How to open a US bank account as an African startup founder without travelling to the US - covering virtual accounts, US LLC formation, Mercury, and Wise.
Decide your goal: receiving USD payments only, or a full US business bank account.
Receiving USD only (no US entity needed): Open a Grey or Geegpay account. Both provide US routing and account numbers for ACH and wire transfers.
Full US bank account: You need a US LLC. Register via Stripe Atlas ($500 one-time) or Firstbase.io ($399+). Delaware or Wyoming are the most common choices.
After LLC formation, open a Mercury bank account (free, no minimum balance). Mercury accepts international founders fully remotely.
Connect your Mercury account to Stripe for card payment processing.
Set up Wise to convert and send USD back to your Nigerian or Kenyan bank account at near-interbank rates.
Budget for annual US LLC maintenance: Delaware ~$300/year state fee, Wyoming ~$50/year.
Receive dollars as an African freelancer
Get a USD, GBP, and EUR account
US banking built for startups - open remotely
Form a US company from anywhere in the world
Multi-currency business accounts and international transfers at real exchange rates
Accept mobile money, cards, and online payments in Ghana with a properly tested settlement flow.
Read guideA practical guide to understanding and complying with Nigeria’s tax obligations as a startup - company income tax, VAT, WHT, PAYE, and how to work with FIRS without it becoming a nightmare.
Read guideThe fastest path from idea to a live digital product - picking your format, creating it, setting up payments, and making your first sale within a week.
Read guide