Source: https://rivet.global/blog/open-business-bank-account-for-llc-us
Published: 2026-08-27 · Updated: 2026-08-27 · By Alexia M.

# How to open a business bank account for an LLC

Step-by-step guide to opening a business bank account for an LLC in the US: documents, EIN, beneficial owners, online vs branch, and what slows approval down.

## Key takeaways

- Most providers ask for the articles of organization, the EIN letter, an operating agreement and ID for every owner with 25% or more.
- Under the Customer Due Diligence rule, banks identify beneficial owners and one person with significant control.
- Online providers open in days; branch banks may need an appointment and in-person ID.
- Clear answers about what you sell, to whom and where money flows speed up approval more than anything else.

"How to open a business bank account for LLC" is the top completion after "how to open a business bank account". The process is the same at most providers, and the speed depends on how complete your file is.

## The documents

| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Articles of organization | Filed with your state |
| EIN confirmation | IRS CP 575 or 147C letter |
| Operating agreement | Who owns and who can sign |
| Owner IDs | Every owner with 25% or more, plus one controller |
| Business address | Not always a PO box |
| Business description | What you sell, to whom, expected volumes |

## The steps

1. Form the LLC and get the filed articles.
2. Apply for an EIN.
3. Sign an operating agreement.
4. Choose a provider: online account, branch bank or both.
5. Apply with the documents above and answer the questions about your business.
6. Fund the account and order cards.

## What slows approval down

- A business description that does not match your website or articles.
- Owners in countries the provider does not serve.
- Expected flows that look unusual, such as large international payments in the first month, without an explanation.
- Missing beneficial owner details.

## Online or branch

Online providers suit LLCs that never handle cash. Branch banks suit LLCs that take cash or want local lending. Many LLCs use both.

## Paying into the United States: the local rail

| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Local rail | ACH for batch payments; RTP and FedNow for instant transfers |
| Run by | Nacha for ACH; The Clearing House for RTP; the Federal Reserve for FedNow |
| Settlement | Same-day ACH within the business day, standard ACH the next; RTP and FedNow in seconds, 24/7, where both banks take part |

Source: [Nacha: Same Day ACH](https://www.nacha.org/rules/same-day-ach-moving-payments-faster). Checked when this guide was last updated; the scheme's own page has the current figures.

## Where Rivet fits

Rivet opens accounts for registered companies, including US LLCs whose owners live in supported countries. Starter is free with USD details for ACH and wires; Growth adds EUR and GBP details and payouts to 120+ countries. KYB returns a verdict in 3 business days and asks only for what is missing. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds. See [best business checking account for an LLC](/blog/best-business-checking-account-for-llc).

## Questions

### Can I open an LLC bank account online?

Yes, with most online providers and many banks. Some banks still require a branch visit, especially for multi-member LLCs.

### Do I need an EIN to open an LLC bank account?

Almost always. A single-member LLC can sometimes use the owner's SSN, but most providers ask for an EIN.

### Do I need an operating agreement?

Many providers ask for it, especially for multi-member LLCs, to see who can act for the company.

### How long does it take?

From minutes to a few days online, and up to a couple of weeks at some branch banks.