Opening a business bank account keeps your personal and business finances separate. Benefits of having a business bank account include direct customer payment acceptance and a reduction in personal liability. In addition, the bank might offer you a credit line and a business credit card so you can establish credit. The goal of this article is to inform small business owners about what they need to open a business bank account.
How Can I Open a Business Bank Account?
You can manage your company’s finances professionally through the use of business bank accounts, which keeps them apart from your personal finances. In comparison to opening a personal account, opening a business bank account takes more work. To successfully run your small business, opening a separate business bank account is crucial.
Even though you might only have one personal bank account, your company probably needs several. The gathering of papers, the identification of people, and the organization of licenses are all necessary. Discover the benefits of having a business bank account as well as the steps required to open one.
Many different kinds of business bank accounts exist, just like with personal banking. You might need to create multiple accounts, depending on your requirements.
Types of Business Bank Accounts to Open
Following are the four most typical types of business bank accounts:
#1. Checking Account
An excellent option for handling payroll, expenses, and other routine financial tasks that keep your business afloat is a business checking account.
#2. Savings Account
You are likely to keep your earnings in both a checking and a business savings account.
#3. Merchant Account
If you want to start taking credit and debit card payments, ask your bank if you can open a merchant account.
#4. Credit Card Account
A business can use its credit card for unforeseen expenses or other small purchases for the company. The main advantage of a credit card for startup business owners or those with poor credit is that it can help establish or raise your company’s credit score.
Considerations to Make When Selecting a Bank for Your Business Account
There are numerous banking options available to business owners, and each bank provides a slightly different service. Till you locate the ideal bank for your company, take your time examining the available choices.
Here are some things to think about (and inquire about) as you compare various banks:
#1. Fees
Each bank has a unique set of fees and features. In general, fees and minimum balance requirements for business accounts are higher than those for personal accounts.
#2. Sign-Up Bonuses
For establishing a business account, banks occasionally offer bonuses. A bank might provide $300 if you open an account and keep a specific minimum balance. However, keep in mind that these bonuses are taxable. These offers can be a great way to make a little extra money.
#3. Account Maintenance Requirements
There are several requirements for business bank accounts that you must meet; if they are not, there may be fees. For instance, it’s typical for banks to demand that you keep a minimum balance, though the exact amount varies from bank to bank and maybe a daily or monthly minimum.
If you have multiple accounts, the bank may combine all of them toward a single minimum balance or may examine each one separately.
#4. Features
When comparing banks, pay close attention to what account features are essential. Do you, for example, require a business bank account with extensive analytics? Would you like to digitally deposit checks using a mobile app? Would it be helpful to get notifications when your balance is about to drop below the minimum?
What Documentation Do You Need to Open a Business Bank Account?
Here is more information on each of the documents you will require to open a business bank account.
#1. Articles of Incorporation
Your articles of incorporation outline your company’s organizational structure to the bank, and you use these legal documents to register your company with the government and other organizations.
#2. Business Licenses
Banks will probably require a copy of your most recent business license as proof that you have the legal right to operate in the area.
Additionally, this makes sure that your company is responsible for all actions, including taxes and finances. If you’re unsure whether you require a license to run your business, check with your state, county, and local governments.
#3. Doing Business As (DBA) Certificate
A DBA, also known as a “fictitious name,” enables you to conduct business activities such as marketing and advertising or to accept payments using a name other than the one that currently identifies your company.
Since entrepreneurs aren’t allowed to use their bank accounts under their business names, filing for a DBA enables entities to conduct business under a different name without having to establish a new company.
#4. Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Financial institutions use EINs additionally, to stop fraud, money laundering, and identity theft. Even though some banks permit a sole proprietorship to open accounts without an EIN, getting one is still advantageous.
#5. Identification Documents
The last requirement is that you present identification documents. A driver’s license or passport—both of which have a picture—are examples of acceptable forms of proof. This is to verify that the person claiming to be the business owner is, in fact, the one who owns and/or operates the corresponding business.
#6. Bank Application
There is always an application to complete, though every bank is different. Picking up the application and completing it at home is a good idea. So, when you meet with a banker, you are ready to start right away.
Benefits of a Business Bank Account
A business bank account is necessary for the following reasons.
#1. Protection for Customers
As a business banking option, a lot of banks offer merchant accounts, which safeguard both the personal data and purchases of your customers. The best credit card processing services should have this feature, as it can significantly increase client satisfaction and strengthen brand loyalty.
#2. Professionalism
In contrast to asking clients to write checks in your name, having a business bank account enables checks to be directly payable to the business. Additionally, you accept credit card payments from your clients, and your staff can manage the company’s banking activities.
#3. Provision of Credit Options
There are options for emergency lines of credit provided by some banks. Numerous companies also provide business credit cards that you can use to start establishing a credit history for your new company.
#4. To Track your Expenses
If you combine your personal and business accounts, you’ll need to go through each transaction to determine how much money a business spent and received. It’s a time-consuming task that takes up time that you could use to grow your company.
How to Open a Business Bank Account
#1. Choose a Bank
Selecting a bank is the first step in opening a business account. To find a bank that can accommodate your company’s needs, you must first decide what features you require in a business account. Decide what functions your business bank account needs to perform. Additionally, ask around at various banks before choosing one.
#2. Prepare Documents
Organizing your paperwork is the next step in opening a business account. The supplies you require largely depend on how your business is set up.
To open a business bank account, every company needs to have a taxpayer identification number (also known as a Social Security or Employer Identification Number). You must apply for an Employer Identification Number if you are the owner of a partnership or corporation, or if you employ people.
According to the Small Business Administration, depending on the structure of your company, you must have the following documents:
Sole Proprietorships
- Social Security number or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Business registration papers or licenses
Partnerships
- Employer Identification Number
- Partnership agreement
- Registration of business name
Corporations
- Employer Identification Number of the corporation
- Articles of Incorporation
LLC
- Employer Identification Number or Social Security Number of the LLC
- Articles of Organization
#3. Open the Account Online or In-Person
You can open the account after researching banks and gathering all the required paperwork. You have two options for opening an account: in-person or online.
#4. Check to Make Sure Everything Is in Order.
Your business bank account is created once you get to this stage! However, you must verify that everything went off without a hitch.
What Do I Need to Open a Business Bank Account at Wells Fargo?
The bank is compelled by law to confirm the legitimacy of your company and the people connected to it when opening a business checking or savings account. At the branch, you must open a new account in person with all owners, partners, and key executives in attendance.
#1. Gather Required Personal Information
- A valid form of identification (driver’s license, state ID, or matriculation card)
- Tax identification number or social security number
- Name, address, phone number, and email address of the contact person
- The amount of your opening deposit
The following forms will need to be filled out and signed by you:
- Details about your company.
- Specifics regarding your company’s owners.
- If applicable, the legal names of the parties who own your company.
- A person who has significant managerial responsibilities for your company.
- A request for the bank to check your credit with your consent.
- The following documentation will be required from you:
Your company’s physical address must be correctly reflected in the document you submit to prove your business, or you will be asked to submit additional proof of your address. A $25 opening deposit is required to open the majority of our business accounts.
#2. Fill Out the Online Application or Apply in Person
Online bank account opening is quick and simple with Wells Fargo. Compile the necessary personal data and the $25 opening deposit. Several inquiries will be made about you, including whether you are an existing client and whether a joint or individual account is what you desire. After making your selection, you can finish the application for the account you want.
What Do I Need to Open a Business Bank Account With Bank of America?
The process of opening a business bank account typically takes less than an hour if all the necessary paperwork is completed and submitted. It can be made easier to get it set up if you are aware of the details and documents needed in advance.
Typically, business bank accounts can be opened entirely digitally online or via a mobile device. Business owners also have the option to open an account by calling or going to a branch. Depending on how you created the legal structure of your company, you might require some or all of the following:
- The location and contact information for your business
- Identifier(s) of the person(s) listed as account owners
- Your driver’s license or other forms of personal identification
- Paperwork demonstrating the company’s legitimacy. Qualifying documents include:
- An employer identification number (EIN), which serves as the business’s federal tax identification number
- Your Social Security number along with official documents from your state or municipality proving the creation of a legal entity, such as a limited liability company (LLC),
- A minimal deposit is required by the bank. Accounts with insufficient funds run the risk of being closed or assessed overdraft charges.
How Do I Set up a Business Bank Account?
- Make inquiries and select a bank.
- Compile the required paperwork
- Apply in person or online if necessary.
Can I Open a Business Bank Account by Myself?
You’ll need your articles of incorporation, employer identification number, and personal identification papers to open a business bank account. Yes, a DBA can be used to open a business bank account for a sole proprietor.
How Much Money Do I Need to Open a Business Bank Account?
Some banks demand an initial deposit, which can be anything from $5 to $1,000, while others let you open an account with nothing. Others require no upfront payment, while others charge a monthly maintenance fee.
Can I Open a Business Bank Account in My Name?
If you’re a sole proprietor, you can open a business bank account under a DBA. A single person’s business is known as a sole proprietorship if there is no formal legal distinction made between the owner and the company.
Conclusion
Spend some time investigating the different specifications, features, costs, and welcome bonuses before choosing a bank for your business account. You must provide documentation establishing your identity and the legitimacy of your company to open a business bank account. The best way to select the account that is best for your company is to consider the services and transactions you will be making most frequently.
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