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About Bank Account Opening Procedures

You may be surprised to learn US banks do not all have the same policies to open a business bank account (aka corporate bank account or commercial bank account)! Despite these differences, there are a few things you can be sure the bank will request: Articles of Incorporation, photo identification of the person authorized to open the account, and an EIN. Other documents the bank is likely to request include a Certificate of Good Standing, and a Banking Resolution. Some US banks will also request proof of address. Some US banks may request the By-Laws or Operating Agreement. Unless you have an existing account with the bank, US banks will require the account-holder to come in person to open the account. It is always a good idea to contact the bank branch in advance of your visit to find out what documents they will require, as requirements vary from branch to branch. You will find more information about each of these requirements following the next section.

Summary of Requirements to Open a Bank Account in the name of your Delaware LLC or Delaware Corporation outside the US

1. Will I be required to come in person to open the bank account?
   
   
2. Will my Delaware company be required to show a Certificate of Authority or other proof of qualification in the state or country where this bank branch is located? (1)
   
   
3. Will my business be required to provide a Delaware Address?(2) Will proof of Address be required; if so, what are the acceptable forms of proof?
   
   
4. What documents will you require me to produce?(3)

1. Certificate of Formation (also known as Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Organization)
1. Do you accept a plain copy?
2. Do you require a Certified Copy of this document?
3. Do you require an Apostille on this document? (Does not apply inside US)
   


2. Certificate of Good Standing
1. Do you accept an Email or Fax copy?
2. Do you require an Apostille on this document? (Does not apply inside US)


3. Operating Agreement or Bylaws
1. Do you require a Notarized copy?
2. Do you require an Apostille on this document?(Does not apply inside US)


4. Resolution naming the officers, members or owners of a company
1. Do you accept a resolution signed by the Incorporator as Authorized Agent?
2. Do you require a Power of Attorney? or a Certificate of Incumbency? (May not apply inside US)
3. Do you require a Notarized copy of the document?
   
4. Do you require an Apostille on this document? (Does not apply inside US)

1. What authority issues the document? (i.e. Secretary of State, Board of Directors, Registered Agent)
2. Who executes (signs) the document?
3. Is the document notarized or authenticated by the Secretary of State or other official?
4. Is the document required to be translated? If so, is the translation required to be certified by the translator/Notary?
5. Ask the bank to provide a sample if possible

1. If your bank requests a Certificate of Authority, DBI can assist you with qualifying your Delaware company in another state. We also offer formation in all 50 states. Contact one of our Incorporation Specialists for more details.
2. DBI can provide a Delaware address at the Capitol Office Center with mail forwarding. The address comes standard with the International Platinum Package or can be ordered separately. Whether or not you purchase a Delaware address with your new company depends on personal preference and the policy of the bank you have selected to open your account.
3. With the exception of the Power of Attorney, DBI can help you obtain the documents listed under interview question number four. Some of the listed documents are included in the new company formation packages, others can be ordered for an additional fee. Contact one of our Incorporation Specialists for more details.
4. Although the process can usually be completed in about an hour, and rarely requires more than 24 hours, the IRS does not offer a guaranteed time frame for processing an application for an EIN. Orders will be processed on a best efforts basis and are subject to IRS guidelines.