How to open a US business bank account from Singapore (2026)

Key takeaways:

• Opening a US business bank account from Singapore is possible, but the process depends on which route you take: traditional US bank, online neobank, or a multi-currency platform like Airwallex.

• The traditional route requires you to form a US LLC and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS before any bank will accept your application.

• Airwallex lets Singapore-registered businesses open a USD account without forming a US LLC, with no Social Security Number required and no in-person visit.

If you want to open a US business bank account from Singapore, you have more options in 2026 than most guides suggest.

This guide covers three paths to get there: the traditional US bank route, online neobanks like Mercury and Relay that let you open a US account remotely once you have a US LLC, and Airwallex, which gives you a USD account without needing a US company at all.

If you don't need a US business bank account or US local account details, and simply want to hold and manage USD in Singapore, see our guide to the best USD accounts in Singapore.

3 ways to open a US business bank account from Singapore

Here’s a quick overview of the different routes you can take to open a US business bank account from Singapore:

This information is based on publicly available information accessed on 30 July 2026. Information reflects Airwallex's own research and has not been independently verified.

Method 1: Open an account with a traditional US bank

Traditional US banks such as Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo offer business checking accounts with access to credit, lending, and full banking services. The trade-off is that they require you to do significant groundwork first.

To open an account this way, you need to register a US company (typically a limited liability company, or LLC), obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, and visit a US branch in person to verify your identity and submit your documents.

This is the most involved path, but it gives you the deepest access to the US banking system.

Best for: Businesses that plan to operate substantially in the US, need access to US credit or loans, or have specific reasons to bank with a major US institution.

Method 2: Open a US account with an online neobank

US neobanks like Mercury and Relay offer business checking accounts that can be opened entirely online. They accept applications from Singapore-based founders, as long as your business is registered as a US LLC and you have an EIN.

This is the most practical route for Singapore businesses that want a real US bank account (with US routing number and ACH access) without travelling. Approval typically takes 24–48 hours once documents are submitted.

Best for: Businesses that have already formed, or plan to form, a US LLC and want a fast, fully remote account opening process.

Method 3: Open a USD account with Airwallex

Airwallex lets Singapore-registered businesses access USD local account details, including a US routing number and account number, without setting up a US LLC, applying for an EIN, or opening a bank account in the US.

To get started, you'll apply online for an Airwallex Business Account using your Singapore business documents. Once your account has been approved (typically within a few business days), you can create a USD Global Account from your Airwallex dashboard, which is usually available instantly².

Although this isn't a traditional US bank account, it functions much the same for most Singapore businesses. You can receive USD from US customers using local US bank details, hold USD without immediately converting it, and pay US suppliers directly.

Best for: Singapore businesses that need to transact in USD quickly, without the time and cost of setting up a US entity.

How to open a US business bank account as a non-resident

If you choose the traditional banking route, you'll need to complete several steps before a US bank will accept your application. This includes setting up a US business entity, obtaining an EIN, and preparing the required documentation.

Step 1: Register a US LLC and choose your state

A limited liability company (LLC) is a US business structure that protects its owners from personal liability. You do not need to be a US citizen or resident to form one.

As a non-resident, you can register an LLC in any US state. Each state has different fees, annual costs, and requirements.

Delaware and Wyoming are the most popular choices for foreign founders: Delaware for its business-friendly legal environment, Wyoming for its low fees and privacy protections. Choose based on where your business will operate and what your accountant recommends.

To register, you will need to:

• Choose a state and pay the state filing fee

• Appoint a registered agent: a US-based person or service that receives official correspondence on behalf of your LLC

• File your Articles of Organisation (or equivalent) with the state

• Obtain any permits required by the state

Step 2: Obtain your EIN from the IRS

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit¹ number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is your LLC's tax identification number, and no US bank will open a business account without one.

If your principal place of business is outside the US, you can apply for an EIN by phone at +1 267-941-1099 (Monday to Friday), or by faxing Form SS-4 to the IRS. You do not need an SSN or ITIN to obtain an EIN for your LLC.

Read our guide on how to get an EIN from outside the United States for the full process.

Step 3: Choose your bank

Not all US banks accept applications from non-residents, and requirements vary significantly by branch. When comparing options, look at:

• Whether the bank accepts non-resident applicants

• Fee structures, including monthly fees and minimum balance requirements

• Availability of international wire transfers at reasonable rates

• Whether an in-person visit is required, and at which locations

Step 4: Prepare your documents

Requirements vary by bank, but you will typically need:

• Your LLC's EIN

• Valid government-issued photo ID (passport) for all owners with 25%¹ or more ownership

• Your LLC's formation documents — this may be called Articles of Organisation, Certificate of Organisation, or Certificate of Formation, depending on the state

• Details of your business operations, including date of establishment and state of formation

Physical presence requirement

Most traditional US banks require non-residents to visit a branch in person to verify identity and submit documents. If you can't travel to the US, you'll likely need to consider an alternative such as a US neobank or Airwallex.

SSN requirement

If you apply at a traditional bank, some branches will ask for a Social Security Number (SSN) in addition to your EIN. Only US citizens, permanent residents, and those with US work authorisation can obtain an SSN.

If you do not have one, you may be able to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) using Form W-7 from the IRS. Note that neobanks like Mercury and Relay do not require an SSN or ITIN — your EIN is sufficient.

How to open a US business bank account remotely

If you want a US business bank account but don't want to travel to the United States, an online US neobank is usually the easiest option.

Providers such as Mercury and Relay let you complete the application entirely online, but you'll still need to establish a US business before you can apply.

Step 1: Register a US LLC

Like traditional US banks, Mercury and Relay require applicants to have a US-registered business, typically an LLC. You'll also need a registered agent and a US business address as part of the incorporation process.

Step 2: Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Once your LLC has been formed, apply for an EIN from the IRS. This acts as your business tax identification number and is required before you can open an account with most US neobanks.

Step 3: Submit your application online

After your LLC and EIN are ready, you can apply online by providing your business information, identification documents, and details about your business activities. Unlike traditional banks, there's no need to visit a branch in person.

Many applications are reviewed within one to two business days, although more complex businesses or compliance checks may take longer.

What you'll need

Requirements vary slightly between providers, but you'll typically be asked for:

• Your LLC formation documents

• Your EIN confirmation letter

• A valid passport or government-issued ID

• Information about your business activities

• Details of all beneficial owners

Alternative: Get US bank details without opening a US bank account

If your goal is simply to receive USD from US customers, pay US suppliers, or hold US dollars, you may not need a US business bank account at all.

Airwallex gives Singapore-registered businesses access to USD local account details, including a US routing number and account number, without setting up a US LLC, applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), or visiting a bank branch in the US.

How it works

• Apply for an Airwallex Business Account using your Singapore business documents.

• Complete the verification process, which typically takes up to a few business days.

• Create a USD Global Account from your Airwallex dashboard. In most cases, your USD local account details are available instantly.

You can then receive USD using local US bank details, hold USD without converting it immediately, and pay US suppliers directly from the same platform.

When to choose Airwallex

Airwallex is a good fit if you:

• Want to receive USD without incorporating a business in the US.

• Need local US bank details for customers or marketplaces.

• Want to avoid the time and cost of obtaining a US LLC and EIN.

• Also need to manage international payments, foreign exchange, or business expenses from one platform.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can I open a US business bank account from Singapore without travelling to the US?

Yes. Online neobanks like Mercury and Relay offer fully remote account opening for Singapore-based founders with a US LLC and EIN, with no branch visit required. Airwallex also lets Singapore-registered businesses open a USD account entirely online, and does not require a US LLC at all.

Do I need a US LLC to open a US business bank account?

For traditional US banks and most neobanks (including Mercury and Relay), yes, a US-registered LLC or corporation is required. Airwallex is an exception: Singapore-registered businesses can open a USD account directly, without forming a US entity.

Do I need an SSN or ITIN to open a US business bank account?

No, not if you use a neobank. Mercury and Relay both accept your EIN as the only tax identification number required for a business account. Some traditional US bank branches may still ask for an SSN, in which case you could apply for an ITIN using Form W-7 from the IRS. But for fully remote applications, an EIN alone is sufficient.

Can Singapore companies use Mercury?

Yes. Mercury accepts applications from Singapore-based founders, as long as your business is registered as a US LLC and has existing or planned US operations. Singapore is not on Mercury's prohibited-countries list. You will need your LLC formation documents, EIN, and a passport.

What is the difference between a US bank account and a USD account?

A US bank account is held at a US financial institution, uses a US routing number, and typically requires a US-registered entity to open. A USD account (offered by providers like Airwallex) lets you hold, send, and receive US dollars from a Singapore-registered business, without a US entity. For most Singapore SMEs that need to transact in USD, a USD account is faster to open and sufficient for day-to-day needs.

Can a Singapore company have a US bank account?

Yes, if the company has also registered a US LLC and obtained an EIN. Without a US entity, Singapore companies cannot open accounts at traditional US banks or most neobanks. The exception is Airwallex, which allows Singapore-registered businesses to hold and transact in USD directly.

Sources:

1. https://support.mercury.com/hc/en-us/articles/28771494745364-What-happens-after-I-submit-my-Mercury-business-account-application

2. https://help.airwallex.com/hc/en-gb/articles/900001756146-How-to-Create-a-Global-Account-for-Multiple-Currencies