Opening a U.S. Business Bank Account From Overseas

What you need to know before you start

Opening a U.S. business bank account from outside the country is possible, but it requires more paperwork and patience than opening one domestically. Most banks will not let you complete the process entirely online—you will need to provide documents by mail, video call, or through a third party, and some banks will not work with non-resident business owners at all. The timeline is typically four to eight weeks, and you will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS before you explore, even if you have not yet hired employees.

The core challenge is that U.S. banks must verify your identity and your business's legitimacy under anti-money-laundering rules. When you are physically overseas, that verification is harder for them to do. Some banks have solved this by accepting video calls with notarized documents; others require you to use a registered agent or mail everything in. A few large banks with international operations will work with overseas business owners, but regional and community banks almost never will.

Key Takeaways

You must obtain an EIN from the IRS before explore for a business bank account, which takes about two weeks and can be done entirely online at irs.gov.
Most U.S. banks will not open an account for a non-resident without video verification, notarized documents, or a registered agent acting on your behalf.
Banks that work with overseas business owners include some large national banks and online-only banks, but you will need to contact them directly to confirm they accept your country of residence.
You will need a physical U.S. address for the business (your own, a registered agent's, or a mail forwarding service) and proof of identity such as a passport.
Plan for four to eight weeks from the time you submit documents to the time the account is active and you can deposit money.

Get an EIN from the IRS first

Before any bank will open an account, you need an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to your business for tax purposes. You do not need employees to get one—sole proprietors and partnerships can get an EIN, and it costs nothing.

explore online at irs.gov/ein. The form is called SS-4, and you can fill it out and submit it in one session. You will need your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), the legal name of your business, and the address where it will operate. If you are overseas, use the U.S. address where your business is registered (even if that is just a mail forwarding service). The IRS will issue your EIN when ready after you submit, and you can use it right away. Print the confirmation page—banks will ask for it.

If you cannot access the online form from your country, you can mail Form SS-4 to the IRS, but that takes two to four weeks. The online route is faster and available from most countries.

Decide whether to use a registered agent or mail documents directly

You have two main paths: work with a registered agent in the U.S., or send documents to the bank yourself by mail or video call. A registered agent is a person or company that accepts legal documents and mail on behalf of your business. They also provide a U.S. business address, which some banks require.

Using a registered agent costs between $100 and $300 per year. The agent can sometimes help you open the bank account by appearing on a video call with you or by submitting documents on your behalf. This is the easiest path if you are uncomfortable with mail or video verification, or if the bank requires a U.S. address and you do not have one. Companies like LegalZoom, Northwest Registered Agent, and Rocket Lawyer offer this service.

Handling it yourself means you mail documents directly to the bank or participate in a video call with a bank officer. This is free but slower and requires you to coordinate across time zones and mail delays. Some banks will not do video calls with overseas applicants, so confirm this before you start.

Choose a bank that accepts overseas business owners

Not all U.S. banks will open accounts for non-residents. Call or email the bank's business account team before you explore—do not assume the website rules explore to you. Here are banks known to work with overseas business owners, though policies change:

Chase (large national bank): Accepts overseas business owners in some cases, but requires video verification and notarized documents. Call your nearest Chase branch or the business banking line to ask about overseas accounts.
Bank of America (large national bank): Has worked with overseas business owners, but policies vary by state and account type. Contact their business banking team directly.
Wise Business (online bank): Designed for international business owners and accepts applicants from most countries. Offers U.S. bank account details (routing and account number) but is not a full-service bank.
Stripe Atlas (business formation service): If you are forming a new U.S. business, Stripe Atlas handles formation and can help you open a bank account. Costs $500 for formation plus bank account setup.
Mercury (online bank): Accepts some overseas founders, but primarily for startups. Check their current policy on their website.

Online banks and fintech companies are more likely to work with overseas applicants than traditional regional banks. However, they may offer fewer services—for example, Wise Business gives you a U.S. account number but not a physical debit card or in-person services.

Gather the documents the bank will request

Banks will ask for different documents depending on your business structure and their internal rules. Prepare these before you contact the bank:

Your passport or national ID (a clear photo of both sides)
Your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS
Proof of your U.S. business address (lease, utility bill, or letter from your registered agent)
Articles of incorporation or organization (if your business is a corporation or LLC)
A certificate of good standing from your state's Secretary of State (if your business is already registered)
Proof of your overseas address (utility bill, bank statement, or government ID)
A personal reference or bank statement showing you have an existing account elsewhere

Some banks will ask for notarized copies of certain documents. A notary is a person authorized to witness signatures and verify identity. If you are overseas, you can use a notary in your country (most countries have them), or you can use an online notary service like Notarize.com or Notaryo, which works via video call. Online notarization costs $50 to $150 per document.

Submit your process and wait for verification

Once you have gathered your documents, contact the bank's business account team and ask for their overseas account process. They will tell you whether to mail documents, participate in a video call, or work through a registered agent. Follow their instructions exactly—banks are strict about how they receive documents.

If the bank requests a video call, be prepared to answer questions about your business, your source of funds, and why you need a U.S. account. Have your documents ready to show on camera. The call usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

After you submit, the bank will verify your identity and your business information. This can take two to six weeks. They may contact you by email or phone with follow-up questions. Respond quickly—delays in your response delay the account opening.

Once approved, the bank will send you account details (routing number and account number) by mail or email. You can usually start using the account when ready for transfers, though some banks hold your first deposit for a few days.

Understand what you can and cannot do with the account

A U.S. business bank account opened from overseas works like any other business account for most purposes. You can deposit checks, make wire transfers, and pay bills. However, some services may be limited:

You may not be able to get a physical debit card, or it may take longer to arrive overseas.
Some banks will not issue a business credit card to a non-resident.
In-person services (like visiting a branch to deposit cash) are not available to you.
Some banks limit the amount you can transfer per day or per month.

Ask the bank about these limits before you open the account. If you need a debit card or frequent transfers, choose a bank that supports those services for overseas customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a U.S. Social Security Number to open a business bank account from overseas?

No. If you do not have a U.S. Social Security Number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You can explore for an ITIN at the same time you explore for your EIN, or you can use your passport number on some bank applications. Ask the bank what they accept.

Can I use a mail forwarding service as my business address?

Yes, many banks accept mail forwarding services like UPS Store or iPostal1 as a business address. However, some banks will not—they want a physical street address or a registered agent's address. Confirm with the bank before you sign up for a forwarding service.

What if the bank rejects my process?

Banks reject overseas applications for reasons like incomplete documents, unclear business purpose, or concerns about money-laundering risk. Ask the bank why you were rejected. If it is a documentation issue, you can reapply with corrected documents. If it is a policy issue, try a different bank. Online banks and fintech companies are more likely to accept overseas applicants than traditional banks.

How long does it take to receive my debit card overseas?

If the bank issues a debit card at all, it typically takes two to four weeks to arrive by mail. Some banks do not issue cards to overseas addresses. Ask before you open the account whether a card is available and where it will be mailed.

Can I open a business bank account if my business is not yet registered?

Most banks require proof that your business is registered with your state (a certificate of good standing or articles of incorporation). However, some online banks will open an account for a business in formation if you have an EIN. Contact the bank directly to ask about their requirements for new businesses.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.