Hi there,

Would need help on this matter once I incorporate my business in the United States.

I would need a US Business Checking Account, but after enquiring a few banks - all of them require a walk-in to their branch to open an account.

I know there are quite a number of you from outside US, owning and operating a business incorporated in the US. Perhaps you could recommend me the bank you're currently using (even better if you could recommend the person to speak to).

Thanks!

I opened an account with BankOne and I never set foot into one of their branches. I got the 'net checking' account for small businesses. It has no monthly fee if you keep your balance above $500. $5/mo if your balance drops below 500.

Unfortunately I haven't received great service from them. They had something called Account Analysis accidently turned on for my account which resulted in me getting lots of service fees. It took awhile for them to figure that out and get it fixed. But, things seem OK with them now.

I am located in the US, so I can't say for sure if you'll be able to get an account with you being a foreigner.

sloop,

Which branch you opened your account? Also, could you provide me the branch's number or someone I can speak to? I tried to use their email form but it didn't work (page broken) and I can't call a US 1800 number from abroad - I need their local number instead... thanks.

Try these links:

Bank One Net Checking (http://www.bankone.com/answers/BolAnswersDetail.aspx?top=biz&segment=SMB&topic=Checking&item=BankOneNetChecking)

Apply Here (https://www.bankone.com/apps/BusinessDDA/BolAppStart.aspx?topic=checking&item=BankOneNetChecking)


however, it says all applicants must be U.S. citizens. maybe you have someone in the US who is a citizen that started your corporation who can be the applicant.

The net checking accounts are based out of Columbus, Ohio. Here is the phone number for one of the Columbus bank locations (614) 248-2420. They should be able to give you a non-800 number to who you need to call.

Anyone else with another bank can recommend?

I use Wells Fargo which is also the major armored car company here in the states delivering all of the bills from the Fed Res. banks. Not sure how friendly they are to foreign customers though.

www.wellsfargo.com

http://www.usa-bank-account.com
the guy is Fox Dale. Just set me up my own account ;)

Good Luck!

There have been a lot of changes in the US banking systems over the past two years in order to track funds that may be used to support terrorism. Date and place of birth, social security numbers and other data are now required AFAIK. This may be why you are having such problems opening a US account without being a citizen or showing up at their doorstep ID in hand...

http://www2.valisinternational.com

Another place for us bankc account for non-us.

Well if you a US CORP bank account to get a merchant account you need a US based company.

I have heard http://www.thebancorp.com/ is where at least one of the places that do US bank accounts open the accounts... have been planning on looking into it, but I also need to evaluate the tax implications and/or paperwork required. Canada has tax treaties with the US, but I haven't educated myself enough about how things would work to be comfortable proceding yet.

Bank of America (bofa.com)

DeathNova,

Does BoA allow me to open an account without physically walking into their branch? I don't think so...

If you know it can be done, please provide me the contact person I can speak to :)

i guess this site will help you www.uscheckingaccount.com

fyi: this thread started in 2003.

This is still a useful thread though. I found it ;)