Non-residents can open a US business bank account remotely no branch visit or US address required. You need a US LLC and an EIN (Employer Identification Number the IRS tax ID for businesses). No SSN is needed. Our Bank Account hub covers every pathway in detail.
According to the IRS, non-residents applying for an EIN via fax receive it in approximately 4 business days. Total time from LLC formation to an active account is typically 2–6 weeks.
Not every platform is available to every nationality. According to support.mercury.com, Mercury prohibits founders domiciled in Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Philippines. According to OFAC, US banking is prohibited for nationals of Iran, Cuba, North Korea, and Syria.
This guide covers business and personal pathways, real costs, and which platforms your nationality can actually access.
What a Non-Resident Needs to Open a US Bank Account
You do not need an SSN (Social Security Number) or a US address to open a US bank account as a non-resident. What you need depends entirely on whether you are opening a business or personal account.
For a US Business Bank Account
The practical path is a US LLC plus an EIN (Employer Identification Number the IRS-issued 9-digit federal tax ID for businesses). Mercury, for example, requires your EIN, passport, and LLC formation documents no US address required.
The EIN is free directly from the IRS. Non-residents cannot use the online application. You must apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4. Fax with a return fax number takes approximately 4 business days. Mail takes approximately 4 weeks.
One critical note: nationals of Iran, Cuba, North Korea, and Syria cannot open any US bank account. OFAC prohibitions apply regardless of business structure.
For a US Personal Bank Account
Traditional banks Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo require an in-person branch visit. Bank of America requires two forms of ID, a foreign tax ID, and proof of both a foreign and a US address.
Fintech alternatives accept remote applications. For personal accounts, an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number the IRS tax ID for individuals without an SSN) or a foreign tax ID is typically required alongside your passport.
An ITIN is applied for via IRS Form W-7. Processing takes 7–11 weeks when filed directly with the IRS up to 11 weeks from abroad or during peak season (January 15–April 30). Understanding Form W-9 Explained in Detail can also help clarify how US tax identification works across different account types.
Step-by-Step: Open a US Business Bank Account as a Non-Resident
OFAC restriction:Nationals of Iran, Cuba, North Korea, and Syria cannot legally open US bank or fintech accounts. This guide does not apply to those nationalities.
Step 1: Form a US LLC
Any non-US resident can form a US LLC remotely no visit required. Wyoming charges a $100 state filing fee; Delaware charges $90 ($110 incl. county fee). Both states are standard choices for non-residents.
Every LLC must appoint a registered agent (RA) a person or company with a physical street address in the state who receives legal documents on your behalf. PO boxes are not accepted.
Step 2: Obtain Your EIN
An EIN (Employer Identification Number US business tax ID) is issued by the IRS at no cost. Non-residents without an SSN must submit IRS Form SS-4 by fax or mail. Fax returns an EIN in approximately 4 business days. Mail takes approximately 4 weeks.
The CP-575 the paper confirmation letter the IRS mails separately arrives 2–6 weeks after EIN issuance. It confirms your EIN but is not EIN issuance itself. Banks accept the EIN number directly; waiting for the CP-575 is not required.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
You need four items: LLC formation certificate, EIN confirmation, passport, and operating agreement. Missing any one of these causes application delays at Mercury or Wise Business.
Step 4: Apply to Mercury or Wise Business
Both platforms accept fully remote applications. Mercury deposits are FDIC-insured via partner banks Choice Financial Group and Column N.A. Mercury itself is not a bank. Mercury approval timelines vary; verify current timelines at mercury.com.
Wise Business provides US routing and account numbers usable for receiving USD payments. Wise is a licensed Money Services Business (MSB) standard balances are NOT FDIC-insured.
Note: Mercury prohibits founders domiciled in Pakistan, Nigeria, and the Philippines. Wise Business is the practical alternative for those countries. If you also need to accept card payments, understanding How to Create a US Stripe Account will help you connect your new account to Stripe’s payment infrastructure.
Step 5: Note on BOI Filing
BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) reporting was a federal requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act. Per FinCEN’s interim final rule effective 2025-03-26, US-formed LLCs are currently exemp from BOI reporting. This is an interim rule pending finalization verify current status at fincen.gov before acting.
Fintech vs. Traditional Banks: Which Option Works for Non-Residents
The right choice depends on your nationality, whether you have a US LLC, and which payment processors you need to receive from. The table below covers the critical facts competitors omit.
| Provider | Remote Opening | EIN Required | LLC Required | Monthly Fee | FDIC-Insured | Key Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | Yes | Yes | Yes | $0 | Yes (via partner banks including Choice Financial Group and Column N.A.) | Does not support founders residing in certain countries, including Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and the Philippines |
| Wise Business | Yes | No | No | $0 monthly; one-time setup/account-details fee varies by business location (typically around $31–$50 USD equivalent) (Wise) | No (Electronic Money Institution; funds are safeguarded but not FDIC-insured) (jurisdb.org) | Not a bank; no deposit insurance |
| Relay | Yes | Yes | Yes | $0 | Yes (via Thread Bank, Member FDIC) | Fewer international features and integrations compared to Mercury |
| Brex | Yes | Yes | Yes | $0 | Funds are swept through partner banks rather than held in a traditional FDIC checking account | Generally unavailable to most non-resident founders without significant US business presence, investors, or venture backing |
| Chase / Bank of America | No | No | No | Varies by account type | Yes | Usually requires an in-person visit and US business documentation |
For founders from Pakistan, Nigeria, Philippines, Nepal, or Bangladesh: Mercury is not an option. Wise Business provides US routing and account numbers sufficient for receiving Stripe payouts and USD wire transfers.
On Stripe eligibility: According to stipe.com global, Stripe eligibility is determined by where the business is legally registered not the founder’s nationality or which bank holds the account. A US LLC qualifies for Stripe regardless of whether you bank with Mercury or Wise Business.
Brex is the most commonly misunderstood option. According to brex.com, it requires at least one US-based founder or investor. A non-resident sole owner of a US LLC almost certainly does not qualify applying wastes time and triggers a hard review.
Country-by-Country Banking Reality for Non-Residents
Your country of domicile, not your passport determines which US banking platforms will accept you.
India
Mercury does not list India as prohibited (confirmed 2026-05-31). Indian founders can apply subject to standard KYC.
Stripe moved to invite-only for India-registered businesses in May 2024 self-serve signup is unavailable for India-local entities. A US LLC is US-registered, so it accesses full USD Stripe without restriction.
Nigeria
According to mercury.com , Mercury prohibits Nigeria-domiciled founders (confirmed 2026-05-31). Wise Business is the primary alternative for receiving USD.
According to Stripe.com, Stripe does not directly support Nigerian-registered businesses in-country access is via Paystack (Stripe-owned).
A US LLC gives full USD Stripe access. Positive context: Nigeria was removed from the FATF grey list on October 24, 2025, which may ease KYC friction over time.
Pakistan
According to mercury.com , Mercury prohibits Pakistan-domiciled founders (confirmed 2026-05-31). Wise Business is the standard alternative for Pakistan-based founders; confirm current availability at wise.com.
A US LLC paired with Wise Business is the standard route to USD payment processing. According to Stripe.com, Stripe is not available for Pakistan-registered businesses a US LLC is the only Stripe pathway.
UAE
Mercury does not list UAE as prohibited (confirmed 2026-05-31). Stripe is available in the UAE. UAE-based founders face the fewest platform restrictions among the major non-resident markets covered here.
Philippines
According to Mercury.com, Mercury prohibits Philippines-domiciled founders (confirmed 2026-05-31). Stripe is available in the Philippines. Wise Business is the primary Mercury alternative for Filipino founders.
Sanctioned Countries: Iran, Cuba, North Korea, Syria
According to treasury.gov , OFAC comprehensively prohibits US financial institutions from providing services to these nationals. No US bank account is possible regardless of LLC status or documentation.
Russia
Russia is NOT comprehensively banned by OFAC. Sectoral sanctions and SDN-list restrictions apply. Most US institutions decline Russian applicants as a risk management decision not because a blanket legal prohibition exists.
Costs and Timelines: What to Expect
Every cost below is verified. No estimates, no ranges invented.
EIN and ITIN Costs
The IRS charges $0 to issue an EIN (Employer Identification Number your US business tax ID). According to irs.gov, non-residents apply via Form SS-4 by fax (~4 business days) or mail (~4 weeks). The online application is not available for non-US addresses.
The CP-575 paper confirmation letter arrives by mail 2–6 weeks after your EIN is issued. Mercury requires your EIN number, not this letter. Founders who wait for the physical letter before applying lose weeks for no reason.
Fax access is a real barrier for founders in India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and the Philippines. Bizstart.com Pro ($299 + state fees) handles fax submission on your behalf.
ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is applied for via IRS Form W-7. According to irs.gov : standard processing is ~7 weeks; up to 11 weeks from abroad or during peak season (January 15–April 30). A Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) an IRS-authorized agent who verifies your documents locally reduces delay risk.
LLC Formation Costs
| Item | Wyoming | Delaware |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee | $100 ($102 online) | $90 filing fee + $20 county fee = $110 |
| Annual state cost | $60 minimum annual report/license tax* | $300 annual franchise tax |
| Annual report required | Yes | No |
| Due date | First day of anniversary month | Franchise tax due June 1 |
| Franchise tax | None | $300 flat fee |
According to sos.wyo.gov , Wyoming’s $60 minimum applies to LLCs with assets ≤ $300K. According to corp.delaware.gov, Delaware’s $300 franchise tax is flat, due June 1.
Bank Account Setup Costs by Provider
| Provider | Setup Fee | Monthly Fee | FDIC-Insured? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | $0 | $0 | Yes — through partner banks including Choice Financial Group and Column N.A. |
| Relay | $0 | $0 (standard business checking) | Yes — via Thread Bank, Member FDIC |
| Wise Business | Varies by country (typically $31–$50 USD equivalent) | $0 | No — funds are safeguarded but not FDIC-insured |
| Brex | $0 | $0 | Funds are held through program banks and may be eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance; not a traditional FDIC-insured bank account |
Note: Mercury prohibits founders domiciled in Pakistan, Nigeria, and the Philippines. Wise Business is the primary alternative for those countries.
Bizstartz Package Summary
– Basic $199 + state fees: LLC formation only
– Pro $299 + state fees: LLC + EIN via fax (~4 business days)
– Premium $699 + state fees: LLC + EIN + additional compliance services
Total timeline from LLC formation to active account: approximately 2–6 weeks, depending on EIN method. Founders based in Nepal can find a tailored walkthrough in our guide on How to Open a US Business Bank Account from Nepal, which covers the exact documents and platforms available from that country.
What Most US Banking Guides Don’t Tell Non-Residents
Mercury tightened its approval process in 2025. Declines are often permanent a rejected application cannot simply be resubmitted. Submit complete, accurate documents on your first attempt.
Many guides, including widely shared ones claim Mercury accepts founders from Pakistan, Nigeria, and the Philippines. That is wrong. According to Mercury’s support documentation, founders domiciled in Pakistan, Nigeria, the Philippines, Nepal, and Bangladesh are prohibited. Wise Business is the correct alternative for these founders.
The CP-575 EIN confirmation letter arrives by mail 2–6 weeks after your EIN is issued. Mercury requires your EIN number, not the letter. Founders who wait for the physical letter before applying lose weeks for no reason.
Wise Business is a licensed Money Services Business not a bank. Its standard balances are held in segregated accounts and are not FDIC-insured by default. According to Wise’s own disclosures, FDIC pass-through coverage applies only via the opt-in Interest feature, which most non-residents cannot access.
Platforms that require a US bank account specifically may not accept Wise Business, Mercury or Relay are stronger options for platform compliance.
For Russian founders: Russia is not comprehensively banned under OFAC. According to the US Treasury, sectoral sanctions and SDN-list restrictions apply most US institutions decline Russian applicants as internal risk management, but there is no blanket legal prohibition.
Finally, per FinCEN’s interim final rule effective March 26, 2025, US-formed LLCs are currently exempt from BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) reporting. Guides advising mandatory BOI filing for US LLCs are now incorrect. Verify before acting this rule is interim and pending finalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a US bank account without visiting the United States?
Yes. Mercury, Wise Business, and Relay all allow fully remote account opening for non-residents who have a US LLC and an EIN (Employer Identification Number US federal tax ID). Traditional banks like Chase and Bank of America require an in-person branch visit. No travel is needed if you use a fintech provider.
How long does it take to open a US bank account as a non-resident?
The main delay is EIN acquisition. According to the IRS, fax applications take approximately 4 business days; mail takes approximately 4 weeks. After receiving your EIN, account review time varies by platform. Budget 2–6 weeks total from LLC formation to an active account.
Do I need an SSN to open a US business bank account?
No. An EIN replaces the SSN (Social Security Number) for business accounts. Mercury requires only an EIN no SSN, no ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), no US address. For personal accounts at traditional banks, an ITIN can substitute at many institutions.
Can I open a US bank account from Nigeria or Pakistan?
According to Mercury’s prohibited-countries list (confirmed May 2026), founders domiciled in Nigeria and Pakistan are both prohibited from opening Mercury accounts. Wise Business is the primary alternative it provides US routing and account numbers usable for USD payments with a US LLC and EIN.
Can I open a US bank account from India or UAE?
Yes. Mercury does not list India or UAE as prohibited countries (confirmed May 2026), so founders from both may apply subject to standard KYC checks. UAE founders face the fewest restrictions among the five countries covered here.
Can residents of Iran, Cuba, or Russia open a US bank account?
According to OFAC, Iran, Cuba, North Korea, and Syria face comprehensive prohibitions no US banking pathway exists regardless of LLC status. Russia faces sectoral sanctions, not a comprehensive ban; most US institutions decline Russian applicants as a risk management decision, but it is not a blanket legal prohibition.
Is Mercury safe for non-residents? Is it FDIC-insured?
Mercury is a fintech, not a bank. According to Mercury, deposits are held at FDIC-insured partner banks Choice Financial Group and Column N.A. up to $250,000. Wise Business is a licensed Money Services Business; standard balances are safeguarded in segregated accounts and are not FDIC-insured.
How do I get an EIN as a non-resident without a US address?
Apply via IRS Form SS-4 by fax the IRS issues EINs by fax in approximately 4 business days for international applicants. The online EIN application is unavailable for non-US addresses. Fax is more reliable than the international phone line, which can disconnect during hold times.
Can I use Wise Business instead of a US bank account?
Wise Business provides a US routing number and account number sufficient for receiving USD and activating Stripe on a US LLC. It is not a bank and is not FDIC-insured. Some platforms that explicitly require a “US bank account” may require Mercury or Relay instead.
Founders who also need to understand whether their business model requires an EIN can review Do I Need an EIN for Dropshipping for a practical breakdown.
Do I need to file BOI before opening a US bank account?
Per FinCEN’s interim final rule effective March 26, 2025, US-formed LLCs are currently exempt from BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) reporting. BOI filing is separate from account opening and is not required by Mercury or Wise Business as a condition of approval.This is an interim rule verify current status before acting.
Conclusion
Non-residents can open a US business bank account remotely but the prerequisites come first: a US LLC and an EIN (Employer Identification Number US business tax ID).
For most founders, Mercury works if your country is not on its prohibited list. Founders from Pakistan, Nigeria, the Philippines, Nepal, or Bangladesh cannot use Mercury Wise Business is the practical alternative.
India and UAE founders may apply to Mercury subject to standard KYC checks.
OFAC comprehensively prohibits accounts for nationals of Iran, Cuba, North Korea, and Syria. Bizstartz cannot assist residents of those countries.
The total timeline from LLC formation to active account is typically 2–6 weeks. Bizstartz handles LLC formation and EIN filing everything Mercury and Wise Business require to review your application. You apply to the bank directly. Approval decisions rest with the financial institution, not Bizstartz.com.
