Sign On
When opening a business checking or savings account, all banks are required to obtain information verifying the business as well as the individuals associated with the business.
- If you open an account in a banking location, all owners, partners, and key executives need to be present at account opening and should provide:
- Original or certified copies of your business documents
- Taxpayer Identification Number for both the business and the individuals opening the account (e.g. Employer Identification Number for the business and Social Security Number for individuals)
- Two forms of personal identification, one of which must be issued by a government agency (e.g. drivers license or passport)
- If you apply online or over the phone, you will receive instructions for how to provide us with your business documents. You will also need to complete and sign the following forms:
- Authorization for Information and Certificate of Authority (PDF) includes business and individual information and authorizes us to check your credit.
- Certification Regarding Beneficial Owners of Legal Entity Customers (PDF) certifies the beneficial owners for business customers operating as a legal entity. This form is not required for Sole Proprietorships.
The list below will help you quickly and easily determine the documents needed. Based on your business type, you will need one of the following or the appropriate documents issued by a government agency.
Sole Proprietor
If the business name does not include the legal first and last name of the owner, you will need one of the following documents:
- Fictitious Name Certificate or Statement
- Certificate of Assumed Name
- Business License
- Registration of Trade Name
For example: If the owner’s legal name is Jan Johnson, and the business name is Johnson Jewelers, you will need the additional documentation. However, if the business name is Jan Johnson Jewelers you will not.
Partnerships
General Partnership
You will need one of the following business documents:
- Partnership Agreement
- Fictitious Name Certificate or Statement
- Certificate of Assumed Name
- Business License
If you do not have one of the documents noted above and you have not filed the appropriate documents with a government agency, bring a written statement signed by all partners indicating no written Partnership Agreement exists. If you don't have documents issued by a government agency, all authorized signers need to be present.
Limited Partnership
You will need one of the following business documents:
- Certificate of Limited Partnership
- Limited Partnership document
Limited Liability Partnership
You will need one of the following business documents:
- Statement of Qualification
- Limited Partnership document
- Limited Liability Partnership Election
Limited Liability Company
You will need one of the following business documents:
- Articles of Organization
- Certificate of Organization
- Certificate of Formation
Corporation
You will need one of the following business documents:
- Articles of Incorporation
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Certificate of Formation
Social/Recreational Clubs, Unincorporated Associations and Civic Groups
You will need one of the following business documents: