How Long Does It Take to Open a Bank Account in the US: A Step-by-Step Process & Turn Around Time

Opening a business bank account in the U.S. is crucial for global entrepreneurs who operate internationally. Whether you need an account to accept payments, manage finances, or integrate with payment gateways, Business Globalizer streamlines the process to help you get a reliable U.S. business bank account. Here’s a detailed process sequence and turnaround time (TAT) for opening a U.S. bank account as a non-resident.

Step 1: Placing an Order for U.S. Business Bank Account Setup

The process begins once the client selects a package of U.S. bank account setup, completes the payment, and submits the necessary information.

Requirements to Open a U.S. Bank Account as a Non-Resident

To proceed, we require the following:

• Company Documents (Articles of Incorporation/Organization, Operating Agreement, etc.)
  
  
• EIN Official Letter (CP575 or 147C from the IRS)
  
  
• Passport (Clear Picture with no shadow and a white background)
  
  
• Proof of Residential Address (Bank Statement or Utility Bill from Home Country)
  
  
• Proof of Physical Address (A U.S. Physical Address, if required)
  
  
• Local Bank Statement (From Home Country)
  
  
• Complete Business Website (A live website representing your company)
  
  
• USA Phone Number (For Verification)
  
  
• Business Email with Access (Professional Business Email)
  
  
• Personal LinkedIn Profile Link (For Business Identity Verification)
  
  
• Local Phone Number (For Communication)

• Note 1: The specific requirements vary depending on the bank’s policies, and additional documents may be requested.
  
  
• Note 2: To take a clear passport picture, place it on a flat white background under bright, even lighting to avoid shadows. Use a high-resolution camera, hold it steady, ensure no fingers, glare, or reflections are visible, and capture all details clearly without any shadows.

Step 2: Document Verification

• Business Globalizer verifies all submitted documents. If any missing or incorrect documents are found, the client will be notified to provide the correct information.
  
  
• We ensure that all documents meet the bank’s compliance standards to reduce the risk of rejection or delays.

Step 3: Bank Selection & Pre-Approval Process

• Based on the client’s business type and banking needs, we recommend suitable banks that accept non-residents.
  
  
• Some banks require a pre-approval process, where initial checks are done before submitting the full application.
  
  
• If pre-approval is required, we assist in submitting preliminary documents.

Step 4: Submission of Bank Application

• Once all verified documents are ready, we proceed with submitting the bank account application to the selected U.S. bank.
  
  
• If the bank requires additional compliance checks, we guide the client in providing the necessary details.

Step 5: Bank Review & Compliance Checks

The bank conducts due diligence to verify the submitted information, which may include:

• Business activity verification
  
  
• Website and online presence review
  
  
• LinkedIn and business identity check
  
  
• Address verification
  
  
• Selfie Verification (For Identity Confirmation)
  
  
• Potential video interview (in rare cases)

The client may be required to confirm details via email, phone, or an online verification system.

Step 6: Bank Account Approval & Activation

If everything is approved, the bank issues the account details, including:

• USD Receiving account
  
  
  • Account number
    
    
  • ACH/ABA Routing Number (Depends on the bank)
    
    
  • Online banking access
    
    
• Virtual and physical debit cards (Some banks do not offer cards)

• Note 1: In some cases, banks may request a small initial deposit to activate the account.
  
  
• Note 2: Once the account is active, the client can start using it for business transactions. Though transactions are limited according to bank policy.

U.S. Business Bank Account Processing Time

Standard Processing Time (Varies by Bank)

• 4-6 business days after submission.

Factors That May Cause Delays

Processing time may vary due to:

• Bank-Specific Verification Procedures (Some banks have more strict KYC processes).
  
  
• High Application Volume & Backlogs (Banks may take longer during peak seasons).
  
  
• Compliance & Risk Assessment Delays (For high-risk businesses, additional verification may be required).
  
  
• Additional Document Requests (Some banks may ask for extra paperwork, causing delays).
  
  
• Bank Internal Processing Inefficiencies (Some banks simply take their time with no clear explanation).
  
  
• U.S. Public Holidays.
  
  
• U.S. Banking Office Closures (Which delay processing further).

Errors in Required Information or Documents That Can Delay Bank Account Opening

Many delays occur due to missing or incorrect documents provided by the client. Here are the most common mistakes:

1. Invalid or Incomplete Company Documents

Solution: Ensure all company formation documents are complete, signed, and match official records.

2. Incorrect or Expired Passport Copy

Solution: Submit a clear, valid, and high-resolution picture of the passport.

3. Inconsistent Address Details

Solution: The residential address, physical address, and bank statements must match.

4. Non-Functional Business Website

Solution: A fully operational website is required to prove the legitimacy of the business.

5. Business Email or Phone Number Not Accessible

Solution: Make sure the business email and U.S. phone number are active and accessible.

6. Bank Statements Without Transaction History

Solution: Provide a bank statement showing recent transactions, as banks prefer accounts with active usage.

Real-World Exceptions

Fastest Case

6 hours. In rare cases, we have successfully opened a U.S. business bank account within the same day.

Delayed Case

55 days. In some cases, banks take several weeks due to long verification processes, additional compliance checks, or unexplained delays.

Reasons for Bank Account Application Rejection

Sometimes, banks reject applications for various reasons. Here are the most common reasons:

1. The Bank Does Not Support the Business Type

Solution: Some banks do not support high-risk industries. We help clients choose a bank that aligns with their business model.

2. Previous Policy Violation History

Solution: If the account holder or business has previously violated banking policies, it may lead to rejection. Choosing a bank with more lenient policies and improving compliance history can help.

3. Insufficient Documentation

Solution: Ensure all required documents are provided correctly and meet banking standards.

4. Incomplete or Weak Business Website & Online Presence

Solution: Maintain a fully developed, professional business website and LinkedIn presence.

5. High-Risk Country of Residence

Solution: Some banks restrict services for residents of certain countries due to compliance policies.

6. Mismatched Business & Personal Information

Solution: Ensure all company details, EIN, business address, and owner’s details are consistent.

Important Disclaimer: Business Globalizer’s Role in the Process

Business Globalizer facilitates the U.S. bank account opening process by verifying documents, preparing applications, and guiding clients through banking requirements. However, we do not control the final decision, processing timeline, or approval criteria set by the banks.

How Business Globalizer Assists Clients

• Verifying all required documents before submission to reduce rejection risks.
  
  
• Recommending suitable banks that accept non-residents.
  
  
• Assisting in application submission and compliance preparation.
  
  
• Providing pre-approval guidance where applicable.
  
  
• Following up with banks to track progress and address additional requirements.

Factors Beyond Our Control

• Bank-specific internal processing times.
  
  
• Compliance & risk assessment delays.
  
  
• Additional documentation requests from the bank.
  
  
• Unexplained delays from banking institutions.

Business Globalizer is not responsible for application rejections, processing delays, additional compliance checks, or any final decision made by the bank.

Refund Policy

Business Globalizer operates on a non-refundable basis once the U.S. bank account application process has begun. Since bank account openings involve third-party financial institutions, compliance verifications, and banking policies, costs are incurred immediately upon initiating the service.

Refunds may be considered under the following conditions:

• If the client cancels before any document submission or application filing, a full refund may be possible (varies case by case).
  
  
• If Business Globalizer is unable to proceed due to an internal issue, a full refund will be provided.

No refunds will be issued under these conditions:

• If the bank account application has already been submitted to the bank.
  
  
• If the bank requires additional documentation, compliance verification, or changes beyond Business Globalizer’s control.
  
  
• If delays occur due to banking institution processing times, additional compliance checks, or verification hold-ups, as these are beyond our control.
  
  
• If the client provides incorrect, incomplete, or fraudulent information, leading to application rejection or delays.
  
  
• If the bank declines the application based on their internal risk policies or does not support the client’s business type.

For any refund inquiries, please contact our support team to review your case or check our detailed refund policy.

How to Contact Us?

• Existing Clients: Reach out to us directly through your dashboard for support.
  
  
• New Clients: If you’re looking to form a company, or trying to purchase any other services, contact our support team through the official channels or book a consultation for personalized guidance.

Need help opening a U.S. business bank account? Business Globalizer is here to assist you at every step! Get started today!