For non-U.S. residents looking to launch a U.S. business, the path to getting a bank account or setting up a payment solution has become more complicated in 2025.
Platforms like Wise, Payoneer, OFX, and fintech providers such as RelayFi and Mercury are tightening their requirements, particularly around entity structure, address verification, and U.S. tax classification.
This isn’t just about account setup anymore. It’s about avoiding financial shutdowns, preventing tax exposure, and building a compliant infrastructure before you sell on Amazon, Shopify, or TikTok Shop.
FinCEN’s Influence on U.S. Banking and Payment Providers
Over the last year, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has shifted from issuing guidance to enforcing compliance through financial institutions. That includes:
- Enhanced KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures
- Stricter address verification policies
- Crackdowns on shell LLC structures
- Increased filing of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs)
This pressure is passed down to fintech platforms and payment processors. As a result, companies without a real U.S. presence—or those using outdated formation strategies—are getting flagged, rejected, or de-platformed.
The Real-World Impact for Non-Resident Business Owners
Here’s what we’re seeing in 2025:
- CMRA addresses are rejected by default.
- Utility bills or bank statements are often required to prove business legitimacy.
- Single-member LLCs disregarded for tax are accepted by some platforms—but only under narrow conditions.
- W-9 or W-8 forms must align with your marketplace and business model (W-9 for TikTok Shop, W-8BEN or W-8ECI for Amazon depending on activity).
- Frequent transfers to foreign accounts through fintech platforms may trigger fraud alerts.
This is a moving target. You can no longer assume that forming a U.S. company, getting an EIN, and applying for a fintech account will be enough.
What Platforms and Banks Are Actually Looking For
Wise, Payoneer, and OFX
These are global money transfer and payment solutions that allow non-residents to hold and move U.S. dollars. While convenient, they now often require:
- Business verification with a real utility bill or bank statement
- Proof of U.S. operations beyond just a registered agent
- Consistent documentation (EIN, address, ownership) across the application
RelayFi and Mercury
While commonly referred to as “business banks,” these are actually technology platforms partnered with real banks. They’re designed for startups and digital businesses—but are now under pressure to vet entity legitimacy more aggressively. Requirements may include:
- Non-CMRA address with supporting documentation
- U.S. operational presence (or equivalent)
- Correct entity type (multi-member LLCs or corporations often have better success)
The Two-Address and Two-Account Strategy
To improve compliance and reduce rejection risk, we recommend:
Two U.S. Addresses
- Virtual address or registered agent address – for IRS mail and general forwarding
- Physical non-CMRA address with lease or utility bill – for banking and payment verification
Two Financial Accounts
- One U.S.-based fintech account – for receiving platform payouts (Amazon, Stripe)
- One international money transfer account – for transferring funds globally (OFX, Wise, Payoneer)
This split helps avoid flagging your U.S. business account as a “pass-through” operation—something platforms and banks are increasingly targeting.
Before You Form a Company, Consider This
Many entrepreneurs rush to form a U.S. LLC, often choosing the wrong entity type or address—only to spend months trying to fix it later.
But each decision—structure, address, tax classification—cascades into what platforms will approve you, what accounts will stay open, and how you’ll be taxed.
That’s why at NCP, we don’t start with forms. We start with your goals, risk profile, and compliance pathway. Then we reverse-engineer the proper structure and support.
If you’ve already formed a company, we’ll help you determine:
- Whether it’s fixable or needs to be amended
- What needs to be updated with the IRS or state
- Whether a new entity would be faster and more cost-effective
Final Thoughts: Structure First, Setup Second
In 2025, compliance is no longer optional. The platforms you rely on for sales and payments are tightening onboarding—and the IRS is watching closely.
Before you wire money, sign up for Stripe, or take your Amazon tax interview, ask yourself:
- Does your structure match what the platform requires?
- Will your address pass verification now and later?
- Are you protected from U.S. tax surprises?
If you’re not sure, it’s time to talk to someone who does know.
Ready to Get It Right the First Time?
Book a FIT call with our team to review your structure, fix mistakes, or plan your U.S. expansion the right way.
Our team doesn’t sell shortcuts. We deliver verified, tax-smart, scalable infrastructure—built for international sellers serious about growing in the U.S. market.
