US banking for residents and non-resident founders: the honest list

These are recommendations, not guarantees. Every institution makes its own decision and requirements change without notice. If you hold only an EIN and a passport, the fintech platforms below are the realistic remote path; most credit unions require an SSN or ITIN for the individual signer under their membership rules — we say so plainly instead of pretending otherwise.

Five banking platforms that open accounts remotely with EIN + passport

Mercury

Fintech banking platform

The default choice for non-resident LLC/C-Corp founders. Fully remote onboarding. Strong Stripe integration.

Relay

Fintech banking platform

Opens online with EIN + passport. Multiple sub-accounts for budgeting. No monthly fees.

Wise Business

Multi-currency account

US account details plus 40+ currencies — ideal when revenue arrives in several currencies.

Airwallex

Global business account

Multi-currency with global payouts. Well-suited to cross-border e-commerce operations.

Lili

Fintech banking platform

EIN + passport onboarding aimed specifically at solo and small-team founders.

Five credit unions, with their real conditions

State Department FCU

Worldwide membership via partner organizations. Individual signer typically needs an ITIN.

Service Credit Union

Open eligibility via partner association. Long history serving members abroad. SEPA transfers supported.

Global Credit Union

Multi-state, serves members worldwide. Business accounts open with EIN letter + entity documents; signer ID rules still apply.

Princeton FCU

ITIN holders explicitly welcome. Best option once you have an ITIN.

Campus Federal CU

Documented path for foreign members without an SSN via Form W-8BEN.

Not guarantees of approval. Verify each institution's current requirements directly before applying. BizForm receives no compensation from these institutions.

Every paid package includes banking application prep

Your documents organized the way these institutions expect.

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