How Non-US Founders Open a US Business Account

If you sell to US buyers, buy from US suppliers, or use US platforms, a US business account makes almost everything easier. Buyers can pay you by domestic wire or ACH instead of an international transfer. Marketplaces and payment processors can pay out to you. You hold dollars without converting every payment.

For a long time the hard part was getting one without living in the US. Many traditional banks expect a branch visit, a US address, a Social Security number or a US credit history. Those requirements still exist at many banks, but they are no longer the only path.

This guide covers how founders outside the US get one, what you'll need, and the mistakes that most often slow an application down.

The short version

You can live anywhere and own a US business account, as long as the account belongs to a US company. The usual path is to form a US LLC (or corporation), get an EIN, and open the account in the company's name. A US company also helps with US platforms, contracts and business credit.

What a Shield account gives your US company

Owners can live outside the US, with a US company. Shield's US accounts give your company US account and routing numbers in its own name. You can:

• Receive USD wires and ACH payments from US banks
• Send wire and ACH payments to US suppliers from your balance
• See your USD balance and incoming payments in real time
• Set up automatic wires to an external US bank on a schedule, and pause or change them anytime

There's no branch visit. Accounts are opened after a compliance review.

If you sell internationally, Shield also lets your buyers pay in their local currencies, with settlement in US dollars.

How to form a US LLC and open the account

If you don't have a US company yet, the usual steps look like this:

Step 1: Choose a state and entity type

Most non-US founders form a limited liability company (LLC). It's simple to run and widely accepted by banks and platforms. You can form an LLC in any state, regardless of where you live. Each state has its own formation fees, annual fees and reporting rules, so compare them before choosing. Many founders pick a state with low ongoing costs and simple filings unless they have a reason to choose another.

Step 2: File formation documents

You file articles of organization with the state. It's also good practice to have an operating agreement that sets out who owns the company and how it is run, even if the state doesn't require you to file it.

Step 3: Appoint a registered agent and get a US address

Every US company needs a registered agent in its state of formation to receive official legal and government mail. Many platforms and agencies also expect a US business address.

Step 4: Get an EIN

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is the company's US tax ID. You'll need it to open a business account and to activate platforms such as Stripe or Shopify. If the responsible person doesn't have a US taxpayer ID, the IRS application usually goes by fax or mail rather than online, which can take noticeably longer. Plan for this step; it's often the slowest part.

Step 5: Open the account

With formation documents and an EIN in hand, you can apply for a business account in the LLC's name.

Let Shield set it up

You can do every step yourself, or have it done for you. With Shield's US LLC service, you answer a few quick questions about your residence, entity type and company name, and Shield takes it from there:

• LLC formation: articles of organization filed with the state, plus an operating agreement
• EIN: your US tax ID
• US business account: account and routing numbers, with no travel required
• US business address: for IRS mail, state filings and platforms that need a US address
• Registered agent: receives government mail and sends compliance reminders

The application takes about 10 minutes.

What you'll need for verification

A US account provider will verify your business before opening the account. This process is often called KYB (know your business). At Shield, business identity, beneficial ownership and individual identity are all verified before an account is activated. The exact documents depend on your risk tier and jurisdiction, but expect to provide some combination of:

• Company formation documents for your US company
• Proof the company is in good standing
• A business address, with proof that matches what you put on the application
• Identification for the owners, directors and people who will use the account
• A clear description of what the company sells and who it sells to
• Expected monthly volume and where the money will come from

Shield asks every account for a documented business purpose and a credible account of where funds come from. Structures that use shell companies or nominee owners get additional review.

Getting a US business credit card as a non-US founder

A US account is one step. Business credit is often the next, and it's where non-US founders hit the most walls, because many US card issuers rely on personal credit history and a Social Security number.

Shield's business credit card is underwritten on the business, not the owner. Owners can live outside the US, with a US company. You need a US entity and an EIN. There's no personal credit check and no personal guarantee. Your limit is based on your revenue and bank balance and is reviewed as they grow.

For wholesale and inventory businesses, the Shield business credit card offers five- to seven-figure limits for qualified businesses, based on company revenue, cash flow, reserves and operating history, with no upfront or subscription fees for cardholders.

Common reasons applications get delayed

Most delays come from a few avoidable issues:

• A vague business description. "Trading" or "consulting" isn't enough. Say what you sell, to whom, and how goods or services move.
• Volume that doesn't match the documents. If you project large monthly volume, have invoices, contracts or bank statements that support it.
• Mismatched addresses. The address on your application should match your proof of address and company documents.
• Restricted industries or countries. Every provider has a list of businesses and jurisdictions it can't serve. Ask about restrictions before you apply.
• Not mentioning digital currency. If you expect to receive stablecoin payments, say so at the start so the provider can review it upfront.

After the account is open

A few things to keep in mind once you're up and running:

• Keep your company in good standing. If you formed a US LLC, file any annual reports your state requires and keep your registered agent current.
• Understand your US tax obligations. Foreign-owned US companies have their own federal reporting requirements, even when they owe little or no US tax. Talk to a tax professional who works with non-resident owners.
• Keep your records tidy. Clear invoices and a consistent business description make future reviews, limit increases and new products easier to get.

FAQ

Can a non-US resident open a US business account? Yes. Owners can live outside the US, with a US company. If you don't have one yet, Shield can form a US LLC for you and open the account in its name.

Do I need a US address to open a Shield account? Owners can live outside the US, with a US company. Shield provides US account and routing numbers and no branch visit is needed.

Do I need a US LLC to get a US account? Yes, the account is opened for a US company. You don't need to live in the US, and Shield can form the LLC for you.

How long does it take? Accounts are opened after a compliance review. Forming a US LLC with Shield takes about 10 minutes to apply. Getting an EIN without a US taxpayer ID is possible but usually slower.

Do I need an SSN or ITIN? For Shield's business credit card, you need a US entity and an EIN. Getting an EIN without a US taxpayer ID is possible but usually slower.

Will Shield check my personal credit? No. Shield underwrites its business credit card on business data and doesn't take a personal guarantee.

Are there countries Shield can't serve? Yes. Shield doesn't serve businesses or individuals in certain jurisdictions, in line with sanctions and its risk policies. Ask about restrictions before applying.

Next step

Don't have a US company yet? See how Shield's US LLC service forms the company and opens the account for you.