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How to Open a US Bank Account as an International Founder — Your Best Guide in 2025

As soon as your LLC is approved and you have acquired an EIN Number, it is time to open a business account to manage business finances.
However, if you are a foreigner launching an LLC in the US, you must be wondering: “How to Open a US Bank Account as an International Founder?”
This article answers all these questions with a step-by-step guide on how to open a US bank account as an international founder with a trusted partner like doola.
Book a free consultation if you want to get started with doola today.
Can Foreigners Open A Business Bank Account in the US?
The United States is known as the largest economy and a leading global trader. Many people from around the world set up online and physical business Limited Liability Companies in the US.
As a foreign entity, you cannot open a business bank account in the United States unless your business is registered in the US, as the requirement states. This is a very important detail to bear in mind as you learn more about how to open a US bank account as an international founder.
You must also have an EIN (Employer Identification Number), a unique identifier issued to the business, to ensure that the IRS can identify it for tax purposes.
Although opening a business bank account in the US as a non-citizen can be a little complex, it is totally achievable.
So, before getting into the details of how to open a US bank account as an international founder, here are some essential facts for applying for an LLC business account:
- There are no residency requirements to open a business bank account. You do not have to be an American citizen or a US resident alien when opening an LLC bank account (more on this below; some banks do have requirements on this).
- You don’t have to personally travel to the bank to open the LLC business account (more on this below; some banks do require you to visit the branch in person).
- You don’t need an SSN (Social Security Number) to open a US LLC bank account (more on this below; some banks do require an SSN).
- You don’t need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open a US LLC bank account.
- Look for a “foreigner-friendly” bank that caters to residents who don’t have an SSN or ITIN. At such a bank, you can easily use your LLC’s Registered Agent address as your LLC’s office address, while many banks do not allow that and require proof of an office in the US.
Read on to know how to open a US bank account as an international founder with a US-based LLC and the related information, residency, and documents required in the process.
What Is the Process for Opening an LLC Bank Account?
As you learn more about how to open a US bank account as an international founder, please note:
Opening a bank account is not easy or similar to opening a personal bank account.
However, if you have a proper understanding of how to open a US bank account as an international founder and keep the required documents handy, it will not take much of your precious time.
Before proceeding, you must know that not all business bank accounts require the same steps to create. Let’s begin with the process of how to open a US bank account as an international founder.
✅ Decide on Bank Account and Their Services
Every bank’s service options and monthly fee structure differs, and they have different levels of business bank accounts.
You need to decide on various things, such as monthly banking fees, initial deposit amount, minimum balance requirements, and overdraft protection.
Moreover, discuss your needs with a range of banks in that State so that you have a better understanding of their fee structure and other services.
Do you need several accounts, or just one is enough? Will the minimum balance requirement work for you or not?
How much is the average monthly charge you can pay? These are some questions you must consider when deciding on a bank or account type for your business.
You can choose from different local and national banks across America. If you have a bank account with an international banking system that operates in the US, then you can simply transfer the account transversely.
You can open a dedicated business bank account to avail useful features like Banking, Bill Pay, Invoicing, Corporate credit cards, and Treasury.
You can also go with Brex, a digital baking platform, that also offers tools for expense management, travel, and reimbursements.
Here are our other recommendations for banking as you learn more about how to open a US bank account as an international founder:
- Citibank
- Bank of America
- Wells Fargo (foreign-friendly)
- JP Morgan Chase
It is recommended that you stay for up to 1 to 2 weeks if there are any delays or extra things you need to do to open the account.
✅ Bank’s Documentation Requirements
Call your bank once you have finalized the type of business account and ask them about the documentation they require to open a business bank account for your LLC.
Most banks in the United States require the following documents to open an LLC bank account ,whether you are opening an account personally or online through some agency:
- Photo ID of the owner or director who is opening an LLC bank account.
- Proof of the personal address of the owner or director.
- Proof of the business address is needed to show that your LLC location and state of the bank branch are the same. Some banks may require additional documents like phone bills, leases, or utility bills.
- A copy of the certificate of formation, articles of organization, or equivalent document of your LLC. These documents differ depending on the State where the LLC is registered.
- Employer confirmation letter (CP575) or EIN verification letter (147C) of your LLC from the IRS.
- Your LLC’s operating agreement or any other similar document showing the one authorized to sign on your behalf.
- You must get a US Phone Number to make the bank feel more convenient to work with you.
- Foreign driving license and foreign passport.
- A fully filled out Declaration Of Beneficial Ownership form was provided by the bank. It identifies the true business owners before they can open a bank account and is designed to prevent illegal financial activity.
The bank you choose may also require additional documentation, so it is important to call the firm ahead to ensure you do not waste your time going there with incomplete documentation.
Besides, it’s worth mentioning that many banks also require a minimum deposit amount to open an LLC account.
Thus, apart from the required documents, check the minimum deposit amount when you hand in the documents as it also differs from bank to bank.
✅ Open Your LLC Bank Account
Once all the proper documentation has been gathered, now it’s time to meet the banker to open your LLC business account.
The bank will provide you with an LLC banking resolution document to declare which LLC Member(s) has the authority to open a bank account.
Each bank provides its own resolution form, so you cannot prepare it ahead of time.
As you have done your research in advance and brought all the documents required to open the account, the final step in this process is now easy and may take about an hour.
Also, determine whether you need an ATM or checks. A few bank costs check-system some extra.
If you have to make online purchases, then a debit card will be useful, and you do not need to apply for a separate business card. In the next section, let’s explore how to open a US bank account as an international founder operating remotely.
How to Open a US Bank Account as an International Founder from Abroad
Global entrepreneurs operating a business in this US often wonder whether is it possible and how to open a US bank account as an international founder?
Well, the answer is not a simple yes or no. Most banks require physical presence for document submission, which is not possible from abroad.
You can probably start the process online by completing a bank account opening application, but you need to visit the bank and hand in the relevant documents in person.
However, there are a few exceptions now; some online banks allows them to open a business bank account by providing their business information, such as EIN, Article of Agreement, and a valid ID.
Also, agencies offer the same services for a fee and open a bank account completely online.
What Documents Do I Need to Open a US Business Bank Account?
You’ll need your company’s official formation documents during the application, once you learn how to open a US bank account as an international founder. For example, if you’re an LLC this could be your “Articles of Incorporation!”
✅ EIN (Employer Identification Number)
You’ll need an EIN number which is issued by the IRS. To get an EIN, you need to have a social security number (SSN), which you can apply online on the IRS website.
If you don’t have an SSN, you can get your EIN with doola, in which we’ll handle everything, ensuring you receive the official documentation in no time.
✅ Government ID
Along with an EIN, you’ll also need some form of government ID. While some banks require a US Passport if you’re a non-US resident, most will accept any official form government ID (e.g. driver’s license).
What Information Do I Need to Provide to Open a US Business Bank Account?
You’ll need to provide information on your company and information on your company owners.
The information about your company includes, company name, brief description of company, formation documents, EIN, a US address and phone Number.
When form your company with doola, you can help you get all of these documentation readily available to ensure timely approval from your bank.
You will also need to provide information on your company owners or anyone who owns 25% of the company and/or has access to company finances.
This typically includes their contact information (name, email, phone), addresses (this can be a non-US address), and a government ID.
How do I Apply for a US Business Bank Account?
You have your documents and all your information ready to go. Now what? It’s time to apply, if you already know how to open a US bank account as an international founder.
Many US banks will actually still require you to physically visit a branch to open an account.
However, certain banks will let you apply online if you have a US SSN, EIN or TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number).
Keep on reading to see a full list of options!
US Banking Options to Apply Online
Once you understand how to open a US bank account as an international founder, you’ll need the following list of US Banking Options and their requirements:
1. Mercury
You can open a bank account with Mercury that allows you to open an account without visiting the US or being a US resident.
Their banking services are backed by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust, both of which are Members of the FDIC.
When you form your US LLC with doola, we also help you obtain an EIN and assist you with opening an account with Mercury on priority.
Mercury does not have any account minimums, overdraft fees, monthly fees, or account opening fees. Other benefits include:
- Checking account
- Savings account
- Visa Debit cards
- ACH payments
- Check payments
- FREE Domestic and international wire transfers
Please note that the application for the bank account has to be filled by you as it requires certain confidential and business-related questions that only you can answer.
If you have any problems while filling out the application, we can help you complete the application accurately. We have 24/7 customer support too and can help you understand how to open a US bank account as an international founder.
2. Wise
Wise is a business bank that allows you to do business without borders. You send and receive multiple currencies with the real exchange rate.
You can open a Wise account online even without a US SSN. They only require an EIN, formation documents, government ID by US residents, and passport from non-US residents.
3. Lili
Lili is online banking solution which provides banking, expense management and other tax-saving tools designed to save you time and money.
While it allow you to open an account online, they require a US SSN, which is mandatory.
4. First Republic
Now part of JPMorgan Chase, First Republic services includes personal banking, business banking, trust and wealth management services.
You can open an account online with First Republic, they have also made a US SSN mandatory following regions: SV, LA, BOS, NYC, Florida, PacNorwest, Austin, Chicago.
5. Novo
Novo offers smart banking solutions that are built for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and freelancers. It allows US residents to open a US business bank account with no hidden fees and zero hassle.
However, you need a US SSN, along with EIN, formation documents, a physical US address, and a US cell phone number not a virtual one.
6. Brex
Brex offers end-to-end banking solutions, which includes credit cards, bank accounts, payments, expenses, and accounting all in one place keep you in control of your growth.
You can open a US business bank account online without a US SSN. You will only need an EIN, formation documents, a passport, and a physical US address.
Need assistance or have questions regarding how to open a US bank account as an international founder?
Schedule a free consultation with our team today!
Why Do You Need An LLC Bank Account?
There are various reasons why opening a business bank account in the United States can help your company.
- First, you will get easy access to the world’s leading economy. Despite the recent downturns, U.S. consumption remained high.
- Also, you no longer need to pay hefty fees for foreign exchange. You can easily enjoy access to the global market, as banks in the US are known worldwide.
- Calculating the taxes that you owe to the federal or State government becomes easier. Paying business bills, depositing payments, and accounting for expenses also becomes easier.
- By paying with a check bearing your company’s name, you will gain more trust and respect from suppliers and vendors and develop far better professionalism.
- You may require a business loan in the future, and getting one will be easier if you develop a business relationship with your company’s bank.
How to Open a US Bank Account as an International Founder With doola?
Starting a business and navigating how to open a US bank account as an international founder can be a bit challenging. That’s why doola simplifies the process for you.
- Get expert assistance in forming your LLC and obtaining an EIN.
- Learn how to open a US bank account as an international founder remotely with trusted banking partners like Mercury and Wise.
- Stay compliant and handle all necessary paperwork without stress.
Don’t let complicated banking procedures slow you down! If you’re wondering how to open a US bank account as an international founder, we’ve always got you covered.
Book a free consultation and let’s get your US bank account set up today!
FAQs: How to Open a US Bank Account as an International Founder
Can I use my personal bank for my small business?
While this is possible, we advise against it. Separating personal and business spending makes it much easier to reconcile your books each month and to handle/file taxes at the end of the year.
Therefore, we recommend opening up a business bank account for your business and using a personal bank account for personal use.
Can a foreigner open a bank account in the US?
Yes, you can! There are certain banks that require you to visit a branch in person to open it, but there are banking options you can use which allow you to open an account remotely from anywhere in the world. We’ll explain which options are available below
Do I need a US SSN to open a US Business Bank Account?
You do not need a US SSN (Social Security Number) to open a US bank account!
While many banks again require an SSN, there are a few options that allow you to open an account without one. Again, we’ll explain which options are available below.
Can you guarantee that my US Business Bank Account will be opened?
Banks (and doola) can’t “guarantee” up-front that your application will 100% be accepted as they have to go through their KYC (know your customer) process
Banks must comply with KYC regulations and anti-money laundering regulations to limit fraud.
If my bank account application is rejected, will the bank tell me why?
Unfortunately, most banks can’t share specific reasons why your application was rejected. However, to ensure this doesn’t happen, we recommend going through the list of required documents for any bank + ensuring you aren’t on a “restricted company type” list before applying!