Thanks for the response! I'll give them time to work thier magic.
Appologies if this question has been asked before - Is there any disadvantage to opening the business account online vs. going into a branch? Also, anything special to open a business account as a sole proprietorship w/o a current business tax id number?
I think rules for what is required to open a business account vary by state. In any case you can get an EIN number from the IRS instantly on-line here
https://sa.www4.irs.gov/modiein/individual/index.jsp AFIK as long as your business has no income you have no further IRS requirements. I just filled out the EIN application as if I were freelancing in my customary line of work.
I haven't seen any credible reports of anyone being able to open a business account on-line lately. It may be theoretically possible but it always errors out for me and most everyone else. No harm in trying but don't be surprised if it does not work.