Top 5 banking options for new LLCs (US and non-US founders)

Opening a business bank account used to mean walking into a branch with paperwork. For new LLCs in 2026, almost all of it can be done online, often in under thirty minutes. Here are the five accounts we see new founders pick most, including which ones work for non-resident owners.

1. Mercury

Mercury is the default recommendation for tech-leaning startups. It's a software-first business banking platform with no monthly fees, free domestic and international wires (above a certain balance), and a clean dashboard. Mercury accepts US-formed LLCs owned by non-US residents, which makes it the most popular pick for international founders.

You'll need your EIN, formation documents, an operating agreement, and a passport. Mercury runs identity checks (Persona) and most approvals take a couple of business days. The main downside: no cash deposits, and they occasionally pause new applications from certain countries, so check before you assume it'll work.

2. Relay

Relay is the close runner-up to Mercury. It's built for small businesses that want good cash-flow tooling (think envelopes and sub-accounts) without paying for accounting software. Free business checking, no minimum balances, and integrations with QuickBooks and Xero out of the box.

Relay also accepts non-resident owners but the application is slightly stricter than Mercury's. If Mercury is leaning toward rejecting your country, Relay sometimes approves the same applicant. Worth keeping in your back pocket.

3. Bluevine

Bluevine is one of the few online business accounts that actually pays interest on your balance (currently around 2% APY on qualifying balances). No monthly fees, unlimited transactions, and decent ACH limits. Good fit if your LLC is holding any meaningful operating cash and you want it to earn something.

Bluevine is US-resident only. If you're forming from outside the country (see our guides for Indian, British, and Nigerian founders), skip this one.

4. Chase Business Complete Banking

The traditional pick. Chase is the largest US bank by deposits and the only one on this list with a real branch network. Business Complete Banking has a $15 monthly fee that waives if you keep $2,000 in the account, free cash deposits up to a limit, and access to the Chase merchant services suite.

Chase usually requires you to open in person, which is the catch for new founders without a US address. If you can get to a branch, the combination of branch access, a serious treasury product, and SBA-friendly underwriting makes it a strong long-term home for the business as it scales.

5. Novo

Novo is built for solopreneurs and freelancers running through Stripe, PayPal, Square, or the Apple App Store. Free checking, no minimums, fast payouts on supported platforms, and a clean mobile app. The integrations are the differentiator: you get Stripe payouts in Novo a day or two faster than at most traditional banks.

Novo is US-resident only, like Bluevine. If you're a US founder running a SaaS or a marketplace-driven business, it's worth a look.

Which to pick? If you're a US resident with a tech-leaning business, Mercury or Relay are the safest bets. If you're non-US, Mercury first, Relay as the backup. If you have cash to deposit or want a branch presence, Chase. If you live in Stripe and platforms, Novo. Bluevine if interest matters and you're a US resident.

Read next: Banks won't open the account until your LLC is approved and you have an EIN. Start with What is an EIN, and if you're weighing entity types, LLC vs C-Corp is the next read. Ready to file? Start your LLC with EntityEngine.