Opening a US business bank account as a non-resident
A US company without a US bank account can't take Stripe payouts, pay US contractors cleanly, or show the IRS where its money went. Most non-US founders can open one remotely if the paperwork is in order.
Traditional bank or fintech
Large US banks usually want the owner to visit a branch in person. Online business accounts offered by fintech companies, backed by partner banks, often accept non-resident founders and open the account remotely. Policies change often and vary by country of residence, so check each provider's current rules.
What you'll be asked for
- the company's formation documents (articles of organization or certificate of incorporation);
- the EIN confirmation letter from the IRS;
- the operating agreement or bylaws showing who owns the company;
- a passport for every owner with 25% or more, and for the person who controls the company;
- a proof of home address for those people;
- a US business address (a registered agent address alone is sometimes not accepted);
- a clear description of what the business does, a website and expected monthly volumes.
Why applications get rejected
- The company name doesn't match exactly across the state filing, EIN letter and application.
- The business description is vague or the website is empty.
- The activity is in a category the bank doesn't serve, such as some crypto, gambling or high-risk payments businesses.
- An owner lives in a country the provider doesn't accept.
Apply with everything ready on the first try. A rejection isn't final, but each new application asks the same questions, and consistent answers matter.
After the account opens
Keep business and personal money separate. Every transfer between you and the company is something your accountant has to record, and for a foreign-owned LLC it goes on Form 5472.