Banking Guide
Best Banks for Non-Resident LLCs
Mercury, Relay, Wise, and Novo accept non-resident LLC owners remotely. Get your EIN first. ein.so files Form SS-4 with the IRS for $49 Standard or $97 Express.
Mercury, Relay, Wise, and Novo are the best banks for non-resident LLC owners who need remote account opening. An EIN is the first requirement for every US business bank account. These online banks approve most non-resident LLC owners in 1-3 business days without a US visit. The slow step is the EIN, which takes 4-7 business days. Get the EIN first. ein.so files Form SS-4 with the IRS for $49 Standard or $97 Express and delivers your EIN by email.
Non-resident LLC owners face one consistent gate before US banking: the EIN. A US business bank account is the engine for invoicing American clients, accepting card payments, and holding dollars. No US bank opens a business account without a 9-digit Employer Identification Number from the IRS. Online banks built for startups now accept non-residents from over 150 countries with a passport and an EIN, no SSN needed. This guide ranks the best banks for non-resident LLC owners, lists the exact documents each requires, and explains how to get the EIN that unlocks all of them. ein.so files the IRS Form SS-4 for $49 so your EIN is ready when you apply.
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| First requirement | EIN (9-digit IRS tax ID) |
| EIN cost via ein.so | $49 Standard / $97 Express |
| IRS fee for an EIN | $0 |
| Best remote-friendly banks | Mercury, Relay, Wise, Novo |
| SSN required for these banks | No |
| Documents needed | EIN letter, Articles, Operating Agreement, passport |
| Typical online approval | 1-3 business days |
Bank Comparison
Which Banks Are Best for a Non-Resident LLC?
Mercury and Relay are the best banks for non-resident LLC owners who need free, fully remote account opening, with Wise and Novo as strong alternatives. All four accept a passport and an EIN with no SSN. Traditional banks like Chase usually require an in-person branch visit.
The table below compares the top options. Confirm current fees and eligibility on each bank's website, since banking policies change without notice.
| Bank | Remote Opening | Monthly Fee | Min Deposit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | Yes | $0 | $0 | Startups, SaaS, tech founders |
| Relay | Yes | $0 | $0 | E-commerce, multi-account sellers |
| Wise | Yes | Low | $0 | Multi-currency, international payments |
| Novo | Yes | $0 | $0 | Freelancers, solo founders |
| Chase | No | $15 | Varies | Branch access, established firms |
Mercury issues US account and routing numbers, supports ACH and domestic wires, and approves most non-resident LLCs within days. Relay lets sellers split funds across multiple accounts, which suits Amazon and Shopify cash-flow workflows. Wise holds balances in multiple currencies and converts at the mid-market rate. Novo targets one-person businesses with a simple dashboard. Every one of these starts with your EIN for a bank account.
The EIN Requirement
Why Does a Non-Resident LLC Bank Account Require an EIN?
A non-resident LLC bank account requires an EIN because the EIN is the federal tax ID that links your company to the US banking and tax system. Banks must verify the business and report account activity to the IRS. No EIN means no business account, with no exceptions across US banks.
The EIN is a 9-digit number in the format XX-XXXXXXX, issued by the IRS at no cost. Non-residents cannot use the IRS online EIN tool, because that tool requires a Social Security Number. Instead, you submit Form SS-4 by fax to the IRS at 855-215-1627, entering your passport number on Line 7b in place of an SSN. The IRS returns the EIN assignment letter, called CP 575, which is the exact document banks ask for.
What the EIN unlocks for a non-resident LLC
- A US business bank account at Mercury, Relay, Wise, or Novo
- US payment processors such as Stripe and PayPal Business
- Seller accounts on Amazon.com, Shopify, and Etsy
- Annual US tax filings, including Form 5472 for foreign-owned LLCs
You can apply for the EIN yourself or have ein.so prepare and fax Form SS-4 for you. See the full how to get an EIN walkthrough and the EIN without SSN guide for non-resident applicants.
Required Documents
What Documents Do You Need to Open a Non-Resident LLC Account?
You need four documents to open a non-resident LLC bank account: your EIN confirmation letter, your Articles of Organization, your Operating Agreement, and your passport. The EIN letter is the keystone, because every bank verifies it before approving the account.
EIN Confirmation Letter
Articles of Organization
Operating Agreement
Passport
Some banks also ask for proof of address and a short description of your business activity. Keep your business description clear and consistent across the EIN application and the bank form. A name mismatch between your IRS records and your bank application is the most common cause of rejection.
Step-by-Step
How Do You Open a Bank Account for a Non-Resident LLC?
Open a non-resident LLC bank account in five steps: form the LLC, get the EIN, gather documents, apply online, and fund the account. The EIN is the slowest step at 4-7 business days, so order it first. Online banks approve most complete applications in 1-3 business days.
Form Your US LLC
Get Your EIN First
Gather Your Documents
Apply Online to the Bank
Fund and Activate
Start the EIN early, because the bank cannot move forward without it. Apply for your EIN — $49 and have it ready before you open the application. For pricing details, see EIN cost.
Online vs Traditional
Should a Non-Resident Choose an Online Bank or a Traditional Bank?
Non-resident LLC owners should choose an online bank like Mercury or Relay, because traditional banks usually require an in-person US branch visit. Online banks open remotely in 1-3 business days with a passport and an EIN. Traditional banks suit founders who can travel to the US.
The choice comes down to access. Online banks were built for remote, digital-first businesses and accept non-residents from over 150 countries without a US presence. Traditional banks like Chase and Bank of America offer physical branches and broad lending products but generally insist on a face-to-face account opening, which most non-residents cannot do.
| Feature | Online Banks (Mercury, Relay, Novo) | Traditional Banks (Chase, BofA) |
|---|---|---|
| Remote opening | Yes | No, usually in-person |
| Monthly fee | $0 on most plans | Often $10-$15 |
| EIN required | Yes | Yes |
| SSN required | No | Often requested |
| Approval time | 1-3 business days | Same day in branch to 1 week |
| Best fit | Non-residents abroad | Founders who can visit the US |
For nearly every non-resident running an LLC from outside the US, an online bank is the practical and faster choice. Reserve traditional banks for cases that need branch services or specific lending. Either way, the EIN for non-residents comes first.
Tax & Compliance
What Tax Filings Apply After a Non-Resident LLC Opens a Bank Account?
A foreign-owned single-member US LLC files Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 each year after it opens a bank account. The penalty for not filing is $25,000. Opening a bank account does not change these obligations. Confirm your specific filings with a CPA.
Form 5472 + Pro-Forma 1120
BOI Report to FinCEN
State Annual Requirements
Work With a CPA
These filings apply whether or not the account holds money, so calendar the deadlines as soon as the EIN is issued. If you also need a personal US tax ID for a treaty claim or platform requirement, ein.so offers an ITIN service at $197 Standard and $297 Express. See EIN without SSN for how the EIN fits alongside an ITIN.
Next Steps
After Choosing Your Bank Get Your EIN
- Apply for your EIN — ein.so files Form SS-4 with the IRS, $49 Standard or $97 Express
- Open a US bank account — Mercury, Relay, Wise, and Novo accept non-resident LLC owners remotely
- Compare banks — Mercury, Relay, Novo, Wise, Chase
- File your BOI report — required for most LLCs
- File Form 5472 — annually for foreign-owned LLCs ($25,000 penalty for non-filing)
Related guides: How to get an EIN | EIN without SSN | EIN for non-residents | SS-4 form guide | EIN processing time | EIN cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EIN to open a US bank account for my non-resident LLC?
Yes. Every US business bank account requires an EIN, the 9-digit federal tax ID issued by the IRS. Banks use your EIN to verify the business and report to the IRS. Apply for your EIN at ein.so for $49 Standard (4-7 business days) or $97 Express (2-3 business days) before you start any bank application.
Which bank is best for a non-resident LLC owner in 2026?
Mercury and Relay are the top choices for non-resident LLC owners who need remote opening with no monthly fee. Mercury fits tech and startup founders. Relay fits e-commerce sellers who run multiple accounts. Wise suits founders who move money between currencies. Confirm current eligibility on each bank's website, since policies change.
Can non-residents open a US bank account without visiting the United States?
Yes. Mercury, Relay, Novo, and Wise let non-resident LLC owners open accounts entirely online. You upload your EIN letter, Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement, and passport. Traditional banks like Chase and Bank of America usually require an in-person branch visit. The fully remote online banks are the practical route for most non-residents.
What documents do non-resident LLC owners need to open a bank account?
You need your EIN confirmation (CP 575 or Letter 147C), your Articles of Organization, your Operating Agreement, and a government-issued passport. Some banks also ask for proof of address and a description of your business activity. Get the EIN first, because every other document depends on it. ein.so delivers your EIN by email.
How long does it take to open a non-resident LLC bank account?
Online banks such as Mercury, Relay, and Novo approve most non-resident applications in 1-3 business days after you submit complete documents. Wise often activates faster. The slow part is the EIN, which takes 4-7 business days through ein.so Standard. Order your EIN early so it is ready when you apply to the bank.
Is there a minimum deposit for a non-resident LLC bank account?
Most online banks (Mercury, Relay, Novo, Wise) require no minimum opening deposit. You can fund the account after approval. Traditional banks may require an opening deposit. Always confirm the current figure on the bank's website, because deposit and fee policies change. ein.so files your EIN and does not handle the bank deposit.
Can I use an EIN obtained without an SSN to open a US bank account?
Yes. An EIN issued to a non-resident through Form SS-4 with a passport number on Line 7b works exactly like any other EIN. Banks do not require you to hold an SSN or ITIN. The EIN letter (CP 575) is the document the bank verifies. See ein.so's EIN without SSN guide for the full process.
Why do banks reject non-resident LLC bank account applications?
Common reasons are a missing or mismatched EIN, a business name on the bank form that does not match the IRS records, an unclear business description, and incomplete formation documents. A clean EIN letter solves the most frequent issue. ein.so prepares your Form SS-4 to match your LLC details so your EIN letter is consistent.
Do non-resident LLC owners still need to file US tax forms after opening a bank account?
Yes. A foreign-owned single-member US LLC files Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 each year. The penalty for not filing is $25,000. Most LLCs also report beneficial ownership to FinCEN. Opening a bank account does not change these filings. Confirm your specific tax duties with a CPA; ein.so does not give tax advice.
Can ein.so open the bank account for me?
No. ein.so files Form SS-4 with the IRS and delivers your EIN by email for $49 Standard or $97 Express. The EIN is the document every bank requires first. You open the bank account yourself using your EIN letter, formation documents, and passport. ein.so also offers an ITIN service at $197 Standard and $297 Express.
Need an EIN? We Handle Everything.
Non-US resident? We file Form SS-4 with the IRS and deliver your EIN by email. Just $49.
Get My EIN for $49