Country guide

Business banking in United States

Snapshot

You can open a business account in the United States once your company is registered and has an EIN. Several fintech providers and the major banks accept United States businesses, and many accounts carry no monthly fee.

Can a non resident open
Possible. Non residents can often open remotely with a fintech provider once a United States company and EIN are in place. Some traditional banks ask for an in person visit.
Typical timeline
Often a few business days for fintech accounts, longer for the major banks.
Free account available
Yes, several accounts have a no monthly fee option as of 26 May 2026. Verify with the provider.
Most providers
Multiple business accounts
Fees and features as of 26 May 2026Last reviewed 26 May 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

To open a business account in the United States you usually need your company formation documents, an EIN from the IRS, identity documents for the owners, and a business address. Fintech providers such as Mercury, Wise Business and Relay offer online onboarding for United States registered companies, and several accept founders based abroad. The major banks may ask a signatory to verify in person. Fees and eligibility shown as of 26 May 2026.

How business banking works in the United States

United States business banking splits into two broad groups. The major banks, such as Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Citi, offer business checking, lending, cash handling and a branch network. Fintech providers such as Mercury, Wise Business, Relay, Airwallex and Revolut Business focus on online onboarding, lower everyday fees, and in several cases multi currency payments. Which group fits depends on whether you value branch access and lending or low cost online banking and international payments.

Who can open a business account

Registered United States businesses can open an account, including limited liability companies, corporations, partnerships and sole proprietors. Most providers ask for an EIN and verify identity for the owners and the people who control the business. Some fintech providers set their own limits. Mercury, for example, requires a registered company and does not accept sole proprietorships as of 26 May 2026. Confirm eligibility with the provider.

Traditional banks compared with neobanks

The major banks suit businesses that want lending, cash deposits and branch support. Fintech providers suit businesses that prefer to manage everything online, and some add multi currency accounts for cross border payments. Many businesses use one of each. Compare current fees and features before you decide, because terms change.

Requirements and documents

Documents vary by provider and by business structure. A typical application asks for the following, as of 26 May 2026. Verify with the provider

  • Company formation documents, such as Articles of Organization for a limited liability company or Articles of Incorporation for a corporation.
  • An EIN issued by the IRS, plus identity documents such as a passport or driver license for the owners and controllers.
  • A United States business address, and beneficial owner details for anyone who owns 25 percent or more of the business.

How to open an account

  1. Register your company in a United States state and obtain an EIN from the IRS.
  2. Choose a provider and gather formation documents and identity documents for the owners and beneficial owners.
  3. Apply online or in branch, complete identity verification, then confirm current fees and terms with the provider before you fund the account.

Compare business accounts available in the United States

These providers accept business customers in the United States. Fees and eligibility shown as of 26 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

Compare business accounts →

Questions about business banking in the United States

Can a non resident open a business account in the United States?
Yes in many cases. You usually need a United States registered company and an EIN, and several fintech providers such as Mercury, Wise Business and Relay support founders based abroad with remote onboarding. You do not need to live in the United States, though some traditional banks ask for an in person visit. Verify current rules with the provider.
Do I need an EIN to open a business account in the United States?
Almost always. Banks use the EIN for tax reporting and compliance, and most applications are not processed without one. You also provide company formation documents and identity for the owners. Confirm requirements with the provider before applying.
Is there a business account with no monthly fee in the United States?
Yes, several accounts have a no monthly fee option as of 26 May 2026, including Mercury, Wise Business and the basic plans from Relay and Revolut Business. Other accounts charge a monthly fee or apply conditions. Check current fees with the provider.
How long does it take to open a business account in the United States?
Fintech accounts are often verified within a few business days once documents are uploaded. The major banks can take longer, especially where an in person visit is required. Timelines shown as of 26 May 2026.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 26 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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