How to Open a U.S. Bank Account as a Non-Resident

A U.S. business bank account is what makes your LLC work: it lets you receive payments from U.S. clients, get Stripe and PayPal payouts and pay contractors. The good news is that you can usually open one remotely, without visiting the U.S. and without an SSN. The bad news is that a rejection can make your next application harder, so it pays to prepare well.

What you need before applying

• Your LLC documents: Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement.
• Your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS.
• Your passport.
• A U.S. business address. Many banks don’t accept your registered agent’s address as your main business address, so you may need a separate virtual address.
• Proof that your business is real: a working website, invoices, contracts or a client list. Banks increasingly ask for this at the application stage.

The three most common options

• Mercury: the most popular choice for non-residents. Fully remote, no SSN or ITIN needed, no monthly fees, FDIC-insured through partner banks and easy to connect to Stripe and PayPal. Mercury has a list of countries it doesn’t accept, so check yours first.
• Relay: strong bookkeeping integrations (QuickBooks, Xero) and high FDIC coverage, but it generally requires an SSN or ITIN. A good option once you have an ITIN.
• Wise Business: not a bank, but it gives you U.S. account details accepted by Stripe, PayPal and Amazon. No SSN or ITIN needed, it accepts more countries than Mercury, and it’s great for multiple currencies. It is not FDIC-insured.

Traditional banks are also possible in some cases, but they usually ask for more paperwork or an in-person visit.

Step by step

1. Check eligibility for your country on each platform before applying.
2. Prepare every document so names and addresses match exactly across your LLC papers, EIN letter and passport.
3. Apply to the platform most likely to approve you first, rather than applying everywhere at once.
4. Answer compliance questions quickly and clearly if the bank asks for more information.
5. Connect your payment processors (Stripe, PayPal) once you’re approved.

Tips to avoid problems

• Have two accounts. A primary account plus a backup (for example Mercury and Wise) keeps your business running if one account is frozen for a review.
• Keep business and personal money separate. This also protects your LLC’s limited liability.
• Expect occasional reviews. Non-resident accounts get compliance checks more often. Keep invoices and contracts organized.

Bank policies change often. Always confirm current requirements with the bank before applying.

Need help?

VCG helps you choose the right bank for your country and business, and prepare an application that gets approved the first time. If your budget is tight, ask us about working in exchange for equity, services or referrals.

Book a free consultation with Mauricio →

Sources: based on guidance from James Baker, CPA, VCG’s U.S. tax partner. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.