US LLC banking for nonresidents: Mercury and Wise Business

US business account options for non-resident LLC owners

When people search for “US LLC banking for nonresidents”, they usually mean access to a US business account — not a traditional bank branch.

Important: Mercury and Wise Business are fintech platforms, not banks. They provide access to business account features through partner banks / banking infrastructure, which affects eligibility, limitations, and risk.

This guide explains how Mercury and Wise work for nonresident US LLC owners, what their limitations are, and when each option makes sense.

Use the sections below to understand your business account options

Can nonresidents open a US business bank account?

Yes — non-residents can open a US business bank account, but the process is more limited and selective than for US residents.

Most traditional US banks require a Social Security Number (SSN), US residency, or in-person verification, which makes approval difficult for foreign founders. However, a small number of fintech banks and financial institutions support US LLCs owned by non-residents, even when the owner lives outside the United States.

Approval typically depends on factors such as your LLC structure, country of residence, business activity, and the documents you can provide. This is why many non-resident founders consider alternatives like Mercury Financial or Wise Business, each with its own requirements and limitations.

Why US banks usually reject non-US founders

US banks are highly regulated institutions, and their onboarding rules are designed primarily for US residents and domestic businesses. As a result, non-US founders often face rejection even when they operate a legally registered US LLC.

The most common reason is regulatory risk. US banks must comply with strict Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. Verifying a customer who lives outside the United States — without a US address, SSN, or in-person presence — significantly increases compliance complexity for traditional banks.

Another major factor is identity and tax verification. Many banks rely on US-based identifiers such as a Social Security Number (SSN) or, in some cases, an ITIN. When these are missing, banks may not be able to complete their standard verification process, regardless of the legitimacy of the business.

Finally, operational limitations play a role. Traditional banks are not structured to support internationally managed companies at scale. Handling foreign ownership, overseas directors, and cross-border activity often falls outside their standard risk models.

Because of these constraints, rejection is usually not personal — or a reflection of the business itself — but a result of how US banks manage regulatory exposure. This is why many non-US founders turn to fintech platforms specifically designed to support international LLC owners, such as Mercury Financial or Wise Business, each with different acceptance criteria.

What “nonresident” actually means for banks

In a banking context, the term “nonresident” does not simply mean someone who lives outside the United States. For banks, it refers to how easily a customer can be verified, monitored, and held accountable under US regulations.

From a bank’s perspective, a nonresident is typically a business owner who:

This distinction matters because banks assess risk based on jurisdiction, documentation, and accessibility. A US LLC can be fully legal and compliant, yet still be considered higher risk if its owner is based abroad and managed remotely.

Importantly, banks do not evaluate residency based on citizenship alone. A foreign national living in the US with proper documentation may be treated differently than a US citizen living permanently overseas. What matters most is where the founder resides, how the business is operated, and how easily the bank can perform ongoing compliance checks.

This is why nonresident founders often encounter inconsistent outcomes. One institution may reject an application outright, while another — usually a fintech platform — may approve it based on a different risk and verification model.

Understanding how banks interpret “nonresident” helps explain why solutions like Mercury Financial and Wise Business exist, and why they apply different eligibility criteria than traditional US banks.

Common requirements (SSN, ITIN, US address)

When reviewing an application from a non-resident founder, US banks typically focus on a small set of core requirements that help them verify identity, tax status, and operational presence.

Social Security Number (SSN) is the most common requirement for traditional US banks. It allows banks to verify identity through domestic systems and link the account holder to US tax records. For non-resident founders, the absence of an SSN is often the primary reason an application is declined.

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) may be accepted by some institutions as an alternative, but availability varies. Not all banks support ITIN-based onboarding, and approval often depends on additional documentation and the bank’s internal risk policies.

A US address is another frequent requirement. This does not always mean physical residency, but banks typically expect a reliable US-based address for correspondence, compliance, and recordkeeping. Without it, ongoing monitoring and communication become more complex from a regulatory standpoint.

These requirements are not designed to exclude legitimate businesses. Rather, they reflect how traditional banks manage compliance and reduce regulatory exposure. This is why fintech platforms and international-first providers may apply different criteria, offering more flexibility for non-resident US LLC owners — while still operating within regulatory boundaries.

Mercury Financial: Eligibility and limitations for LLCs

Mercury Financial is one of the most popular banking options for US startups and online businesses, but eligibility for nonresident LLC owners depends on several important factors.Mercury is designed primarily for US-based, venture-backed, or tech-enabled businesses, and its onboarding process reflects that focus. While Mercury does accept some nonresident founders, approval is not guaranteed and is handled on a case-by-case basis.

For nonresident LLC owners, Mercury typically evaluates:

Unlike traditional banks, Mercury does not always require an SSN, but identity verification and business legitimacy still play a central role. Even fully compliant US LLCs may be rejected if the risk profile does not align with Mercury’s internal criteria.

There are also practical limitations to consider. Mercury is best suited for digital-first businesses with clear operations, such as SaaS, software development, or online services. Certain industries, transaction types, or geographic risk factors may lead to rejection without detailed explanation.

For nonresident founders, Mercury can be an excellent option when approved, but it should not be viewed as a universal solution. This is why many founders compare it directly with alternatives like Wise Business, especially when flexibility and international access are priorities.

Who Mercury Financial is designed for

Mercury Financial is primarily designed for US-based startups and digital-first businesses that operate with clear structures and predictable transaction patterns.

Mercury works best for companies that:

are registered as US entities, – operate online or in technology-driven industries,
operate online or in technology-driven industries,
have transparent ownership and management structures,
and conduct most of their business digitally rather than in cash or high-risk sectors.

The platform is especially well suited for startups, SaaS companies, software development teams, and remote-first businesses that need modern banking tools, integrations, and efficient payment workflows.

While Mercury does accept some nonresident founders, its core audience is still businesses that closely resemble US startups in terms of operations and compliance profile. Founders managing their LLC entirely from abroad may be approved, but only when the business model, documentation, and risk factors align with Mercury’s expectations.

In short, Mercury is not designed as a universal solution for all nonresident LLC owners. It is best viewed as a selective option that works very well for the right type of business — and may not be suitable for founders with complex international structures or higher compliance risk.

Can nonresidents open a Mercury Financial account?

Yes — nonresidents can open a Mercury Financial account, but approval is selective and not guaranteed.

Mercury does not publicly restrict applications based on nationality alone, and some nonresident US LLC owners are successfully approved. However, each application is reviewed individually, and acceptance depends on how closely the business aligns with Mercury’s risk and compliance criteria.

For nonresident founders, approval typically depends on:

Mercury may approve nonresident applications without an SSN, but identity verification and business legitimacy remain central to the decision. Even fully compliant LLCs can be declined if the overall risk profile does not meet internal thresholds.

Because of this, Mercury should be viewed as a possible option, not a guaranteed solution, for nonresident founders. Many applicants choose to apply while also evaluating alternatives such as Wise Business, especially when flexibility or international accessibility is a priority.

Mercury Financial requirements for foreign founders

While Mercury Financial does not publish a fixed checklist for foreign founders, nonresident applicants are typically evaluated based on a consistent set of core requirements.

To apply, foreign founders usually need:

a US-registered LLC or corporation with clear ownership structure,
official formation documents (Articles of Organization / Incorporation),
an EIN issued by the IRS,
valid government-issued identification for all beneficial owners,
and a clear description of the business activity and revenue model.

Unlike many traditional banks, Mercury does not require a Social Security Number (SSN) in all cases. However, identity verification is still strict, and additional documentation may be requested depending on the founder’s country of residence and the nature of the business.

A US address is commonly requested for company records and correspondence, even if the founder lives abroad. This does not necessarily mean physical presence, but the address must be consistent and verifiable.

It is also important to note that meeting these requirements does not guarantee approval. Mercury applies internal risk assessments that take into account geography, industry, transaction patterns, and overall compliance exposure. Applications that fall outside these parameters may be declined without detailed explanation.

For this reason, foreign founders are encouraged to prepare complete documentation in advance and to consider alternative banking options in parallel, especially if international operations or flexibility are critical.

When Mercury works well — and when it doesn’t

Mercury can be an excellent banking solution for nonresident LLC owners — but only in specific situations. Understanding when it works well, and when it doesn’t, can save time and avoid unnecessary rejections.

When Mercury works well
Mercury tends to be a strong fit for nonresident founders when:

the business operates digitally, with minimal cash handling,
revenue comes from clear, traceable sources (such as SaaS, software services, or consulting),
the company structure and ownership are simple and transparent,
and the founder can provide complete, well-organized documentation.

In these cases, Mercury’s modern interface, integrations, and US-based banking infrastructure can make it a very effective solution — even for founders managing their LLC from abroad.

When Mercury may not be the right choice
Mercury is less likely to be suitable when:

the business relies heavily on international or high-risk transactions,
operations involve regulated, restricted, or unclear industries,
ownership or management structures are complex or difficult to verify,
or the founder’s country of residence significantly increases compliance risk.

In these scenarios, applications may be declined despite the business being legally registered and fully compliant. This is not necessarily a reflection of the company itself, but rather how Mercury evaluates risk and regulatory exposure.

Key takeaway
For nonresident LLC owners, Mercury works best as a selective opportunity, not a guaranteed solution. It can be an excellent option when the business profile aligns with Mercury’s expectations — but it is not designed to cover every international use case.

This is why many founders evaluate Wise Business alongside Mercury, especially when flexibility and cross-border accessibility are essential.

Wise Business: How it works for US LLCs

Wise Business is not a traditional US bank. It is a regulated electronic money institution that provides multi-currency business accounts designed for international companies and founders operating across borders.For US LLC owners, Wise Business allows you to:

Wise Business accounts are typically easier to open for nonresident founders because Wise uses a global-first compliance model. Verification is based on company documentation, ownership structure, and the founder’s country of residence, rather than US-specific identifiers like an SSN.

However, it is important to understand the distinction: Wise Business is not a US bank account. While it can function as a practical banking solution for many US LLCs, especially in early stages, it may not be accepted in every situation where a traditional US bank account is required.

For nonresident founders, Wise Business is often used as:

Understanding how Wise Business works helps set realistic expectations and explains why it is frequently compared to Mercury Financial — even though the two serve different underlying roles.

What a Wise Business account actually is

A Wise Business account is not a traditional bank account. It is a business account provided by a regulated electronic money institution (EMI), designed to help companies manage international payments and multi-currency operations.

Wise Business allows US LLC owners to hold, send, and receive money across multiple currencies using local account details in supported regions. This makes it particularly useful for nonresident founders who operate globally and do not have easy access to US banking services.

Unlike US banks, Wise does not operate on a residency-based model. Instead, it focuses on:

Because of this structure, Wise Business is often accessible to nonresident US LLC owners who cannot meet traditional US bank requirements. However, it is important to understand that Wise does not offer all features of a US bank, and some platforms or partners may specifically require a US-based bank account.

In practice, Wise Business functions as a financial operations account rather than a full US banking replacement. For many nonresident founders, it provides a reliable and compliant way to run day-to-day business finances — either as a standalone solution or alongside a US fintech bank when available.

Can Wise Business be used for a US LLC?

Yes — Wise Business can be used for a US LLC, but it does not replace a US bank account in every situation.

Many nonresident US LLC owners successfully use Wise Business to manage their company finances, especially when opening a traditional US bank account is not possible. Wise allows US LLCs to receive and send payments, hold multiple currencies, and operate internationally without US residency.

However, Wise Business functions as a financial account, not a US bank account. While it works well for day-to-day operations, some US platforms, payment processors, or partners may specifically require a US-based bank account and may not accept Wise as a substitute.

In practice, Wise Business is commonly used:

For nonresident LLC owners, Wise Business is a legitimate and compliant option — but it works best when flexibility and international access are more important than having a traditional US banking relationship.

Wise Business availability for non-US residents

Wise Business is designed with international founders in mind and is generally available to non-US residents, including owners of US LLCs who live and operate outside the United States.

Unlike traditional US banks, Wise does not rely on US residency as a primary eligibility factor. Instead, availability depends on:

Most non-US residents can apply for a Wise Business account as long as Wise supports their country and the business structure meets compliance requirements. This makes Wise a widely accessible option for founders who are unable to open a US bank account due to residency or documentation constraints.

That said, availability is not universal. Certain countries or regions may face additional restrictions, enhanced due diligence, or may not be supported at all due to regulatory limitations. Wise may also impose account limitations based on geography, transaction patterns, or business activity.

For non-US residents who are eligible, Wise Business offers a practical and compliant way to operate a US LLC internationally — particularly when flexibility and cross-border access are more important than having a traditional US banking relationship.

Limitations compared to a US bank account

While Wise Business can be a practical solution for nonresident US LLC owners, it is important to understand how it differs from a traditional US bank account — and where its limitations lie.

The most important distinction is that Wise Business is not a US bank. As a result, some US-based platforms, payment processors, or partners may explicitly require a US bank account and may not accept Wise as an alternative. This can affect integrations, onboarding with certain services, or compliance checks.

Wise also does not provide the same level of US domestic banking features. For example, access to certain lending products, credit facilities, or advanced US-only banking services may be limited or unavailable.

Another consideration is account perception. While Wise is a regulated and widely used financial institution, some counterparties may still prefer or expect a traditional US bank relationship, especially for larger transactions or long-term contracts.

That said, these limitations do not make Wise unsuitable — they simply define its role. Wise Business is best viewed as an international financial operations account, not a full replacement for a US bank. For many nonresident founders, it serves as a reliable solution on its own or alongside a US fintech bank when available.

Understanding these limitations helps nonresident LLC owners choose Wise Business for the right reasons — and avoid relying on it in situations where a US bank account is strictly required.

Mercury Financial vs Wise Business: Key differences

Mercury Financial and Wise Business are often compared by nonresident US LLC owners, but they are built for different purposes. Understanding these differences helps clarify which option fits your situation — and why some founders use both.

Account type and structure
Mercury Financial provides access to US-based banking services through partner banks and is designed to function like a modern US business bank account. It is best suited for companies that need US banking infrastructure and integrations.

Wise Business, on the other hand, offers a multi-currency business account through a regulated electronic money institution. It is designed for international operations and cross-border payments rather than traditional US banking.

Eligibility for nonresident founders
Mercury evaluates nonresident applications selectively. Approval depends on business type, country of residence, documentation quality, and overall risk profile. Many nonresident founders are approved — but many are also declined.

Wise Business is generally more accessible to non-US residents. Eligibility is primarily based on country support and verification, rather than US-specific requirements like residency or SSN.

Compliance and verification
Mercury applies US-style banking compliance standards and may require more detailed review, especially for foreign-owned companies. Rejections can occur even when all documents are in order.

Wise uses a global compliance model, which often makes onboarding smoother for international founders, though enhanced checks may apply depending on geography or activity.

Features and use cases
Mercury works best for:

Wise Business works best for:

Key takeaway
Neither option is universally better.
Mercury offers US banking advantages when approved, while Wise Business provides international accessibility and flexibility.

For nonresident US LLC owners, the right choice depends on:

Many founders choose to apply for Mercury while using Wise Business as a fallback or complementary solution.

Account Type (US Bank vs EMI)

The most fundamental difference between Mercury Financial and Wise Business lies in the type of account they provide.

Mercury Financial offers access to a US business bank account through partner banks. This means funds are held within the US banking system and the account functions like a traditional US bank account, with access to domestic banking infrastructure and integrations.

Wise Business, by contrast, is an account provided by a regulated Electronic Money Institution (EMI). Funds are safeguarded rather than deposited in a US bank, and the account is designed for managing international payments and multiple currencies — not for providing full US banking services.

This distinction affects how the account is perceived and used. A US bank account is often required for certain US-based platforms, contracts, or financial services, while an EMI account prioritizes flexibility and cross-border access.

In practical terms:

Understanding this difference helps explain why Mercury and Wise are not direct substitutes — and why the right choice depends on how your US LLC operates.

Eligibility for Serbian residents

For founders based in Serbia, eligibility for Mercury Financial and Wise Business differs significantly due to how each institution evaluates geographic and regulatory risk.

Mercury Financial does not explicitly exclude Serbian residents, but applications from Serbia are reviewed very selectively. Approval depends on factors such as business activity, documentation quality, and overall risk profile. Some Serbian founders are approved, while others may be declined without detailed explanation, even when their US LLC is fully compliant.

Wise Business is generally more accessible to Serbian residents, as Wise operates with a global compliance framework and supports many countries outside the United States. As long as Serbia is supported at the time of application and verification requirements are met, Serbian founders can usually apply for and use a Wise Business account for a US LLC.

It is important to understand that eligibility can change based on regulatory updates, internal policies, or country-specific restrictions. For this reason, Serbian residents are often advised to:

For many founders in Serbia, the practical approach is to apply for Mercury while relying on Wise Business as either a primary or fallback solution, depending on approval outcomes and business needs.

Compliance & verification

Both Mercury Financial and Wise Business apply strict compliance and verification procedures, but they do so under different regulatory frameworks, which directly affects how nonresident founders experience the onboarding process.

Mercury Financial operates within the US banking system and follows US-level Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards. This often results in deeper reviews for foreign-owned LLCs, including additional questions about business activity, ownership structure, and expected transaction patterns. Even complete and legitimate applications may be declined if they fall outside Mercury’s internal risk thresholds.

Wise Business applies a global compliance model designed for international customers. Verification focuses on identity checks, company documentation, and country-specific risk factors rather than US residency or tax identifiers. While this often makes onboarding more accessible for non-US residents, Wise may still apply enhanced due diligence depending on geography, industry, or account activity.

In both cases, compliance decisions are risk-based, not personal. Rejections or additional verification requests usually reflect regulatory obligations rather than the quality or legitimacy of the business itself.

For nonresident US LLC owners, understanding these differences helps set realistic expectations:

Neither approach is inherently better — they simply serve different types of businesses and operating models.

Fees, transfers, integrations

Day-to-day usability often comes down to fees, payment flows, and how well an account integrates with the tools your business already uses.

Mercury Financial is designed for US-based operations and typically offers straightforward domestic transfers and integrations with common US business platforms. It works well for companies that primarily transact in USD and rely on US-focused payment flows and software tools.

Wise Business is built for international usage. It supports multiple currencies and international transfers, making it well suited for cross-border payments and globally distributed teams. Fees are generally structured around currency conversion and international transfers rather than domestic US banking activity.

When it comes to integrations:

The right choice depends on how your US LLC operates:

For many nonresident founders, this leads to a hybrid approach — using Wise for international transfers and Mercury for US-based operations when approved.

Which option fits which use case

The best banking setup for a nonresident US LLC depends on how the business operates, where the founder is based, and what the account needs to support on a day-to-day level.

Mercury Financial is usually the better fit if:

In these cases, Mercury provides the advantages of a US banking relationship and a smoother experience with US-centric tools.

Wise Business is usually the better fit if:

Wise Business offers flexibility and accessibility for globally operated businesses, even when a US bank account is difficult to obtain.

When using both makes sense
Many nonresident founders choose a combined approach:

This setup reduces risk, increases flexibility, and avoids relying on a single provider.

Final takeaway
There is no universally “better” option.
The right choice depends on your location, business model, and operational needs.

For nonresident US LLC owners, the goal is not to pick the most popular platform — but the one that fits how your business actually runs.

Which option makes sense for your US LLC?

There is no single best banking option for every nonresident US LLC. The right choice depends on how your business operates, where you are based, and what the account needs to support.

If having a US bank account is essential — for integrations, partners, or platform requirements — Mercury Financial can be a strong option when approved. It works best for digital-first businesses with clear operations and a profile that aligns with US banking expectations.

If accessibility and international flexibility are the priority, Wise Business often makes more sense. It allows nonresident founders to operate a US LLC reliably from abroad, even when US bank approval is uncertain or unavailable.

For many nonresident founders, the most practical setup is not choosing one over the other, but understanding when each option fits:

The goal is not to pick the most popular platform — but to choose a setup that matches how your US LLC actually runs today, while leaving room to adapt as the business grows.

Solo founder vs team

Whether your US LLC is run by a solo founder or a team can significantly affect which banking option works better in practice.

Solo founder
For solo founders — especially those operating from outside the United States — simplicity and accessibility are usually the top priorities.

Wise Business often works well in this scenario because:

Mercury Financial can still be a good option for solo founders, but approval is more selective. It tends to work best when the business model is clear, digital-first, and closely aligned with US startup norms.

Team or multi-founder setup
For teams or multi-founder US LLCs, structure and scalability become more important.

Mercury Financial is often better suited when:

Wise Business can still be used by teams, particularly for distributed or international setups, but managing permissions, workflows, and expectations may require more planning compared to a US bank-style setup.

Practical takeaway

As with all banking decisions for nonresident US LLCs, the right choice depends less on company size alone — and more on how the business is structured and operated day to day.

SaaS, services, e-commerce

The type of business your US LLC runs plays a major role in determining which banking option is the better fit.

SaaS and software businesses
For SaaS and software-based companies, Mercury Financial is often the preferred option when approved. These businesses typically have:

Mercury’s alignment with US startup infrastructure makes it well suited for SaaS companies, including those managed by nonresident founders, provided compliance requirements are met.

Wise Business can still be used, especially in early stages or for international revenue, but some SaaS platforms and partners may expect a US bank account.

Service-based businesses
Service businesses — such as consulting, development, or agency work — tend to have more flexibility.

Both options can work:

The decision usually depends on where clients are located and how payments are received.

E-commerce businesses
E-commerce companies often face stricter banking scrutiny due to chargebacks, refunds, and transaction volume.

Mercury may work well for e-commerce businesses that:

Wise Business can be useful for handling international suppliers, multi-currency payments, or cross-border operations, but it may not always be accepted as a primary account by certain platforms.

Practical takeaway

Matching your banking setup to your business model helps reduce friction and avoid limitations as your US LLC grows.

Short-term workaround vs long-term solution

For many nonresident US LLC owners, the right banking setup changes over time. What works in the early stages of the business may not be the best long-term solution as operations grow and requirements become more complex.

Short-term workaround
In the short term, the priority is often access. When opening a US bank account is difficult or uncertain, founders need a reliable way to receive payments, pay expenses, and operate the business without delays.

Wise Business is commonly used in this phase because:

As a short-term solution, Wise allows the business to operate legally and efficiently while avoiding repeated rejections from US banks.

Long-term solution
As the business matures, long-term needs often shift toward stability, integrations, and US banking infrastructure.

Mercury Financial can become the preferred long-term option when:

A US bank account can simplify compliance, improve perception with partners, and support future growth — provided eligibility requirements are met.

How many founders approach this
Rather than choosing one option permanently, many nonresident founders follow a phased approach:

This mindset reduces friction early on while keeping the business aligned with long-term goals.

Final perspective
The question is not whether Wise or Mercury is “better,” but which solution fits your business today — and which one you are working toward tomorrow.

Choosing with that perspective helps nonresident US LLC owners stay flexible, compliant, and focused on growth rather than banking limitations.

Typical costs for a non-resident US LLC setup

The costs below are shown to provide transparency and context while you evaluate your options. Final pricing depends on your state selection and which optional services are relevant to your situation. No commitment is required at this stage.

Core service

This service is required to establish a US LLC. All other services are optional and depend on how you plan to use your company.

US LLC Formation

Form a US LLC as a non-resident – fully remote and compliant

Learn how US LLC formation works

$299

Optional services

Not every non-resident needs these services. They depend on how you plan to use your US LLC.

Fintech Account Setup

Open and use a US business account remotely for your LLC

Learn how fintech account setup works

$69

DHL Forwarding

Secure delivery of US business debit cards worldwide

Learn how DHL forwarding works

$199

Stripe Account Setup

Stripe preparation and verification for non-resident LLCs

Learn how Stripe account setup works

$399

Interactive Brokers Setup

Invest US LLC funds through a corporate brokerage account

Learn how Interactive Brokers setup works

$299

US fintech business accounts for nonresident LLC owners

These US business account options are designed for non-resident LLC owners who operate remotely. Fintech platforms make it possible to access core account features without a US visit, while requirements and approval depend on your business profile and documentation.

US business accounts
for nonresidents

Non-resident LLC owners can open US business accounts provided by US fintech platforms even without living in the United States. Both traditional banks and modern fintech solutions support international founders.

No need to visit the US for a business account

In many cases, you don’t need to travel to the US to open a US business account. The process can often be completed remotely, depending on the provider and your business setup.

We guide you through account setup

Requirements can vary for non-residents. We help you prepare the correct documents and choose the most suitable business account option for your Limited Liability Company.

Compatible with online & international businesses

US business accounts work well for international and online businesses. They allow you to receive payments from US clients and operate globally with greater credibility.

Avoid common account setup mistakes

Many nonresidents face delays or rejections due to incomplete documentation or the wrong bank choice. Proper preparation significantly improves your chances of approval.

Account setup support included

We don’t just form your Limited Liability Company — we also help you navigate the business account setup. This ensures a smoother setup and fewer surprises after your company is formed.

Platforms we use to run US LLCs remotely

We work with established platforms commonly used by non-resident founders to support US LLC operations, payments, and remote business management.

Frequently Asked Questions about US LLCs for nonresidents

Starting and running a US LLC as a non-resident often raises practical and legal questions. Below you’ll find clear answers to the most common concerns around ownership, taxes, residency, and compliance, so you can move forward with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.

Can a Serbian citizen open a Mercury Financial account?

Yes, a Serbian citizen can apply for a Mercury Financial account if they own a US LLC. Mercury does not require US residency, but approval depends on the overall business profile, ownership structure, and compliance review.

Having a properly formed US LLC, an EIN, and clear business activity is essential. Approval is not guaranteed, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Does Mercury Financial require an SSN or ITIN?

Mercury does not always require an SSN, but identity verification is mandatory. In many cases, nonresident founders apply without an SSN or ITIN, using a passport instead.

That said, requirements may vary depending on the business structure and risk assessment. Providing an ITIN can sometimes simplify verification, but it is not universally required.

Can Wise Business replace a US bank account?

Wise Business can function as a practical alternative, especially in the early stages of a nonresident US LLC. It allows businesses to receive payments, pay expenses, and operate internationally.

However, Wise is not a US bank. Some platforms, partners, or clients may specifically require a US-based bank account, which Wise may not fully replace in all scenarios.

Is Wise Business accepted by US clients and platforms?

In many cases, yes. Wise Business is widely accepted by international clients and many US-based customers, particularly for service businesses and cross-border payments.

That said, acceptance depends on the platform. Certain US services, payment processors, or enterprise clients may require a traditional US bank account, especially for compliance or settlement reasons.

What happens if Mercury rejects your application?

If your application is rejected, it does not mean your business is ineligible forever. Rejections are often based on timing, business maturity, or missing context.

Many founders continue operating with Wise Business, refine their setup, and reapply to Mercury later once their business profile is stronger and clearer.

Which is better for a nonresident LLC: Mercury or Wise?

Neither option is universally better — it depends on your situation. Mercury is often preferred as a long-term US banking solution when approved, while Wise is commonly used as an accessible and flexible alternative.

Many nonresident founders use Wise initially and transition to Mercury as their business grows and requirements change.