Bank Recommendation

[Froggers]

Hi there

I am seeking some advice regarding a business bank account.

I would like to open a business bank account in the USA for our USA registered LLC.

The bank account needs to literally 'be in the United States' as opposed to having a UK bank account denominated in dollars.

Any help would be much appreciated

Thanks in advance

 

[Rumpole56]

It is virtually impossible to open any kind of US bank account nowadays unless you make a personal visit. You will not be able to open an account remotely. Wachovia seem to be amenable to opening business accounts for non-US citizens/non-residents, provided that initial account opening procedures are conducted in person.

Can't the agent who formed the LLC for you assist with a bank introduction? (You will still need to attend in person though). Another possibility might be to approach the London branch of one of the US banking chains, like say Citibank, to ask if they can help. I would be extremely surprised if they are able/willing to open an account without you visiting the USA though.

 

[Froggers]

Thanks for your reply.

You are correct, I am finding it extremely difficult to open an account without having to be sign for it in person.

I had tried using the filing company as you had mentioned however they do not assist with the opening of bank accounts.

Thanks

 

[bluejeans]

Get a US accountant to do it for you. We opened a business a/c with Seacoast National Bank Orlando without going to the branch. It was done by accountants Gellar Regans.

 

[Froggers]

Interesting

Do you mind me asking if it was expensive to get it done?

Also have you retained their services or was this just a one off as such?

Thanks for the reply

 

[bluejeans]

No, it didn't cost anything. We've used the account for the last 2 years and it works brilliantly. You phone the branch direct, talk to real people who are really helpful.

We had applied for US company tax number through the accountants so once that has been established presumably all the directors ids. are considered good so the account was very easy to open.

 

[Froggers]

OK thank you for that.

We used a filing service to open the LLC and they sorted the tax number for us so at least we have that in place.

I had a look at Seacoast National bank's website there, it looks good, nice and simple.

We registered the LLC in Delaware so I am wondering if we need to open an account with a bank in the state where the company is registered as opposed to Florida.

Thanks again for sharing your experience, much appreciated

 

[cheaper accountant]

I've banked with Citibank in the past and held a US dollar account that cleared in New York. The account was a personal current account but very easy to open in the UK and came with a US dollar cheque book and debit card.