NeoBankDB

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Company → bank

Formation is not banking. This is the path founders actually search: US LLC, UK Ltd, AU Pty, India Pvt Ltd, SG Pte, EU company — then who might onboard you.

United States

US LLC or C-corp

Non-resident founders selling to the US, Stripe, or US customers

Time
1–10 days to form + EIN; banking 1–15 days
Cost shape
State fee ~$90–$300 + registered agent. Banking itself is often $0/month.

The path

  1. Step 1

    Pick the entity

    Delaware C-corp for venture. LLC (often Wyoming or Delaware) for simple ops. Do not buy a $50 ‘open Mercury’ package that uses a fake address.

  2. Step 2

    Registered agent + EIN

    You need a US registered agent. EIN can be applied for as a foreign person without an SSN (IRS Form SS-4). Banks will ask for the CP 575 / EIN letter.

  3. Step 3

    Real documents

    Passport, formation docs, operating agreement / bylaws, EIN letter, and a proof of the founder’s home address. Virtual mailbox as the only US address is how applications die in 2026.

  4. Step 4

    Apply for the account

    Wise Business is the usual first yes. Relay next. Mercury is the nicest product and the pickiest on address. Novo / Bluevine if you are actually US-based.

  5. Step 5

    Then payments

    Stripe, PayPal, and ACH need the US details. FX out to the founder still belongs on Wise or Airwallex — do not use Mercury as an FX desk.

Who we would try

FAQ

01

Can I open Mercury without living in the US?

Sometimes, if the company is US-incorporated and KYB documents are clean. Since 2025 many non-resident files are rejected over address. Have Relay and Wise as the backup, not a second Mercury application with a CMRA.

02

Do I need an ITIN first?

Not to form or to get an EIN. You may need tax filings later. This desk is not a CPA.

03

Is this a bank account in my name?

No. It is the company’s account. Mixing personal and company funds is how accounts get frozen.

Living there already? Use the account finder or the United States desk.

NeoBankDB is not a formation agent, bank, or law firm. Packages that promise “Mercury guaranteed” are usually selling a mailbox.