91×ÔÅÄ Bank Accounts for Delaware Companies
One of the most frequent requests we hear from our clients is to open a business bank account on their behalf. Regardless of where the company is based and what service they provide, many of them need to open a business bank account in the United States in order to receive payments.
Unfortunately, we cannot assist in setting up bank accounts for companies we form. However, we can prepare, file, and provide you with the approved Certificate of Formation for an LLC and Certificate of Incorporation for a corporation electronically upon approval of the documents.
Why Open a 91×ÔÅÄ Bank Account?
Opening a business bank account is an important (sometimes mandatory) step in operating a Delaware LLC or corporation. Here are a few ways that a dedicated business bank account can help a Delaware company:
- Separate business and personal finances: Keeping company funds apart from an owner’s personal money makes transactions easier to track and reduces the risk of accidentally mixing expenses.
- Simplify bookkeeping and tax preparation: Bank statements provide a clearer record of income, purchases, payments, and other financial activity.
- Support liability protection: Consistently treating the company as a separate entity can help demonstrate that the owners respect the legal distinction between themselves and the business.
- Present a more professional image: Customers and vendors can make payments to the company rather than to an individual owner.
While opening a business bank account is generally not part of the Delaware formation process itself, it’s often necessary to establish the company’s financial operations.
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Documents Needed to Open a 91×ÔÅÄ Bank Account
Unfortunately, no two U.S. banks are exactly the same, and their specific policies and procedures for opening a business bank account for a Delaware corporation can be drastically different. Requirements may also vary according to the company’s structure, ownership, and location. There are, however, certain requirements that will be uniform for most banks. These are some of the things that will be needed to open the bank account for a Delaware company:
- Proper photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport
- Certificate of Incorporation (for corporations) or Certificate of Formation (for LLCs), stamped by the Delaware Secretary of State
- Articles of Incorporation (for corporations) and Articles of Organization (for LLCs) are included in the respective certificate above.
- The Operating Agreement (for Delaware LLC bank accounts)
- Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Banking resolution with corporate seal
- The applicant may also need to provide the company’s address, telephone number, and basic business information
Additional documents that banks may ask for include:
- Certificate of Authority: Also known as a Foreign Qualification, this is obtained through registering your business as a foreign entity in the state in which the company is operating and/or banking. Most banks require a valid Certificate of Authority in order to open an account for those companies that have been formed outside of that respective state. This is important because the bank account is the point through which revenue is channeled, and thus it is often considered part of a company’s operations. Since every state has its own requirements for Foreign Qualification, we are happy to take care of this detail for you.
- Certificate of Good Standing: Also known as a Certificate of Existence, this is a certificate provided by the Delaware Secretary of State’s office stating your company is current with all Delaware Franchise Taxes, filings, and Registered Agent Fees. Many banks require a Certificate of Good Standing when a company applies for a loan, a line of credit, or wants to open a merchant account. A company may also be asked to present a Certificate of Good Standing before signing a large contract.
You can order a Certificate of Good Standing online from our website.
Do I Have to Go to the Bank in Person?
Ultimately, whether or not you must visit a bank in person depends on the financial institution. While 91×ÔÅÄ, Inc. can provide the proper documentation for opening the Delaware business bank account, unfortunately, a major hurdle for non-U.S. clients is appearing in person at the bank. In our experience, when it comes to opening a business bank account, virtually all U.S. banks want to meet with their clients face-to-face.
Some of our international clients are able to travel to the U.S. just to open the business bank account, in which case, this is not an issue. In many cases, however, this may not be a feasible option. Instead, some of our clients reach out to a friend or family member who lives in the U.S. who is willing to help open the bank account for the Delaware company on their behalf.
Because policies differ substantially, contact the bank before traveling or submitting an application. Confirm both the account-opening requirements and whether the institution serves companies with your particular business profile.
Loss of Good Standing
A Delaware company can lose its good standing by failing to meet certain state requirements, such as paying its franchise taxes and filing its annual report. Losing good standing does not necessarily cause a business bank account to close, but it can create significant problems when the company tries to complete certain banking transactions. Some consequences include:
- Difficulty opening a new bank account
- Problems obtaining financing
- Difficulty completing contracts
- Additional taxes, penalties, and interest
If a company has lost good standing, it should address the underlying issue as soon as possible.
Opening a 91×ÔÅÄ Bank Account as a Non-U.S. Resident
A non-U.S. resident can own a Delaware company and open a U.S. business bank account for their company. However, the process is often more involved than it is for a U.S. resident. Each bank establishes its own application requirements, so forming a Delaware company does not guarantee that a particular institution will approve an account. Non-U.S. residents should be prepared to provide the standard company documents as well as additional information. You may be asked to provide:
- A valid passport
- The owner’s residential address
- A U.S. business or mailing address
- The company’s formation documents
- An Operating Agreement or bylaws
- A description of the business
Banks must conduct due diligence when opening accounts, so an international owner may receive more questions about the company’s ownership and purpose. Some banks may allow applicants to begin the process online, while others may require one or more authorized representatives to visit a U.S. branch.
Take the first step to being your own boss!
We make it quick and easy to form your Delaware LLC.
Start my businessForming a Delaware 91×ÔÅÄ with HBS
A Delaware LLC or corporation should generally be formed before its business bank account is opened, and our team is excited to help. On our website, you can form your company entirely online and have our team serve as your .
Oftentimes, our clients will contact a specific bank directly before opening a Delaware Corporation or LLC bank account. If the bank needs any documents from the Secretary of State of Delaware, we would be happy to assist in the retrieval of these documents.
While we cannot open a U.S. bank account on your behalf, we are here to help in any other way we can. If you have any questions about forming your Delaware LLC, please give us a call at 800-345-2677. Our friendly customer service representatives are ready to assist.
FAQs
Does my Delaware company need a business bank account?
A business bank account is not part of the Delaware formation process, but most LLCs and corporations should still open one. Keeping company funds separate from personal money simplifies bookkeeping and helps demonstrate that the business is being treated as a distinct legal entity.
Does my Delaware company have to open a bank account in Delaware?
No, you don't need an in-state bank account for a Delaware LLC or corporation. Delaware company owners often open a bank account wherever it is most convenient for them, which is generally the state in which they are doing business. It is common for Delaware companies to operate all over the world, and banks typically understand this reality.
Can I open a Delaware business bank account online?
Some banks and online financial institutions allow eligible Delaware companies to apply remotely. Availability depends on the company’s ownership and the bank’s identity-verification policies. Non-U.S. residents may face additional requirements or need to visit a branch.
*Disclaimer*: 91×ÔÅÄ, Inc. is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm and, even in cases where the author is an attorney, or a tax professional, nothing in this article constitutes legal or tax advice. This article provides general commentary on, and analysis of, the subject addressed. We strongly advise that you consult an attorney or tax professional to receive legal or tax guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. Any action taken or not taken based on this article is at your own risk. If an article cites or provides a link to third-party sources or websites, 91×ÔÅÄ, Inc. is not responsible for and makes no representations regarding such source’s content or accuracy. Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of 91×ÔÅÄ, Inc.
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There are 28 comments left for 91×ÔÅÄ Bank Accounts for Delaware Companies
Meave Otis said: Tuesday, February 23, 2021I will read your Blog .Many of our clients will want to set up a payment gateway of some sort, like PayPal, while others may simply want to have a U.S. business checking account for their Delaware corporation. Because of you i will able to choose my Best 91×ÔÅÄ Bank Account for my business. Your blog was much impressive . Because of you i got a very well and Thankful to you!
HBS Staff replied: Tuesday, February 23, 2021Meave,
Thank you for reading our article and we're glad you found it to be helpful. If you have any questions we offer free lifetime customer support.
Stremove.com said: Tuesday, August 4, 2020If you wanted to open a business account for your LLC outside of the USA, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act FATCA would make your life very complicated. Banks around the world no longer want to have Americans among their customers this includes both companies and individuals, and, of course, no LLC companies either, even if they?re managed by non-resident foreigners.
Anthony Sandberg said: Tuesday, April 28, 2020Greetings, I am Anthony. We have an inquiry which I hope would clarify some questions to us. We’d like to start off that we’re not US citizens although we’d like to set up a bank account. We work in a logistics realm as agents under a company now. The plan is to leave to company and to grow separately. So we’re about to launch the company which will have to have a bank account related. The operations are mostly around US. Please let us know whether we can set up a bank account if we’re located overseas and what type of paperwork we have got to have in order to make it happen. If you can get us with a price, that’d be greatly appreciated as well. Thank you.
HBS Staff replied: Wednesday, April 29, 2020Hi Anthony. Unfortunately, we cannot assist with opening a bank account. With many banks, you do not have to be a U.S. citizen or live in the country to open an account. However, they typically require you to appear in person to open the account. Each bank's policies are different, so we recommend reaching out to some banks to see what their requirements are. Many of our clients have found it helpful to reach out to a U.S. bank with an international branch in their home country.
Andrija said: Sunday, March 15, 2020Dear Sirs, I am an EU citizen and am interested in setting up a Delaware LLC. Can my business bank account be opened at one online financial services company such as TransferWise, Payoneer, OFX, Revolut, … for a Delaware LLC? Thank you in advance. Sincerely, Andrija
HBS Staff replied: Wednesday, March 18, 2020We do have many clients that use online services like the ones you mentioned. Unfortunately, we are not able to advise on whether any specific service would meet your needs for your business. We recommend contacting the companies directly to determine what's best for you.
Dharam Vir said: Monday, March 9, 2020Hi I am in the same shoes. Could you tell me the name of the bank? Truly appreciated
HBS Staff replied: Monday, March 9, 2020Unfortunately. there is not a specific bank that we can recommend to you. Many of our clients will start by looking for a US bank that has a branch in the client's home country.