Opening a business bank account is a key step in launching any type of business. Having a dedicated bank account for your business can help you to better manage your finances.
When you’re opening a business banking Guide account, it’s important to know exactly what documents and information you will need to provide. This can vary depending on the type of business you are starting and the financial institution where you are opening the account.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common documents and information that banks typically require when they are opening a business bank account. We’ll also explore what types of accounts are available and provide tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.
Apply for an Employer Identification Number:
Applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the first step in opening a business bank account. To apply, you’ll need to fill out an online application, which requires your business name, type of business organization, address, Social Security number of the responsible party, and a few other pieces of information.
Once you submit your EIN application, you should receive your number within four weeks. If you’re applying as a sole proprietorship, on the other hand, you can just provide your Social Security number instead of an EIN.
No matter what type of organization you’re registering with (sole proprietorship or something more formal), having these documents on hand when submitting your bank application will help facilitate the process and avoid delay:
- Your business’s formation documents;
- Ownership agreements; and
- A business license (if applicable).
Gather Your Business Formation Documents:
When you are ready to open a bank account for your business, one of the main documents you will need is your business’s formation documents. This can be either an LLC operating agreement, a corporate bylaws document, or a partnership agreement. The details of your legal structure should be outlined in these documents and provide evidence of the purpose and ownership of your business. You may also need to provide additional documents verifying the formation of your business. These could include:
- A Certificate of Good Standing/Certificate of Existence, which verifies that your company exists and is up to date on any applicable filing requirements;
- Articles of Incorporation/Articles of Organization;
- Limited Liability Partnership Agreement (LLP);
- Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) Agreement; or
- Shareholder Agreement or Stock Purchase Agreement.
These documents will help prove you have a valid business entity and will be acceptable to present when opening a bank account for that entity.
Ownership Agreements: Partnership Agreements or LLC Operating Agreements
If you own a business with multiple owners, you will likely need to provide ownership agreements such as partnership agreements or LLC operating agreements.
These documents can help prove the legal authority of each business owner and reassure the bank that all parties have agreed on the terms of their ownership. Most banks require a signed copy of the agreement or copies of any other official documents confirming the ownership structure. You may also need to bring a government-issued photo ID for all owners or authorized signers.
You should also be prepared to provide information such as the date your business was established, the name and address of each owner, and any other details related to the structure of your business.
Obtain a Business License or Permit:
Depending on the type of business you’re running, you may need to obtain a business license or permit to open a business bank account.
A business license is required for many types of businesses, from larger corporations down to small sole proprietorships. It’s issued by the State or Federal government and serves as an acknowledgment that your business is legally allowed to operate.
If you plan on doing business in multiple states, you may need to apply for and receive a license for each one. Additionally, certain businesses may require special permits or additional certifications before they can operate.
Regardless of what type of license or permit is required, it’s important to check with your local authorities before applying for a banking account to make sure all bases have been covered. This will help ensure that your application process goes smoothly and your business can operate without any legal allegations or red tape.
Funds to Deposit in Your New Business Bank Account:
Opening a business bank account comes with the added responsibility of depositing money into it. Depending on your financial institution, you may have to have a minimum balance to open an account.
In addition to the documentation listed above, when opening a business banking account you’ll probably need to deposit funds into your new business bank account. It’s important to do your research and consider factors like the type of account you’re looking for, monthly fees, minimum deposit amounts, and any other restrictions that might be in place. When it’s time to deposit funds into your new business banking account, here are some key points:
- Consider only using funds that belong to the business. Keep personal funds and business funds separate, so you can accurately track each one.
- Understand what type of deposits are allowed on each account and which ones require a minimum balance or fee.
- Count all deposits carefully before sending them in; errors can delay them or cause other issues with your account.
- Make sure to keep copies of all checks received after they’re deposited, these will help as a reference if ever needed down the line.