What you need before you walk into a bank

To open a business checking account in Texas, you need three things: proof that your business exists, proof of who you are, and money to deposit. The first part—proof your business exists—depends on what kind of business you have. If you're a sole proprietor operating under your own name, you may only need a driver's license. If you're operating under a different name, you'll need a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate filed with the Texas Secretary of State or your county clerk. If you're an LLC or corporation, you need your Certificate of Formation or Articles of Incorporation.

The second requirement is personal identification. Bring a government-issued photo ID—a Texas driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Banks verify this against federal databases to comply with anti-money-laundering rules. The third requirement is an opening deposit, which varies by bank and account type. Some accounts require $100; others require $1,000 or more. A few banks have no minimum, though these are less common in Texas.

You'll also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if your business has employees or is structured as an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp. You can get an EIN free from the IRS website in minutes. If you're a sole proprietor with no employees, you can use your Social Security number instead, though many banks prefer an EIN anyway.

Key Takeaways

  • Sole proprietors need only a driver's license and Social Security number, while LLCs and corporations must bring their formation documents and an EIN.
  • A DBA certificate from your county clerk or the Texas Secretary of State is required if you operate under a business name different from your legal name.
  • Opening deposits range from zero to $1,000 depending on the bank and account type; ask about this before you visit.
  • The entire process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, though some banks offer online account opening for sole proprietors.

Where to get your DBA and formation documents

If you operate as a sole proprietor under a business name, file a DBA with your county clerk's office. In Texas, a DBA is not filed with the state—it's filed locally. Go to your county clerk's website, search for "DBA" or "assumed name," and follow the filing instructions. The fee is typically $25 to $75 depending on your county. You'll receive a certificate, which you bring to the bank. This process takes one to two weeks.

If you've already formed an LLC or corporation, you have a Certificate of Formation (for LLCs) or Articles of Incorporation (for corporations). These were issued by the Texas Secretary of State when you filed. If you don't have a copy, you can read it from the Secretary of State's website using your business name, or request a certified copy for a small fee. You'll need this document at the bank.

If you haven't formed your business yet and plan to, the Texas Secretary of State's website walks you through LLC or corporation formation online. The filing fee for an LLC is $300; for a corporation, it's $300 as well. Once filed, you receive your formation document when ready (or within one business day if you file online). You can then open your bank account.

What happens when you arrive at the bank

Bring all your documents in a folder: your ID, your formation documents or DBA certificate, your EIN letter (or Social Security number if you don't have an EIN yet), and your opening deposit. Some banks ask you to bring a blank check from a personal account to verify your identity, though this is less common now. Call the bank ahead of time to confirm what they need—requirements vary slightly between institutions.

The banker will ask you basic questions: your business name, structure (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation), what you do, and how much money you expect to move through the account monthly. They'll verify your documents against your ID and run a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database. This check looks for fraud or unpaid overdrafts at other banks. If you have a clean history, you'll move forward. If there's a flag, the bank may deny the account or ask you to explain.

You'll then choose your account features: whether you want online banking, a debit card, check-writing privileges, and what fee structure you prefer. Many Texas banks offer free business checking with no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Ask about these conditions before you commit. The banker will have you sign documents—the account agreement and signature card—and your account opens when ready. You can start using it the same day.

Banks that operate in Texas and their requirements

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all operate in Texas and offer business checking. Chase requires a $1,000 opening deposit for most business accounts and charges a monthly fee unless you maintain a $2,500 balance or set up payroll direct deposit. Bank of America has similar requirements. Wells Fargo's business checking has no monthly fee but requires a $500 opening deposit.

Regional banks often have lower minimums. Texas-based banks like Frost Bank, Cullen/Frost, and Prosperity Bank operate throughout the state. Frost Bank's business checking has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement. Cullen/Frost requires a $500 opening deposit. Prosperity Bank has no monthly fee and no minimum balance. Online banks like Mercury and Brex offer business checking with no monthly fees and no minimums, though they require you to open the account entirely online and may have stricter requirements for sole proprietors.

Credit unions in Texas also offer business checking, though membership rules vary. Some credit unions require you to live or work in a specific county; others serve all of Texas. The Texas Credit Union League website lists credit unions by region. Credit union business accounts often have lower fees than banks, though they may have fewer branches and ATMs.

Timeline and what to expect after opening

The account opens the moment you finish signing documents—usually 15 to 30 minutes after you arrive. You'll receive a temporary debit card on the spot or within a few days, and checks can be ordered when ready (they arrive in five to seven business days). Your online banking access activates the same day, so you can log in and see your balance right away.

If you deposited a check as your opening deposit, it will clear within one to two business days. If you deposited cash, it's available when ready. Some banks place a hold on large deposits (over $5,000) for one to three business days, so ask about this if you're depositing a significant amount.

After opening, you'll receive a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and instructions for setting up payroll, invoicing, and transfers. Keep your account agreement and signature card in a safe place—you'll need the account and routing numbers to set up vendor payments, payroll, and business loans later.

Online account opening for sole proprietors

Some banks allow sole proprietors to open a business checking account entirely online without visiting a branch. Mercury, Brex, and a few regional banks offer this. The process is faster—usually 10 to 15 minutes—and you can do it from home. You'll upload photos of your ID and Social Security card, verify your identity through a video call or security questions, and fund the account by linking a personal bank account or transferring funds.

Online opening has trade-offs. You won't speak to a banker about your specific needs, so you may miss out on fee waivers or account features tailored to your business. Some online banks have stricter rules about what businesses they'll accept—for example, some won't open accounts for certain industries like cannabis or high-risk merchants. Read the fine print before you start the process.

If you're an LLC or corporation, most online banks still require you to visit a branch or mail in documents for verification. Call ahead to confirm whether your business structure qualifies for full online opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a business license to open a business checking account?

No. A business license is not required to open an account. You need proof that your business exists—a DBA certificate if you operate under a business name, or formation documents if you're an LLC or corporation. A business license is a separate requirement that depends on your industry and city, but banks don't ask for it.

Can I open a business account with just my Social Security number?

Yes, if you're a sole proprietor. You don't need an EIN. However, many banks prefer an EIN because it keeps your personal and business finances separate in their systems. Getting an EIN is free and takes five minutes online, so it's worth doing even if it's not required.

What if I don't have a DBA certificate yet?

File one with your county clerk before you go to the bank. The process takes one to two weeks and costs $25 to $75. Some banks will open an account for a sole proprietor operating under their legal name without a DBA, but if you use a business name, you need the certificate.

Can I open a business account online if I'm an LLC?

Most banks require LLCs to open accounts in person or by mailing documents. A few online banks accept LLCs online, but they're the exception. Call the bank first to confirm whether they'll accept your LLC formation documents by mail or video verification.

How long does it take to get checks after I open the account?

Checks ordered through your bank typically arrive in five to seven business days. You can order them the same day you open the account. Some banks offer expedited check printing for an extra fee if you need them faster.