One of the most common reasons US business bank account applications from non-resident founders are delayed or rejected is simple: incomplete documentation. Banking platforms like Mercury, Relay, and Wise Business have clear and consistent requirements, but founders who apply without everything prepared find themselves in back-and-forth exchanges with compliance teams that can stretch the process from a few days into several weeks.
This checklist covers every document and piece of information you should have ready before you begin any US business bank account application as a non-resident LLC owner. Prepare these in advance and your application will be as smooth as possible.
Category 1: Business Entity Documents
These documents prove that your US LLC is a legally registered entity in good standing with the relevant state authorities.
Articles of Organization (or Certificate of Formation): This is the primary formation document filed with your state's Secretary of State when your LLC was created. It shows the LLC's legal name, the state of formation, the registered agent's name and address, and the date of formation. You received this document (or a certified copy of it) when your LLC was formed. Keep a PDF copy ready for upload.
Operating Agreement: An operating agreement is the internal document that governs how your LLC is managed — who owns it, what percentage, how decisions are made, and how profits are distributed. Not all states require an operating agreement to be filed publicly, but banks routinely ask for it as part of their KYC process. If your LLC was formed without an operating agreement, this is worth rectifying before applying to any bank. A simple single-member operating agreement is sufficient for most non-resident LLCs.
Certificate of Good Standing (sometimes required): A Certificate of Good Standing (also called a Certificate of Existence in some states) is a document issued by the Secretary of State confirming that your LLC is registered, compliant with state filing requirements, and in active status. Not every bank requires this document at the application stage, but having it ready is advisable, particularly for Mercury and traditional bank applications. You can obtain this from your state's Secretary of State website, typically for a small fee.
Category 2: Tax Identification
EIN Confirmation Letter (IRS Form CP 575): This is the official letter issued by the IRS confirming your company's Employer Identification Number. It is the single most important document in the banking application process — banks use the EIN to verify your business against IRS records and to meet their federal tax reporting obligations. If you applied for your EIN by fax, the CP 575 letter arrives by post or fax within a few weeks of approval. Keep the original and a clear PDF scan.
EIN Assignment Letter (147C Letter — if CP 575 is lost): If you have misplaced your original CP 575, you can request a 147C letter from the IRS by calling the Business and Specialty Tax Line. This letter serves the same function as the CP 575 for banking purposes. Banks accept either document as EIN confirmation.
Category 3: Beneficial Owner Identification
These documents verify the identity of the individual or individuals who own or control the LLC. Under US banking regulations, any individual who owns 25% or more of the business must be identified and verified.
Government-issued photo ID: For non-residents, this is almost always a valid passport. Some banks also accept national identity cards from EU member states. The ID must be current and not expired. Banks will ask you to upload a clear, high-resolution scan or photograph — ensure all four corners of the document are visible and no information is obscured.
Proof of personal address: Most banking platforms require proof of your residential address outside the US. Acceptable documents typically include a recent utility bill, bank statement, or government-issued document showing your name and home address. This document should be dated within the last three months. A UK or European driving licence showing your current address may also be accepted.
Date of birth and social security or national ID number: Banks collect this information as part of their Know Your Customer requirements. As a non-resident, you will provide your national ID number or passport number rather than a US Social Security Number. Some platforms also collect a taxpayer identification number from your home country.
Category 4: Business Information
Beyond documents, banking platforms collect structured information about your business during the application. Having this prepared in advance speeds up the process considerably.
Business description: A clear, one-to-three sentence description of what your business does, how it generates revenue, and who its customers are. Be specific — "software as a service platform for marketing agencies" is better than "technology company." Vague descriptions frequently trigger additional compliance review.
Expected monthly transaction volumes: Most platforms ask for an estimate of your expected monthly inflows and outflows. Provide realistic estimates based on your current or projected revenue. Significantly understating volumes can cause friction later when actual volumes exceed your stated estimates.
Business website or online presence: A functioning website, LinkedIn page, or other verifiable online presence that demonstrates your business is legitimate and operational. If your site is not yet live, a landing page or professional social media profile is usually sufficient at the application stage.
Nature of customers and transaction types: Some platforms ask whether your customers are individuals or businesses, and whether your transactions are primarily domestic (US) or international. Accurate answers here help compliance teams process your application without unnecessary escalation.
Category 5: Additional Documents Sometimes Requested
The following are not always required at the initial application stage but are commonly requested during a compliance review. Having them prepared avoids delays if they are needed.
- Registered agent confirmation: A letter or document confirming your registered agent's name and address in the formation state
- Sole member confirmation: For single-member LLCs, some banks request a signed statement confirming you are the sole member
- Business plan or pitch deck: Occasionally requested for new businesses with no transaction history, particularly at Mercury
- Invoice samples or client contracts: May be requested to verify the nature of your business activities
Get Your Documents in Order Before You Apply
We provide UK and European founders with all the formation documents, EIN confirmation, and operating agreements needed to support a successful US banking application. Our Enrolled Agent Richard Williams handles EIN applications directly, ensuring your IRS paperwork is accurate and ready before you approach any banking platform.
Banking Documents Checklist PDF