Source: https://rivet.global/blog/best-business-account-for-non-residents
Published: 2026-10-31 · Updated: 2026-11-05 · By William Sunjo M.

# The best business accounts for non-resident founders in 2026

What non-resident owners of US LLCs, UK Ltds and other companies can open, what each provider asks for, and how they compare on fees.

## Key takeaways

- Most US banks expect an owner to visit a branch or hold a US address and SSN. Online providers open accounts for non-resident-owned companies with an EIN and formation documents.
- For a UK Ltd owned from abroad, high-street banks often ask for UK residency or a UK director. Electronic money institutions are usually more open.
- Every provider checks the company and its owners. Expect formation documents, proof of company address, owner ID and proof of address, and a description of what the company does.
- Rivet opens accounts for registered companies, including non-resident-owned US LLCs and UK Ltds, with USD details in the company's name on the free Starter plan.

A founder in Lagos, Lisbon or Lahore can form a Wyoming LLC online in a day and get an EIN within weeks. The account is where it slows down. Many US banks want the owner in a branch. Many UK banks want a UK resident director. Online providers fill that gap, each with its own list of countries and documents.

## What non-resident founders can open

| | Who it serves | Monthly | Stablecoins |
|---|---|---|---|
| US bank (branch) | Often needs in-person visit, US address | Varies | No |
| Wise Business | Companies in many countries; checks per owner | £0 (UK, £50 once) | No |
| Airwallex | Registered companies in supported countries | £0 to £49 (UK) | No |
| WorldFirst | Businesses in supported regions; US via affiliate | £0 | No |
| Payset | EU, UK and other companies; €960 to apply from outside EU/UK | €100+ | Not for UK companies |
| Rivet | Registered companies, including non-resident-owned | $0 / $200 / $500 | USDC, USDT |

Prices are from each provider's page, read in November 2026.

## What you will be asked for

For a US LLC: articles of organisation, the EIN letter, an operating agreement, ID and proof of address for every owner above the provider's threshold, and a short description of what the company sells and to whom. For a UK Ltd: the certificate of incorporation, the register of people with significant control and owner ID. Our [KYB documents checklist](/blog/kyb-documents-to-open-a-business-account) covers each.

Applications fail most often on unclear business descriptions, a website that does not match the application, and owners missing from the ownership chart. See [why business accounts get closed](/blog/why-business-accounts-get-closed).

## How Rivet handles non-resident founders

Rivet opens accounts for registered companies and checks owners wherever they live. Starter is free and gives USD account details in the company's name, so US clients and platforms pay it by ACH or wire. Growth adds EUR and GBP details. USDC and USDT are included on every plan. Payouts reach 120+ countries, including to the founder's own account at home.

If your company is registered in a country with capital controls, local rules decide what it may hold abroad. Rivet is for your foreign-registered company, such as a US LLC. Our guides to [US accounts for non-residents](/blog/us-llc-non-resident-business-bank-account) and [paying yourself from a US LLC](/blog/pay-yourself-from-us-llc-non-resident) go further. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold client funds.

## Questions

### Can a non-resident open a US business bank account?

Many US banks require an in-person visit or US residency. Online providers open accounts for US companies owned by non-residents, typically with an EIN, formation documents, an operating agreement and owner ID. Approval depends on the owner's country and the business.

### Do I need an SSN or ITIN?

A US LLC needs an EIN, not the owner's SSN. Some providers ask for an ITIN or SSN for certain products. Our guide to ITIN vs EIN explains the difference.

### Which countries are excluded?

Every provider has a list of countries it cannot serve because of sanctions and its own risk policy. Check before you form a company, not after.