You have your EIN.
You need to open a business bank account.
You want a smooth appointment.
You need a checklist.
Required documents. Questions to ask. Scripts to use. Your preparation.
This guide shows you how.
Complete checklist. Document requirements. Question templates. Your confidence.
Read this. Prepare properly. Open your account smoothly.
Key Takeaways
- Bring required documents—EIN confirmation letter, formation documents, operating agreement or bylaws, and identification are essential for account opening
- Ask the right questions—understand fees, minimum balances, transaction limits, and online banking features before committing
- Use prepared scripts—having scripts ready helps you communicate clearly and get the information you need
- Verify account details—confirm account type, signers, and access levels before leaving the bank
- Follow up promptly—complete any additional requirements and set up online banking immediately after account opening
Table of Contents
Why Preparation Matters
Preparation determines success.
What happens without preparation:
- Missing documents delay account opening
- Unanswered questions create confusion
- Poor communication wastes time
- Incomplete setup causes problems
What happens with preparation:
- All documents are ready
- Questions are answered
- Communication is clear
- Setup is complete
The reality: Preparation saves time and prevents problems.
Required Documents
Bring these documents:
Essential Documents
What to bring:
- EIN confirmation letter (CP 575 or SS-4)
- Formation documents (Articles of Organization/Incorporation)
- Operating agreement or bylaws
- Government-issued ID (driver’s license or passport)
Why it matters: These documents are required.
Additional Documents
What may be needed:
- Business license or permits
- DBA certificate (if applicable)
- Partnership agreement (if applicable)
- Initial resolution (if applicable)
Why it matters: Some banks require additional documents.
Document Organization
What organization means:
- Original documents or certified copies
- Organized in a folder
- Easy to access
- Copies for your records
Why it matters: Organization speeds up the process.
Pro tip: Bring all documents. Essential, additional, organization. See our EIN guide for document requirements.
Questions to Ask
Ask these questions:
Account Questions
What to ask:
- What account types are available?
- What are the monthly fees?
- What is the minimum balance requirement?
- Are there transaction limits?
Why it matters: Understanding account options helps you choose.
Fee Questions
What to ask:
- What are all the fees?
- Are there hidden fees?
- Can fees be waived?
- What triggers additional fees?
Why it matters: Fees affect your costs.
Service Questions
What to ask:
- What online banking features are available?
- Are mobile deposits available?
- What are the wire transfer options?
- What customer support is available?
Why it matters: Services affect your operations.
Pro tip: Ask all questions. Account, fees, services. See our EIN guide for question templates.
Scripts to Use
Use these scripts:
Opening Script
What to say: “I’m here to open a business checking account. I have my EIN and all required documents. I’d like to understand your account options and fees before we proceed.”
Why it matters: Clear opening sets expectations.
Question Script
What to say: “I have a few questions about your business accounts. Can you explain the differences between your account types and their fees?”
Why it matters: Question script gets information.
Clarification Script
What to say: “Just to confirm, this account has [feature], requires [minimum balance], and charges [fee]. Is that correct?”
Why it matters: Clarification prevents misunderstandings.
Pro tip: Use prepared scripts. Opening, questions, clarification. See our EIN guide for scripts.
Appointment Day
Follow these steps:
Before Appointment
What to do:
- Review your checklist
- Gather all documents
- Prepare your questions
- Arrive early
Why it matters: Preparation ensures smooth appointment.
During Appointment
What to do:
- Present documents clearly
- Ask your questions
- Take notes
- Verify account details
Why it matters: Active participation gets results.
After Appointment
What to do:
- Review account documents
- Confirm account details
- Set up online banking
- Complete any follow-up tasks
Why it matters: Follow-up completes setup.
Pro tip: Follow appointment steps. Before, during, after. See our EIN guide for appointment tips.
After Appointment
Complete these tasks:
Immediate Tasks
What to do:
- Set up online banking
- Order checks (if needed)
- Set up direct deposit
- Configure account alerts
Why it matters: Immediate setup enables operations.
Verification Tasks
What to do:
- Verify account number
- Confirm routing number
- Test online banking
- Review account terms
Why it matters: Verification prevents errors.
Ongoing Tasks
What to do:
- Monitor account activity
- Maintain minimum balance
- Review monthly statements
- Update account information
Why it matters: Ongoing management maintains account.
Pro tip: Complete after-appointment tasks. Immediate, verification, ongoing. See our EIN guide for follow-up.
Your Next Steps
Prepare your checklist. Gather documents. Open your account.
This Week:
- Review this checklist
- Gather required documents
- Prepare your questions
- Schedule your appointment
This Month:
- Complete bank appointment
- Set up online banking
- Configure account features
- Begin using your account
Going Forward:
- Monitor account activity
- Maintain account requirements
- Review account terms regularly
- Update account as needed
Need help? Check out our EIN application guide for getting your EIN quickly, our EIN vs. SSN guide for identification requirements, our hiring guide for employee requirements, and our registered agent guide for business address setup.
Stay informed about business strategies and tools by following us on X (Twitter) and signing up for The Initiative Newsletter.
Sources & Additional Information
This guide provides general information about preparing for a business bank account appointment. Your specific situation may require different considerations.
For EIN application, see our EIN Application Guide.
For EIN vs. SSN, see our EIN vs. SSN Guide.
For hiring employees, see our Hiring Guide.
For registered agent services, see our Registered Agent Guide.
Consult with professionals for advice specific to your situation.
