Banking Guide
Open a Chase Business Account With Your EIN (2026)
Chase is the largest US bank with a nationwide branch network and full cash-handling services. Opening a Chase business account usually requires a US visit. Your EIN is the first requirement.
Chase (JPMorgan Chase) serves millions of US businesses and offers the most complete traditional banking experience: physical branches, cash and check deposits, business credit cards, lending, and merchant services. For founders who live in the US or can visit, Chase is a strong long-term banking partner. This guide explains the EIN requirement, the documents you need, the in-person process, and the best online alternatives for non-residents.
Eligibility
Can a Non-Resident Open a Chase Business Account With an EIN?
It is difficult for a non-resident to open a Chase business account remotely. As of 2026, Chase almost always requires the owner to appear in person at a US branch with original formation documents, an EIN, two IDs, and a US business address. An EIN is necessary but not sufficient on its own.
This makes Chase a good fit for founders who already live in the US or can fly in to open the account. Non-residents who cannot travel should use an online bank. Mercury and Relay open accounts fully online with only an EIN and a passport.
Requirements
What Do You Need to Open a Chase Business Account?
You need 5 items to open a Chase business account. Chase reviews original documents during your branch visit.
| # | Requirement | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | EIN and EIN confirmation letter | IRS — via ein.so for $49 |
| 2 | Articles of Organization (LLC) or incorporation | Your state's Secretary of State |
| 3 | Operating Agreement | Your LLC formation documents |
| 4 | Two government-issued IDs (incl. passport) | Your home country |
| 5 | US business address | Registered agent or US mailing address |
Your EIN is the document Chase uses to register the business with the IRS for tax reporting. Chase matches your 9-digit EIN and legal business name to your formation documents. If the name on your EIN confirmation letter does not match exactly, the branch cannot open the account. Request a Letter 147C if you no longer have your CP 575.
Step by Step
How Do You Open a Chase Business Account With Your EIN?
Opening a Chase business account takes 5 steps and is usually completed the same day at the branch.
Get Your EIN First
Gather Original Documents
Book a Branch Appointment
Visit the Branch and Verify
Fund and Activate the Account
Cost
How Much Does a Chase Business Account Cost?
Chase Business Complete Banking charges a monthly service fee of about $15, which Chase waives if you meet a minimum balance or qualifying activity. There is no large opening deposit requirement.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Account opening | $0 (small initial deposit expected) |
| Monthly service fee | ~$15 (waivable) |
| Minimum balance to waive fee | Varies by account |
| Cash deposits | Free up to a monthly limit |
| Branch and ATM access | Included |
| Outgoing wires | Fee applies |
The only EIN-related cost is the EIN itself. The IRS charges $0, and ein.so charges $49 (Standard) or $97 (Express) to file Form SS-4 for non-residents. See the full EIN cost breakdown.
Comparison
Chase vs Online Banks for Non-Residents
Chase wins on branches and cash handling; online banks win on remote access for non-residents.
| Bank | Remote Opening | US Visit Required | Monthly Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase | No | Yes | ~$15 | Branch access, cash deposits |
| Mercury | Yes | No | $0 | Startups, SaaS, tech |
| Relay | Yes | No | $0 | E-commerce |
| Novo | Limited | No | $0 | US-based freelancers |
| Wise | Yes | No | Low | International payments |
Choose Chase if you live in or visit the US and need cash deposits and a long-term lending relationship. Choose Mercury or Relay if you bank entirely online from abroad. Full ranking: best bank for non-resident LLC.
Benefits
Why Does Your US Business Need a Chase Account?
A US business bank account separates your company's money from your personal funds, which protects your LLC's limited liability. Chase adds what online banks cannot: physical branches, cash handling, and a full lending relationship.
Chase provides 6 concrete benefits for founders who can access a branch:
- Branch network — Thousands of US branches for in-person support and problem solving.
- Cash and check deposits — Deposit physical cash and checks, which most online banks do not accept.
- Business credit cards — Access Chase Ink business cards and rewards once your account is established.
- Lending relationship — Build history toward business loans and lines of credit.
- Liability protection — A dedicated business account keeps your personal and company finances legally separate.
- Merchant services — Add Chase payment processing for in-person and online sales.
Without a US business account, your LLC cannot accept card payments, pay US vendors, or build a financial record. Opening one is the first operational step after formation.
EIN First
Why Do You Need an EIN Before Opening Chase?
You need an EIN before opening a Chase business account because the account belongs to your business, and the IRS identifies your business by its EIN. Chase cannot open a business account without one.
Your EIN is your business's 9-digit federal tax ID, issued by the IRS in the format XX-XXXXXXX. Chase uses it to confirm your LLC is a registered taxpayer, to file tax forms tied to your account, and to verify your identity under banking law. See what an EIN is and why every LLC needs one.
US residents get an EIN online in minutes. Non-residents are blocked from the IRS online tool and must file Form SS-4 by fax, which takes longer and is easy to fill out incorrectly. Because Chase usually requires a US visit, you do not want to travel only to be turned away for an EIN problem. ein.so prepares and files Form SS-4 correctly for $49 so your EIN is verified before your branch appointment. Learn how to get an EIN without an SSN.
After Approval
What Can You Do After Your Chase Account Is Open?
Once your Chase account is open, your EIN and US bank account unlock the full US business stack — plus branch services online banks cannot offer.
| Capability | What your Chase account enables |
|---|---|
| Cash deposits | Deposit physical cash at any branch |
| Stripe and PayPal | Receive payouts to a US account |
| Business credit cards | Apply for Chase Ink cards and rewards |
| Lending | Build toward loans and lines of credit |
| Merchant services | Accept in-person and online card payments |
You can also pay US vendors, write physical checks, and visit a branch for support. For the complete list, see what you can do with an EIN.
Compliance
Tax and Compliance Notes for Foreign-Owned LLCs
A foreign-owned US LLC with a Chase account has 3 federal compliance obligations. Opening the bank account does not create new taxes, but it does create records the IRS expects you to report.
Form 5472 + Pro-Forma 1120
BOI Report to FinCEN
Form 1099-K From Processors
This is general information, not tax advice. Confirm your specific filing requirements with a US tax professional.
Mistakes to Avoid
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Opening a Chase Account
Most problems come from traveling unprepared. Avoid these 5 to open your account in a single branch visit.
- Traveling without a verified EIN. Confirm your EIN is in IRS records before you book travel — a new EIN can take up to 2 weeks to propagate.
- Bringing copies instead of originals. Chase wants original formation documents and IDs at the branch.
- A name that does not match your EIN letter. Your legal business name must match your EIN confirmation letter exactly.
- No US business address. Chase expects a US address; arrange a registered agent or US mailing address first.
- Skipping the appointment. Walk-ins can wait hours. Book a business banking appointment online.
If travel is not realistic, open a Mercury or Relay account online instead.
Timeline
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
The full timeline from EIN application to a funded Chase account is 3 to 6 weeks for non-residents, mostly because of the in-person branch visit. The EIN should be verified before you travel.
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Form your US LLC | 1 to 10 business days (varies by state) |
| Get your EIN via ein.so | 7 business days (Express) or 14 (Standard) |
| Book and attend a branch appointment | Depends on your travel schedule |
| Open the account in person | Usually same day |
| First deposit clears | Same day (cash) to 3 business days |
| Total | About 3 to 6 weeks |
The travel requirement is the main reason non-residents choose an online bank instead. If you cannot visit the US, Mercury or Relay can be open in 1 to 3 business days with no travel. See the full EIN processing time guide.
Funding
How Do You Fund Your Chase Account?
You fund a Chase business account by cash or check deposit at a branch, by ACH transfer, or by wire. A small initial deposit is expected when you open the account in person.
Make an Opening Deposit
Deposit Cash and Checks
Add ACH and Wires
Once funded, connect Stripe and PayPal payouts, apply for a Chase Ink business card, and keep statements for Form 5472 and federal filing.
Next Steps
Get Your EIN, Then Choose Branch or Online
Whether you bank with Chase in person or online with Mercury, the first step is the same: get an EIN. Non-residents file Form SS-4 by fax, and ein.so handles the paperwork, files with the IRS, and delivers your EIN by email for $49.
Related guides: EIN for bank account | Best bank for non-residents | EIN for non-residents | Open a Mercury account | EIN for Bank of America
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EIN for a Chase business account?
Yes. Chase requires an EIN to open a business checking account for an LLC, corporation, or partnership. You provide your 9-digit EIN and your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575 or Letter 147C) at the branch. Apply for your EIN at ein.so ($49) before visiting Chase.
Can non-residents open a Chase business account?
It is difficult. Chase is a traditional bank that almost always requires the business owner to appear in person at a US branch with original documents and a US address for the business. Non-residents who cannot travel should use Mercury, Relay, or Wise, which open accounts fully online.
What documents do I need to open a Chase business account?
You need your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575 or Letter 147C), your Articles of Organization, your Operating Agreement, two forms of government-issued ID including a passport, and a US business address. Chase reviews original documents in the branch.
How long does Chase account opening take?
Chase opens most business accounts the same day during an in-person branch visit, once your documents are verified. Booking the appointment and traveling to the US is the slow part for non-residents. Online banks approve non-residents in 1 to 3 business days without travel.
Is there a minimum deposit or monthly fee for Chase?
Chase Business Complete Banking charges a monthly service fee of about $15, which is waivable by meeting a minimum balance or activity requirement. There is no large minimum opening deposit, but a small initial deposit is expected.
What is the easiest alternative to Chase for non-residents?
Mercury and Relay are the easiest alternatives. Both open fully online with only an EIN, formation documents, and a passport — no US visit and no US address for the owner. Get your EIN at ein.so ($49), then apply online in minutes.
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