Opening a US business bank account without an SSN
Non-resident founders are told they need an SSN to bank in the US. For a company account, that is usually wrong. Here is what providers really ask for.
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"Open us bank account without ssn" is one of the most common searches from founders outside the US. Many have been told by a bank, a forum or a formation service that an SSN is required. For a company account, it usually is not.
What a US business account actually requires
A business account belongs to the company. The bank identifies the company by its Employer Identification Number (EIN) and its formation documents. Then, under FinCEN's customer due diligence rule, it identifies the people behind the company:
- every beneficial owner with 25% or more of the company
- one person with significant control, such as the CEO or managing member
For a US person, the identifying number is an SSN. For a non-US person, US rules allow other identification, such as a passport number and country of issuance. That is why founders without SSNs open business accounts every day.
What to provide instead of an SSN
| Requirement | Non-US owner provides |
|---|---|
| Identity | Passport, valid, all pages the provider asks for |
| Residential address | Utility bill or bank statement, recent |
| Company identity | Articles of organization or incorporation, operating agreement |
| Company tax number | EIN confirmation letter (CP 575 or 147C) |
| What the business does | Website, contracts, invoices |
The KYB documents guide explains each one.
Where the SSN question really comes up: the EIN
The IRS online EIN application needs the responsible party's SSN or ITIN. Without either, you apply with Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or, if you have no legal residence, office or place of business in the US, by phone to the IRS international line. The US LLC guide walks through it.
Do you need an ITIN?
An ITIN is a tax processing number for people who need a US taxpayer number and cannot get an SSN. You might need one to file certain US tax returns or claim treaty benefits. You do not normally need one to open a business account. Some traditional banks ask for it anyway; most online providers do not.
Traditional bank or online provider?
| Traditional US bank | Online business account | |
|---|---|---|
| SSN or ITIN | Sometimes required of signers | Usually not; passport accepted |
| Branch visit | Often required | No |
| Countries accepted | Varies, often narrow | Each has a published or stated list |
| Timeline | Depends on the visit | Days, with a complete file |
On Rivet
Rivet opens accounts for US LLCs and corporations whose owners live outside the US, in the countries we support. Owners verify remotely with a passport and proof of address; no SSN or ITIN is needed. USD details in the company's name come with the free Starter plan, and a complete file gets a verdict in three business days. See Bank accounts and Services.
Questions people ask
Can I open a US bank account without an SSN?
For a business account, usually yes. The account belongs to the company, which is identified by its EIN. Owners who are not US persons are identified by passport, plus proof of address. Some banks require an SSN or ITIN from signers anyway, so ask before you apply.
Can I open a US bank account online as a non-resident?
For a company, yes, with providers that verify owners remotely and accept your country. Personal accounts for non-residents are harder: most US banks require a visit or US residence. A business account for your US LLC is the more common route for founders abroad.
Do I need an ITIN to open a business account?
Not usually. An ITIN is issued to people who need a US taxpayer number for tax filings and are not eligible for an SSN. Most online business account providers accept a passport for foreign owners. Get an ITIN if you need one for taxes, not for the bank.
Can I open a US bank account with a foreign passport?
Yes, for a company you own. US banking rules allow a passport as identification for non-US persons. The provider will also want proof of residential address, and for the company, its formation documents and EIN letter.
Sources
Rashidatou writes Rivet's guides to how money moves between countries: the payment rails, what each one costs, and the account details a company needs to get paid in another currency. Every figure in Rashidatou's articles is traced to the scheme rulebook, the regulator or the provider's published price list, and those sources are listed at the end.
More from Rashidatou K. →This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and fees change; check the sources above and the provider’s current terms before you act on them.
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