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Opening a US business bank account as a non-resident

Which banks open accounts for foreign-owned LLCs without a visit, what documents they ask for, and how to avoid a rejected application.

5 min read · updated November 1, 2026

Which banks work from abroad

Traditional US banks generally want the owner in a branch, in person. For founders abroad the realistic route is a fintech business account opened online. Mercury and Relay both accept US LLCs with non-resident owners; Wise Business is a good multi-currency companion and an alternative where those are unavailable. Availability depends on your country of residence and your industry, and no one can guarantee an approval.

What you need before applying

  • The approved formation document of the LLC.
  • The EIN confirmation letter from the IRS.
  • The operating agreement, signed, showing who owns the company.
  • A passport for every owner with 25% or more, and sometimes proof of home address.
  • A clear description of the business: what you sell, to whom, and how customers find you. A live website helps a lot.

Addresses, and your debit card abroad

Your LLC's US address is the registered agent's street address in its state: the state and the IRS send their mail there, including the EIN letter. At Mercury it can be the company's US address. Mercury also asks where you actually run the business; that is your own home or office, in any country.

Mercury mails the debit card to your own home or office address abroad; most countries are served and delivery takes up to about 10 business days. Until it arrives you can pay online with a virtual card straight away.

Why applications get rejected

Vague business descriptions, no website or online presence, industries the bank does not serve (for example crypto, gambling, adult content, or money services), and countries the bank cannot onboard. Answer the questions specifically: 'online marketing services for hotels in Europe, invoiced monthly' is better than 'consulting'.

Payments: Stripe, PayPal and marketplaces

With the LLC, the EIN and a US bank account you can open a US Stripe account, PayPal Business and seller accounts on the large marketplaces. They ask for the same documents, plus the personal details of the owner.

After the account is open

Use it for company money only. Transfers between you and the company are fine, but record them: for a foreign-owned single-member LLC they are exactly what Form 5472 reports each year.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change; check your own situation with a professional.