Direct bacterial recognition by innate receptors is crucial for bacterial clearance. Here, we show that the IgA receptor CD89 is a major innate receptor that directly binds bacteria independently of its cognate ligands IgA and c-reactive protein (CRP). This binding is only partially inhibited by serum IgA and induces bacterial phagocytosis by CD11c+ dendritic cells and monocytes and/or macrophages, suggesting a physiological role in innate host defense. Blood phagocytes from common variable immunodeficiency patients bind, internalize, and kill bacteria in a CD89-dependent manner, confirming the IgA independence of this mechanism. In vivo, CD89 transgenic mice are protected in two different models of sepsis: a model of pneumonia and the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) polymicrobial model of infection. These data identify CD89 as a first-line innate receptor for bacterial clearance before adaptive responses can be mounted. Fc receptors may emerge as a class of innate receptors for various bacteria with pleiotropic roles. Display omitted •CD89 directly binds Streptococcus pneumoniae and Escherichia coli•CD89 acts as an innate receptor before adaptive responses take place•CD89 protects from sepsis by inducing innate immune responses against infections de Tymowski et al. demonstrate that CD89 serves as an innate receptor during the early phase of infection. During the late phase, the receptor acts in both innate and adaptive immune responses through double interaction with IgA- or CRP-opsonized and non-opsonized bacteria.