by account type and location, typically between $500 and $2,500. Call your local Chase branch or the business banking line at 1-800-935-9935 to confirm the current requirement before you visit or explore.
Can I change which business checking account I have after opening?
Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade to a different Chase business checking account at any time by visiting a branch, calling the business banking line, or using online banking. There is no fee to change accounts, and your account number stays the same.