In the modern digital economy, having international banking capabilities is not simply a preferable addition; it is a fundamental component.
Having the ability to open a U.S. business bank account is instrumental for Nepal-based entrepreneurs and startups because it grants access to a wider global market, simplifies international transactions, and enhances their reputation in the global business arena.
If you’re contemplating how to open a US business bank account from Nepal, you are not in the minority. Many entrepreneurs from Nepal are currently entering the U.S. market without physically traveling there, and so can you.
Why Do You Need a US Business Bank Account as a Nepali Entrepreneur?
Undoubtedly, these are some of the strongest reasons to open a U.S. business bank account while operating from Nepal:
1. Availability of International Payment Systems
In case you wish to work with PayPal, Stripe, Amazon, or Shopify, you may require a U.S. business bank account. Most of these services only operate with bank accounts from a few selected countries and Nepal is usually not included. Having a U.S. business account gives you unrestricted access.
2. Increased Trust and Credibility:
Are you dealing with U.S. clients or have international partners? A U.S business bank account shows that you mean business, are legitimate, and adhere to international banking standards. It improves your brand image and strengthens trust from customers around the world.
3. Swift Global Payments:
Having a U.S. business account simplifies the receipt of payments around the world, making processing much quicker. Additionally, you are able to send and receive ACH transfers and domestic U.S. wires which are quicker and cheaper than international wires.
4. Better Expense Management and Tools:
United States based banks offer powerful integrations with accounting and financial tools like QuickBooks, Xero, Wave, and others. This allows for the issuance of business debit and credit cards, further helping to separate personal and business finances.
5. The Starting Point For Expansion:
Are you looking to expand your business, acquire funding, or partner with investors residing in the U.S? If yes, the U.S. bank account will significantly enhance your attractiveness as a candidate while providing a foundation for potential U.S. residency down the line.
Can a Nepali Citizen Open a U.S. Business Bank Account Without Visiting the U.S.?
Absolutely as you may know, a Nepali citizen or a resident can open a U.S. business bank account without having the need to travel to the United States.
While most traditional U.S. banks still prefer some face-to-face interaction, the U.S. is witnessing an increase in Fintech as well as digital banks looking to establish branches abroad. Most of these institutions allow for remote account opening legally and practically.
U.S. laws, such as the PATRIOT Act and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies, dictate that financial institutions obtain certain personal and business information pertaining to the customer. However, they do not need to meet you as a client in person which is beneficial if you are working with overseas banks designed for international founders.
Step-by-Step: How to Open a U.S. Business Bank Account from Nepal
There is a certain procedure that needs to be followed in order to open a business bank account in the U.S. I have compiled a detailed step by step guide for business owners in Nepal below:
Step 1: Create A U.S. Business Entity. (LLC or Corporation)
To open a business bank account in the U.S, the first thing you will need is to form a business in the country in question. Most of the NCP entrepreneurs opt for forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) because of the ease this structure provides along with its tax benefits.
Best Locations to Open an Office:
- Delaware: Best for start up businesses and tech companies.
- Wyoming: Cost effective and private with no income tax.
- Florida: Ideal for eCommerce and service-based businesses.
What You’ll Need:
- Distinct business name
- Registered Agent in the US
- Business address in the US (can be a virtual office)
- Business structure (LLC or Corporation)
Bizstartz enables company registration in the U.S. from Nepal within 1-2 working days.
Step 2: Getting an EIN or Employer Identification Number.
An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, functions as a business’s tax ID and is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These are essential for:
- Opening a bank account in the U.S.
- Hiring new staff.
- Meeting tax obligations in the U.S.
- Filing tax returns.
For residents, applying online is straightforward, but foreign founders from Nepal need to fax or mail Form SS-4. This can take several weeks. To mitigate delays, we advise using reputable service providers, like Bizstartz, who streamline the EIN application process.
Step 3: Collecting Relevant Documents
Most banks and fintech platforms will need the following documents in order to open a U.S. business bank account remotely:
Business Documents:
- Articles of Organization or Certificate of Incorporation
- EIN Letter (CP 575 or 147C from IRS)
- Operating Agreement (for LLCs) or Corporate Bylaws
Personal Documents:
- A valid passport of the business owner
- Proof of address (Nepal utility bill or government ID)
Other Documents:
- Virtual address in the U.S.
- Business description
- Business website, LinkedIn, or portfolio link
- Projected monthly income
Some banks require video verification calls for high-risk or high-volume accounts, but most accounts may not need this step.
Step 4: Select A Bank or Fintech Platform
While in Nepal, these are the two options available for opening a U.S. business account:
A. Traditional U.S. Banks
Examples: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank
✅ Pros:
- Physical branches available
- Wide service coverage in the U.S.
❌ Cons:
- Most require in-person meetings
- Numerous forms to fill out
- Non-residents without a U.S. visa may not be supported
Visit traditional banks if you are planning to travel to the U.S. soon or have an existing presence in the U.S.
B. Online Business Banks/Fintech Platforms
These are modern non-traditional banks designed for remote business founders.
Best Online Options:
- Mercury: Best suited for remote business founders and tech startups. No monthly fees.
- Relay: Tailored to small businesses and agencies. Supports multiple users and integrations.
- Wise (Formerly TransferWise): Best for receiving international payments and holding multi-currency balances.
- Payoneer: Great for receiving payments internationally from freelancers and eCommerce sellers.
✅ Benefits:
- No visits to the U.S. required.
- 100% remote setup.
- Expedited onboarding, global access.
Direct access to platform partners like Mercury and Relay allows seamless application processes with Bizstartz.
Step 5: Submit Your Application, and Await Approval
You will proceed to finalize your application after gathering all necessary documents.
The steps for the process are as follows:
- Complete the required sections in the application form.
- Upload the verification documents.
- Fill in the business and company registration details in the United States.
- Participate in a video interview, if applicable.
- Wait for the account to be approved, which takes between 3-10 business days.
When the process is completed, you will receive:
- A U.S international business account.
- A routing number.
- A virtual debit card.
- An option to obtain a physical card through post.
Why Choose Bizstartz?
At Bizstartz, we focus on easing the pain of managing a U.S business for international founders, especially those from Nepal and South Asia. From assisting in forming the LLC to standing compliant with the IRS, we help with everything, including opening a U.S bank account.
Our services include the following:
- U.S. Company Formation (LLC or Corporation)
- Acquisition of EIN and ITIN.
- Beneficial ownership information filing BOI.
- Opening of an international business bank account.
- Providing a U.S residential address and mail forwarding services.
- Bookkeeping and tax compliance services.
- Registration of trademarks.
- Integration of payment gateways including Stripe and PayPal.
Get in line and join more than 1000 international entrepreneurs we have worked with from Nepal, India, Pakistan and beyond.
Conclusion
It is within reach to open a US business bank account from Nepal. With innovations in digital banking and remote company registration, aspiring entrepreneurs from Nepal are uniquely positioned to expand internationally.
✅ All these possibilities can be unlocked with the right partner, and Bizstartz will be with you at every step of the way.
Are you prepared to open your US business bank account while residing in Nepal?
👉 Contact Bizstartz now or book a free consultation to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Is it necessary for me to travel to the US to open a bank account?
No. Several contemporary US banks and fintech companies permit remote registration of a business account through digital verification.
❓ Am I able to use my Nepali residential address for the application?
Not for the business address. You must use a US business address. However, your personal residential address can be in Nepal.
❓ What if I do not have an SSN or ITIN?
That is not a problem. An SSN is not required for non-residents. If needed for tax purposes, Bizstartz can assist with ITIN application.
❓ Am I able to get paid through Stripe and PayPal?
Certainly, you can apply for Stripe, PayPal Business, and other US based platforms if you have a US business bank account and IRS issued EIN.
