Madeline EvaIntroduction
Starting an online business in the United States is one of the smartest moves a non-US entrepreneur can make today. With Shopify, Amazon, Stripe, and PayPal leading the global e-commerce ecosystem, the U.S. market is a gold mine. But to tap into it, you need a U.S. bank account.
The problem?
Most traditional banks reject foreign founders because they don’t have a Social Security Number or a physical U.S. address.
The good news—there are banking options that accept non-US entrepreneurs, even if you’re not physically in the United States and even if you don’t have SSN.
In this article, we’ll cover 10 of the best banking options for non-US entrepreneurs to start U.S. e-commerce, how to open them, documents required, and which one fits your business model best.
Why Banking Matters for Non-US Entrepreneurs
Challenges of Banking as a Non-US Founder
Most foreign founders get stuck on banking because:
- They don’t have SSN
- They don’t have a U.S. address
- Traditional banks require in-person visits
Without a bank, you cannot activate key payment platforms like Stripe, Shopify Payments, PayPal, or Amazon Seller payouts.
Benefits of Accessing U.S. Banking for E-commerce
Having a business bank account unlocks:
✅ Stripe / PayPal / Shopify gateway approval
✅ Access to U.S. customers
✅ Ability to scale and reinvest profits
✅ Trust from suppliers and partners
For guides on starting a U.S. business step-by-step, check
👉 https://globallyfy.com/getting-started
What to Look for When Choosing a Banking Option
Compliance & Legal Requirements
Banks will ask for your:
- LLC documents
- EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Passport or government-issued ID
If you still need these set up, you can form your U.S. company in one place using:
👉 https://globallyfy.com/legal-financial-setup
Payment Gateway Compatibility
Your banking option must work seamlessly with:
- Stripe (https://globallyfy.com/tag/stripe)
- PayPal (https://globallyfy.com/tag/paypal)
- Shopify (https://globallyfy.com/tag/shopify-setup)
Multi-currency Support & Global Transfers
Banks that support USD + multi-currency give flexibility to operate in global markets.
Top 10 Banking Options for Non-US Entrepreneurs
1. Mercury Bank – The Most Popular Startup Banking (Focus Keyword)
Mercury is currently the #1 banking option for non-US entrepreneurs to start U.S. e-commerce because they do not require:
- SSN
- U.S. residency
- U.S. phone number
✅ Works with Stripe, PayPal, Shopify
✅ Fully online onboarding
✅ No monthly fees
Who it’s best for:
E-commerce founders, dropshippers, SaaS startups.
2. Relay Financial – Banking Built for Scaling
Relay offers:
- Multiple sub-accounts (perfect for budgeting using Profit First)
- Built-in payment approvals
- Integration with QuickBooks and Xero
Automation & integrations:
Relay connects with platforms tagged under automation https://globallyfy.com/tag/automation
3. Wise Business – Low-Fee International Banking
Wise is not a traditional U.S. bank but provides USD account details.
✅ Excellent for cross-border transfers
✅ Multi-currency balances
Works well for international founders https://globallyfy.com/tag/international-founders
4. Payoneer – Great for E-commerce Sellers (Amazon + Walmart)
Payoneer integrates with:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Upwork
- eBay
Perfect for non-US sellers https://globallyfy.com/tag/non-us-sellers
5. Brex – Corporate Banking for Startup Growth
Brex provides:
- Rewards
- Expense automation
- Credit limits based on revenue, not personal credit score
Relevant for growth-focused founders https://globallyfy.com/tag/growth
6. Chase Business Account – Traditional Bank Option
Chase requires some documentation but offers:
- Physical branches
- Business credit options
Many global business owners still choose Chase https://globallyfy.com/tag/global-business
7. Bank of America – Preferred by Foreign Entrepreneurs
The bank commonly works with foreign entrepreneurs https://globallyfy.com/tag/foreign-entrepreneurs
Pros:
- Large banking network
- Accepts EIN + LLC docs
8. U.S. Bank – Remote-Friendly Onboarding
Some regions allow video verification.
Documentation needed:
- Passport
- U.S. LLC Certificate
9. Novo – Simplified Banking for E-commerce
Novo integrates with Shopify, Stripe, Amazon, and Etsy.
Perfect for e-commerce setup https://globallyfy.com/tag/e-commerce-setup
10. BlueVine – Banking With Credit Line Options
BlueVine is amazing for businesses that may need credit lines later.
How to Open a Bank Account Without Being in the U.S.
Business Formation
Form a U.S. LLC and obtain an EIN.
👉 https://globallyfy.com/platform-tech-setup
EIN and Documentation
Required documents include:
- LLC Certificate
- EIN letter (IRS)
Use a One-Stop Platform
Use Globallyfy to setup LLC + EIN + banking + Stripe:
Best Banking Option Based on Entrepreneur Profile
For Dropshippers
Use Mercury + Shopify
https://globallyfy.com/tag/e-commerce-store
For Digital or SaaS creators
Use Wise or Brex
For scaling brands
Relay or BlueVine
Common Mistakes Non-US Entrepreneurs Make
Not choosing the right legal structure
Not choosing a compatible banking option
Affects payment gateways https://globallyfy.com/tag/payment-gateways
Conclusion
Choosing the right banking solution is the foundation of starting your U.S. e-commerce business. As a non-US entrepreneur, the right bank will unlock access to Stripe, PayPal, Shopify, and the entire U.S. payment ecosystem. Whether you’re a beginner or scaling a global brand, there’s a banking option tailored to your needs.
To make the process even easier, platforms like Globallyfy allow you to form your LLC, get EIN, set up banking, and access payment gateways without being in the U.S.
Start here:
👉 https://globallyfy.com/success-stories
FAQ (7 Unique Questions)
1. Can I open a U.S. bank account without visiting the United States?
Yes — using online banks like Mercury, Wise, or Payoneer.
2. Do I need SSN to open a U.S. business bank account?
No, you only need LLC + EIN.
3. Can I open Mercury without a U.S. address?
Yes.
4. Which banks work best with Shopify and Stripe?
Mercury, Relay, Novo.
5. How long does it take to open a U.S. bank account remotely?
24 hours to 14 business days.
6. Can I connect PayPal to a non-US bank?
Not for U.S. business accounts.
7. What’s the best all-in-one setup solution?
Globallyfy.