Starting a U.S.-based LLC from abroad? One of the first things you’ll need is a U.S. business bank account. But which banks work fastest for non-residents? And can you even open one remotely?
In this article, we’ll break down the fastest and easiest U.S. business banks for international founders—whether you’re in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, or anywhere else.
💼 Why You Need a U.S. Business Bank Account as a Non-Resident
If you plan to:
- Accept payments from U.S. platforms like Stripe, PayPal, or Amazon
- Pay suppliers in USD
- Build business credibility
- File proper taxes in the U.S.
Then a U.S. business account is a must.
⚡ Fastest Banks for Non-Residents (That You Can Open 100% Online)
You don’t need to travel to the U.S. to open a bank account anymore. Thanks to fintech banks, you can set up everything remotely—often in less than a week.
| Bank | Time to Open | Fees | Supports Non-Residents? | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | 2–5 business days | No monthly fee | ✅ Yes | mercury.com |
| Relay | 3–7 business days | No monthly fee | ✅ Yes | relayfi.com |
| Wise Business | 1–3 business days | Small FX fees | ✅ Yes | wise.com |
🥇 Top Pick: Mercury – Best All-Around Bank for Global Founders
Mercury is designed for startups and tech-driven businesses. It works for LLCs and C Corps alike and supports non-resident owners.
Pros:
- No monthly or overdraft fees
- Virtual debit cards
- FDIC-insured through partner banks
- Simple application process
📋 What You’ll Need to Apply
- Formed LLC or C Corporation in a U.S. state (like Delaware or Wyoming)
- EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS
- U.S. business address (can be virtual—e.g. iPostal1)
- Passport or government ID
- Operating Agreement (recommended)
✈️ Traditional Banks (Require U.S. Visit)
If you’re willing to travel, you can also open an account at:
- Chase
- Bank of America
- Wells Fargo
But these typically require in-person verification, a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN), and more paperwork—so they’re not recommended for fast setup from abroad.
📦 Want All-in-One Setup?
Some services help form your LLC and open a bank account for you:
They assist non-residents with U.S. business formation, EIN, registered agent, and business banking setup.
🚀 Final Thoughts
The fastest way to open a business bank account in the U.S. as a non-resident:
- Form your LLC (Delaware or Wyoming is ideal)
- Get an EIN
- Open a Mercury or Relay account
- Start accepting U.S. payments
Need help choosing the right bank or fastest way to set up your LLC?
I’d be happy to create a custom checklist based on your country, goals, and business type—just let me know!