Who accepts non-US owners
Eligibility as stated on each provider’s own site, verified October 18, 2026.
| Account | Non-US owners? | Rule | Documents | SSN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | Yes | US-formed company with existing or planned US operations; residents of some countries excluded | Formation documents, EIN document, passport | Not stated as required |
| Relay | Yes | Citizens and residents of 200+ countries, if the business has an operating presence in the US | Formation documents, EIN, ID | Not stated |
| Lili | Yes | Non-US citizens with a registered US business, citizens of supported countries (incl. Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Canada, UK, India) | Foreign passport + EIN | “No SSN required” |
| Bluevine | Limited | US LLC or corporation; owner resident in one of 25 countries (e.g. UK, Canada, Spain, Germany, India, Australia) | EIN, passport, US legal address | “No U.S. SSN required” |
| Wise Business | Check availability | Eligibility depends on country — see Wise’s availability page | Business and owner details | Not stated |
| Novo | No | Owners must live in the US | — | Required |
| Found | No | US-based businesses only | — | Required |
Rates, fees and eligibility change often. Figures come from each provider’s own site on the date shown; confirm before opening an account. Fintechs are not banks — deposits are held at partner banks, Member FDIC. Verified October 18, 2026. We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, at no cost to you. How we’re funded.
Top picks for non-US founders
Mercury
$0/mo
- $0 monthly fee, no minimum balance, no opening fees
- Free ACH and free domestic wires, sent and received
- Free outgoing USD international wires
Watch out: No cash deposits
Lili
$0/mo (Pro $15, Smart $35, Premium $55)
- No SSN required — open with a foreign passport and EIN
- Supported countries include much of Latin America
- $0 Core plan with no minimum deposit
Watch out: International wires cost $25 out / $15 in
Relay
$0/mo (Grow $30, Scale $120)
- $0 Starter plan with no minimum balance
- Up to 20 checking accounts on Starter (Profit First friendly)
- Cash deposits at Allpoint+ ATMs and Green Dot retailers
Watch out: Wire and same-day ACH fees on Starter
Paid in euros, pounds or another currency? Add Wise Business as a second account to receive and convert currencies cheaply — it isn’t an FDIC-insured bank, so keep your main balance in a US account.
Documents you’ll need
- Formation document — Articles of Organization (Certificate of Formation in Texas and Delaware).
- EIN confirmation from the IRS — non-US owners without an SSN or ITIN apply by phone or by faxing Form SS-4. How to get an EIN from abroad.
- Valid passport for each owner the bank must identify.
- A principal address — your real address abroad is often accepted; registered agent and P.O. box addresses usually aren’t.
- Proof of US activity — website, contracts or invoices showing the business operates (or plans to operate) in the US.
Step by step
- Form the LLC in a state that fits your plans — many non-residents compare Wyoming and Delaware.
- Appoint a registered agent with a physical address in that state (compare services).
- Get the EIN by phone (267-941-1099) or fax (Form SS-4).
- Apply online to an account that accepts your country, uploading the documents above.
- Answer follow-up questions quickly — banks often ask about your business model and where customers are.
Why applications get rejected
- Using the registered agent’s address as the business address.
- Living in a country the provider doesn’t support (each publishes a list).
- No website or clear description of what the business sells.
- Names on the passport and formation documents don’t match.
- Applying before the EIN is issued.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-US resident open a US business bank account?
Yes, for a US-registered LLC or corporation — mostly through fintechs that partner with US banks. Mercury, Relay and Lili accept owners from many countries; Bluevine accepts residents of 25 listed countries. Traditional banks usually want an in-person visit.
Do I need an SSN or ITIN to open an account for my LLC?
Not with every provider. Lili says “No SSN required” and opens with a passport and EIN; Bluevine says “No U.S. SSN required” for residents of its supported countries. You do need the LLC’s EIN, which non-US owners can get from the IRS by phone or fax.
Which documents do non-residents need?
Typically the LLC’s formation document, the IRS EIN confirmation, a valid passport and a principal address. Mercury notes the address can be international but can’t be a registered agent, P.O. box or UPS box address.
Can I use my registered agent’s address for the bank?
Usually not as the principal business address — Mercury explicitly excludes registered agent addresses. Some owners use a virtual business address where the bank allows it, or their real home address abroad.
Which is best for owners in Latin America?
Lili lists Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay and other Latin American countries as supported and doesn’t require an SSN. Bluevine’s supported list doesn’t include Latin American countries. Mercury and Relay accept most countries but exclude some.
What else must a foreign-owned LLC file?
A single-member LLC owned by a non-US person must file Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 every year, even with no income — the penalty for not filing is $25,000. See the Form 5472 guide.
Your LLC setup checklist
- Get a free EINFrom the IRS, in minutes online.
- Sign an operating agreementSettle who owns and decides what before it matters.
- Get business insuranceCover what the LLC itself doesn’t protect.
- Plan your taxesKnow your tax status and federal due dates.
- Track state deadlinesFree reminders before each filing.
Everything in one list: printable LLC compliance checklist · live deadline calendar.