Starting a U.S. LLC Without a Physical Address: How Do You Open a Business Bank Accou

[Justin Van Veen]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently in the process of forming a U.S. LLC as a non-resident, and I've run into one of the more confusing parts of the journey: opening a U.S. business bank account without a physical address in the U.S.

There are a lot of services out there—like Mercury and Wise—that seem to make banking accessible for international founders. However, I’ve also come across a few stories online warning that some lenders and payment processors don’t like working with these accounts, which gives me pause. Since part of my long-term plan involves potential financing, this is a key consideration.

I’m hoping to hear from those of you who have done this successfully. Specifically:

• What was your process for registering an LLC without a U.S. address?

• Were you able to open a business bank account without visiting the U.S.?(Not a problem if needed)

• Which banking options worked best for you—and did you face any issues with funding, payments, or integrations later on?

• If you used Mercury, Wise, or similar platforms, have you had any trouble working with lenders?

Any advice, tips, or real-world experiences would be incredibly helpful. I know a lot of other entrepreneurs face this same challenge, and your insights could make a big difference.

Thanks so much for reading—and thank you in advance for your time and help!

Warm regards,

Justin van Veen