How to Open a US Business Bank Account From Egypt

One of the biggest hurdles Egyptians face after incorporating their US company is opening a bank account. Many assume it's impossible without traveling to the US — but the reality is there are now several options that let you open an account entirely online, without leaving Egypt.

Why Do You Need a US Bank Account?

Before getting into how, it's worth understanding why it matters:

• Stripe and other payment processors need a US bank account to deposit your funds.
• US clients and companies prefer to work with local bank transfers.
• It gives your company real financial credibility and presence in the US market.
• It makes it easier to pay any government fees or business-related subscriptions.

Your Options

1. Mercury

Mercury is the most popular choice among non-US entrepreneurs, and for clear reasons:

• Built for startups and small businesses: The interface is clean and easy to navigate.
• No monthly fees: No maintenance charges on the account.
• Fully online application: No need to be physically present in the US.
• Accepts non-US residents: Foreign company owners are welcome as long as the company is US-registered.

2. Relay

Relay is another strong option, especially if you work with an accountant or use accounting tools like QuickBooks or Xero, as it integrates with them seamlessly. It also allows you to open multiple sub-accounts to separate your budget categories.

3. Wise Business

Wise isn't a traditional bank, but it gives you a real US account with a routing number and account number, which is enough to receive transfers and connect Stripe. Its biggest advantage is how easy it is to open, and it offers excellent exchange rates for international transfers.

What Documents Do You Need?

Regardless of which option you choose, these are the core documents all banks and platforms will ask for:

• Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation: Your company's incorporation document.
• EIN: Your company's tax ID from the IRS.
• Operating Agreement: Your company's internal operating document.
• Valid passport: Proof of identity for the owner.
• US company address: Your registered business address is sufficient.

How to Know If You're Ready

If your company is officially incorporated, your EIN is in hand, and you have all the documents listed above, you're ready to apply. The account opening process at Mercury or Relay typically takes 3 to 7 business days, and everything is done online.

What Comes Next?

Once your account is open, you can connect it to Stripe and start accepting payments from anywhere in the world. That's the complete path: incorporate your company, open a bank account, then activate Stripe.

Need help with any of these steps? [Contact us] and we'll walk you through the whole journey from start to finish.