What do you need to open a business bank account?

As a small business owner, it's important to keep your personal and business banking separate so you can monitor the profitability of your business and avoid mixing transactions. With a business bank account, you can help protect yourself and your business. Before opening one, be sure you understand what you need to start making deposits and getting the most from your account.

In this article, you’ll learn how to open a business bank account and why having one is crucial.

How do you open a business bank account?

Opening a business checking or business savings account can be simple and straightforward when you know what information you need to get started.

1. EIN number

The first thing you should have is an employer identification number — also called an EIN, FEIN or tax identification number. The IRS issues and manages your EIN. If you haven't filed for a tax ID number, you may still be able to open a business bank account with your personal Social Security number.

Depending on your type of business, you may not need to apply for an EIN. A sole proprietorship with no employees typically doesn’t require one. A business formed as a limited liability company (LLC) may need an EIN, depending on whether it has employees. If you’re still unsure whether your business needs an EIN, refer to this checklist from IRS.gov and seek professional advice.

2. Personal and business identification

Opening a business bank account requires proof of identification for both you and your business. Examples include your state-issued driver’s license or passport, your business license or your partnership agreements.

Your business also may need to provide additional materials.

• Sole proprietor: You will need to present your Social Security number. If your business has a DBA (doing business as) or assumed names, you will need to provide other documents that show the other name or names.
• LLC: You may need to present the EIN and business registration. If you are the sole owner, in most cases your name should be listed as such.
• Limited liability partnership: You will need to provide an agreement that shows the names of all the partners as well as the name of the business.

Have your business’s paperwork ready when you go to open a business bank account. If you have filed documents or licenses on the state level, you might need to bring them as well. When speaking with a business banker, make sure to ask which documents the financial institution requires to open a business checking account.

3. Initial deposit

Once you’ve established your personal and business identities, you may need to make an initial business deposit to open your account. Initial deposits and minimum balances vary by bank and account type.

Select a business bank account with an initial deposit amount and minimum daily balance that are manageable for your business. Work with your local business banker to identify the amount of your initial deposit. Also, ask about any limited-time offers or deals; many banks waive initial deposits or contribute a monetary offer to qualifying new accounts.

The benefits of business bank accounts

Opening a business banking account for your company has many benefits, both personally and professionally.

• Keeps finances separate: One advantage of opening a business bank account is separating your personal and business finances. Doing so can be important for taxes and it can help keep you from confusing business with personal expenses.
• Helps maintain liability protection: If you operate an LLC or corporation, a business bank account might help you maintain liability protection. Having one could potentially secure you from payouts in situations where you may be found liable. Business owners should speak with an attorney to understand what protection is available (if any) and what steps to take.
• Helps streamline the tax process: Having a business bank account with all of your inflows and outflows can help when you’re filing taxes. All of your business expenses will be in one place and you can use the account to pay all clients, customers and vendors. Business owners should speak with a tax professional for more information.
• Establishes business credit: A business also needs to establish credit and setting up a bank account is one way to do this. If you plan to take out a loan or work with a supplier, having a business credit history can help. To establish a credit history and get access to capital, you may also consider applying for a business credit card.

The process of opening a bank account

Once you have all the documents you need, opening a business bank account can be straightforward. The documents discussed in this article are a great place to start, but requirements may vary by bank. Speak with a banker for more information.

When you’re ready to open your business bank account, you can open a business bank account online or stop at a branch near you. It might be helpful to meet with a business banker to determine what kind of account you need: business checking, business savings or a merchant service account.