Yes, a UK company can open a US bank account, but the process is longer and more document-heavy than it is for a US business

US banks will open accounts for foreign companies, but they treat them differently from domestic ones. The bank needs to verify who owns and controls your company, confirm it is a real legal entity in the UK, and check it against sanctions lists. This takes weeks rather than days, and you will need to provide documents that prove your company exists and is in good standing with UK authorities.

The main barrier is not that banks refuse foreign companies — they do not — but that each bank has its own process and document list. Some banks make this straightforward. Others ask for so many certifications and notarizations that it becomes impractical. The fastest route is usually a business bank that specializes in serving international clients or a US bank with a UK presence.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a US tax identification number (EIN) from the IRS before most banks will open an account, which takes about two weeks to obtain by post.
  • Banks require certified copies of your UK company registration documents, proof of ownership structure, and often a letter from your UK accountant or solicitor confirming your company is legitimate.
  • Some US banks will not open accounts for foreign companies at all, so you should call ahead rather than explore blind.
  • A US business address is not required, but the bank will ask for a US mailing address where they can send statements and notices.

Getting a US Tax ID (EIN) before you explore

The first step is obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the US Internal Revenue Service. This is a nine-digit number that identifies your company to the US tax system. You do not need employees to get one — it is straightforward how the IRS tracks foreign business entities.

You can request an EIN by post using Form SS-4. read it from the IRS website (irs.gov), fill it out, and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form. Processing takes about four weeks. Some banks will open an account while your EIN is pending if you can show proof of your process, but most will not, so plan for this delay.

You cannot obtain an EIN by phone or online if you are a foreign entity without a US address. The postal route is the only option for most UK companies.

Documents the bank will ask for

Every US bank has a slightly different list, but most will ask for the following. Call the bank's business account team before you gather anything — some banks have specific requirements about which documents they accept, and a few will tell you when ready that they do not open accounts for foreign companies.

You will need a certified copy of your Certificate of Incorporation or equivalent UK registration document showing your company name, registration number, and date of formation. This must come from Companies House or be certified by a UK solicitor. A straightforward photocopy will not work.

You will also need proof of ownership — typically a certified copy of your articles of association or a shareholder register showing who owns the company and in what proportion. If the company has a board of directors, the bank may ask for a board resolution authorizing the account opening and naming who can sign on it.

The bank will ask for your EIN (once you have it), your UK tax registration number (UTR), and proof that your company is in good standing with HMRC. You can obtain a Tax Clearance Certificate from HMRC, though this is not always required — ask the bank first.

Who can sign the account and what authority you need

The bank will ask you to name one or more people authorized to sign on the account. These people do not have to be in the US — they can be in the UK or anywhere else. However, the bank will run background checks on anyone with signing authority, and they may ask for additional identity verification.

You will need to provide a board resolution or a letter from your company secretary stating who is authorized to open and operate the account on behalf of the company. This document should be on company letterhead, dated, and signed by someone with authority to make that decision (usually a director).

Some banks will ask for this document to be notarized by a UK notary public. This adds cost and time but is straightforward — a notary will verify your identity and the authenticity of the signature, then stamp the document.

Which banks are most straightforward for UK companies

Not all US banks welcome foreign companies equally. Large national banks like Chase and Bank of America have international business divisions and will open accounts for UK companies, but their processes are slow and their document requirements are extensive.

Smaller business banks and fintech banks often move faster. Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut offer US bank accounts to UK companies, though these are primarily designed for payments and transfers rather than traditional banking. If you need a full-service account with check-writing and credit facilities, you may need a traditional bank.

Some US banks with UK branches — such as HSBC or Barclays — can sometimes open a US account more quickly because they already have your company on file. It is worth asking your existing UK bank whether they have a US correspondent bank that can help.

Timeline and costs

The entire process typically takes six to twelve weeks from start to finish. The EIN takes four weeks by post. Document gathering and certification takes one to two weeks. The bank's review and approval takes two to four weeks. Some banks are faster; others slower.

There is no fee to obtain an EIN. Certified copies of your UK company documents cost between £5 and £20 each depending on the source. A UK notary charges between £50 and £150 to notarize a document. Most US banks do not charge a fee to open a business account, though some require a minimum deposit (often $500 to $2,500).

If you use a UK accountant or solicitor to help with the process, expect to pay £300 to £800 for their time. This is optional — you can do it yourself — but many people find it worth the cost to avoid mistakes that delay approval.

What happens after the account opens

Once your account is open, you will receive statements by post or email depending on the bank's standard practice. You will need to file US tax returns if your company has US-source income, even if you do not have employees or a physical presence in the US. Your accountant can advise on whether you owe US federal tax, state tax, or both.

The bank may ask you to update your ownership or control information every few years. This is standard practice for accounts held by foreign entities. Keep your UK company registration documents current and be prepared to send updated certified copies if the bank requests them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a US address to open the account?

No, but the bank needs a US mailing address where they can send statements and legal notices. This can be a virtual office address, a UPS store, or a registered agent's address. It does not have to be where your business operates.

Can I open the account remotely, or do I need to visit the US?

Most banks will let you open the account entirely by post and email. You do not need to visit the US or have anyone travel there. The bank may ask for a video call to verify the identity of the person signing the account authorization, but this is becoming less common.

What if the bank asks for documents I cannot get from the UK?

Ask the bank whether they will accept an alternative. For example, if they ask for a notarized document and you cannot reach a UK notary, ask whether a certified copy from your solicitor is acceptable instead. Banks have some flexibility, but you have to ask — they will not volunteer it.

Will I owe US tax on money I earn outside the US?

That depends on your company structure and where your income comes from. A UK company with a US bank account does not automatically owe US tax on UK income. Speak to a US tax accountant or your existing accountant about your specific situation — this is beyond what a bank can advise on.

How long does the bank take to approve the account after I submit everything?

Most banks take two to four weeks to review all documents and approve the account. Some take longer if they need to contact your UK authorities or if there are questions about your ownership structure. Ask the bank for an expected timeline when you submit your process.