Opening a U.S. bank account is mission-critical for your Delaware LLC—whether you’re collecting SaaS subscriptions through Stripe or paying U.S. vendors. In 2025, banks demand two federal items before they’ll onboard you: an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and proof you filed your Beneficial-Ownership Information (BOI) Report under the Corporate Transparency Act. Follow this 7-step roadmap to move from formation to funded.
Relevant IRC Codes & Definitions
| Code / Rule | Why It Matters for Banking |
|---|---|
| IRC §6109 | Requires every entity to furnish an EIN or SSN/TIN when opening U.S. accounts. |
| IRC §7701 | Defines “person” and default LLC tax treatment—banks ask which box you checked. |
| FinCEN BOI Rule (31 CFR §1010.380) | Mandates LLCs formed in 2024+ to file BOI within 30 days; banks must verify. |
| USA PATRIOT Act (31 CFR §1020.220) | Know-Your-Customer (KYC) rules force banks to collect ownership docs and EIN letters. |
IRS & State Form References
- SS-4 – EIN Application (online or fax; no SSN needed for foreign owners)
- CP 575 – EIN confirmation letter (banks require a copy)
- BOI Initial Report – Filed on FinCEN portal; confirmation PDF needed for onboarding
- Delaware Certificate of Formation – Stamped by Secretary of State
- Operating Agreement – Internal but banks request it to confirm managers & signers
Real-World Example
Case Study: DevSpark LLC (foreign founders)
| Timeline | Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Day 0 | Filed Delaware Certificate of Formation | Received stamped PDF in 24 hr |
| Day 1 | Submitted SS-4 via IRS fax with passport copy | CP 575 EIN letter emailed Day 3 |
| Day 4 | Filed BOI Report; kept confirmation number | |
| Day 5 | Uploaded docs to Mercury & Brex | Account approved Day 7 |
Result: live U.S. bank account in one week—without founders visiting the U.S.
7-Step EIN-to-BOI Bank Account Checklist
- Get a Registered Agent Letter – Confirms U.S. business address.
- File SS-4 for EIN – Use foreign owner’s passport in Line 7b if no SSN/ITIN.
- Receive CP 575 – Save PDF; this is your EIN proof.
- Draft & Sign Operating Agreement – Names managers & ownership percentages.
- Submit BOI Report – Upload ID docs; download confirmation page.
- Collect Banking Packet – Certificate of Formation, OA, EIN letter, BOI receipt, IDs.
- Apply to Fintech Bank – Upload packet; list owners ≥25 %. Most approve in 2–5 business days.
Conclusion
In 2025, Delaware paperwork alone won’t open a bank account. Banks need an EIN, BOI compliance, and clear ownership documentation to satisfy federal KYC. Follow these seven steps and you’ll be payment-ready—without U.S. travel or endless back-and-forth.
Call to Action
Want concierge help getting an EIN, filing BOI, and securing a U.S. bank account—often in under a week?
👉 Book your Bank-Ready setup with Anshul Goyal, CPA. We handle every form and liaise directly with fintech banks for faster approval.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. U.S. banking policies vary by institution and may change. Failure to file a timely BOI Report can trigger FinCEN penalties of $500 per day. Always confirm current requirements with your chosen bank and consult qualified professionals.
Anshul Goyal, CPA EA FCA is a U.S.-licensed Certified Public Accountant, IRS Enrolled Agent, and Chartered Accountant (India). He assists global founders with EIN procurement, BOI compliance, and U.S. banking solutions.
FAQs (Top 5 High-Searched)
1. Can I get an EIN without a U.S. SSN?
Yes—fax Form SS-4 and leave SSN line blank; list “Foreign” in 7b.
2. Is the BOI Report mandatory before banking?
For LLCs formed after 1 Jan 2024, yes—banks increasingly demand proof.
3. Which banks accept foreign-owned Delaware LLCs?
Fintech platforms (e.g., Mercury, Brex) typically onboard remote founders.
4. How long does EIN approval take in 2025?
Online for U.S. owners (minutes); 3–5 days by fax for foreign owners.
5. Will a Series LLC need multiple EINs?
Only if each series operates independently or files separate returns.
About Our CPA
Anshul Goyal, CPA EA FCA has guided 2,000+ SaaS and cross-border founders through Delaware formations, EINs, BOI filings, and fintech banking—unlocking over $250 million in U.S. payments.