Opening a US bank account as an Israeli founder doesn't have to be painful. Here's which banks work, what documents you need, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

# How to Open a US Bank Account from Israel: A Step-by-Step Guide

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One of the biggest headaches Israeli founders face when incorporating in the US is opening a bank account. Here's your complete guide.

## Why You Need a US Bank Account

- **Receive investor wire transfers**
- **Pay US vendors and employees**
- **Build US credit history**
- **Simplify accounting**

## Best Banks for Israeli Startups

### Tier 1: Startup-Friendly (Recommended)

- **Mercury**: Fully online application, no branch visit required. Free for startups.
- **Brex**: Banking + corporate credit card. No personal guarantee required.
- **Relay**: Modern banking with excellent multi-user features.

### Tier 2: Traditional Banks (Harder but Possible)

- **SVB/First Citizens**: More documentation required but full banking relationship.
- **JPMorgan Chase**: Possible with a US address and EIN.

### Tier 3: Avoid for Startups

- **Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank**: Require in-person visits, very difficult for non-residents.

## Documents You'll Need

1. **Certificate of Incorporation** (from Delaware)
2. **EIN confirmation letter** (IRS Letter 147C or CP575)
3. **Company bylaws**
4. **Board resolution** authorizing account opening
5. **Passport copies** of all signatories
6. **Proof of US address**
7. **Company formation documents**

## Step-by-Step Process (Mercury)

1. Go to mercury.com and click "Open an Account"
2. Enter company details: Legal name, EIN, state of incorporation
3. Upload documents: Certificate of Incorporation, EIN letter
4. Verify identity: Upload passport, answer KYC questions
5. Wait for approval: Usually 1-3 business days
6. Fund your account via wire transfer

## Banking Fees Comparison

| Bank | Monthly Fee | Wire (Domestic) | Wire (International) | ACH |
|------|-----------|----------------|---------------------|-----|
| Mercury | $0 | $5 | $20 | Free |
| Brex | $0 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| Relay | $0 | $5 | N/A | Free |
| SVB | Varies | $25 | $35 | $0.20 |

## Common Pitfalls

- **Using your personal Israeli address**: Use your registered agent's address.
- **Not having your EIN ready**: You cannot open a bank account without one.
- **Opening at the wrong bank**: Start with Mercury or Brex.

## How Aleph Accounting Helps

We guide Israeli founders through bank selection, document preparation, application support, and integration with your accounting system.

**Bottom line**: Start with Mercury or Brex, have your documents ready, and you can be up and running in under a week.