US bank account. For foreign-owner LLCs.
International founders forming US LLCs need US bank accounts to receive Stripe payouts, pay US vendors, and manage US tax obligations. Most traditional banks refuse foreign owners; specialty banks fill the gap.
Start here.
Mercury, Relay, Wise Business, Bluevine accept foreign-owner US LLCs.
Passport; formation documents (Articles + Operating Agreement); EIN letter; sometimes notarized affidavits.
Most partner banks have remote application; no US visit required.
1-2 weeks typical after document submission.
Some partners (Wise Business) handle multi-currency settlements; others USD-only.
The full picture.
Why traditional US banks refuse
Major US banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) typically require US-issued identity documents and US visit. Foreign-issued documents and remote applicants are flagged as compliance risk under BSA/AML rules.
Mercury
Most popular for foreign-owner LLCs. Online application; passport verification; EIN letter required; no US visit. FDIC-insured (through partner banks). Free; competitive wire transfer fees.
Relay
Multi-bank account structure; allows multiple sub-accounts for budgeting; same documentation as Mercury; cost similar.
Wise Business
Best for multi-currency operations; allows USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and others; competitive FX rates; works with international banking partners. Less of a "primary" account; more of an international banking layer.
Bluevine
Traditional online bank features; interest-bearing account; works for foreign-owner LLCs with proper documentation.
Required documents
(1) Valid passport; (2) Formation documents: Articles of Organization + Operating Agreement; (3) EIN letter (CP-575 or 147C); (4) Address proof in your home country; (5) Some banks require notarized affidavits or US business address (which our partners can provide).
Application process
Online application via the bank's website or app. Submit documents. Video verification call in some cases. Decision typically within 1-2 weeks. Once approved, account is active immediately for receiving funds.
Wire transfer practices
International wires typically cost $15-$45 outbound; inbound free. Wise Business offers cheaper international transfers (currency conversion at near-mid-market rates). Most foreign founders pair Mercury for primary banking with Wise for international payouts.
Common rejection reasons
(1) Incomplete documentation; (2) Address mismatch between passport and application; (3) High-risk industry classification; (4) Country of residence on sanctions watchlist; (5) Failure to verify EIN letter.
FDIC insurance
Mercury and Relay deposit funds at FDIC-insured partner banks. Coverage typically $250k per depositor per bank. Larger balances can be spread across multiple partner banks for higher coverage.
Common questions.
Can a non-US person open a US bank account?
Do I need to visit the US?
What documents are required?
Which bank is best?
Can I receive Stripe payouts?
What about wire transfers to my home country?
Is the account FDIC-insured?
What about US tax obligations?
Cost?
Form your US LLC.
From abroad. Wyoming or Delaware. EIN, US banking, Stripe, ongoing compliance handled.
This guide is educational. International tax and compliance require specialty CPA and attorney advice.
On the $129/yr Compliance Annual Filings plan, we cover state late fees.
When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.