What you need before you walk into a bank

You cannot open an LLC bank account without proof that your LLC actually exists. Banks need to see that you have filed formation documents with your state and received confirmation back. The document you need is called an Articles of Organization (or sometimes Certificate of Formation, depending on your state). This is the official record that your LLC is registered with your state's Secretary of State office.

You will also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is a nine-digit tax ID for your business. You get this free from the IRS, either online at irs.gov or by mailing Form SS-4. The online process takes about 15 minutes and you receive your EIN when ready. If you mail the form, it takes about four weeks. Many banks will not open an account without an EIN, so get this before you visit the bank.

Finally, bring a personal ID (driver's license or passport) and the person who owns or manages the LLC must be present. Some banks also ask for a business license from your city or county, though this is less common. Call the bank branch you plan to visit and ask what documents they specifically need — requirements vary between banks and sometimes between branches of the same bank.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have your Articles of Organization from your state and an EIN from the IRS before most banks will open an account.
  • The person opening the account must bring a personal ID and be physically present at the bank, though some banks now offer remote account opening.
  • Different banks have different document requirements, so call ahead to confirm what you need to bring.
  • An EIN takes 15 minutes online or four weeks by mail, so plan accordingly if you are on a timeline.
  • Some banks charge monthly fees for business accounts, while others waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance.

Getting your EIN before you visit the bank

The fastest way to get an EIN is online at irs.gov/ein. Go to the IRS website, find the EIN process tool, and answer questions about your business structure, location, and what you do. You will need your Social Security number and the date you formed your LLC. The process takes about 15 minutes, and the IRS gives you your EIN on screen when ready. Write it down or print the confirmation page.

If you cannot explore online, you can mail Form SS-4 to the IRS address for your state (listed on the form itself). Mail takes about four weeks. You can also call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933, but phone lines are often busy and wait times are long.

Once you have your EIN, keep it somewhere safe. You will need it not just for the bank account, but for taxes, hiring employees, and other business purposes. The IRS will send you a confirmation letter by mail within two weeks of your online process, but you do not need to wait for it — the number you received online is valid when ready.

Choosing between in-person and online account opening

Most banks still require you to visit a branch in person to open a business account, though this is changing. When you go in person, bring all your documents, sit with an account representative, and they will verify everything on the spot. This usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. The account is often ready to use the same day or within 24 hours.

Some banks now offer remote account opening for business accounts, meaning you can complete the process online or over video call. This is faster and more convenient, but not all banks offer it yet. If remote opening is important to you, search for "online LLC bank account" plus your bank's name, or call and ask directly. Banks that commonly offer this include some online-only banks and larger national banks, but availability changes frequently.

If you choose in-person opening, call ahead and ask whether you need an appointment or can walk in. Some branches require appointments for business accounts. Bring all documents in originals or certified copies — do not bring photocopies unless the bank specifically says that is acceptable.

What happens during the account opening process

When you sit down with the bank representative, they will ask you to verify your identity using your personal ID. They will then ask to see your Articles of Organization and your EIN confirmation. They may also ask questions about what your business does, how much money you expect to deposit, and who will have access to the account (just you, or multiple owners).

The bank will run a background check on you personally and may check your business name against their fraud prevention system. This is routine and does not mean anything is wrong. They will then show you account options — most banks offer a few different business checking accounts with different fee structures. Ask about monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements, and what transactions are free versus charged.

Once you choose an account type and sign the paperwork, the account is usually active when ready or within one business day. The bank will give you temporary checks or a debit card, or both. You can start depositing money right away. Some banks mail you permanent checks and official debit cards within 5 to 10 business days.

Documents to bring: the complete list

Bring originals or certified copies of these documents. Call your bank first to confirm they accept copies, as some require originals:

  • Your personal ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • Your Articles of Organization from your state
  • Your EIN confirmation from the IRS
  • A business license from your city or county (if you have one; not always required)
  • An Operating Agreement for your LLC (optional, but some banks ask for it)

If you do not have a certified copy of your Articles of Organization, you can get one from your state's Secretary of State office. Most states allow you to order certified copies online or by mail for a small fee (usually $5 to $15). This takes 5 to 10 business days by mail, or sometimes same-day if you order online and pick up in person.

Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace easily. If the bank asks for an original and you are uncomfortable giving it, ask whether a certified copy is acceptable instead. Most banks will accept certified copies of government-filed documents.

Understanding business account fees and minimums

Business checking accounts are not free the way some personal checking accounts are. Most banks charge a monthly maintenance fee that ranges from $10 to $25, though some waive the fee if you keep a minimum balance (often $1,000 to $2,500) or set up direct deposit.

Beyond the monthly fee, ask about per-transaction charges. Some banks charge for each check you write, each deposit you make, or each wire transfer you send. Others include a certain number of transactions free each month. If your business will write many checks or make frequent deposits, these per-transaction fees can add up quickly.

Online banks and credit unions sometimes offer lower fees than traditional banks, but they may not have physical branches. Decide whether you need in-person service or whether online-only works for your business. Compare at least two or three banks before you open an account — the fee difference over a year can be significant.

What to do if your LLC formation is still pending

If you have filed your Articles of Organization but have not yet received confirmation from your state, you cannot open a bank account yet. Banks will not accept a filing receipt in place of the official Articles of Organization. You must wait for your state to process and approve your LLC formation.

Most states process LLC formation within 5 to 10 business days if you file online, or 2 to 3 weeks if you mail the form. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee (usually $25 to $100). If you are on a tight timeline, check whether your state offers this option.

Once you receive your approved Articles of Organization, you can explore for your EIN and open your bank account. The entire process from approved LLC to open bank account usually takes 2 to 4 weeks if you do everything in order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a business license before I open a bank account?

No. A business license is not required to open an LLC bank account. You only need your Articles of Organization and your EIN. However, some banks ask for a business license if you have one, so it does not hurt to have it. Check with your specific bank.

Can I open an LLC bank account without being present in person?

Some banks now offer remote account opening through video call or online process, but most still require you to visit a branch. Call your bank and ask whether they offer remote opening for business accounts. If they do not, you will need to visit in person with your documents.

What if I have multiple owners in my LLC?

All owners do not need to be present, but the bank will ask who has signing authority on the account. Usually one owner opens the account and can add other owners later. Some banks require all owners to sign the account agreement. Ask the bank what their policy is before you visit.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

Online process takes 15 minutes and you receive your EIN when ready. Mail process takes about four weeks. Phone process can take several hours of waiting but gives you the number the same day. Online is the fastest option.

Can I use my personal Social Security number instead of an EIN?

Some banks will let you use your Social Security number temporarily while you wait for your EIN, but most require an EIN for business accounts. Do not count on this — get your EIN before you visit the bank.