How to Remotely Open US Business Bank Account?Whether you are an Amazon seller,TikTok Shop merchant,or operate an independent cross-border e-commerce website,or your company is engaged in international trade and needs to receive payments from US customers or overseas platforms,having a legitimate US company bank account often ensures smoother fund settlement,lower fees,faster payment arrival,and enhanced customer trust.

For Chinese enterprises,owning a US business bank account helps you directly receive payments from global customers (especially in the U.S.); conduct USD settlements with overseas suppliers and partners; enjoy international transfer discounts and fast settlement services offered by some banks; and facilitate payments on Amazon,eBay,or independent sites. If you use international payment tools such as Stripe or PayPal,linking a US company bank account increases payment stability. For TikTok Shop,the platform requires merchants to link a corporate bank account,having a US company bank account improves store approval rates.

Moreover,opening a US corporate bank account enables you to activate payment gateways,many international payment providers like Authorize.Net and Braintree require merchants to provide a US business bank account to enable their services. The US bank account also enjoys no foreign exchange restrictions,allowing free capital inflows and outflows and direct settlement with domestic transfers.
Choosing the Right US Bank for Your Company

The US has a wide variety of banks. Choosing the right bank is key,not only can it save you substantial fees such as account opening fees,maintenance fees,and international wire transfer charges,but it also lays a solid foundation for your company’s stable development,fund security,and international competitiveness.

The major large banks in the US include Bank of America,J.P. Morgan Chase,and Wells Fargo. Their advantages are global brand recognition,strong credit,extensive branch networks across states facilitating in-person services,and support for multi-currency accounts and international wire transfers.

However,their disadvantages are also obvious: strict requirements for account opening documents and in-person verification; requirement of a valid US address and Social Security Number (SSN); and the necessity to be physically present for face-to-face verification. These banks suit companies with physical operations in the U.S.

Popular US Banks Friendly to Chinese Clients and Supporting Remote Account Opening

East West Bank (华美银行) and Cathay Bank (国泰银行) are popular choices for Chinese entrepreneurs.

Advantages:Friendly to Chinese customers with Chinese language support;Relatively relaxed document requirements for account opening;Experienced in cross-border business and convenient international wire transfers

Disadvantages:Limited branch coverage in some US states;Some product lines are less comprehensive than large banks

They are ideal for Chinese entrepreneurs engaged in cross-border trade.

2025 East West Bank (华美银行) Account Opening Requirements and Fees:New criteria identify cross-border clients as:

Companies with over 25% foreign ownership (company or individual holding over 25%)
Companies (US or non-U.S.) without physical US operations
This includes Hong Kong companies,US companies with non-US shareholders,all considered cross-border clients.
Applicable to companies from Hong Kong,U.S.,UK,Cayman Islands,BVI,etc.,with Mainland Chinese or US nationals as directors/shareholders.
Fee standards for Hong Kong and US companies are the same:
Account opening due diligence fee: $1,000 USD
Initial deposit (account activation fund): $11,500 USD
Monthly management fee: $150 USD (includes online banking and wire transfer functions; waived if daily balance exceeds $100,000 USD within the month)

Transfer Fees:Incoming transfers: first 4 free; subsequent $10 each;Outgoing transfers: $18 each

Notes:L1 visa holders may apply to waive the $1,000 opening fee,subject to bank discretion.
Clients with a valid US contact address may also apply for waiver,subject to bank discretion.
Newly established Hong Kong companies within one year are eligible. KYC is very important.

Required Documents for East West Bank Account Opening:
Complete US company registration documents including business license,registered address,EIN tax number,etc.
Two account opening forms [Latest KYC; online banking transfer form] Personal phone bill showing phone number,name,and address matching the account application
Three months of bank statements for the related company,or personal bank statements if none exist (to confirm sufficient funds flow and annual sales volume per KYC)
Company registration documents (for companies older than one year,provide latest annual report); must have director’s signature
Business plan:Related company business licenses (if none,provide director’s personal bank statement)
Complete set of sales and purchase contracts,invoices,and bills of lading (may provide from related companies)
Please fill out KYC forms carefully to avoid affecting account opening results.

Advantages of Cathay Bank (国泰银行):

Multiple payment methods: supports ACH and Zelle
Chinese customer service and bilingual online banking interface
Supports remote video account opening
FDIC insurance protection up to $250,000
Supports clearing in 12 currencies
Activation deposit: $3,200 USD
Monthly fee: $15 USD (waived for balances over $3,000)
Required Documents for Cathay Bank Account Opening:
Complete US company registration documents
Identification of directors and shareholders with 25%+ ownership (passport + ID)

Supplementary documents:

a) Mainland related company business license + 3 months bank statements + 2 business contracts,or
b) No Mainland related company; e-commerce clients provide store link or independent website sales data screenshot,or
c) Internet enterprises such as game/software/AI tech provide website and proof of genuine business
Completed KYC forms

US Bank Account Opening Process Summary:Choose the right bank: For Chinese enterprises,East West Bank and Cathay Bank are more remote-account-friendly. Large banks like JPMorgan Chase or Bank of America are alternatives.

Complete the application: Fill out online or paper forms and upload required documents.
Identity and background verification: Banks conduct strict reviews; some require video or in-person interviews.
Account activation: Upon approval,banks provide account details and online banking access; physical debit cards may be mailed.
Link international payment platforms: Connect your bank account with PayPal,Stripe,Amazon,etc.,for easy payments and fund management.

Contact Us for Hassle-Free US Bank Account Opening:If you are preparing to open a US company bank account but feel unfamiliar with the process or unsure how to prepare your documents,our expert team offers one-on-one services including:US company registration guidance+EIN tax number application+Bank account document preparation and review+Remote video bank account opening assistance,Contact us today to open your US company bank account smoothly and help your cross-border business soar!