Opening a Campaign Bank Account

Every dollar your campaign raises or spends must flow through a dedicated committee bank account. Opening one is straightforward once your treasurer and EIN are in place — this article covers what banks ask for and how to sequence the steps.

Why a dedicated account is non-negotiable

Campaign money and personal money must never mix. Commingling funds is one of the fastest ways to turn a paperwork problem into a legal one, because your reports have to account for every transaction — and untangling personal charges from campaign charges after the fact is painful, public, and sometimes impossible.

A single committee account, controlled by your treasurer, makes clean reporting the default. Federal committees also designate their bank on their Statement of Organization, so the account is part of your legal identity, not just a convenience.

What the bank will ask for

Requirements vary by bank, but come prepared with all of the following:

• Your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS (the CP 575) — see How to Get an EIN for Your Campaign if you do not have one yet.
• Your statement of organization or state registration paperwork, if you have already filed it.
• Your treasurer's government-issued ID — the treasurer should be at the appointment, since the account belongs under their control.
• Some banks also want meeting minutes or a signed resolution authorizing the committee to open the account and naming who can sign on it.

Call the branch ahead of time, tell them you are opening an account for a political committee, and ask for their exact document list. Ten minutes on the phone saves a second trip.

Choosing the right bank

Not every bank handles political committees often, and an inexperienced branch can slow you down or apply the wrong account type. Ask directly whether they open political committee accounts and how many they service. Community banks and credit unions in your district are often both experienced and glad to have you; a local bank also signals local roots. Whatever you choose, make sure your treasurer gets full online access — they will live in this account.

Get the order right

The sequence matters: appoint your treasurer and get your EIN first, then open the bank account, and let your registration numbers follow. That is not backwards — the FEC's Statement of Organization asks you to name your campaign depository, so having the account open before you file is exactly how it is designed to work. State forms commonly do the same.

If a bank asks for a registration number you do not have yet, explain the sequence and bring proof your organizing paperwork is underway. Once your registration is filed, circle back and give the bank the final details so everything matches — Registering with the FEC or Your State explains why that consistency pays off later.

A note before you act

This guide is practical general guidance, not legal advice. Election law varies by state and changes often — confirm requirements with the FEC, your state election authority, or an election-law attorney.