Do I need an EIN to open a U.S. business bank account?
Quick answer
Yes. Every U.S. bank requires an EIN from the IRS before it will open a business account for an LLC. You apply for the EIN after the state approves your Articles of Organization.
The EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is the federal tax ID for your LLC. Banks use it to report interest income and to verify the entity during account opening. Without it, you cannot open a business account, apply for business credit, or set up most U.S. payment processors.
U.S.-based founders with a Social Security Number can apply for an EIN online through the IRS and receive the number immediately. The application is free; avoid third-party sites that charge for it.
Non-U.S. residents without an SSN or ITIN must file Form SS-4 by fax or mail, which currently takes 4–8 weeks. Some registered-agent services offer expedited EIN retrieval as an add-on.
Keep the EIN confirmation letter (CP 575) — banks sometimes ask for it, and getting a replacement takes weeks.
Last reviewed April 21, 2026
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This answer is general founder education and not personalized legal or tax advice. For specifics tied to your situation, talk to a licensed attorney or CPA. See all answers on Help.