How to Open a US Bank Account for an LLC as a Non-Resident

If you’re a non-resident entrepreneur or digital nomad looking to establish an LLC in the United States, one of the most crucial steps is setting up a US bank account. A US bank account allows you to receive payments, manage business transactions efficiently, and establish credibility with US customers and partners. However, recent banking regulations have made the process more challenging, especially when it comes to providing a valid LLC address.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about opening a US bank account for your LLC as a non-resident, including the address requirements and how to navigate them effectively.

Understanding the 3 Address Requirements for a US LLC Bank Account

In the past, many non-US residents used their registered agent address or a virtual mailbox for banking purposes. However, with recent banking policy changes, most banks now require three separate addresses for opening an account:

1. Legal Address (Registered Agent Address)

The legal address of your LLC is the registered agent’s address. This is a legal requirement for forming an LLC in the US. Every LLC must appoint a registered agent, which is a person or service authorized to receive official documents and legal notices on behalf of the business.

This address is required for LLC formation but cannot be used as the business’s physical address for banking purposes.

2. US Mailing Address

Most banks require a US mailing address to send important correspondence, statements, and credit or debit cards. This can be a virtual mailbox, a PO Box, or any other mailing service that provides a physical street address.

Using a virtual mailbox for your mailing address is a great way to maintain privacy while ensuring you receive bank documents in a timely manner. With services like BusinessAnywhere.io, you can get a US-based virtual mailbox that allows you to receive, scan, and manage mail online from anywhere in the world.

3. Physical Location Address

This is where things get tricky for digital nomads and non-resident entrepreneurs. US banks now require businesses to provide a physical location address that reflects where the business is operated from.

If you have a physical office, this can be used. However, if you work remotely or travel frequently, banks will now require you to provide a residential address—either in the US or in your home country.

Important note:

• A registered agent address or a virtual mailbox CANNOT be used as the physical address.
• Your non-US residential address is acceptable with most banks, including our banking partners.

How to Open a US LLC Bank Account as a Non-Resident

Now that you understand the three address requirements, let’s go over the step-by-step process of opening a US business bank account.

Step 1: Form Your US LLC

Before you can open a bank account, you must legally form your LLC in a US state. This involves:

• Choosing a state for your LLC (popular choices include Wyoming, Delaware, and Florida).
• Appointing a registered agent (required for legal compliance).
• Filing your Articles of Organization.
• Obtaining an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS.

Step 2: Choose a US Business Bank That Works with Non-Residents

Not all banks allow non-residents to open an account, so choosing the right bank is crucial. Some top options include:

• Mercury Bank (great for startups and digital nomads)
• Relay Financial (excellent for managing multiple accounts)
• Wise Business (formerly TransferWise) (ideal for international entrepreneurs)
• Payoneer (for e-commerce and freelancers)

If you prefer a traditional bank, some institutions like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo may allow non-residents to open accounts in-person at a branch, provided you meet all the documentation requirements.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

To open a US business bank account, you will typically need:

1. LLC Formation Documents (Articles of Organization & Operating Agreement).
2. EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS.
3. Your Passport or Government-Issued ID.
4. Proof of Address (Mailing and Physical Location).
5. Initial Deposit (Some banks require a minimum deposit to activate your account).

Step 4: Apply Online or Visit a Branch

• Some fintech banks like Mercury and Relay allow you to apply online without needing to visit the US.
• Traditional banks require an in-person visit to verify your identity and documentation.

Step 5: Fund Your Account & Start Banking

Once your account is approved, you can fund it via international wire transfer or by receiving payments from clients. You’ll also receive a debit card and online banking access to manage transactions seamlessly.

Best Practices for Digital Nomads & Non-Residents

If you’re a digital nomad or a location-independent entrepreneur, here are some best practices to ensure smooth banking operations:

1. Keep Your Addresses Separate
   • Registered Agent Address → For legal compliance.
   • Virtual Mailbox Address → For business correspondence.
   • Non-US Residential Address → For your physical location requirement.
2. Use a Virtual Mailbox for Privacy
   • A virtual mailbox ensures you never miss important bank documents while keeping your home address private.
3. Maintain Good Banking Relationships
   • Non-resident accounts may have more scrutiny, so ensure your transactions are legitimate and properly documented to avoid issues.
4. Consider Business-Friendly States
   • Wyoming and Delaware are among the best states for non-residents due to their business-friendly policies and lack of state taxes.

Final Thoughts

Opening a US bank account for an LLC as a non-resident is entirely possible, but recent banking regulations have added new address requirements that entrepreneurs need to be aware of.

By ensuring you have the necessary legal address, mailing address, and physical location address, you can successfully open and maintain a US business bank account without unnecessary delays.

For a seamless experience, consider using services like BusinessAnywhere.io to get your registered agent address and virtual mailbox, ensuring privacy, compliance, and ease of access to your business correspondence while running your company from anywhere in the world.