{"id":109639,"date":"2023-03-22T15:48:11","date_gmt":"2023-03-22T15:48:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/?p=109639"},"modified":"2023-03-22T15:48:14","modified_gmt":"2023-03-22T15:48:14","slug":"business-bank-account","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/accounting\/business-bank-account\/","title":{"rendered":"BUSINESS BANK ACCOUNT: What Do I Need To Open One (Best 2023 Practices)","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Open a Business Bank Account? <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many different kinds of business bank accounts exist, just like with personal banking. You might need to create multiple accounts, depending on your requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Business Bank Accounts to Open <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Following are the four most typical types of business bank accounts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1. Checking Account<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An excellent option for handling payroll, expenses, and other routine financial tasks that keep your business afloat is a business checking account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2. Savings Account<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You are likely to keep your earnings in both a checking and a business savings account.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3. Merchant Account<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

 If you want to start taking credit and debit card payments, ask your bank if you can open a merchant account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4. Credit Card Account<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Considerations to Make When Selecting a Bank for Your Business Account<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some things to think about (and inquire about) as you compare various banks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1. Fees<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2. Sign-Up Bonuses<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3. Account Maintenance Requirements<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have multiple accounts, the bank may combine all of them toward a single minimum balance or may examine each one separately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4. Features<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Documentation Do You Need to Open a Business Bank Account?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here is more information on each of the documents you will require to open a business bank account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1. Articles of Incorporation<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2. Business Licenses<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3. Doing Business As (DBA) Certificate<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4. Employer Identification Number (EIN)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#5. Identification Documents<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The last requirement is that you present identification documents. A driver’s license or passport\u2014both of which have a picture\u2014are 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#6. Bank Application<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of a Business Bank Account<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A business bank account is necessary for the following reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1. Protection for Customers<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 #2. Professionalism<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3. Provision of Credit Options<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4. To Track your Expenses<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Open a Business Bank Account<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

#1. Choose a Bank<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2. Prepare Documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Small Business Administration, depending on the structure of your company, you must have the following documents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sole Proprietorships<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n