How to Open a Business Bank Account in the US, UK and Canada in 2027 and 2028
Opening a business bank account works differently in the US, the UK and Canada. Start here, compare the three countries at a glance, then follow the full guide for your company.
MyCompanyLookup Editorial TeamUpdated 11 Oct 2026 2 min read
In this article
Banks in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada ask for similar things: proof the company exists, a tax or business number, details of the owners, and ID for the people who sign. But the details, and the hurdles for non-resident owners, are different in each country. To keep each guide focused and complete, we now have one full guide per country.
Choose your country
| Your company | Full guide |
|---|---|
| US LLC | How to open a US business bank account for an LLC |
| UK limited company | How to open a UK business bank account |
| Canadian corporation | How to open a business bank account in Canada |
The three countries at a glance
| United States (LLC) | United Kingdom (Ltd) | Canada (Corporation) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company tax or business number | EIN, needed before applying | UTR, usually not needed to open | Business Number, needed before applying |
| Key formation document | Articles of organization | Certificate of incorporation | Certificate and articles of incorporation |
| Ownership record checked | Operating agreement and beneficial owners (25%) | Directors and PSCs on the Companies House register | Register of individuals with significant control |
| What the bank checks publicly | State filings | Companies House register | Corporate registry |
| Deposit protection | FDIC: $250,000 | FSCS: £120,000 | CDIC: CAD 100,000 per category |
| Non-resident owners | Online providers often accept; banks may need a branch visit | Many banks need a UK-resident director; e-money providers more flexible | Branch visit for identity checks is common |
What every application needs
Wherever the company is, prepare these before you apply:
- the company's exact legal name and formation documents;
- its tax or business number where the country requires it;
- details of every owner of 25% or more and of the people who control the company;
- passport and proof of address for directors, officers, owners and signers; and
- a clear description of the business: products, customers, countries and expected monthly volumes.
Names, dates of birth and addresses must match the official company record exactly. Mismatches cause more delays than anything else.
Banks or online business accounts?
In all three countries you'll find traditional banks, with deposit insurance and lending, and online business accounts, which are faster and often more open to non-resident owners but protect money differently. Many companies use both. Each country guide explains the trade-offs, deposit protection rules and fees in detail.
Keep the company record clean
Banks and payment providers check the official register, and many freeze accounts when they see a strike-off notice, overdue filings or a default registered office. Company Monitor alerts you the moment your UK company's Companies House record changes, so you can act before your bank does. Our guide on what happens to a dissolved company's bank account explains the risks.
Get help
Biz E-Formations Inc. forms companies in the US, UK and Canada and helps founders, including non-residents, prepare complete business bank account applications.
Frequently asked questions
+Which guide should I read?
Read the guide for the country where your company is registered: the US guide for an LLC, the UK guide for a limited company, or the Canada guide for a corporation.
+Can a non-resident open a business bank account in these countries?
Often yes. Online providers are usually the easiest route; traditional banks may require a branch visit or a resident director. Each country guide explains the options.
+What documents do I need?
Formation documents, the company's tax or business number where required, ownership details, and ID and proof of address for the people behind the company.
