Do you own a US LLC, live outside the United States and want to establish a direct banking relationship with Chase? For companies with regular USD payment flows, a traditional US bank account can offer considerably more than a standalone fintech account.
Chase supports ACH payments and wire transfers, together with debit cards, online and mobile banking and—subject to separate approval—business credit cards and financing products. The account relationship is directly with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., an FDIC-insured US bank.
Chase also has defined requirements for foreign LLC owners. A successful application depends on the company, owners, addresses and tax information being documented consistently. Depending on the LLC structure, the application may be completed online or through a Chase branch.
This guide explains which requirements apply to a US LLC, when online opening is available, how the business address and state of formation affect the process, and how a non-resident should prepare the application.
Quick Answer
Can a non-resident open a Chase Business account for a US LLC?
Chase expressly provides identification requirements for non-US citizens. For foreign LLC owners, Chase collects information including residential address, citizenship, tax identification number and passport details.
Final account approval is made by Chase on a case-by-case basis.
Does the owner have to live in the United States?
The owner provides their actual residential address. For example, an owner living in Spain should provide the Spanish residential address. The LLC’s Registered Agent address is a separate company address.
The LLC’s business address is considered separately and should reflect the actual company structure.
Can a Chase Business account be opened online?
Yes. Chase allows online applications for certain LLC structures, particularly single-member and single-manager LLCs with one authorised representative. Multi-member, multi-manager and certain more complex structures are directed to a branch.
Must the LLC be formed in the same state as the Chase branch?
No.
Chase states that where a company is formed in another state but operates in the state where the account is opened, evidence may be required showing that the company is authorised to conduct business there.
Does the owner need an ITIN?
Not necessarily.
For owners with at least 10% ownership, Chase requests a personal Tax Identification Number and expressly lists SSN, ITIN or FTIN. The LLC is identified separately through its EIN or other company tax information.
How much FDIC coverage applies?
Deposits of an independently operating company at the same FDIC-insured bank are generally aggregated and insured up to $250,000 in the relevant ownership category.
Why Chase Can Be Attractive for a US LLC
Chase is a traditional US bank rather than a payment platform.
For an internationally operated LLC, that can be particularly useful when:
- US customers pay by ACH,
- the company regularly sends or receives USD wires,
- US suppliers need to be paid,
- a direct US banking relationship is desirable,
- additional banking products may be relevant later.
Chase offers Business Checking, online and mobile banking, debit cards and other payment and account services.
An existing Wise, Revolut or other multi-currency account does not necessarily need to be replaced.
An international LLC can, for example, use Chase for USD, ACH and US payments, while retaining a European account for EUR, SEPA and multi-currency transactions.
The accounts then serve different purposes.
Our guide to a business account for a US LLC in Europe explains how a separate EUR and SEPA account can complement this setup.
Which Address Does a Non-Resident Need?
Chase distinguishes between the owner’s residential address and the LLC’s business address.
An owner with at least 10% ownership provides their actual residential address. For a foreign owner, Chase also collects information including citizenship, tax ID and passport or Matricula details.
The LLC’s Registered Agent address is separate and should not be used as the owner’s personal residential address.
The business address used for the LLC should be determined and documented before the application. This is particularly important for remotely managed businesses, virtual-address arrangements or structures where the Registered Agent, owner and day-to-day management are in different locations.
Bizkonto can clarify this address setup with its existing Chase contacts before the application or any trip to the United States.
State of Formation and State of the Chase Branch
The LLC does not have to be formed in the same state as the Chase branch simply because the account is being opened there.
Chase’s written LLC requirements state that if a company is formed in another state but operates in the state where the account is opened, evidence may be required showing that the business is authorised to operate there.
The relevant factor is therefore the company’s actual business activity.
Bizkonto can clarify this structure with Chase before a branch appointment is arranged, so the required documents are known before the client travels.
Open Online or at a Chase Branch?
Chase supports both routes.
Online Application
For LLCs, online applications are available in particular for:
- single-member LLCs,
- single-manager LLCs,
- one authorised representative.
Company and owner information is submitted digitally.
Even where the LLC structure is eligible for online opening, the applicant’s identity, tax information and addresses must also be successfully verified.
For a foreign owner, an additional verification step or branch opening may therefore still be required.
Branch Opening
Chase directs more complex structures to a branch.
These include in particular:
- multi-member LLCs,
- multi-manager LLCs,
- LLCs with multiple authorised representatives,
- LLCs owned by another company.
For a member-managed LLC, all members generally need to be present for the account opening.
For a manager-managed LLC, all managers generally need to attend.
If a member or manager is itself a company, an authorised representative of that entity is also required.
Where owners live in different countries, it is important to confirm who actually needs to appear in person before any travel is booked.
Which Documents Does Chase Require From a US LLC?
Formation Documents
Depending on the state, Chase accepts documents including:
- Articles of Organization,
- Certificate of Organization,
- Certificate of Formation,
- state or county business-register validation where available.
The documents must confirm the existence and legal name of the company.
EIN
For LLCs, Chase generally requests an Employer Identification Number.
For single-member LLCs, SSN or ITIN can also be relevant under Chase’s published requirements.
For an internationally owned US LLC, the company’s EIN documentation should nevertheless be fully prepared.
Evidence of Current Members or Managers
Chase lists examples including:
- Operating Agreement,
- certified amendment to the formation document,
- meeting minutes,
- Annual Report or Statement of Information.
This is particularly relevant where the original formation documents do not show who currently owns or manages the LLC.
Active Company Status
For older companies, Chase may request current evidence that the LLC remains active, such as a Certificate of Good Standing or comparable status document.
Personal Identification
For branch opening, Chase generally requires two forms of personal identification, at least one of which must be government issued.
For foreign non-permanent residents, Chase lists examples including:
- passport,
- Matricula Consular,
- U.S. Employment Authorization Card.
According to Chase’s detailed checklist, credit or debit cards are not accepted as secondary identification for non-US citizens. Additional evidence of address or date of birth may be required.
Before a branch visit, the applicant should therefore confirm which second document Chase will accept in the specific case.
For more on preparing ownership and identity evidence, see our guide to KYC checks for non-residents.
Which Personal Tax ID Does the Owner Need?
For owners with at least 10% ownership, Chase requests information including:
- legal name,
- residential address,
- ownership percentage,
- date of birth,
- Tax Identification Number,
- citizenship.
Chase lists:
SSN, ITIN or FTIN
as examples of the owner’s personal tax identification.
A non-resident without an SSN or ITIN can therefore generally provide their foreign tax identification number as an FTIN.
The LLC’s tax identification is separate:
LLC → EIN
Owner → personal Tax ID
These should be kept clearly separate in the application.
Chase Also Reviews the Business Activity
Account opening is not limited to company documents.
Chase can request information about:
- number of business locations,
- markets where products or services are sold,
- supplier locations,
- nature of the business,
- annual revenue,
- number of employees,
- expected transaction types,
- expected transaction volumes.
For a consulting LLC, a description might be:
The LLC provides CRM implementation and process automation services to B2B clients in the United States and Europe. Chase will be used to receive USD invoices from US clients and pay US software suppliers.
For a newly formed LLC, expected revenue should be presented as a forecast.
The information should remain consistent with the website, existing contracts and actual business activity.
Our guide to proof of source of funds for companies explains how to document the origin of business funds.
Which Chase Business Checking Account Is Suitable?
For many small and mid-sized LLCs, Chase Business Complete Banking is the most obvious starting point.
Chase also offers additional Business Checking accounts for businesses with higher balances or more extensive cash-management requirements.
Business Complete Banking
Chase Business Complete Banking can be opened online where the company structure qualifies. Chase currently lists no minimum opening deposit; new accounts are funded after opening.
A commonly quoted balance threshold relates to waiving the monthly service fee, not to the initial account-opening requirement.
FDIC Deposit Insurance at Chase
JPMorgan Chase Bank is an FDIC member.
Deposits of an independently operating LLC at the same insured bank are generally aggregated and insured up to $250,000.
Multiple checking or savings accounts held by the same LLC do not increase this standard coverage.
Additional members or authorised signers also do not create separate coverage for each individual.
One advantage over a pure e-money structure is that the LLC holds its funds directly with an FDIC-insured US bank.
Some fintech providers, however, use several partner banks and may offer a higher nominal total through sweep programmes. For larger balances, the account structure matters as much as the headline insurance amount.
Access to Business Credit Cards and Financing
In addition to business checking, Chase offers products including:
- Business Credit Cards,
- Business Lines of Credit,
- Small Business Loans,
- SBA financing,
- Commercial Real Estate Financing.
These products are reviewed separately.
Business Credit Cards
A Chase Business Credit Card is applied for separately from the checking account.
Depending on the card, the applicant’s personal credit and a personal guarantee can be relevant.
Having a Chase business account therefore does not automatically mean that the LLC will receive a business credit card without further review.
Business Line of Credit
For its current Business Line of Credit, Chase lists requirements including:
- at least $100,000 annual revenue,
- FICO score of at least 660,
- unchanged majority ownership and management for two years,
- primary business address in a US state other than Alaska or Hawaii,
- personal guarantee from owners holding at least 20%.
An existing Chase Business Checking or Savings account is also required or must be opened.
For a newly formed non-resident LLC, the business account and later financing should therefore be treated as two separate products.
How the Chase Opening Process Works for a Non-Resident LLC
Step 1: Prepare the LLC and Ownership Structure
Before contacting the bank, the following should be clear:
- state of formation,
- single- or multi-member structure,
- member-managed or manager-managed,
- owners and ownership percentages,
- residential addresses,
- business address,
- Registered Agent address,
- EIN,
- personal Tax IDs.
This already helps determine whether online opening is realistically available or whether a branch process should be prepared.
Step 2: Establish Contact With a Chase Business Banker
A Chase branch can connect the client directly with a Business Banker and arrange an appointment. Chase itself recommends speaking with a banker when selecting the appropriate account.
For an international LLC, the banker should know before the application or trip:
- the company structure,
- where the owners live,
- which business address is being used,
- which tax IDs are available,
- which payment rails are required.
Bizkonto has long-standing contacts with Chase and can help identify the appropriate contact and prepare the opening process in advance.
Step 3: Choose Online or Branch Opening
If the LLC qualifies for online opening and the relevant individuals can be digitally verified, the application can proceed online.
If an in-person appointment is required, the following are confirmed in advance:
- Chase contact,
- branch,
- appointment,
- participants,
- required documents.
For an international trip, travel should only be booked once these points have been confirmed.
Step 4: Prepare the Complete Document Package
Before submission or the appointment, the file should include:
- formation documents,
- EIN documentation,
- current member/manager evidence,
- Good Standing where required,
- personal identification,
- personal Tax IDs,
- agreed address information,
- description of the business activity.
Step 5: Submit the Application
The application is submitted through the agreed channel.
Personal identification steps, signatures and binding declarations remain the responsibility of the authorised individuals.
Step 6: Manage Follow-Up Questions
International LLCs can receive further questions about ownership, addresses, the company or business activity.
Bizkonto continues to support the client during this phase and coordinates the required documents and administrative responses.
Step 7: Complete the Account Setup
Once approved, the banking relationship is prepared for operational use.
Depending on the case, this can include:
- online banking access,
- debit card,
- user permissions,
- ACH and wire functionality,
- account notifications,
- outstanding administrative items.
Bizkonto supports the client throughout the opening process until the Chase business account is set up.
The client therefore benefits both from the personal introduction and from one point of contact throughout the application.
How Bizkonto Supports the Chase Account Opening
Bizkonto supports international entrepreneurs opening a Chase business account for their US LLC and has long-standing contacts with Chase.
This allows us to clarify the requirements for the specific LLC before an application or trip and introduce the client to an appropriate Chase contact.
Depending on the case, support can include:
- review of the LLC and ownership structure,
- preparation of company documents,
- review of EIN and personal tax identification numbers,
- clarification of the business address,
- coordination of the formation state and any additional registration evidence,
- preparation of identification documents,
- personal introduction to Chase,
- coordination with the Business Banker,
- preparation of the online application or branch appointment,
- submission of the application,
- administrative support with follow-up questions,
- support until the Chase business account is fully set up.
For a non-resident, the advantage is not limited to clarifying addresses, documents and participants before any potential trip.
The client also benefits from Bizkonto’s existing Chase relationships and has a dedicated point of contact throughout the opening process.
Personal identification steps and required signatures remain the responsibility of the authorised individuals.
Final account approval is made exclusively by Chase. Bizkonto cannot guarantee approval.
Conclusion: Chase as a Long-Term US Banking Relationship for the LLC
A Chase Business account can be particularly useful for an international US LLC that regularly processes USD payments and wants to build a direct relationship with a major US bank.
Chase also accommodates foreign owners and records their actual residential address and personal tax identification separately from the company’s business address.
Certain single-member and single-manager LLCs can apply online. More complex structures are opened through a Chase branch.
The state question should also be reviewed before applying: the LLC does not need to be formed in the same state merely because a branch is located there. If the business actually operates in the state of account opening, Chase may require evidence that the LLC is authorised to do business there.
In addition to US payment infrastructure, Chase provides a direct FDIC-insured banking relationship and access to additional business products that are reviewed separately.
Bizkonto supports the entire process—from reviewing the documents to the personal introduction to Chase, coordination with the Business Banker and full setup of the business account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open Chase if I live in Europe or Asia?
Chase accommodates non-US citizens and collects information including residential address, citizenship and Tax Identification Number for LLC owners. The account opening is reviewed individually by Chase.
Do I need an ITIN?
Not necessarily. For LLC owners holding at least 10%, Chase lists SSN, ITIN or FTIN as possible personal tax identification numbers.
Must my LLC be formed in the same state as the Chase branch?
No. If the LLC actually operates in the state where the account is opened, Chase may require evidence that it is authorised to conduct business there.
Can I open the Chase business account online?
Certain single-member or single-manager LLCs with one authorised representative can apply online. More complex LLC structures are directed to a branch.
Which owners does Chase need information about?
For LLC owners with at least 10% ownership, Chase requests information including name, residential address, ownership percentage, date of birth, Tax ID and citizenship.
How much FDIC deposit insurance applies?
Deposits of an independently operating company at the same FDIC-insured bank are generally aggregated and insured up to $250,000.
Can the LLC later obtain a Chase business loan?
Chase offers Business Lines of Credit and other financing products. These are reviewed separately and can include requirements relating to revenue, FICO score, business address, company history and personal guarantees.