opening a business checking account

[theweedman]

i have a business license, a tax id number.. but they still wouldn't open an account.. they say i have to be registered as a corporation? i spent the last 2 hours driving around to different wachovia banks, just to find out they can't help me.. the first one i went to.. (across the street from me) they put me on the phone to open an account, i ended up getting frustrated trying to deal with the guy on the phone while i was in the bank, i hung up and went to other branches.. whats with banks these days? any advice on where to go and what to do next would be GREAT.

[RatherbeBassin']

Great Southern offers free business checking! Just provide your registry of ficticious name and EIN. Might try a local Credit Union such as telephone or postal workers credit union. Open to public and VERY lil' B.S.! I do ALL personal banking through local telephone credit union.

[bcg]

If you just have an assumed name, you'll need to open an account using your info dba whatever the company is called. Most banks will be happy to set that up as a business account since the fees for business accounts are much higher than personal (unless you find one that offers free checking). If Wachovia can't figure it out, just go to a different bank.

[knowltondata]

A lot of credit unions won't/can't do business.... and you should know better than to go to Walkaloverya or NationsRape! Try Ironsides (formerly Atlantic States) same people just different name, they are owned by First Citizens here in Raleigh and they even offer cheap merchant services... no corp required. Or maybe RBC Centura... go find you a small bank, less fees and better service.

[Team Gopher]

Hi theweedman,

You should be able to do it with what you have. Maybe just shop around the area and see who works best with you. Ask other local business owners too what they suggest.