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Opening a bank account from abroad

What banks usually ask for when the owner lives outside the U.S.

Banking · 2 min read · Updated November 11, 2026

In this guide
  1. What banks usually ask for
  2. Types of providers
  3. Tips
  4. What FairEntity does

A U.S. company can have a U.S. bank account even when its owner lives elsewhere. Banks decide for themselves who they accept, so what is possible depends on the bank and on your situation.

What banks usually ask for

  • The company's formation documents, such as the certificate of formation or articles.
  • The EIN confirmation letter from the IRS.
  • The operating agreement for an LLC, or bylaws for a corporation.
  • Identification for each owner, usually a passport.
  • Proof of address for the owner.
  • A description of what the business does and where its customers are.

Some banks also want a U.S. business address, a phone number, or a video call. Some require a visit in person, and others do not.

Types of providers

Traditional banks and online business banks and financial platforms handle foreign owners differently. Some online providers open accounts remotely. Each has its own eligibility rules, fees and limits, and some do not serve certain countries.

Tips

  • Keep your documents consistent. The name and address must match across the formation record, the EIN letter and your identification.
  • Be ready to explain what the business does in plain terms.
  • If one provider declines, another may accept. A decline is not a judgment on your company.

What FairEntity does

We provide the documents banks ask for. We do not open the account for you and we do not control approvals. Fae can tell you what the documents are and where to find them in your dashboard.

Banking and tax questions that depend on your country are best answered by a licensed professional.

This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

General information, not legal or tax advice. If your case needs it, a licensed attorney or accountant can advise you. Read the disclaimer

Related questions

What people usually ask after reading this.

Can I open a US bank account from my country?

Fae walks you through the process and tells you which documents banks usually ask for, such as the and the company papers. That help is included. Each bank decides whom it approves, and we do not control that.

Do I need a US business address?

It is an optional service: a US street address for your company, with mail scanning, renewed each year. You can add it to your order or later.

Which documents do banks usually ask for?

The company's formation documents, the IRS letter with the , the for an or the Bylaws for a corporation, identification for each owner, usually a passport, proof of address and a description of what the business does. Some banks also want a US business address, a phone number or a video call.

Does FairEntity open the account for me?

No. We prepare and hand you the documents banks ask for, Fae tells you which they are and where to find them in your dashboard, and that help comes with every order. You open the account yourself with the bank or platform you choose, and each one decides whom it approves.

What do I do if a bank declines me?

A decline is not a judgment on your company. Each bank and financial platform has its own rules, fees and countries it serves, and another provider may accept the same case. Keep the name and address identical on the state record, the letter and your identification.

Keep reading

See all guides

Still have a question about your case?

This guide is general. Fae can apply it to your company, your country and your state.