Section 2: Choosing the Right Bank

When considering opening a bank account in the United States, it's essential to understand the two primary categories of banks: traditional banks and neo banks.

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Traditional banks have physical branches and offer a wide range of financial services, while neo banks are digital-first banks that operate primarily online or through mobile apps.

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Each category has its own advantages and considerations, making it crucial to choose the bank that best suits your needs as a non-US resident.

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Traditional Banks:

Traditional banks, such as Bank of America, Chase Bank, and Wells Fargo, are well-established institutions with extensive branch networks. They offer comprehensive financial products and services, including business banking options.

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Traditional banks often provide in-person customer support and a wide variety of account types.

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However, opening a bank account at a traditional bank typically requires physical presence at a branch in the US.

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This means that as a non-US resident living outside of the US, you would need to travel to the US to open the account.

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Neo Banks:

Neo banks, such as Mercury, Chime, Revolut, and N26, are digital-first banks that operate primarily online. They offer a simplified and user-friendly banking experience with the convenience of opening an account online.

This is particularly beneficial for non-US residents as it eliminates the need for physical presence in the US.

Neo banks typically have streamlined account opening processes and lower fees compared to traditional banks.

However, it's important to note that some neo banks may have limited banking services or may not offer specialized business banking features.

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In this guide, we will focus on the neo bank category, which is particularly advantageous for non-US residents as it allows founders to open a bank account online without the need for physical presence in the US.

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We understand the challenges faced by non-US residents in accessing traditional banks, and our goal is to provide you with information and guidance on opening a bank account through the convenient and streamlined process offered by neo banks.

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By focusing on neo banks, we aim to empower founders to efficiently and effortlessly open their US bank accounts, enabling them to start their businesses with ease.

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Considering your specific requirements as a non-US resident without an SSN or ITIN and unable to physically come to the US, one of the best neo banks for you would be Mercury (www.mercury.com)

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• Mercury is a neo bank that specializes in business banking and is known for being non-US resident-friendly.

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• It offers a streamlined account opening process and does not require an SSN or ITIN to open an account.

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Pros of Mercury:

1. Non-US Resident Friendly: Mercury has designed its services to cater to the needs of non-US residents, making it an ideal choice for you.

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2. No SSN or ITIN Requirement: Mercury does not require an SSN or ITIN, allowing you to open an account without these documents.

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3. Remote Account Opening: You can open a Mercury account entirely online, eliminating the need to physically visit the US.

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4. Business Banking Features: Mercury offers essential business banking features, including a business checking account and a debit card.

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5. Integration with Tools: Mercury integrates with various accounting software / tools, simplifying financial management for your business.

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Cons of Mercury:

1. Limited Branch Access: Since Mercury is a digital-only bank, it does not have physical branch locations. This may limit in-person assistance if you prefer face-to-face support.

2. Specialized Services: While Mercury offers fundamental business banking services, it may not have all the specialized features or lending options that traditional banks offer.

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Overall, Mercury is a strong choice for non-US residents like yourself.

It aligns with your requirements of not needing an SSN or ITIN and allows for remote account opening.

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With its non-US resident-friendly policies and essential business banking features, Mercury can be an excellent option to open your US bank account hassle-free.

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Section 3: Preparing the Required Documents

It's important to gather the necessary documents to support your application:

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1. Prepare a scanned copy of your valid passport.

2. Certificate of Organization issued by the state.

3. EIN Confirmation Letter received from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

4. Proof of Address: Provide proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement, displaying your name and residential address.

5. Business Website Information: Prepare your website address (URL) and a description of your business, products, services, and other relevant details.

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Section 4: Applying for a US Bank Account - Mercury (www.mercury.com)

Please note that the process may vary over time, so it's always best to refer to Mercury's website or contact their customer support for the most up-to-date information.

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1. Visit Mercury's Website:

• Access Mercury's website (www.mercury.com) and click on it to visit their homepage.

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2. Explore Mercury's Services:

• Navigate through Mercury's website to understand their services, features, and account offerings.

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• Pay attention to their policies regarding non-US residents and ensure they meet your requirements.

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3. Start the Account Opening Process:

• Look for a "Open Account" button and click to proceed.

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Provide Your Email Address:

• Enter your email address when prompted on the registration or account opening page.

• Make sure to use a valid email address as Mercury will use it for communication purposes.

Verify Your Email:

• Check your email inbox for a verification email from Mercury.

• Pay attention to their policies regarding non-US residents.

Fill Out the Application Form:

• Access the account application form.

• Fill out the required field, providing accurate information as requested.

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Enter the following data:

Personal information

• Name: Your full name, as it appears on your passport or other government-issued ID.

• Phone Number: Your phone number, including the country code.

• Country of Residence: The country where you currently reside.

• Passport Number: Your passport number. 

• Passport Expiration Date: The expiration date of your passport.

• Visa Number: Your visa number, if applicable.

• Visa Expiration Date: The expiration date of your visa, if applicable.

• Utility Bill or Bank Statement: A recent utility bill or bank statement that shows your current address.

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Business Information

• Business Name: Your company name as it appears on the Certificate of Organization.

• Business Type: The type of business you have, such as LLC, or corporation.

• Industry: The industry you are in.

• Annual Revenue: Your annual revenue, if applicable. 

• EIN: Your Employer Identification Number (EIN), if applicable.

• Business Address: The physical address of your business.

• Business Phone Number: The phone number of your business.

• Business Website: The website of your business, if applicable.

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Upload Supporting Documents -

• Scanned copy of a valid passport or government-issued identification.

• Certificate of Organization or Articles of Organization for your LLC.

• EIN confirmation letter from the IRS.

• Proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement, displaying your name and residential address.

• EIN: Your Employer Identification Number (EIN), if applicable.

Ensure that the uploaded documents are clear and legible.

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Review and Submit the Application:

You are almost done!

Now, it's essential to review all the information you've provided to ensure its accuracy before submitting your application.

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Once you have reviewed and confirmed all the information, click the "Submit" button to finalize your application.

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Congratulations  👏 on taking this important step toward opening a bank account with Mercury as a non-US resident!

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After submitting your application:

After submitting your application, Mercury's team will carefully review the provided information and documents.

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They may reach out to you for any necessary clarifications or additional details.

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Please be patient during this review process, as it typically takes a few business days.

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After you get approved for a Mercury bank account:

After you get approved for a Mercury bank account, you'll receive an email or notification confirming your approval.

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This email will typically contain instructions on how to proceed with the account activation process.

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The steps after approval generally include:

1. Account Activation: Follow the instructions provided in the approval email to activate your Mercury bank account. This may involve logging into your Mercury account and completing the necessary setup steps.

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2. Funding Your Account: Once your account is activated, you'll have the option to fund it. Mercury will guide you through the process, which may involve transferring funds from another bank account or wiring money.

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3. Managing Your Account: With your Mercury account activated, you can use their online banking platform and mobile app to manage your finances conveniently. Mercury offers various features, including account statements, transaction tracking, and integrations with accounting software.

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4. Additional Support: Mercury's customer support team will be available to assist you with any questions or issues that may arise as you use your bank account. You can reach out to them for guidance or help with any banking-related matters.

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Important notice:

Please note that the specific steps and details after approval may vary based on Mercury's current procedures and offerings.

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Section 5: Alternative Options

If you encounter difficulties opening a traditional US bank account, consider the following alternatives:

1. TransferWise (Now Wise)

2. Payoneer

3. Brex

4. Revolut

5. Deel

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- Wise (https://wise.com/):

• Wise offers a borderless account with multi-currency capabilities.

• Non-US residents can open an account without an SSN and easily manage international finances.

• Wise provides favorable exchange rates for currency conversions.

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- Payoneer (https://www.payoneer.com/):

• Payoneer is a payment platform that facilitates cross-border transactions for businesses and freelancers.

•Non-US residents can open an account without an SSN and receive international payments with ease.

• Payoneer supports multiple currencies and offers various withdrawal options.

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- Brex (https://www.brex.com/):

• Brex provides corporate cards and banking solutions tailored for startups and businesses. • Non-US residents can open an account without an SSN, making it an attractive option for international entrepreneurs.

• Brex offers rewards and benefits geared towards startup needs.

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- Revolut (https://www.revolut.com/):

• Revolut is a global neo bank known for its multi-currency accounts and favorable exchange rates.

• While it primarily serves European customers, it has expanded its services to some non-European countries.

• Non-US residents can explore Revolut as an alternative if their country is supported.

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- Deel (https://www.deel.com/):

• Deel is a platform that simplifies global payments and compliance for remote teams and freelancers.

• Non-US residents can benefit from Deel's cross-border payment solutions and contractor management tools.

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Each of these alternatives brings unique advantages and services, ensuring you can find the best fit for your banking and financial requirements as a non-US resident.

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Keep in mind that the availability of these options may vary based on your location and other eligibility criteria, so be sure to review each option's current policies before proceeding with an application.

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Section 6: Conclusion

Opening a US bank account for your US Company as a non-US resident owner may require careful preparation and perseverance.

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By understanding the requirements, choosing the right bank, and providing the necessary documentation, you can navigate the process successfully.

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Note: This guide provides general information and recommendations. Banking requirements and processes can change over time, so it's essential to stay updated with the latest regulations and consult with professionals experienced in US banking for non-US residents.

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Great job! 👏 You're almost done! You went through all the steps in the guide. Hooray!

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As an AI language model, I don't make specific recommendations, but I can provide some considerations to help you decide whether to launch your U.S. company and bank account yourself or seek professional assistance:

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1. Time and Effort: Filing for an LLC requires attention to detail, and the process may be time-consuming, especially if you are not familiar with the steps involved. Consider whether you have the time and resources to devote to the process.

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2. Legal and Tax Implications: While forming an LLC may seem straightforward, there are legal and tax implications to consider. A business attorney or CPA can offer valuable insights and ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

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3. Peace of Mind: Hiring a professional can provide peace of mind, knowing that the process will be handled correctly. They can also answer any questions you may have and provide guidance throughout the entire formation process.

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4. Ongoing Compliance: After forming the LLC, you'll have ongoing compliance requirements, such as annual filings and tax reporting. A professional can help you stay on top of these obligations.

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5. U.S. banking regulations: If you are not familiar with U.S. banking regulations or feel overwhelmed by the process, a professional can provide valuable assistance and peace of mind.

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6. Risk of Application Rejection: Please be aware that if your information is not sufficient or doesn't meet the bank's requirements, your application may be rejected. In such a case, it could become difficult for you to apply to other U.S. banks.

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Ultimately, the decision depends on your comfort level, knowledge of the process, budget, and the complexity of your business.

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If you're uncertain about any aspect of forming an LLC, it's wise to consult with a business attorney or a professional who specializes in business formations.

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They can ensure everything is done correctly, help you understand your legal and financial responsibilities, and provide guidance as your business grows.

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Seeking a professional help to open your us bank account?

Try now → ChatNRA Pack