Title: What Do I Need to Open a Business Bank Account in 2025? The Real, No-Fluff List

So you’ve got a business idea. Maybe it’s a full-blown company, or maybe you’re just starting to sell some stuff on the side. That’s awesome. But then comes the not-so-fun part… the official stuff. And one of the first big steps is getting a business bank account. It sounds simple, but then you start looking it up and it gets confusing. What paperwork do you actually need? Every bank seems to have a slightly different list. The thing is that you just want a straight answer. Well, that’s what this is. Here is a real list of what you will probably need to open a business bank account in 2025, without all the confusing bank talk.

Why You Absolutely Need a Separate Business Bank Account

Okay first, let’s just get this out of the way. You might be thinking, “Can’t I just use my personal account?” Please don’t. It is considered to be a really bad idea for a few reasons.

Keeping your money separate makes tax time way, way easier. Trust me on this. No more digging through a year of personal expenses to find that one business purchase.

It also makes you look more professional. When you ask a client to pay “My Awesome Company” instead of your personal name, it just feels more legit you know?

Plus, it helps with bookkeeping. You can see exactly what money is coming in and what’s going out for the business. This is super helpful when you want to see if you’re actually making any money.

The Core Paperwork Every Business Needs

Alright, the main event. What papers do you have to bring with you? The answer, which is a bit annoying, is that it depends on how your business is set up. Different business types need different stuff.

Let’s break down the most common ones.

For the Sole Proprietors & Freelancers

If you are a sole proprietor, that’s basically the default setup. It’s just you. You and the business are, in the eyes of the law, the same thing. This is the simplest one.

Normally, here’s what you’ll need:

Your Personal ID: A government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport. They need to know who you are.
Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN): If you’re a true sole prop without employees, you can often just use your SSN. But getting an EIN from the IRS is free and a good idea. It kind of makes your business feel more official and separates it from your personal identity.
Business Name Registration: If you’re operating under a name that isn’t your own legal name (like “Pat’s Web Design” instead of “Patricia Smith”), you’ll need a “Doing Business As” (DBA) certificate. You get this from your state or county.

For the LLC Crew

An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a really common choice for new businesses. It gives you some personal protection if things go wrong. Because it’s a more formal structure, the bank wants to see more paperwork.

Get ready to gather these items:

Articles of Organization: This is the document you filed with the state to officially create your LLC. The bank wants to see the state-stamped copy.
Employer Identification Number (EIN): For an LLC, an EIN is pretty much mandatory. It’s like a Social Security Number but for your business. The bank will not let you open an account without one.
LLC Operating Agreement: This document outlines how your LLC will be run, who the members are, and how decisions are made. Not all states require you to have one, but almost every bank is going to ask to see it. It shows them you’re organized.
Business Licenses: Any specific state, city, or industry licenses you need to operate legally.

For Partnerships and Corporations

These are a bit less common for people just starting out, but we’ll cover them quickly. A general partnership is like a sole proprietorship with more than one person. A corporation is a whole other level of formal.

If you have one of these, you’ll need everything the LLC needs plus some extra stuff. For a partnership, a Partnership Agreement. For a corporation, they’ll want to see your Articles of Incorporation and corporate bylaws.

Don’t Forget This Personal Stuff

Okay so you have all the business papers. Great.

But remember, a person has to actually open the account. The bank needs to verify the identity of everyone who will have access to the money. This is because of federal rules to prevent bad things.

So, every single person who will be a signer on the account needs to be prepared to show up, or at least provide their personal information.

This includes:

A valid driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID.
Your Social Security Number.
Your personal address and date of birth.

It feels a bit redundant, but it’s a step you can’t skip.

Extra Things Some Banks Might Ask For (Just So You Know)

Sometimes a bank might ask for a little more information. This can happen, especially with some online banks or if you’re asking for a line of credit at the same time. It’s not standard everywhere, but it’s good to be aware of the possibility.

They might ask for things like a business plan. This doesn’t have to be a 50-page document, just a simple summary of what your business does.

Some banks, especially for brand new businesses, might want to see where your money is coming from.

And then there’s the opening deposit. Most business accounts require you to put some money in to open it. This can be as low as $25 or as high as a few hundred dollars. Always ask about the minimum opening deposit before you go.

Your Top Questions Answered

What do I need to open a business bank account?
Basically, you need two types of information: stuff about your business (like its registration papers and tax ID number) and stuff about the owners (like their personal photo IDs and Social Security numbers). The exact papers change depending on if you’re a sole proprietor, LLC, etc.

Can I open a business bank account with just my Social Security Number?
If you are a sole proprietor and don’t have a separate business name (a DBA), then maybe. Many banks will let you use your SSN as the business tax ID. But, getting a free EIN from the IRS is generally a better move for separation.

What do I need to open a business bank account online?
The requirements are pretty much the same as in person. You’ll just have to scan and upload your documents instead of handing them over. Be prepared to take a picture of your ID and maybe even a selfie for identity verification.

Do I need an EIN to open a business bank account?
For an LLC, partnership, or corporation, yes, 100%. For a sole proprietorship, it’s not always required but it is highly recommended. It makes your business a more separate thing from you personally.

Can I use my personal bank account for my small business?
You could, but you really shouldn’t. Mixing your personal and business spending makes bookkeeping a nightmare and can cause problems with taxes. A separate account is one of the first and best things you can do for your new company.

Key Takeaways

Look, getting a business bank account is a step you have to take. It might seem like a pain, but it’s better to do it right from the start.

Always keep your business and personal money separate. No exceptions.
The exact documents you need depend on your business structure (Sole Proprietor, LLC, etc.).
You will always need your personal ID and Social Security Number, in addition to the business paperwork.
Getting an EIN is a good idea for everyone, and it’s free from the IRS.
Call the bank ahead of time or check their website to confirm their specific list of required items. It can save you a trip.