Using a Business Name without Filing a Formal Business

[Ken Van Haitsma Jr]

I will be purchasing my first property in the next month or two so I want to set up business accounts with my bank to keep all of my REI money separate from personal money. I've read all the arguments for and against forming an LLC this early and I don't think it's really necessary for me, but I'd still like to open accounts using a business name rather than my personal name.

Is there a way I can open accounts under a business name, use a business name on business cards, etc. without filing a formal business? It seems like using an umbrella liability policy will be sufficient for me until I have accumulated several properties. At this point, I will probably open an LLC. Until then I'd like to use a business name until I can formally file for an LLC, then use the same business name for my LLC.