What Do I Need to Open a Business Bank Account?
Types of Business Bank AccountThere are three main types of business bank accounts:
What You Need to Open a Business Bank AccountWhat you need to open a business bank account will vary depending on your type of business entity, the state you live in, and where your business was established. Some banks also ask for more documentation than others. It’s typically simpler to open a business bank account online. Here’s what you need to open a business bank account: To prove your business’s identity, you’ll need to provide your EIN, as well as the documents that the IRS sent you when issuing your EIN. Sole proprietors may be able to use their social security number in lieu of an EIN. Personal IdentificationMost banks will also ask you for one or two forms of personal identification to prove that you are connected with the business. To open a business bank account, you must be an officer or owner of the company. Valid forms of personal identification include a driver’s license, state-issued identification, or passport. Business LicenseIssued by your state or local government, a business license shows you are authorized to operate by that jurisdiction. The processes for getting a business license differs by city and state, so it’s best to see what your area requires. Certificate of Assumed NameMany businesses operate under a trade name that is different from their legal name. For example, ABC Bakery, LLC, might operate as “ABC’s.” If this is true in your case, you’ll need to file a fictitious business name, also known as a doing business as name (DBA), with your state’s secretary of state. The bank will ask for a copy of your DBA filing documents as proof of your business’s trade name. Partnership AgreementBusinesses with multiple owners will need to supply a partnership agreement, bylaws (for corporations) or operating agreement (for LLCs). Organizing DocumentsThe requirements for organizing documents vary a bit by state, but at their core, they spell out a few crucial components of your company: business name, address, owners, registered agent (the person who handles a company’s paperwork), management structure (who will be in charge of running the company), and the activities it will engage in. The main organizational document for a corporation is called the articles of incorporation. For an LLC, it’s called the articles of organization. You should store these founding documents in a safe place and be ready to show them to a bank. Monthly Credit Card RevenueBusinesses applying for merchant services accounts will need to supply estimates of their monthly credit card volume or the processing history and average volume of monthly credit card revenue of their current merchant account. Some merchant account providers ask for additional documentation as well, such as financial statements and bank account statements. How Requirements Vary for Different Business TypesHere’s a basic overview of what you’ll need to open a business bank account based on your entity type: Sole Proprietorships
Partnerships
Limited Liability Companies
Corporations
Choosing a Business Bank AccountOkay, if you’ve made it this far, it means you have everything prepared to open your business bank account. From here, the next step is to compare and choose the right business bank account for your company. Here are some excellent options for small businesses. Checking Account Bluevine Business Banking Great For: No monthly fees and 1.50% interest checking
Who it’s right for: Businesses looking for a fee-free, interest-earning, online-based bank account Benefits:
Checking Account Chase Business Complete Checking℠ Great For: New businesses looking to open an account with a traditional bank.
Who it’s right for: New businesses that are ready to grow while easily managing their cash flow. Benefits:
Checking Account Chase Performance Business Checking® Great For: Mid-sized businesses looking for more transaction and deposit allowances
Who it’s right for: Bigger companies that need the essentials. Benefits:
Savings Account NBKC Business Money Market Account Great For: Interest-earning business savings account that can be managed on the go.
Who it’s right for: Businesses that want an interest-bearing savings account Benefits:
Frequently Asked Questions1. How much money do you need to open a business checking account?Minimum deposit policies will vary by bank. Some accounts require $50 to $100, while others have no minimum deposit requirement. 2. Can I open a business bank account online?Yes. Many banks, like Bluevine and NBKC, have digitized the application process to let you open a business bank account online. Keep in mind that you will still need to provide all the necessary documents and identifications as you would when applying in-person. Use our guide to learn more about how to open a business bank account online. 3. Can I open a business bank account without an EIN?Sole proprietors without an EIN can register for a business bank account using their social security number. For other entity types, however, an EIN is typically required. The Bottom LineOpening a business bank account can require a lot of paperwork, but you should already have most of the documents on hand from when you set up your business. Once you open your business bank account, you can focus on generating sales and filling that account with cash. Contributing Writer at Fundera Brian O'ConnorBrian O’Connor is a contributing writer for Fundera. Brian writes about finance, business strategy, and digital marketing. He is the former director of digital strategy at Morgan Stanley, and has worked at Foreign Affairs magazine, Student Loan Hero, and as a partner of a small consulting firm, too. Combined, these experiences allow him to offer a unique perspective on the challenges small business owners face. Read Full Author Bio How do I open a chase business account?
What do you need to open a Chase bank account?You’ll typically need the following:
How do you create a Chase account?
What do you need to open a business bank account?What You Need to Open a Business Bank Account
How do I qualify for a Chase business account?Information required to open account:. Personal Identification: Two forms of ID are required. ... . Tax Identification Number: ... . Business Documentation: Filed with appropriate State Agency including State Filing Stamp. ... . Assumed Name Certificate: May be required if your business is operating with a DBA (doing business as).. What documents are needed to open a business bank account?Get documents you need to open a business bank account. Employer Identification Number (EIN) (or a Social Security number, if you're a sole proprietorship). Your business's formation documents.. Ownership agreements.. Business license.. How much does chase require to open a business account?Chase Business Complete Checking at a glance. Can I open a Chase business account without an EIN?You also need one of the following tax identification numbers to open a business checking account: Social Security number. Individual taxpayer identification number (for non-U.S. citizens) Employer Identification Number (EIN)
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