Opening a US business bank account as a non-resident is one of the most common challenges international founders face after forming their LLC. The good news: several modern banks have made this process entirely remote — no US address, no in-person visit required.
This guide compares the three best options for foreign-owned LLCs in 2026: Novo, Relay, and Wise.
Quick Comparison
| | Mercury | Relay | Wise | |---|---|---|---| | Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 (Pro: $30) | $0 | | Non-Resident Friendly | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | | FDIC Insured | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | | Physical Debit Card | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | | International Transfers | Limited | Limited | ✅ Excellent | | Best For | Tech startups | Multi-account businesses | Global payments |
Novo — Best Overall for Non-Resident LLCs
Novo is a powerfully simple business banking platform built for small business owners and entrepreneurs. It offers FDIC-insured accounts with no hidden fees, a clean mobile app, and instant integration with tools founders already use.
What makes Novo stand out:
- Entirely online application — no branch visit required
- Accepts foreign passport as ID
- No monthly fees, no minimum balance, no hidden fees
- Integrates with Stripe, Shopify, PayPal, Square, and QuickBooks
- Free incoming wires and refunded ATM fees
The catch: Novo is best suited for founders who primarily operate in USD. If you need multi-currency support or heavy international wires, you'll want to pair it with Wise.
Who it's best for: Founders running online businesses, SaaS products, or e-commerce who want a simple, no-fee US business bank account.
Relay — Best for Multiple Accounts and Cash Flow Management
Relay is a business banking platform built specifically for small businesses that want to organize their cash flow across multiple accounts.
What makes Relay stand out:
- Open up to 20 individual checking accounts under one business
- Create separate accounts for taxes, payroll, and operating expenses
- No monthly fees on the standard plan
- FDIC-insured through Thread Bank
- Accepts non-US residents with a valid LLC
The catch: Relay's international wire transfers are more limited than Wise. If you're moving money across borders frequently, you'll need a complementary solution.
Who it's best for: Founders who want strict cash flow separation — keeping tax reserves, operating funds, and savings completely separate.
Wise Business — Best for International Payments
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is not a traditional bank but a licensed financial institution that specializes in international money transfers. It offers a multi-currency account that lets you hold, send, and receive money in 40+ currencies.
What makes Wise stand out:
- Receive payments in USD, EUR, GBP, and 40+ currencies
- Real exchange rates with low transparent fees
The catch: Wise is not FDIC-insured. It also doesn't function as a full business bank — you can't deposit cash or get a US routing number for all payment types.
Who it's best for: Founders with international clients who need to receive payments in multiple currencies and convert them efficiently.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Novo if: You want a simple, no-fee US business bank account with no hidden fees.
Choose Relay if: You want to separate your business finances into multiple accounts for better cash flow management.
Choose Wise if: You work with international clients and need to receive or send money in multiple currencies.
Use Novo + Wise together if you want the best of both worlds — a solid no-fee US bank account for USD operations and Wise for international payments.
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US Bank Account Starter
Open a US business bank account remotely. Mercury, Relay, Wise — documents, scripts, troubleshooting.
- ✓Mercury, Relay, Wise — step-by-step
- ✓Required documents checklist by bank
- ✓Application scripts and tips
- ✓Troubleshooting rejection reasons