Opening a Business Bank Account for Your California LLC
A separate bank account is essential for maintaining your LLC's liability protection. California courts can pierce the veil if you commingle personal and business funds. Major California banks are well-equipped for LLC accounts. For all compliance, see our post-formation guide.
What You Need
| Document | Source |
|---|---|
| Filed Articles of Organization (LLC-1) | SOS / bizfileOnline |
| EIN letter (CP 575) | IRS.gov |
| Operating agreement | Your records |
| Statement of Information (if filed) | SOS |
| Photo ID for all signers | Government-issued |
Major California Banks
- Bank of America — extensive CA branch network
- Wells Fargo — headquartered in SF, strong CA presence
- Chase — major CA presence
- Union Bank (now US Bank) — California-focused
- First Republic (now part of Chase) — high-touch service
- Silicon Valley Bank (now First Citizens) — tech/startup focused
Online options: Mercury, Relay, Bluevine, Novo — popular with CA startups and remote businesses.
FAQ
Ready to get started?
Get StartedCan I open a bank account before the SOI is filed?
Yes. Banks require your filed Articles and EIN. The SOI is not typically required for account opening, though some banks may ask for it.
Do banks verify the $800 franchise tax payment?
No. Banks do not check your FTB compliance when opening accounts. However, if your LLC is later suspended by the FTB, banks may freeze your account.