Non resident business accounts in United States

How non residents open a United States business account

The account follows the company. A non resident generally cannot open a United States business account as an individual, but a United States company that the non resident owns can hold one. The common path is to register an LLC or a C corporation in a state, obtain an Employer Identification Number, and then apply to a provider that accepts non resident owners. As of 18 May 2026 several fintech providers handle this remotely, which is why many founders abroad use them rather than a branch based bank.

Company and EIN first

You normally need a registered United States company and an Employer Identification Number before any account application. The Employer Identification Number is the federal tax identifier for the business and is requested from the Internal Revenue Service. Non residents without a Social Security number can still obtain one, though the process can take longer. Some providers also ask for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or other proof of identity for the owners. Verify the current requirement with the provider and the Internal Revenue Service.

Which providers accept non residents

As of 18 May 2026 fintech providers such as Mercury, Wise Business, Relay, and Payoneer accept many non resident owned United States companies and open the account online. Eligibility can depend on the country of the owners, the business activity, and the entity type, and some activities are excluded. Major traditional banks can serve non residents but often require an in person visit to a branch. Because acceptance varies case by case, confirm your eligibility directly with the provider before you rely on it.

Requirements and documents

Requirements vary by provider, but a non resident application commonly includes the following, as of 18 May 2026. Verify with the provider

• A registered United States company with its formation documents, and an Employer Identification Number.
• Identity documents for the owners and anyone with significant control, and sometimes an ITIN.
• Proof of a business address and a description of the business activity for the provider checks.

How to open as a non resident

1. Register a United States company in your chosen state and obtain its Employer Identification Number.
2. Choose a provider that states it accepts non resident owners, and check the excluded countries and activities.
3. Apply online with the company and identity documents, complete the provider checks, and confirm current terms before you start using the account.