What documents do i need to open a business bank account

Opening a business bank account is an important step to formally separate your personal and business expenses. A business bank account also offers unique benefits to small business owners, including higher transaction limits and the ability to build credit and make payments in the business’s name. Read on to learn more about business bank accounts, including what you need to open one.

What documents do i need to open a business bank account

What Documents Do I Need To Open a Small Business Bank Account?

While business financial institutions will vary, they generally require many of the same documents and information to open a business bank account. Requirements may also vary based on your specific business or the type of business bank account. Some of the common documents needed to open a new business bank account include:

  • Employer Identification Number or Social Security number
  • Business license
  • Articles of Incorporation, partnership agreements and/or formation documents, where applicable
  • DBA certificate, if operating with a DBA name
  • Personal identification, such as a passport, driver’s license and/or state ID of business owner(s)

Do I Need to Deposit Money To Open a Small Business Bank Account?

You may also be required to make an initial deposit in order to open a business bank account. The minimum deposit amount varies by bank, though you may be able to open a business bank account without a deposit at select financial institutions.

Why Do Banks Require Personal Information To Open a Business Bank Account?

Financial institutions are required to collect certain business and personal information of any owner(s) in order to open a business bank account, depending on the specific organizational structure. Additionally, banks need to verify information in order to make sure you’re legally able to make decisions on behalf of the business.

Where Can I Open a Small Business Bank Account?

A wide variety of financial institutions offer business bank accounts, including traditional brick-and-mortar business banks and credit unions, as well as online-only business banks. In order to find the best business bank account for your needs, it’s a good idea to search online for a financial institution that offers helpful perks and benefits your organization will actually use.

What documents do i need to open a business bank account

1Your business must be located in a state where TD Bank operates: CT, DC, DE, FL, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT

2As of May 11, 2018, all banks and credit unions are required by the U.S. Government to collect information on beneficial owners and one individual who has significant control over the business.

3Online application is designed for lending needs up to $100,000. Excludes borrowing requests for total aggregate exposures more than $100,000, ACH Line, Letter of Credit, unsecured lending, and entities with more than ten owners. For borrowing requests in excess of $100,000 in total aggregate exposure, please call 1-855-278-8988 to apply with a small business specialist. TD Bank's Online SB Loan Application is for borrowing needs with a total business aggregate loan exposure of $100,000 or less. If you have an existing TD Bank business lending relationship, your new loan request plus existing loan request must be $100,000 or less. For revolving products, such as a business credit card or lines of credit, we consider your total credit limit. For non-revolving products, such as a term loan or commercial mortgage, we consider your total current balances. To apply for a loan request of greater than $100,000, please use our paper application that can be downloaded here or requested at any TD Bank location. For more information, please contact a TD small business specialist.

Subject to credit approval.

Line of Credit is available for qualified applicants meeting the following conditions: with TD Business Checking account with $40,000 minimum balance and payments must be auto-deducted from TD Business Checking account. Other terms and conditions will apply, contact a small business specialist for more information. Rate is equal to Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Prime + 0.74%. As of September 26, 2018, WSJ Prime + 0.74% equals 5.99%. Rate is variable subject to changes to the WSJ Prime rate. Unsecured lines and increases/renewals to customers with existing lines not eligible.