Yes, you can open a business checking account entirely online with most banks
Many banks now let you open a business checking account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, though some banks finish it in under 10. You will need your Social Security number or Employer Identification Number (EIN), a government-issued ID, and basic information about your business — usually your business name, structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation), and what you do.
Not every bank offers full online opening. Some require you to visit a branch to verify your identity in person or to sign documents. A few still require a phone call with a banker. Before you start, check whether the specific bank you want actually lets you complete the entire process online — the option exists, but it is not universal.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks and many community banks let you open a business checking account online, though some require an in-person visit or phone call to finish.
- You will need your Social Security number or EIN, a government-issued ID, and basic business information before you start.
- The online process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and your account may be ready to use the same day or within one to two business days.
- Banks verify your identity differently — some use video calls, some check against databases, and some still require you to come in person.
- You may need to make an initial deposit before the account opens, though some banks waive this for the first 30 days.
What information you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online process. You will need your Social Security number (if you are a sole proprietor) or your Employer Identification Number (if your business is registered as an LLC, corporation, or partnership). You will also need a government-issued ID — a driver's license or passport — and the bank will ask you to verify it, usually by uploading a photo or answering questions about it.
Have your business information ready: the legal name of your business, the structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, S-corp, C-corp, partnership), what your business does, and how long it has been operating. Some banks ask whether you have other business accounts or whether you have been denied a bank account in the past. Be honest — banks check these things, and lying on a banking process can result in account closure.
If your business is brand new, that is fine. Banks open accounts for businesses that have not yet made their first sale. If your business is a few years old, the bank may ask for a recent tax return or business license to verify it exists.
How banks verify your identity online
Banks use different methods to confirm you are who you say you are without meeting you in person. The most common approach is database verification — the bank checks your name, address, and Social Security number against public records and credit bureaus. This happens in seconds, and if you match, you move forward when ready.
Some banks use video verification. You will be asked to hold your ID up to your camera while a banker or automated system checks it. This usually takes a few minutes and happens during the process itself, though some banks schedule it for later the same day.
A few banks still require you to visit a branch or use a notary service to verify your identity in person. If the bank you want uses this method, it will tell you during the online process — you will not get halfway through and discover you have to go somewhere.
When your account will be ready to use
If the bank approves you on the spot — which happens when database verification succeeds — your account may be active the same day. You can usually see your account number and routing number when ready and start setting up direct deposit or transfers right away. Some banks let you order a debit card during the process.
If the bank needs to do additional verification (a video call, a phone interview, or a review by a person), approval usually takes one to two business days. A few banks take longer if they need to verify your business license or tax information. The bank will email you when your account is ready.
Some banks require an initial deposit before the account opens — often $100 to $500. Others waive the deposit for the first 30 days, or do not require one at all. This varies by bank and by account type, so check before you explore.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, you will receive a welcome email with your account number and routing number. You can use these to set up direct deposit, pay bills online, or transfer money from another account. A physical debit card and checks (if you ordered them) will arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days.
Some banks send you to a second step after opening — setting up your online banking login, adding authorized users, or confirming your business address. These steps are usually quick and happen right after approval.
If you need to deposit cash or checks in person, you will have to visit a branch or use an ATM (for checks, if the bank has mobile deposit). Online-only banks have no physical branches, so they do not accept cash deposits at all — keep that in mind if your business handles a lot of cash.
Banks that let you open online versus those that do not
Most large national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank — let you open a business checking account online. Many regional banks and credit unions do as well. Community banks vary: some have full online opening, others require a phone call or branch visit.
Online-only banks (like Brex, Mercury, or Novo) are built for online opening and usually have the fastest process. They do not have physical branches, so they are best if you do not need to deposit cash in person.
Before you choose a bank, visit its website and look for "open a business account" or "business checking." If you see an "open now" button that takes you to an process, the bank offers online opening. If you see "call us" or "visit a branch," it does not — or at least not for the full process.
What to watch out for
Read the account terms before you finish the process. Some business checking accounts have monthly fees ($10 to $25 is common), minimum balance requirements, or limits on how many transactions you can make per month. Some waive fees if you keep a certain balance or set up direct deposit.
Check whether the bank reports to business credit bureaus. If you want to build business credit, this matters — some banks do not report at all, so opening an account with them will not help your business credit score.
If you are a sole proprietor using your Social Security number instead of an EIN, the bank may ask whether you want to report the account under your personal name or a business name. This affects how the IRS sees the account and how you file taxes. Ask your accountant or tax preparer which is right for your situation before you explore.
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. If your business is an LLC, corporation, or partnership, you will need an EIN. You can get an EIN from the IRS website for free in a few minutes, and you will have it when ready — you do not have to wait for mail.
What if the bank rejects my online process?
Banks reject applications for a few reasons: a mismatch between the name and Social Security number you provided, a history of unpaid bank fees or fraud, or a ChexSystems report (a banking history report) that flags you. If you are rejected, ask the bank why. Some will let you reapply after you fix the issue or visit a branch in person.
Can I open an account if my business is brand new and has no tax return yet?
Yes. Most banks open accounts for new businesses. They may ask when you started, what you do, and whether you have a business license. If you do not have a license yet, some banks will still open the account — it depends on the bank and your state's rules.
Will opening a business checking account online affect my personal credit?
No. Business checking accounts do not show up on your personal credit report. The bank may do a soft pull of your credit (which does not affect your score), but opening the account itself will not change your personal credit.
How long does it take to receive checks and a debit card?
Debit cards and checks usually arrive within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks let you order them during the process, others send them automatically. You can use your account number and routing number to receive deposits or pay bills before the physical items arrive.