What documents do I need to open a business account as an importer?

Updated October 22, 2026

Expect to provide documents that prove the company exists, who owns and controls it, and what it does. Import and wholesale businesses are often asked for a bit more, such as supplier invoices or contracts, because providers want to understand where money comes from and goes. The exact list depends on the provider, so confirm it before you apply. Providing documents does not guarantee approval.

The core documents (KYB)

Providers run KYB, short for know your business. Common requests:

Formation documents. For a US LLC, articles of organization. For a corporation, articles or a certificate of incorporation.
Proof of good standing. A certificate from the state showing the company is active.
EIN confirmation. The IRS letter showing your company's tax ID.
Operating agreement or ownership records. Shows who owns the company and how much.
Business address. With proof, such as a lease, utility bill or official letter that matches your application.
ID for owners and controllers. Government-issued ID for the people who own the company and the people who will use the account.

Banks covered by FinCEN's customer due diligence rule must identify and verify any individual who owns 25 percent or more of a legal entity customer, and an individual who controls it. That is why ownership paperwork matters.

What import and wholesale businesses are often asked for

Trade businesses move money across borders, so expect questions about the flow of goods and funds. Have these ready:

A clear business description. Say what you buy, from where, and who you sell to. "Trading" is too vague. "We import consumer electronics from suppliers in Asia and sell to US retailers" is clear.
Supplier and customer details. A few recent invoices, purchase orders or contracts help show the business is real.
Expected monthly volume. Give a realistic number and keep your documents consistent with it.
Source of funds. Where the money coming into the account originates, such as customer payments or owner funding.
Licenses or permits, if your product category requires them. Check this with a professional.
A website or marketplace storefront, if you have one.

Tips that save time

Make everything match. Company name, address and owner names should be identical across documents.
Send complete, readable scans. Cropped or blurry files get sent back.
Mention anything unusual at the start, such as non-US owners, payments in stablecoins or suppliers in higher-risk countries. It is easier to review up front than to explain later.
Answer follow-up questions quickly. Delays often come from waiting on a missing document.

How Shield handles it

Shield account opening is subject to compliance review and eligibility assessment. Which documents Shield asks for depends on your business and where it operates, and Shield will tell you what to send. Approval is never guaranteed. Owners can live outside the US, with a US company.

FAQ

Do I need a US company? For a Shield account, yes. The company must be a US company, but owners can live outside the US.

Will a provider ask for my personal tax return? Requirements vary. Ask the provider what it needs before you apply.

What if I'm a new business with no history? Say so and offer what you do have, such as supplier quotes, a business plan or purchase orders. Providers decide case by case.

Next step

To see what a Shield account includes and how to apply, visit Shield business accounts.