Which one first?

[chicago3j]

So do I need to get a business bank account first or register my fictitious name first?

Do I need the fictitious name to open the bank account?

Hmmm

[limoshawn]

Welcome to Webmaster World!
Generally speaking, if you're going to open a bank account in your company name, the company name will have to exist first.
You may want to check with your bank, they should be able to point you in the right direction.

[Marketing Guy]

If you are a sole trader you can register a bank account in your name, trading as (company name). I believe that it's only when you delve into the area of limited / public company formation that you need to have a company number first. In the UK anyway.

Scott

[chicago3j]

Thanks for the help!

[dbdev]

In Canada you need your articles of incorporation.

[jtara]

In the U.S., generally, you have to file for a fictitious name before you can open a bank account in that name. You can't legally accept checks with a fictitious name until you've filed and published.

Details vary by locality. You need to file with your city or county, then publish n times in a "newspaper of record."

You don't need or corporation or LLC, but you can't entitle the account or accept checks other than in your own name otherwise.

Once exception is if you use your own name in the fictitious name. For example, "John Doe Bail Bonds".
That is, IF you are John Doe. I think you can get away with just your last name, but not just your first. "Doe Plumbing", but not "John Plumbing".