Updated April 14, 2024

Chase Business Checking Requirements

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Chase business checking accounts require more documents than regular checking. But it shouldn't be difficult as you may have them on hand already.

Thinking of opening a Chase business checking account? Before diving in, it's best to have all the required documents handy so the application process will go as smoothly as possible.

Read on to learn about specific requirements depending on your business structure.

What is needed to set up Chase business account?

Here's a quick overview of requirements when you open any Chase business checking account.[1]

RequirementsSole ProprietorPartnershipLLCCorporation
Apply onlineMust apply in personLLCs with a single member or manager only
2 IDs
Tax IDSSN or EINEINEIN (single-member LLCs may use their SSN)EIN
Business documentsDBA (if applicable)Partnership AgreementArticles of OrganizationArticles of Incorporation
Supplemental documents/info

Now let's go into the details.

Tax Identification Number

You will need to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) to open a business checking account. It depends on your business structure:

  • Sole proprietor: SSN or EIN
  • Partnership: EIN
  • LLC: SSN (for single-member LLCs), or EIN (for multi-member LLCs)
  • Corporation: EIN
  • Unincorporated: EIN

For non-US citizens, provide your Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

Don't have an EIN yet? Apply for an EIN online with the IRS. You can get your EIN immediately after validation.

Personal Identification

You'll need 2 forms of personal identification. One must be a primary government-issued ID plus a secondary ID.[2]

Accepted primary IDs include:

  • US citizens: Driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport
  • Permanent residents: Permanent Resident Alien Card (green card)
  • Non-permanent US residents: Passport, Matricula, or U.S. Employment Authorization Card

Your secondary ID could be any of the following:

  • Credit card or debit card with embossed name
  • Employer ID
  • Utility bill

Temporary US residents may be required to show additional identification.

Basic Business Information

Chase will ask you some basic information about your business, such as:

  • Nature of your business
  • Business address and contact number
  • Number of business locations
  • Number of employees
  • Annual sales
  • Where you sell products and services
  • Locations of suppliers and vendors
  • Types of transactions and volumes you are likely to have

If you have partners with 10% ownership or more, you will need to provide their basic information, e.g., full name, address, date of birth, EIN, etc. The same goes for those who hold key positions in your company and those you want to transact on your behalf but are non-signers.

Business Documents Required

Chase will also need proof that your business actually exists.

These include business formation documents to show that your business is registered with your state.

Sole proprietorship:

Limited Liability Company:

  • Articles of Organization
  • Website Validation
  • For LLCs registered more than 1 year ago: Certificate of Good Standing, Status Report, OR Long Form or Short Form Standing

Partnership:

  • Partnership Agreement
  • Joint Venture Agreement
  • Website Validation
  • For Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Partnerships, and Limited Liability Limited Partnerships registered more than 1 year ago: Certificate of Good Standing, Status Report, OR Long Form or Short Form Standing

Corporation:

  • Articles of Incorporation
  • Website Validation
  • For corporations registered more than 1 year ago: Certificate of Good Standing, Status Report, Long Form Standing or Short Form Standing

You may also need to present an Assumed Name Certificate or Fictitious Business Name Statement if you are operating under a name different from your legal name (DBA or Doing Business As).

However, it is not required in these states: Hawaii, Kansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Other Supplemental Information

Chase may also ask you for other supplemental documents. Depending on your business category, you may need to provide:

Sole proprietorship:

  • Assumed Name Application or Filing Receipt
  • Published newspaper entry
  • Business license

Limited Liability Company:

  • Amendment to Articles of Organization
  • Operating Agreement
  • Meeting minutes
  • Annual Report or Statement of Information

Partnership:

  • Amendment to the Partnership Agreement or Joint Venture Agreement
  • Meeting minutes listing the current General Partners
  • Annual Report or Statement of Information

Corporation:

  • Amendment to Articles of Incorporation
  • Corporate Resolution
  • Meeting minutes
  • Annual Report or Statement of Information

How much do I need to deposit to open a business account with Chase?
There is no minimum deposit if you are opening a Chase Business Complete Banking account. For the higher-tiered accounts, such as Performance and Platinum business checking accounts, the initial deposit is $25.

Can I Open A Business Bank Account By Myself?

You can open a Chase business bank account by yourself if you are a solo business owner or a single-member LLC. For other types of businesses, the appropriate people would need to be present.

Here's who should be present when opening the business account.[3]

Sole proprietorship:

  • Solo owner: The owner
  • Spousal sole proprietorships: Both owners
  • With Living Trust: The trustee(s)
  • With a Power of Attorney: The agent

Limited Liability Company:

  • Member Managed LLC: All Members
  • Manager Managed LLC: All Managers

Partnership:
All general partners. If one of the General Partners is another business, an authorizing representative of that business must also be present.

Corporation:
An authorizing representative, which could be the President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, or Acting Secretary

For a nonprofit corporation, at least 2 non-voting members must be present if there aren't any voting members.

Authorized signers for your Chase business checking account should also be present during account opening. Or, you can pre-authorize them when you open the account, but they have to visit the branch within 30 days along with their IDs.

Chase Business Checking Promotions

FAQ

Can you open a business bank account without an ID?
No, you cannot open a Chase business account without an ID. In fact, you need two and one of them should at least be government-issued.

Do you need an EIN to open a business bank account Chase?
Yes, an EIN is required when you open a Chase business checking account. But if you're a sole business owner or single-member LLC, SSN or ITIN is also accepted.

Do I need an ITIN number to open a business bank account?
You only need an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) if you're a non-US citizen.[4] For US citizens, you can open a business bank account with your SSN (for sole proprietors or single-member LLCs) or EIN.

Why is it so hard to get a business bank account?
Opening a business bank account is often challenging due to the many requirements and information you have to provide to the bank. This is necessary due to strict federal regulations and the complex nature of business finances.

Ultimately, it is crucial for the bank to assess your business first to reduce their financial risks.

Bottom Line

Now that you know what you need to open a Chase business checking account, you can prepare them before you begin your application.

While having complete requirements does not guarantee your approval, your odds will be better because of it.

References

  1. ^ Chase. Business Checking Account opening information, Retrieved 9/11/2023
  2. ^ Chase. Acceptable Forms of Identification, Retrieved 9/11/2023
  3. ^ Chase. Who can open a business checking account?, Retrieved 9/11/2023
  4. ^ Chase. How to open a U.S. bank account for non-residents, Retrieved 9/11/2023

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