How To Get a U.S. Bank Account Without a U.S. Address

There’s a myth floating around that you need to live in the U.S. to open a U.S. bank account.

False.
Outdated.
Lazy thinking.

Because here’s the truth:

You can open a fully legal, legit, and compliant U.S. bank account without living in the States — or even setting foot there — if you know how to play the game.

And no, I’m not talking about shady workarounds or risking account freezes with a PO box in Delaware.

I’m talking about doing it by the book and still getting access to the most powerful banking system in the world.

Let’s break it down.

Why Even Bother With a U.S. Bank Account?

Because U.S. banks unlock global credibility, USD stability, better Stripe/PayPal integration, and higher trust when dealing with international clients or platforms.

Try sending $30K from your Payoneer to a European bank and see what happens.
Now try it from a Chase business account. Different energy.

The Legal Strategy

Here’s the play:

1. Get an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)

If you’re not a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you’ll need an ITIN.
This is like a Social Security Number for non-residents.

It shows the bank you’re part of the U.S. tax system — even if you don’t owe anything.
(And no, getting an ITIN doesn’t mean you’re taxed on global income.)

2. Set Up a Physical U.S. Mailing Address (Compliant)

Forget PO boxes and virtual mailboxes.
Banks are cracking down.

You need an actual physical street address in the U.S. where you can receive mail and that can be verified if needed.

We offer this to our clients through our U.S. Address Compliance Service.
Banks love it. USPS verifies it. Works every time.

3. Choose the Right Bank

Not all banks are created equal.
Here are your real options:

• Traditional Banks (Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America):
  ✔️ Requires in-person visit
  ✔️ ITIN + address + ID
  ✔️ Very stable
  ❗ More documents required
  
  
• FinTech Banks (Mercury, Relay, Bluevine):
  ✔️ Remote setup
  ✔️ Easier for foreign LLCs
  ❗️ Risk of account freezes, poor support, less stable long-term
  
  

4. Form a U.S. Business (Optional but Powerful)

If you want a business account, this is non-negotiable.

Form a U.S. LLC (Wyoming is popular for foreigners), get your EIN, and now you’re ready to open:

• Business bank accounts
  
• Stripe
  
• PayPal
  
• U.S. merchant processors
  
  

Summary – Your 3-Step Setup

1. Get an ITIN
   
2. Secure a U.S. Address
   
3. Choose the right bank + go in (or hire a pro to go for you)
   
   

This works. It’s legal. It’s scalable.
And it’s how we help digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and international investors tap into the U.S. system without ever leaving Bali, Dubai, or Tulum.

Want Help Doing It?

We do this for clients every day.

✔️ ITIN application
✔️ U.S. physical address
✔️ Bank account setup
✔️ LLC formation if needed

And we guarantee it works — or your money back.

DM me “BANK” or visit www.thejerzway.com to get started.

Let’s get you banked up.

— Jerz 🧠

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