In the post-SVB landscape, startups are rethinking how they manage capital. Today, 63% operate with two or more banking providers to diversify risk and gain operational flexibility.

For international founders expanding into the U.S., the banking decision is no longer just about fees – it's about security, scalability, and seamless integration.

At DasBanq, we’ve worked with hundreds of Latin American entrepreneurs navigating this challenge. Through strategic partnerships with banks like First Citizens and fintech platforms like Mercury and Relay, we streamline LLC formation and business account setup – 100% online and without international travel.

Entering the U.S. Banking System as a Foreign Founder

Opening a business account in the U.S. can feel daunting. From compliance checks to inconsistent documentation requirements, the process is often slow and unclear. Mix in personal and business funds, and you're risking your legal protections and tax reporting.

Fintechs, on the other hand, are redefining standards with intuitive dashboards, automated compliance, and rapid onboarding. Real-time cash flow visibility and integrations with accounting tools are no longer luxuries – they’re essential.

DasBanq simplifies it all with a fully remote 3-day onboarding, ensuring your LLC is compliant, your account is insured, and your support is bilingual.

Why Use Both a Traditional Bank and a Fintech Platform?

What was once a choice between "either-or" has become a strategic "both-and." Founders today split funds: keeping reserves and credit lines in traditional banks (for FDIC security), and using fintechs for day-to-day operations, payroll, and international payments.

For example, a Mexican e-commerce startup cut payment processing costs by 40% by using Mercury for invoicing and vendor payments, while reserving capital with First Citizens.

This hybrid structure gives founders agility without sacrificing institutional reliability.

The Model We Recommend at DasBanq

Our experience proves that a dual-banking setup improves everything: payment speed, budget control, financial visibility, and regulatory compliance. We've implemented it successfully across tech, services, and e-commerce startups.

We form your LLC and open your business bank account within an average of three weeks – in the state of your choice, whether that's Delaware, Florida, Wyoming, Montana, or others. We connect your company with fintech and traditional banks like First Citizens and Relay, without requiring you to travel. We also handle your BOI Report filing automatically and integrate your business accounts with tools such as QuickBooks, Stripe, and Xero for full operational visibility and financial compliance.

Your financial foundation should scale with your business.

What to Expect: Traditional Banks vs. Fintech Platforms

Traditional Banks (First Citizens, Chase):

Great for handling high volumes of transactions, deposits, and account activity. These banks are equipped with infrastructure that supports businesses with intensive transaction flows, supplier payments, and payroll activity.
Offers credit products and physical services like checks. They provide access to business loans, lines of credit, and merchant services that are essential for scaling operations or managing seasonal cash flow fluctuations.
More paperwork, sometimes requires U.S. presence. Traditional banks often require more rigorous compliance, in-person verifications, or local representatives—though this also reflects their regulatory resilience and broader service offering.

Fintechs (Mercury, Relay, Brex):

Fast onboarding and no-fee structure. These platforms enable you to open and operate accounts remotely with zero maintenance fees, which is ideal for startups managing tight budgets.
API integrations for accounting and payments. They easily sync with platforms like Stripe, QuickBooks, and Shopify to automate cash flow tracking, invoicing, and reconciliation.
Ideal for early-stage or international teams. Fintechs are designed to work globally, offering full account functionality for non-residents with a streamlined user experience.

Our advice: use banks for reserve holdings and fintechs for operations. Many of our clients have reduced overhead banking costs by 30–50% this way.

How to Open Your LLC and U.S. Bank Account Remotely

DasBanq handles everything online:

We register your LLC in your preferred state (Delaware, Florida, Wyoming, Montana…)
We get your EIN from the IRS
We connect your LLC to fintechs and banks (like Mercury, Relay, First Citizens)
In 3 weeks, your business is ready to invoice and receive payments in USD

All documents are processed through encrypted channels. We provide your operating agreement, state approval, IRS confirmation, and bank access – no travel needed.

Conclusion

Your banking setup is not just a tool—it's a foundational part of your long-term success in the U.S. market. By leveraging both traditional banks and fintech platforms, international entrepreneurs gain financial clarity, operational agility, and compliance security. This dual strategy minimizes risks, unlocks access to credit and global payments, and ensures you're prepared for rapid scaling.

At DasBanq, we go beyond simple incorporation. We help you build a robust infrastructure that adapts as your business grows—offering access to FDIC-insured accounts, automated accounting integrations, and fast international payment options.

Ready to operate like a local business without setting foot in the U.S.? With DasBanq, your LLC and financial stack can be up and running in just three weeks. We'll guide you every step of the way.

FAQs

Do I need a U.S. business account to operate my LLC?

Yes. It’s essential for compliance, receiving payments, and managing finances. We connect your LLC with banks like First Citizens and Mercury.

Why use both a bank and a fintech platform?

Banks offer deposit protection and credit. Fintechs provide fast integrations and low fees. Together, they optimize operations.

Can I open everything without traveling?

Absolutely. DasBanq handles LLC formation, EIN, and banking – all 100% online. You only need a valid passport and digital documents.

What banking features matter most for startups?

Look for FDIC coverage, API integrations, and multi-currency support.

How can I protect funds beyond FDIC limits?

Distribute funds across institutions. Mercury offers up to $5M in FDIC protection through partner banks.

Are there tools to automate tax and cash flow?

Yes. We integrate with QuickBooks, Xero, and Stripe for real-time financial visibility and compliance.