How to Open a US Business Bank Account from the Bahamas

The Bahamas is one of the few jurisdictions where opening a US business bank account is genuinely straightforward — no sanctions, no OFAC restrictions, and a Bahamian dollar pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. The challenge is not legal; it is practical. US banks still want to see a real US entity, a real US address, and a credible business purpose. This guide covers what works, what does not, and what Bahamian founders should prepare.

What you need before you apply

A US entity

Most Bahamian founders register a US LLC or C corporation, typically in Delaware or Wyoming. Your Certificate of Formation, Operating Agreement, and EIN are the core documents every bank will ask for.

An EIN

An Employer Identification Number is the business tax ID US banks use to open accounts. Non-resident founders get one by filing IRS Form SS-4 — no Social Security number required.

A real US business address

A registered agent address is usually not enough. Banks want a street address where the company can receive mail. A virtual office with a legitimate street address works for most online banks; a PO box does not.

Identity documents

Expect to provide a valid Bahamian passport and beneficial-owner information for all owners with 25% or more of the company.

Bank-by-bank: what Bahamian founders should expect

Mercury

Mercury is the most popular choice for international founders because it supports remote onboarding. For Bahamian founders, there are no country-level restrictions. Mercury will ask for your company formation documents, EIN, founder passport, and a description of the business. Approval typically takes one to three weeks.

Relay

Relay is a solid alternative to Mercury, particularly for founders who want built-in expense management. Bahamian founders are not on any restricted list. The application is online; expect the same document set as Mercury.

Wise Business

Wise is particularly useful for Bahamian founders because of the 1:1 USD/BSD peg — you can hold USD and BSD in the same account and convert at near-interbank rates. Wise Business supports multi-currency accounts and is well-suited for founders who invoice US clients and also operate locally in the Bahamas.

Chase

Chase is a traditional bank with a branch-based process. For non-resident founders, an in-person visit to a US branch is usually required. If you travel to the US regularly, Chase is worth pursuing for the credibility it adds to a business profile. If you cannot visit in person, start with Mercury or Relay.

Wire transfers from the Bahamas to US companies

The Bahamas has full SWIFT connectivity. Major Bahamian banks — Scotiabank (Bahamas), Fidelity Bank (Bahamas), Bank of The Bahamas, Commonwealth Bank, RBC — all support international wire transfers. Transfers to US companies are routine and typically settle in one to two business days.

For smaller payments, Wise is usually cheaper than a bank wire. For larger amounts, a bank wire is more reliable.

What makes Bahamian founders different from other international founders

Two things work in your favour. First, the Bahamas is not on any OFAC sanctions list. Second, the BSD/USD peg means there is no currency risk on USD-denominated accounts. The main friction is the same as for any non-resident founder: proving a real US business purpose and providing a US address that satisfies bank KYC.

Realistic timeline

Most Bahamian founders who have their documents in order — US entity, EIN, US address, passport — can open a Mercury or Relay account within two to three weeks. Chase and traditional banks take longer and usually require a US visit.

What Keystone Bridge does

We handle the US side for founders based outside the United States: entity formation, EIN, ITIN, US business banking access, and business credit.

The price of every stage is published on this site, so a first conversation is about whether we fit — not a pitch. If the answer is that you can do this yourself, we will tell you so. This guide is for informational purposes only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified adviser for your specific situation.