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How to open a US business bank account from abroad

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Updated 2026-10-12

Non-US founders can open a US business account without travelling, as long as the company itself is a US entity. Here is what to prepare and how the main options differ.

What you need

  • A company formed in the United States, such as an LLC (see how to form a US LLC from abroad).
  • The formation documents and the IRS letter confirming your EIN.
  • A passport for the person who controls the company and for each owner of 25% or more.
  • A real business address. Providers such as Mercury say it can be residential and outside the US, but not a registered-agent address, P.O. box or mailbox service.

Check your country first

Every provider keeps a list of countries it cannot serve, based on where the founders and people who control the money live. Check it on the provider's site before you apply; it changes over time.

Your options

Some providers are US banking platforms (an account in the company's name with US routing numbers); others are multi-currency accounts that also give you US account details. Here is how they compare today:

ProductPrice todayFree planDetails
AirwallexFree plan, then USD 12 per user per month + platform feeYesPricing
PayoneerFree plan, then USD 29.95 per year if under USD 6,000YesPricing
MercuryFree plan, then USD 29.90 per monthYesPricing
Revolut BusinessFrom GBP 10 per month (≈ USD 13.23)NoPricing
Wise BusinessFrom USD 31 one-timeNoPricing

Prices from vendor websites, checked 2026-10-12; they update automatically.

Compare them side by side: Mercury vs Wise Business, Mercury vs Airwallex and Mercury vs Revolut Business.

Tips to get approved

  • Describe what the company sells clearly and link a working website.
  • Make sure the names on every document match exactly.
  • Answer follow-up questions quickly; most delays come from missing documents.

Questions

Can I open a US business account without an SSN?

Yes. Providers that serve non-resident founders accept a passport and the company's EIN instead.

Sources

  1. Mercury: FAQ
  2. Wise: Business pricing