How to open a business bank account

Updated June 2026 · 4 min read

Once your business is formed, opening a dedicated bank account is the next move. It keeps your finances clean, makes taxes easier, and — importantly — helps protect the liability shield your LLC or corporation gives you.

Why a separate account matters

Mixing personal and business money (“commingling”) is one of the fastest ways to weaken your liability protection. A separate account draws a clean line between you and the business, simplifies bookkeeping, and looks professional to clients who pay you.

What you’ll need to bring

Your EIN confirmation from the IRS.
Your formation documents (Articles of Organization or Incorporation).
Your operating agreement or corporate bylaws.
A government-issued photo ID for each owner who will be on the account.

Choosing the right account

Compare monthly fees, minimum balances, transaction limits, and whether you need in-person branches or an online-first bank is fine. If you’ll take card payments, check how easily the account connects to your payment processor.

After you open it

Run all business income and expenses through the account, pay yourself with a clear transfer rather than swiping the business card for groceries, and reconcile monthly. Future-you, at tax time, will be grateful.

Just getting started?

Form your business with Filerra and get the EIN and documents your bank will ask for.

General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules vary by state and change over time. Filerra is not a law firm.