Short answer: finding bank accounts for non-resident LLC owners living in Bangladesh or Pakistan is the hardest part of the whole setup. Mercury does not accept owners living in either country. Wise does not issue US dollar account details to addresses there. Relay, Airwallex and others decide case by case. Payoneer works for receiving money but is not a US bank account. Know this before you form a company, not after.
Why your country of residence matters more than your company
Banks and fintechs must check who owns and controls a business. Most publish lists of countries where they cannot serve founders. The test is usually where the founder lives, not their passport and not where the company is registered.
So a Wyoming LLC owned by someone living in Dhaka is reviewed as a Dhaka-resident founder.
Bank accounts for non-resident LLC owners: provider by provider
| Provider | Living in Bangladesh | Living in Pakistan | What it is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | No — prohibited country | No — prohibited country | US business banking |
| Relay | Not on its list, but founders report declines | No — prohibited country | US business banking |
| Wise Business | No US dollar account details for a Bangladesh address | No US dollar account details for a Pakistan address | Multi-currency account |
| Airwallex | Case by case | Case by case | Global business account |
| Payoneer | Yes, as a receiving account | Yes, as a receiving account | Payment receiving, local withdrawal |
| Traditional US banks | Usually need a visit and often an SSN or ITIN | Usually need a visit and often an SSN or ITIN | Full bank |
Provider rules change often. Check each provider’s current eligibility before you apply.
What this means in practice
- If you live in Bangladesh or Pakistan, plan around Payoneer for receiving, and treat US bank approval as possible but not certain.
- If you live elsewhere (UAE, UK, Europe, Malaysia and others), many more doors are open — Wise, Mercury and Relay often work.
- A partner or co-founder living in a supported country does not automatically solve it. Providers look at everyone who owns or controls the business.
Our approach: we ask every client where they live before taking payment, and we tell them honestly which banks are realistic. We would rather lose a sale than sell a company that can’t get the account it was bought for.
Want us to set this up for you?
USA LLC from $140 or UK Ltd from £150, plus government fees. Pay 50% now, 50% when your documents arrive.
UK companies
UK high-street banks usually expect UK residence or a visit. Fintech business accounts (and WorldFirst, Airwallex and similar) review non-resident directors case by case. The same rule applies: where you live matters most.
Tips that improve your chances
- Use your real home address and matching documents.
- Have a live website with your services, prices, contact details and policies.
- Keep the company name, address and phone identical on every application.
- Have your EIN letter, Certificate and Operating Agreement ready as clear PDFs.
- Explain your business model in plain words: who pays you, for what, and from which countries.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a US virtual address to get around the rules?
No. Banks ask where you personally live and verify it. Giving a false residence can get the account closed and your funds frozen.
Is Payoneer enough to run my business?
For many freelancers, yes — it receives from clients and marketplaces and withdraws to a local bank. It is not a substitute for a US bank account where Stripe payouts are needed.
Which of your packages includes banking guidance?
Our Standard package ($249 + state fee) includes a business bank setup guide plus a US address and phone number for 12 months. See the pricing page.
