Opening a US bank account as a non-resident is one of the steps that slows most international founders down. The path isn’t complicated once you know it — but it’s different from what a US-based founder experiences.
The key distinction: traditional US banks almost always require an in-person visit and a US address. Online business banking platforms designed for startups and remote founders do not. Both options work. This post covers both.
For the full formation process that gets you to this step, see our complete Delaware LLC guide →
What You Need Before You Apply
Before you approach any bank or banking platform, make sure you have:
- Your Delaware LLC fully formed and approved.
The bank will ask for your Certificate of Formation (also called Certificate of Good Standing in some contexts). It must be official — issued by the Delaware Division of Corporations. Don’t apply before your LLC exists.
- Your EIN.
An Employer Identification Number is required by virtually every US bank and fintech platform. Without it, you cannot open a US business account. Non-residents get their EIN by phone, fax, or mail — not online. For the exact process, see our EIN guide for non-US residents →
- Your Operating Agreement.
Many banks — particularly traditional ones — will request your operating agreement before opening the account. Have it ready. Online platforms vary; some require it at opening, others ask for it when you add signatories or increase transaction limits.
- Your passport or government-issued ID.
All banks and platforms require identity verification. For non-residents, a passport is standard.
Option 1: Traditional US Banks
Traditional banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank — offer well-established business checking products, strong branch networks, and integration with a wide range of US financial services.
The challenge for non-residents: these banks almost universally require in-person account opening at a US branch, and most require a US address for account correspondence.
If you can visit the US, traditional banks are a viable option. Bring:
- Your Certificate of Formation
- Your EIN confirmation letter
- Your Operating Agreement
- Your passport
- Any secondary ID if available
Call ahead to confirm the branch accepts non-resident LLC account openings — not all branches handle this equally well, and requirements can vary by location.
If you can’t visit the US, traditional banks are not a practical option. Move to the platforms below.
Option 2: Online Business Banking Platforms
Several US banking platforms built specifically for startups and remote businesses support non-resident account opening entirely online. These are not traditional banks — they’re financial technology companies that operate as banking or banking-adjacent services — but they hold FDIC-insured accounts and function as full US business bank accounts for most practical purposes.
Mercury
Mercury is the most widely used US business banking platform among international founders. It supports non-resident LLC account opening, requires no minimum balance, and charges no monthly fees. The application is done online and typically takes 1–5 business days to approve.
What Mercury requires from non-residents:
- EIN
- Certificate of Formation
- Operating Agreement (may be requested during review)
- Passport
- Information about your business and source of funds
Mercury is not available to every nationality — certain countries are restricted due to compliance requirements. Check Mercury’s current supported countries list when you apply.
Relay
Relay is another popular option for non-resident LLC owners. It offers multiple sub-accounts within a single LLC account, which is useful for separating operating funds, taxes, and payroll. Like Mercury, it supports remote account opening for non-residents and has no monthly fees.
Requirements are similar to Mercury: EIN, Certificate of Formation, passport, and basic business information.
Wise Business
Wise Business is not a US bank account in the traditional sense — it’s a multi-currency account with a US account number. It works well for receiving USD payments from US clients and holding USD, but it’s not a substitute for a full US business bank account if you need ACH payments, wire transfers, or full US banking functionality. Worth considering as a complement to a primary account, not a replacement.
Other Options
Platforms like Brex and Arc also serve non-resident founders in some cases, though their requirements and availability change over time. These are worth researching if Mercury and Relay don’t fit your situation.
What the Application Process Actually Looks Like
For most online platforms, the process is:
- Start the application online. Fill in your LLC details, business description, and personal information. This typically takes 15–20 minutes.
- Upload documents. Certificate of Formation, EIN (you can enter the number directly), passport, and Operating Agreement if requested.
- Answer compliance questions. Expect questions about the nature of your business, expected transaction volumes, countries you do business with, and source of funds. Answer honestly and specifically — vague answers increase review time.
- Wait for approval. Mercury and Relay typically take 1–5 business days. Complex situations or businesses in certain industries may take longer or require additional documentation.
- Fund the account. Once approved, you can receive incoming transfers immediately. Most platforms allow ACH, wire, and international transfers.
Why Your Application Might Be Declined
Online banking platforms for non-residents are more accessible than traditional banks, but they still have compliance requirements. Common reasons for decline:
Restricted country. If your country of residence is on a restricted list, the platform may not be able to onboard you. This varies by platform — if Mercury declines, try Relay, and vice versa.
Business type. Certain industries (gambling, adult content, cannabis, certain financial services) are typically not supported.
Unclear business description. If your business description is vague or inconsistent with your expected transaction volume, the compliance review may flag it. Be specific: “I provide software development services to US clients, expecting $X in monthly revenue” is better than “IT services.”
Incomplete documentation. Missing or mismatched documents are a common cause of delays. Your LLC name on all documents must match exactly — including the “LLC” designation.
Do You Need a US Address for a US Business Bank Account?
For traditional banks, typically yes — they want a US address for account correspondence.
For Mercury and Relay, no — both explicitly support non-resident account opening without a US address. Your foreign address is accepted.
If you want a US business address for other purposes (mail, legal correspondence, professional presence), virtual office services provide a US street address that can be used for banking purposes at some institutions — but this varies by bank and isn’t required for the platforms above.
Forming from Outside the US?
If you’ve already formed your Delaware LLC as a non-resident, you’re at the right point in the process. The order is:
- Form Delaware LLC → receive Certificate of Formation
- Get your EIN (by phone, fax, or mail)
- Open US business bank account
Most non-resident founders complete this sequence within 1–2 weeks if they move efficiently through each step. The EIN is typically the bottleneck — the phone method is fastest.
For a full breakdown of the costs involved in non-resident formation, see our Delaware LLC cost breakdown →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-US resident open a US business bank account?
Yes. Online business banking platforms like Mercury and Relay support non-resident account opening entirely remotely. Traditional US banks typically require an in-person visit at a US branch.
What do I need to open a US business bank account as a non-resident?
At minimum: your LLC’s Certificate of Formation, your EIN, a passport, and your Operating Agreement. Some platforms require additional business documentation during their compliance review.
Do I need a US address to open a US business bank account?
Not for platforms like Mercury or Relay. Both support non-resident account opening without a US address. Traditional banks typically require a US address.
How long does it take to open a Mercury or Relay account?
Typically 1–5 business days from application submission. Complex situations or additional documentation requests can extend this.
What if my Mercury application is declined?
Try Relay or another platform. Eligibility varies by platform, country of residence, and business type. Being declined by one platform doesn’t mean you’re ineligible across the board.
Bottom Line
Non-residents can open US business bank accounts. The path is different from a US-based founder’s experience, but it’s well-established — thousands of international founders do it every year.
Start with an online platform like Mercury or Relay. Have your Certificate of Formation, EIN, and Operating Agreement ready before you apply. If one platform declines, try another.
If you want your Delaware LLC formed and your EIN handled so you arrive at the banking step ready to go — IncReg sets that foundation →
Questions about opening a US bank account for your Delaware LLC? [Reach out directly](https://increg.com/contact/) — you’ll hear back from someone who handles this every day.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation. Bank eligibility requirements change — verify current requirements directly with the institution before applying.