Opening a business bank account is a crucial step for any company registered in the United States (LLC or Corporation), regardless of whether it plans to operate in the U.S. market, globally, or with clients in Europe. Without an active corporate account, it is impossible to make international payments, receive payments via Stripe or PayPal, maintain proper accounting, or comply with tax regulations.
Contrary to a common myth, it is possible to open a business account for a U.S. company not only in the United States but also in financial institutions within the European Union, the United Kingdom, or through international fintech platforms. This approach is particularly relevant for non-U.S. residents, IT businesses, startups, e-commerce companies, and entrepreneurs working with clients worldwide.
Campio Group assists owners of companies registered in the U.S. with opening business accounts both in American banks and European financial institutions.
Options for Opening a Business Bank Account for a U.S. Company
A company registered in the United States has three main options for opening a business bank account:
- USA Bank
This is the traditional choice for American companies operating in the U.S. market or with U.S.-based clients. However, U.S. banks (e.g., Bank of America) typically require in-person visits for non-residents and demand a clear business presence (“substance”) within the U.S. - European Banks and Fintech Platforms
An excellent option for companies engaged in international operations. European banks (including those in Cyprus) and fintech platforms like Revolut or Mercury offer multi-currency accounts (USD, EUR, GBP) and EU IBAN access, often without requiring physical presence or EU residency.
- Payment Platforms
These are flexible solutions ideal for IT companies, startups, and e-commerce businesses. Accounts with services like Payoneer, Emerald24, or Wallester enable businesses to receive online payments and integrate seamlessly with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and Upwork.
Each option has its own advantages and requirements. We help you choose the best solution for your business model, taking into account the jurisdiction, company structure, and tax residency of the owners.
Key Reasons to Open a Business Bank Account for a U.S. Company
- Legally receive and transfer funds: A business bank account enables a company to receive payments from clients, partners, or marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, Etsy) and to make international transfers in compliance with U.S. financial regulations.
- Access to payment systems and platforms: Services like Stripe, PayPal, Wise, Payoneer, Shopify Payments, and Square require an active business bank account for integration and functionality.
- USA tax compliance: Company financial reporting is based on transactions made through its business account. To file tax returns with the IRS — including forms 5472, 1120, and K-1 — bank statements are essential.
- Separation of personal and corporate finances: A corporate bank account ensures a clear distinction between the owner’s personal funds and company assets, which is critical for tax transparency and legal protection.
- Company credit history and financial reputation: A bank account is the first step toward building a business credit profile in the U.S., enabling access to loans, venture capital, leasing, and participation in B2B platforms.
- Trust from partners and clients: A company with a bank account in the U.S. or a European jurisdiction is automatically seen as more credible by partners, investors, and service providers.
Key Considerations When Opening a Business Bank Account for a U.S. Company
- EU banks are more likely to approve accounts for U.S. companies if there is a European resident director or at least European counterparties in the structure. This demonstrates ties to the jurisdiction and reduces compliance risks.
- Fintech platforms primarily assess business transparency and digital presence. A company website, custom domain, Google/LinkedIn presence, client contracts, or correspondence are often decisive factors in the approval process.
- A positive indicator for banks is existing turnover through PayPal, Stripe, Amazon, or other major payment processors. This demonstrates real business activity and lowers financial monitoring concerns.
- It is generally easier to open an account in the EU if the company operates in IT, SaaS, or e-commerce. Banks favor scalable, transparent models over those dealing in physical goods or high-risk transactions.
- Compliance teams closely review ownership structure. If there are multiple beneficiaries, it is crucial to prepare clear supporting documents and a resolution authorizing the account opening.
- Banks typically do not approve accounts for U.S. companies involved in high-risk industries such as crypto, gambling, or forex. In such cases, it is best to look for specialized platforms from the outset.
- Some banks or fintechs may require proof of the owner’s tax residency (e.g., W-8BEN or W-9 forms). It’s advisable to have these documents ready in advance, especially if U.S. transactions are expected.
- Ideally, companies should have both a bank account and a payment platform account. A bank account is suited for large transactions and long-term contracts, while a payment platform offers fast online payments and flexible currency management — providing optimal convenience and efficiency.
- The more complete and professional the application package, the faster the approval. Submitting a business overview, turnover forecast, website, product links or marketplace accounts, client recommendations, and previous bank statements significantly boosts the chances of success.
Assistance with Opening a Bank Account for a U.S. Company
Successful account opening depends not only on the chosen jurisdiction, but also on how your business is presented to the bank or payment platform. Proper documentation, clear business justification, and alignment with a financial institution’s expectations are often the most important success factors.
Thanks to our extensive experience, we successfully support even the most complex cases of bank account openings for U.S. companies — both in the United States and Europe.
We provide:
- Individual analysis of your situation and selection of the most suitable financial solution (U.S. bank, fintech option, or EU-based account);
- Full preparation of the required documentation package, including obtaining an EIN;
- Application submission and full support at every stage — up to account activation;
- Consulting on tax status, Stripe and Amazon integration, and marketplace compatibility;
- Ongoing support — including changes to company structure, compliance updates, user access management, and more.
Submit a request using the form below or contact our consultants — and we’ll help you choose the best solution for your business.
