How to Open a US Business Bank Account Remotely as an International LLC Owner
Global Operations
eCorp Services
You've formed your Nevada LLC. You've got your EIN. Now you need a US business bank account — and you're sitting outside the United States wondering how to make that happen without flying to America.
The good news: it's entirely possible, and thousands of international founders do it every year. The landscape has changed significantly over the past five years. Fintech banks have made remote account opening standard practice, and several traditional banks now accommodate international LLC owners as well.
This guide covers exactly which banks work for international founders, what you'll need to apply, and the step-by-step process for getting your account open from anywhere in the world.
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Why You Need a US Business Bank Account
Before we get into the how, it's worth being clear about the why — especially if you're tempted to skip this step and use a personal account or a foreign bank.
1. Liability protection depends on it Your Nevada LLC exists to separate your personal finances from your business finances. If you commingle funds — running business income through a personal account — you risk "piercing the corporate veil." This means a court could hold you personally liable for business debts, defeating the entire purpose of forming an LLC.
2. Clients and customers expect it US clients, platforms like Amazon and Stripe, and US-based suppliers typically require ACH transfers, wire transfers, or check payments from a US bank account. A foreign bank account creates friction and raises flags.
3. Payment processors require it Stripe, PayPal, Shopify Payments, and similar platforms require a US bank account to process and receive payments for a US business entity. You cannot bypass this.
4. Tax compliance is cleaner Having all business transactions flow through a dedicated US bank account makes tax filing dramatically simpler — both in the US and in your home country.
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What You Need to Open a US Business Bank Account Remotely
Most banks and fintechs will ask for some or all of the following:
- Business documents:
- Articles of Organization (your Nevada LLC formation document)
- Operating Agreement (often required by traditional banks)
- EIN confirmation letter from the IRS (CP575 notice or EIN verification letter)
- Identity documents:
- Passport (the primary ID for non-US residents — a foreign driver's license is typically not sufficient)
- In some cases, a second form of ID may be requested
- Personal information:
- Your full legal name (matching passport)
- Your foreign residential address
- Your date of birth
- Your country of citizenship
- Business information:
- Business name (matching Articles of Organization)
- Business address (your LLC's registered address in Nevada is fine)
- Business type and primary activity
- Expected monthly transaction volume
Don't have your EIN yet? Get it first — without it, no US bank can open your account. See our step-by-step EIN guide for non-US residents →
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The Best US Banks for International LLC Owners
Not all banks are created equal when it comes to non-resident business accounts. Here's an honest breakdown of your best options:
Mercury Bank — Best Overall for International Founders
Mercury is a fintech bank (FDIC-insured through Choice Financial Group) specifically built for startups and online businesses. It has become the go-to choice for international founders for good reason.
- What works well:
- Fully remote application — no branch visit, no US address required
- Accepts international LLC owners with a foreign passport
- No monthly fees, no minimum balance
- Free domestic wires, ACH, and international wires
- Modern API, Stripe integration, and accounting software connections
- Fast application review (often 1–3 business days)
- What to know:
- Mercury is not a traditional bank — it's a fintech backed by partner banks
- Application approval is not guaranteed; Mercury does review applications and may decline certain business types
- Customer support is email-based, not phone
Best for: E-commerce sellers, SaaS founders, consultants, and online service businesses
Relay Financial — Best for Multiple Accounts & Expense Management
Relay is another fintech bank (FDIC-insured through Thread Bank) that caters to small businesses. It allows you to open up to 20 checking accounts and 50 virtual debit cards per business.
- What works well:
- Accepts non-US residents with a foreign passport
- Fully remote account opening
- Excellent team account management features
- No monthly fees on the standard plan
- Integrates well with QuickBooks and Xero
- What to know:
- Approval timelines can be slightly longer than Mercury (3–5 business days)
- The interface is more complex than Mercury — better suited for businesses that need multi-account management
Best for: Businesses managing multiple revenue streams, agencies, or businesses with bookkeeping needs
Wise Business — Best for Multi-Currency Operations
Wise Business (formerly TransferWise) is technically a money services business rather than a bank, but it provides a US account number and routing number, making it functionally similar.
- What works well:
- Supports 40+ currencies in a single account
- Industry-leading exchange rates (mid-market rate with a small transparent fee)
- US account details (routing + account number) usable for ACH and domestic transfers
- Fast account setup — often within 24 hours
- Excellent for businesses paid in multiple currencies or making international supplier payments
- What to know:
- Wise is not FDIC-insured — funds are held in a safeguarded account, not a bank deposit
- Cannot receive or send domestic USD wires (ACH only for USD)
- Not suitable as a standalone banking solution if you need traditional wire capability
Best for: Businesses with international revenue streams, freelancers paid in foreign currencies, or businesses that need to pay international suppliers cheaply
Traditional Banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo)
Traditional US banks can be opened by non-residents, but the process is significantly more complex:
- Most require an in-person visit to a US branch with original documents
- Some require a US residential address or a reference letter from another bank
- Process can take 2–4 weeks and may require multiple visits
- Fees are higher (monthly fees of $15–25 unless minimum balance requirements are met)
Recommendation: If you need a traditional bank account (for example, because a client requires it), plan a trip to the US and walk into a Chase or Bank of America branch in Nevada with your full document set. Call ahead to confirm requirements, as policies vary by branch.
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Step-by-Step: Opening a Mercury Account Remotely
Mercury is the recommended starting point for most international founders. Here's exactly how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare your documents Before you start the application, gather: passport, Articles of Organization, EIN confirmation (CP575 or EIN verification letter), and Operating Agreement.
Step 2: Go to mercury.com and click "Get started" Create an account using your email address. Mercury will ask you whether you're a US person or non-US person — select the appropriate option.
Step 3: Complete the business profile Enter your LLC name, EIN, state of formation (Nevada), business type, and a brief description of your business activity. Be specific and honest — vague descriptions ("consulting") can trigger additional review.
Step 4: Upload your documents You'll be prompted to upload your passport for identity verification and your LLC formation documents. Ensure the files are clear, readable scans or photos.
Step 5: Complete the personal information section Enter your foreign residential address, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
Step 6: Submit and wait Mercury typically reviews international applications within 1–5 business days. They may email you requesting additional documentation. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
Step 7: Fund your account Once approved, you'll receive your account number and routing number. You can fund the account via international wire transfer from your home country.
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Common Reasons Applications Get Declined
Business type restrictions: Mercury, Relay, and most fintechs do not accept certain high-risk business categories — including cannabis, gambling, firearms, adult content, and cryptocurrency exchanges. If your business falls in these categories, you'll need a specialized financial institution.
Incomplete or mismatched documents: If your LLC name on the Articles of Organization doesn't match what you entered in the application, the bank's verification system will flag it. Triple-check every field.
Unclear business description: Banks are required to understand what your business does. "Online business" or "consulting" without more detail raises compliance flags. Be specific.
No operating agreement: Some banks, particularly traditional ones, require an operating agreement to confirm ownership structure. Have one prepared.
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Recommended Banking Setup for International Founders
For most international LLC owners, the ideal setup is:
- 1Mercury as your primary US checking account (for receiving client payments, paying US vendors, holding USD)
- 2Wise Business as your international transfer account (for converting to your home currency and paying foreign suppliers cheaply)
This combination gives you full US banking functionality plus cost-effective international operations — without paying excessive wire fees or poor exchange rates.
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How eCorp Helps
eCorp's formation packages include everything you need to get bank-ready: Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement, and EIN obtainment. Our Pro and Premium plans are specifically designed to give you all the documentation banks require, so your account application doesn't get held up by missing paperwork.
If you're not sure which eCorp plan is right for you, compare our packages here.
Once your LLC is formed and your EIN is in hand, you'll typically be able to open a Mercury or Relay account within a week — no US travel required.
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Annual List of Members/Managers**
Once your LLC is formed, you have ongoing compliance obligations:
| Requirement | Frequency | Approximate Cost | |---|---|---| | Annual List of Members/Managers | Annually (by anniversary date) | $150 | | Nevada State Business License Renewal | Annually | $200 | | Registered Agent | Annually | Included with eCorp | | Federal Tax Filing | Annually | Varies by situation |
eCorp's compliance calendar keeps you on top of these deadlines so nothing slips — important when you're hopping time zones every few weeks.
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Note: Bank policies, eligibility requirements, and product offerings change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with your chosen bank before applying.