Once your US LLC is formed and you have your EIN, the next crucial step is setting up a business bank account. For non-US residents, the easiest and most effective options are fintech platforms like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Payoneer. Both are excellent, but they have key differences.
Wise excels in its transparency and low fees for international transfers. Its core strength is the multi-currency account, which allows you to hold and convert money in dozens of currencies with the real mid-market exchange rate. You get local bank details for the US (ACH and wire routing numbers), UK, Eurozone, and more, making it feel like you have a local bank account in multiple countries.
Payoneer is a powerhouse for receiving payments from US and international marketplaces like Amazon, Upwork, and Airbnb. It's designed to make it easy for businesses to get paid by other businesses. They also offer features like paying VAT and managing multiple store payments in one place.
For most new LLCs focused on general international business, **Wise** is often the more flexible and cost-effective starting point due to its superior multi-currency account and transparent fees. However, if your primary business model involves selling on platforms like Amazon or receiving payments from specific US corporations, **Payoneer** might be the more streamlined choice. We help you navigate this decision and set up the account that best fits your unique business model.