US Business Banking Setup for Non-Residents
You can open a US business bank account for your LLC without ever entering the United States, but only with providers that onboard remotely. Mercury and Relay both accept non-resident owners of US LLCs and verify identity online. Traditional branch banks such as Chase and Bank of America generally require an in-person visit and often an SSN or ITIN.
You need a formed LLC, its state formation documents, an EIN confirmation letter from the IRS, your passport, proof of your home address, and a clear description of what the business actually does. Applications are rejected far more often for a vague business description or an unsupported home country than for anything to do with the company itself. We prepare the file before you apply so the first application is the one that goes through.
What each provider requires
| Provider | Remote onboarding | Needs SSN or ITIN | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | Yes - available | No - not required | SaaS, agencies and startups; strongest API and multi-user controls |
| Relay | Yes - available | No - not required | E-commerce sellers who want multiple sub-accounts for profit allocation |
| Wise Business | Yes - available | No - not required | Multi-currency receiving and low-cost conversion; not a full US bank account |
| Payoneer | Yes - available | No - not required | Marketplace payouts from Amazon, Upwork and similar platforms |
| Chase, Bank of America | No - not available | Usually yes - required | Businesses with a US presence and someone able to visit a branch |
Mercury and Relay are financial technology companies, not banks; deposits are held at partner banks that carry FDIC insurance. Eligibility rules and supported countries change, so we confirm current criteria against your residency before you apply.
What you need before applying
- Formed LLC with the stamped Articles of Organization from the state
- EIN confirmation letter (CP 575 or the fax confirmation) from the IRS
- Passport for every beneficial owner
- Proof of your residential address abroad, usually a utility bill or bank statement
- US business address for the company record
- Operating agreement, requested by most providers for multi-member LLCs
- A specific business description: what you sell, to whom, in which countries, and expected monthly volume
Why applications get declined
- A vague business description. "Consulting" or "online business" reads as evasive. "B2B Shopify app development billed monthly to US and EU clients" does not.
- An unsupported home country. Every provider maintains a restricted list. This is the one cause you cannot fix by rewriting the application, so it must be checked first.
- A recognised mail-drop address. Providers cross-reference commercial registered agent addresses used by thousands of companies.
- A name mismatch between the LLC filing, the EIN letter and the passport.
- Applying before the EIN arrives. Every provider requires the EIN letter itself, not a pending application.
Process and timeline
- Days 1-2: we review your entity documents and EIN letter and check provider eligibility for your country of residence.
- Days 2-3: we draft the business description and prepare the document pack.
- Day 3: you submit the application yourself. We never ask for your banking credentials and never open an account on your behalf.
- Days 3-10: provider review. Approval is often within 48 hours; additional verification adds a week.
We provide preparation and guidance. Opening an account and passing the provider’s own identity checks is always done by you directly, and no provider on this page pays us for referrals.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-resident open a US business bank account without visiting the US?
Yes, with a fintech business banking provider. Mercury and Relay both onboard remotely and accept non-resident owners of US LLCs. Traditional branch banks such as Chase and Bank of America generally require an in-person visit and often an SSN or ITIN.
What do I need before applying?
A formed US LLC, the state formation documents, an EIN confirmation letter from the IRS, a passport, proof of your home address, a US business address, and a clear description of what the business does and where its customers are.
Why do applications get rejected?
The most common causes are a vague business description, an operating country the provider does not support, a virtual address the provider recognises as a mail drop, and a mismatch between the name on the LLC filing and the name on the passport.
Do I need an ITIN to open a business account?
No. The account belongs to the LLC and is opened on the EIN. An ITIN is a personal tax number and is not required for business banking.