The Short Answer
Yes — a non-resident can open a US bank account in 2026, and you have two practical routes. Remote: open a fintech business account (Mercury, Relay, or Wise) with an EIN and your passport, no US trip required. In-person: visit a branch of a traditional bank like Wells Fargo or Bank of America with two forms of photo ID, proof of address, and an ITIN or EIN.
Which route fits depends on whether you’re opening a personal or business account, whether you have a US tax number, and whether you can travel. This guide walks through both.
Not professional advice — bank requirements vary by branch and change over time. Always confirm current terms directly with the institution before you apply.
Step 1: Decide Which Route You Need
| Your situation | Best route |
|---|---|
| US LLC or corporation owner, no SSN | Fintech (Mercury / Relay) — remote, EIN-based |
| Need to hold/spend USD remotely, no US entity yet | Wise or similar multi-currency account — remote |
| Physically in the US or can travel there | Traditional bank branch (Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase) |
| Personal account with US address ties | Traditional bank, in person |
For most non-resident freelancers and online business owners, the fintech route is the practical one. Traditional US bank websites are generally not set up to process applications from people without a Social Security Number, so an in-person branch visit is almost always required on the traditional route.
Step 2: Get Your Tax Number in Order
This is where most people stall, so get it right:
- EIN (Employer Identification Number): required for business accounts. The IRS’s online EIN application only serves applicants whose principal business is in the US or its territories. Applying from abroad means Form SS-4 by telephone, fax, or post instead — allow weeks, not days.
- ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number): the nine-digit alternative for individuals who can’t get an SSN. You apply with Form W-7 plus identity documents and proof of foreign status; 2026 processing times typically run 9–11 weeks.
The practical sequence: form your US entity first (LLC formation documents), then apply for the EIN, then open the account. Each step waits on the one before it, so budget a month or two for the whole chain if you’re starting from scratch.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Requirements vary by institution, but here’s the standard checklist:
Fintech / online route (Mercury, Relay, Wise):
– Passport (beneficial owner)
– EIN confirmation letter from the IRS (the CP-575)
– LLC formation documents (Certificate of Formation / Articles of Organization)
– Proof of business activity — a website, invoices, contracts, or client agreements
– A US business address (a registered agent address; note that some platforms now want a physical US address, not just a registered agent’s)
Traditional bank route (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase):
– Primary ID: foreign passport or non-immigrant visa with photo
– Secondary ID: foreign driver’s license, debit/credit card, or pay stub
– Proof of foreign home address (utility bill or bank statement)
– Proof of US address where applicable
– ITIN or SSN (some banks accept an ITIN in place of an SSN)
– Initial deposit — typically $25 to $3,000+, depending on the account
Call ahead before any branch visit. Requirements can vary by branch and state — one branch may want a utility bill in your name, another may not. Book an appointment, and ask to email your documents to the branch manager in advance so they can review them before you arrive.
Step 4: Pick Your Institution
The Remote Route: Mercury, Relay, Wise
Mercury and Relay are fintech business-banking platforms that open accounts remotely for non-resident business owners with an EIN — no SSN required. They’re popular with LLC owners abroad because the whole process happens online: upload your passport, EIN letter, and formation documents, and you’re typically approved within days. Compare fees, wires, and sub-accounts directly on mercury.com and relayfi.com before you choose — both publish current terms on their sites.
Wise offers multi-currency accounts you can open remotely with regular ID — you can hold, send, spend, and receive US dollars (with US account details) plus other currencies, all from the app. It doesn’t require a US entity for the standard personal account. Useful as a first step while your EIN is still in the mail.
The In-Person Route: Traditional Banks
Wells Fargo is widely considered the most foreigner-friendly of the major traditional banks — branch staff are accustomed to working with non-residents who have neither an SSN nor an ITIN. Bank of America does not require an SSN to open an account; you’ll need two forms of photo ID plus proof of both a foreign address and a US address, and they offer language services in over 200 languages. Chase and Citibank are also options, though minimum balance requirements and monthly fees tend to run higher.
All owners with 10% or more of a business must generally be present (or documented) at opening, so coordinate schedules if your LLC has multiple members.
Step 5: Fund and Verify
Once approved, you’ll fund the account — most commonly by ACH transfer from another bank, a wire for larger amounts, or mobile check deposit. ACH transfers take one to three business days. Take any ID photo uploads in bright light with all four corners visible; mismatches between your address on file and IRS records can trigger a manual review that adds one to three business days.
Costs and Timelines, Honestly
- LLC formation: roughly $50–$500 depending on the state, plus registered agent fees (~$100–$300/year) if you don’t have a US address.
- EIN via SS-4 from abroad: free, but weeks of processing.
- ITIN via W-7: free; 9–11 weeks processing in 2026.
- Initial deposits: $25–$100 typical for fintech/online; traditional banks range up to $3,000+ for premium accounts.
- Wise: setup fee around $31 for the business account; personal accounts have no monthly fee.
- Total realistic timeline from zero to funded account: 4–10 weeks if you need a new LLC + EIN.
Related: Mercury vs Relay: Best Business Banking for 2026 · Wise vs Payoneer for Freelancers: Who Keeps More? (2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-resident open a US bank account online without visiting?
Yes for business accounts — Mercury, Relay, and similar fintech platforms open accounts remotely for non-resident owners with an EIN and passport. Traditional banks almost always require an in-person branch visit from non-residents. Wise offers remote multi-currency accounts with US dollar details using regular ID.
Do I need an SSN to open a US bank account as a non-resident?
No. Wells Fargo routinely opens accounts for non-residents with no SSN; Bank of America accepts two forms of photo ID plus address proof without an SSN; fintech platforms accept an EIN for business accounts. An ITIN (applied for with Form W-7) is a useful alternative that some banks accept in place of an SSN.
Do I need a US company to open a US bank account?
For business accounts, yes — you’ll need US-registered entity documents and an EIN. For personal accounts at traditional banks, no US company is needed, but you generally must appear in person with two IDs and proof of address. Multi-currency fintech accounts like Wise don’t require a US entity.
How long does it take to get an EIN from outside the US?
The IRS online EIN tool doesn’t serve applicants outside the US, so you file Form SS-4 by phone, fax, or mail. Plan on weeks rather than days — this is the most common bottleneck in the whole process.
What is the cheapest way for a non-resident to get US banking?
Start with a Wise multi-currency account (no monthly fee, ~$31 one-time setup for business) for USD receiving and spending while you form your LLC and wait on the EIN. Then open Mercury or Relay (both free plans) for proper US business banking once the EIN arrives.
Will a US bank account help with taxes?
Having the account doesn’t change your tax obligations — consult a tax professional about US filing requirements for non-resident LLC owners. The account just gives you a place to receive and hold USD; the EIN/ITIN is the piece the IRS cares about.