Starting a business is hard enough without adding complicated banking to the mix. Small business owners, freelancers, and startups often just want to get an account open quickly so they can begin accepting payments, paying expenses, and keeping finances organized. Fortunately, in 2025, opening a business bank account has never been easier.

Online-first banks and digitally forward institutions have streamlined the process, cutting down on paperwork and eliminating the need to visit a branch. Many accounts can be opened entirely from your phone or computer in just minutes. But with so many options out there, it’s worth asking: What are the easiest small business accounts to open online?

This guide covers what you need to open a business bank account, and highlights seven of the easiest options available today, along with the basic steps to get started at each institution.

What Do You Need to Open a Business Bank Account?

The exact requirements vary slightly by institution and business structure, but most small business owners will need the following:

  • A government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN) or a Social Security Number (sole proprietor)
  • Formation documents, such as Articles of Incorporation or a DBA certificate
  • Business address and contact information
  • An opening deposit (though some banks have no minimums)

Online-first banks make this process even easier by letting you upload documents digitally and verify your identity remotely. Many accounts can be opened the same day, so you can get started with banking almost immediately.

Tips for a Smooth Online Application

  • Collect all documents ahead of time to avoid delays.
  • Confirm which ID or tax number (SSN vs. EIN) your chosen bank requires.
  • Check for industry restrictions—some banks exclude businesses in certain sectors.
  • Have digital copies of all documents ready for upload.
  • Be prepared to make a small opening deposit, even if no minimum is required.

Easiest Online Business Bank Accounts to Open in 2025

Not every business bank account is equally simple to set up. Some still require lengthy applications or in-person visits, while others can be opened entirely online in just a few minutes. The following institutions stand out in 2025 for offering quick, straightforward onboarding processes alongside features that help small businesses thrive.

1. North One Business Account

North One is built for speed and simplicity. The application process is entirely online and can be completed in under 10 minutes. Once you’re approved, you gain access to features like envelope-style budgeting, bill pay, and integrations with QuickBooks, Shopify, and PayPal.

For entrepreneurs who value convenience, North One removes the friction of branch visits or lengthy paperwork. The app guides you through each step, and approval is typically same-day. This makes it one of the top picks for anyone who wants to start banking fast.

Steps to Open an Account with North One:

  1. Go to North One’s website or download the mobile app.
  2. Provide your legal name, business name, and contact information.
  3. Upload a government-issued ID and your EIN or SSN.
  4. Submit business formation documents, such as Articles of Organization or a DBA.
  5. Fund your account with an initial deposit (no minimum required).

2. Novo Business Checking

Novo is another digital-first option that’s especially appealing for freelancers and small startups. It has no monthly fees, integrates with platforms like Stripe and Shopify, and provides unlimited free invoicing through its app. Novo is designed for entrepreneurs who want fast, modern banking without red tape.

What makes Novo easy to open is its streamlined verification process. Applications are done entirely online, and most accounts are approved within a few business days. You don’t need to visit a branch, and minimum opening deposits are very low.

Steps to Open an Account with Novo:

  1. Visit the Novo website or download the app.
  2. Enter your personal and business details, including legal name and address.
  3. Provide your EIN or SSN and upload your government-issued ID.
  4. Upload formation documents (LLC articles, DBA, or incorporation papers).
  5. Fund your account with a small opening deposit (typically $50).

3. Bluevine Business Checking

Bluevine offers one of the most rewarding business checking accounts available, with high-yield interest on balances and access to a flexible line of credit. The account is entirely online, making it both easy to open and easy to manage from anywhere.

Applications are fast and straightforward, and most approvals are processed in 1–3 business days. Because Bluevine is digital-first, you can complete everything from your laptop or phone without printing forms or scheduling appointments.

Steps to Open an Account with Bluevine:

  1. Go to Bluevine’s website and click “Open an Account.”
  2. Fill out your business and personal information, including EIN or SSN.
  3. Upload a government-issued photo ID.
  4. Submit formation documents such as Articles of Incorporation or a business license.
  5. Transfer funds into your account (no minimum deposit required).

4. Relay

Relay is a modern digital banking platform that provides multiple checking accounts under one business profile, with built-in expense tracking and multi-user access. It’s designed for small businesses that need flexibility and collaboration.

Relay’s signup process is one of the simplest. You can open an account online in just a few minutes, and approvals typically happen the same day. With no minimum balance requirements, Relay is especially appealing to early-stage businesses.

Steps to Open an Account with Relay:

  1. Sign up through the Relay website.
  2. Provide your personal information, including name, address, and SSN or EIN.
  3. Upload a government-issued ID.
  4. Submit your business formation documents (ex. Articles of Organization).
  5. Start using Relay immediately—no minimum deposit required.

5. Oxygen Business Account

Oxygen is built with freelancers, gig workers, and small LLCs in mind. The app provides cashback rewards, tax tools, and expense categorization, all wrapped into a mobile-first platform. For individuals who want a bank that’s as flexible as their work, Oxygen is a strong fit.

Opening an account is simple and fully mobile. The application only takes a few minutes, and approvals are typically quick. Oxygen doesn’t require high opening deposits, making it accessible to newer entrepreneurs.

Steps to Open an Account with Oxygen:

  1. Download the Oxygen app from the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Provide your personal and business information, including SSN or EIN.
  3. Upload a valid government-issued ID.
  4. Submit business documents such as a DBA or LLC formation paperwork.
  5. Fund your account with a small deposit (no large minimum required).

6. Chase Business Complete Banking®

Chase offers the credibility and resources of a national bank while still allowing for a mostly digital application process. With features like same-day deposits and access to thousands of branches and ATMs, Chase is a great hybrid option for businesses that want both digital convenience and in-person support.

While some businesses may need to stop by a branch to finalize, the application can be started and largely completed online. Chase’s requirements are straightforward, and approval often happens within a few business days.

Steps to Open an Account with Chase:

  1. Start your application online at Chase.com.
  2. Enter personal and business details, including EIN or SSN.
  3. Upload required documents: ID, business paperwork, and license (if applicable).
  4. Complete online identity verification.
  5. Make your opening deposit ($0–$25 depending on promotions and account type).

7. Wise Business Account

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is ideal for businesses with international clients or vendors. The account allows you to hold and send money in multiple currencies, often at lower fees than traditional banks. For entrepreneurs who operate globally, Wise provides both simplicity and savings.

The account can be opened quickly online, with approvals often completed the same day. Because Wise is built around digital payments, it requires minimal documentation compared to traditional banks.

Steps to Open an Account with Wise:

  1. Visit Wise.com and choose “Open a Business Account.”
  2. Enter your business and personal details, including EIN or SSN.
  3. Upload your government-issued ID and proof of address.
  4. Provide basic business formation documents (DBA, LLC, or incorporation).
  5. Once verified, fund your Wise account to begin sending and receiving payments.

What Are the Easiest Small Business Accounts to Open Online?

Opening a business bank account used to mean paperwork and branch visits, but in 2025, the process has become much simpler. Whether you choose North One’s 10-minute setup, Novo’s freelancer-friendly application, or Wise’s global capabilities, there’s an option to fit every type of small business.

So, what are the easiest small business accounts to open online? For most small business owners, it doesn’t get any easier than North One. Start your application today and see how quickly you can turn an application into access to one of the best small business bank accounts available.