Open your business bank account

Open a business bank account on day one, before the money starts moving. It keeps business and personal finances separate — which makes taxes, bookkeeping, and even knowing whether you're profitable far easier — and it makes you look legitimate to customers and lenders.

Do this

1. Open a business checking account once you're registered and have your EIN.
2. Bring what the bank needs: your EIN, your formation/registration papers, and your ID.
3. Run every dollar of business income and expense through it — never mix in personal spending.
4. Add a business debit or credit card so card swipes stay separated too.

What to bring to open the account

• Your EIN (or SSN for a sole proprietor)
• Formation / registration documents from your state
• A government-issued photo ID
• A small opening deposit (varies by bank)
• A separate business card set up at the same time