Opening a bank account in the US for foreigners, full details




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- 1. Why should you open a bank account in the US?
- 2. Types of banks and bank accounts in the US
- 3. Procedures for opening a bank account in the US for foreigners
- 4. How does GLA support Individuals/Businesses to open bank accounts in the US?
- 5. List of banks in the US to open a bank account
- 6. Why is US digital banking the leading alternative to traditional bank accounts?
- Frequently asked questions when opening a US bank account?
Foreigners opening a bank account in the US is an important decision, affecting the cash flow management and financial transactions of the Enterprise. set up company in usa or other countries when investing abroad. Deciding exactly which US bank account to open will help you/your company save on transaction costs, cash flow, and ensure the financial health of your business. In this article, GLA will point out:
- Detailed and complete US bank account opening process from AZ.
- List of US banks to open a bank account.
- Why digital banking is the leading alternative to traditional bank accounts.
1. Why should you open a bank account in the US?
Foreigners should open a bank account in the US because:
- As the world's leading financial center: The United States is the leading financial center country with many of the world's top financial cities according to the index. Global financial center (Global Financial Center Index (GFCI) 2024.
- High currency value in the world: USD is a high-value currency, easy to convert, has high transaction and accumulation value. As soon as the Enterprise accumulates this currency, it also brings the ability to make a profit.
- Multi-currency conversion for easy transactions: USD is easily transacted across countries around the world. For countries using other currencies, US bank accounts support multiple currencies, easy to convert and transact internationally.
- Open payment gateway easily for Seller/E-Commerce Company: Open a US bank account for Business easily to help E-Commerce Businesses open international payment gateways: PayPal, Stripe, etc. easily to do business on US e-commerce platforms.
- Owning a digital bank account with outstanding features: Digital banks in the US with the advantages: fast opening time, no minimum balance requirement, no minimum deposit requirement to open an account are the choice of many businesses that do not meet the requirements to open a traditional bank account in the US.
2. Types of banks and bank accounts in the US
Individuals/Businesses who decide to open a bank account in the US should know about the types of bank accounts in the US. There are 2 types of banks in the US:
- Traditional banking in the US such as: Citi Bank, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, etc.
- Digital bank) licensed by the US Federal Reserve (the Fed).
2 main types of bank accounts in the US for Individuals/Businesses:
- Checking Account: This is the most popular account for Individuals/Businesses using bank accounts in the US. Individuals/Businesses who own a payment account can use it to transfer/receive money through online transactions, withdraw money at ATMs with debit cards,
- Savings Account: This is an account for the purpose of saving and earning interest. The deposit period can be 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months. However, individuals/businesses should note that when withdrawing deposits before the maturity date, they will lose the savings interest rate.
3. Procedures for opening a bank account in the US for foreigners
The process of opening a bank account in the US for foreigners will include:
Individuals/Businesses choosing a US bank to open a bank account should be appropriate to the needs and purposes of the Business. To choose the most accurate US bank for the Company, you need to consider the following factors:
- Compare an overview of banks in the US and other countries with the GLA Smart Bank Comparison Tool
- Monthly bank account maintenance fee
- Minimum deposit requirement when opening a bank account
- Domestic and international money transfer fees
- ATM withdrawal fees, domestic and international
- Customer reviews of banking services
- Banking services such as savings, letters of credit (LLC)
- Is there a free debit card?
- Is there $25,000 FDIC insurance on the bank account you plan to open?
Individuals/Businesses should refer to the list of banks in the US before deciding to open a bank account with the GLA Smart Bank Comparison Tool. Contact a GLA expert to receive the most accurate advice specifically for you/your Company.
After selecting the bank account to submit, you need to prepare the application to open a bank account according to the bank's requirements.
For personal bank accounts
- Application for opening a personal account.
- Passport or driver's license.
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Some other documents as required by the bank.
- For foreigners who do not reside in the United States, applying for a social security number or personal tax identification number is quite difficult and complicated.
For business bank accounts
- Application for opening a business account.
- Passport of the director and all shareholders.
- Proof of permanent address of the director and all shareholders.
- Company profile (including Business Registration Certificate, Business License, Company Charter, etc.).
- Director's Tax Identification Number (EIN)
- Proof of business address in the US
- Some other documents as required by the bank (including contracts, invoices for customers and suppliers; website for companies that have been operating for 06 months or more).
GLA supports online application for opening bank accounts in the US.
Depending on the bank in the US, some banks will require an interview with a bank employee after the account opening application is approved. GLA will contact the bank to schedule an online interview.
Before participating in the interview with the bank, GLA will provide a set of frequently asked questions and answers with the bank. In particular, the GLA team will support the account holder during the interview with the bank if an interpreter is needed in English communication.
After a successful interview, your/the Company's US bank account will be activated. GLA will send you account information and instructions on how to use your US bank account.
You are wondering about the success rate of opening a bank account in the US for your business.
4. How does GLA support Individuals/Businesses to open bank accounts in the US?
GLA, with a team of professional, experienced staff, and proud to be a prestigious partner for many years of major banks in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the US, will support you/your company in choosing and opening the most suitable bank account in the US.
- Find the right bank that fits your needs.
- Consulting and support for opening traditional bank accounts and opening online bank accounts in the US.
- Consulting and supporting opening US bank accounts for individuals, businesses, offshore companies, etc.
- Submit the necessary paperwork and track the progress with your chosen bank.
- Assist in openinig payment gateways such as: Paypal, Stripe, etc.
5. List of banks in the US to open a bank account
The United States is a country with a famous and prestigious domestic and international banking system, with the USD currency having high liquidity and ease in international transactions.
The banking system with more than 4,000 banks in the US is a difficult choice to decide to open a bank account. Businesses should refer to the list of traditional banks, digital banks in the US before choosing a bank in GLA Digital Banking, Traditional Banking Comparison Tool.
Using the GLA smart bank comparison tool will help you filter intuitive banking conditions to evaluate the growth potential and reputation of the bank through the banking license it owns.
6. Why is US digital banking the leading alternative to traditional bank accounts?
Digital bank accounts in the US are an alternative to traditional banking because:
- Business digital bank accounts do not cost as much to open and maintain as traditional bank accounts: no initial deposit required, no minimum balance required like traditional banks
- Fast digital bank account opening time: digital bank account opening time is only 3-5 days, much faster than traditional bank accounts (from 3 - 5 months)
- Multi-currency with just 1 digital bank account: a variety of strong currencies such as USD, HKD, SGD, etc., easily make cross-border payments with flexible domestic or international payment costs with just 1 bank account.
- While American companies wait for the success of opening traditional bank accounts, digital bank accounts are the leading alternative to traditional bank accounts.
Frequently asked questions when opening a US bank account?
1. Can foreigners open a bank account in the US?
Foreigners can open a business bank account in the US as a non-resident. However, keep in mind that for a corporate account, your business must be registered in the US and have an employer identification number (EIN).
2. Which US bank account should foreigners open?
Depending on your business needs and business model, you will determine the bank that best suits your conditions and needs. GLA will advise and evaluate the possibility of successfully opening a US bank account based on your needs.
You can use GLA's comparison tools to make your choice, contact a GLA expert for expert advice.
See list of banks in the US with GLA Smart Bank Comparison Tool.
Assessing the ability to open a bank account in the US fast in just 2 minutes!
2. Can a foreign company open a US account entirely online?
Foreign companies can completely open a US account online. GLA team will advise the company to choose the right bank and carry out the bank opening procedure completely online 100%.
3. How long does it take to open a bank account in the US?
The time it takes to open a US bank account will depend on the US bank the Company chooses to open:
- For traditional bank accounts in the US, it will take 3-5 months for a Business to open a bank account.
- For digital bank accounts in the US, it only takes businesses 3-5 days to successfully open a bank account.
Contact GLA experts for in-depth advice on opening a bank account in the US.

- Opening a US bank account is the choice of many businesses establishing companies in the US and foreign companies.
- Digital bank accounts are the leading alternative to traditional bank accounts with the advantages of quick opening, simple documents, lower opening and maintenance costs, and lower transactions than traditional bank accounts.
- GLA supports businesses to open payment gateways and open accounts with physical bank , and Digital Bank at financial centers such as Singapore, Hong Kong, America.

This article was published by GLA on 06/12/2024. Copyright and accompanying content are intellectual property of GLA. All rights reserved.
The guidance and content are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific guidance and advice on accounting, tax, legal or other professional advice. Readers should consult professional advisors on specific issues.