What you need before you start
Before you can open a US bank account for your LLC, you must absolutely have:
- Your LLC formed (Articles of Organization approved by Wyoming)
- Your EIN (Employer Identification Number): your LLC's federal tax number
- Your passport, valid and current
- An address (your personal address abroad is enough)
Without an EIN, no US bank can open your account. This is non-negotiable.
For non-residents without an SSN, the EIN is obtained by mail (4–6 weeks) or by fax (a few days). In our service, we handle this step for you and use the fastest method available.
Which bank to choose? Our recommendation
There are several options for non-residents. Here's our recommended setup, tested and used personally:
- ✓ EUR, USD, CHF, GBP, 40+ currencies
- ✓ Local account details in each currency
- ✓ 100% online opening
- ✓ Works with Stripe, PayPal
- ✓ Visa Business card included
- ✓ Very low conversion fees
- ✓ Available in most countries
- ✓ Real US bank account (FDIC)
- ✓ US routing + account number
- ✓ 100% online opening
- ✓ Multiple USD sub-accounts
- ✓ Works with ACH, wire transfer
- ✓ Zero monthly fees
- ✗ USD only
Why two accounts? Wise Business is ideal for multi-currency management and international payments. Relay is a real US bank account with a routing number, useful for clients or partners who require a "traditional" US bank account (ACH, US wire).
Comparison of options for non-residents
| Bank | Non-residents | Multi-currency | Monthly fees | Opening difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise Business | ✓ Yes | ✓ 40+ currencies | $0 + per-transaction fees | 🟢 Easy |
| Relay | ✓ Yes | ✗ USD only | $0 | 🟢 Easy |
| Mercury | ⚠️ Depends on country | ✗ USD only | $0 | 🟡 Moderate |
| Chase / BoA | ✗ No | ✗ USD only | $15–25 | 🔴 Impossible remotely |
Opening Wise Business: step by step
Create a personal Wise account (if you don't have one)
Go to wise.com. First create a personal account with your email and verify your identity (passport).
Add a Business profile
In your Wise dashboard, click "Add a business account". Select "Limited Liability Company (LLC)".
Enter your LLC information
LLC name, Registered Agent address, EIN, formation date, nature of business. Upload your Articles of Organization and the IRS EIN letter.
Verification and activation
Wise reviews your file (typically 1–3 business days). Once approved, you receive your account details in each currency (EUR, USD, GBP, etc.).
Opening Relay: step by step
Sign up at relayfi.com
Create your account with the business email linked to your LLC. Relay is available for US LLCs owned by foreigners.
Enter your business information
LLC name, EIN, registered agent address, nature of business, beneficial owner (you). Have your passport and Articles of Organization ready.
Identity verification
Relay runs a KYC check. You'll need to upload your passport and potentially answer a few questions about your business.
Account activated
You receive your US routing number and account number. You can create up to 20 USD sub-accounts to organize your cash flow.
Too complicated to handle alone?
I open both of your accounts (Wise Business + Relay) for you, included in the Turnkey Pack.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wise Business available in my country?
Wise Business is available in the vast majority of countries. A few exceptions exist (certain sanctioned countries). Check the Wise website before you start.
Can I receive Stripe payments on Wise Business?
Yes. Stripe accepts US Wise Business accounts (using Wise's USD account details). You can also connect Stripe to Relay.
Do I have to travel to the United States to open these accounts?
No. Wise Business and Relay are opened entirely online, from any country, with no travel required.
What if my application is rejected?
Rejections usually happen due to missing documents or a poorly described business activity. If you use our service, we handle the back-and-forth with the bank until your account is open.
Can I use these accounts for PayPal Business?
Yes. PayPal Business accepts Wise and Relay accounts as linked bank accounts for withdrawals.
Does the banking setup change depending on my country of residence?
Yes, some rails are more relevant depending on where you live for tax purposes. If you're a resident in Portugal (NHR / IFICI), Wise Business + a Portuguese bank is the default option. If you're a resident in Paraguay (pure territorial), Wise Business + Banco Itaú PY is the ideal combo. See the dedicated country guides for the full stack.