Tag: Open a US Relay Bank Account from Sri Lanka

Opening a US bank account from Sri Lanka may seem difficult at first, especially if you are not familiar with the requirements, documents, and banking platforms available to international users. However, services like Mercury and Relay have made it much easier for Sri Lankan freelancers, business owners, and online entrepreneurs to access US banking without traveling to the United States. 

If you want to receive payments in USD, work with international clients, or build a global business, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Keep reading to learn the exact steps to open a US bank account from Sri Lanka using Mercury or Relay. 

Can You Open a US Bank Account from Sri Lanka?

Yes, but not the way most people expect. You cannot walk into a US bank branch or apply online as a Sri Lankan individual and get a US bank account. Banks like Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America require you to be physically present in the US with a US address and a Social Security Number (SSN).

However, there is a legal and widely used path: form a US LLC first, then open a business bank account under that company. This is how thousands of Sri Lankan freelancers and business owners access the US banking system, which is done 100% remotely.

Is Sri Lanka on Any Restricted Country List?

No. Sri Lanka is not on Mercury’s or Relay’s restricted country list. You can apply from Sri Lanka without any country-level blocks. However, both platforms do check your business type, documents, and address details carefully before approving your account. 

What Changed in the Rules Up to 2026

Opening a US bank account as a non-resident was much easier before 2024. Since then, platforms like Mercury and Relay have tightened their requirements significantly.

Here is what changed:

• Registered agent addresses are no longer accepted as your business address.
• Both platforms now ask for proof of actual US business activity (invoices, contracts, or client agreements).
• Mercury closed accounts in several high-risk jurisdictions in 2024 and increased compliance checks across all regions.
• A rejected application is recorded. Applying twice from the same LLC usually gets auto-rejected.

The process still works, but you need to be well-prepared before you apply. 

Personal Account vs Business Account: Which One to Go With?

For Sri Lankans, a business account is the only real option. Personal US bank accounts are tied to SSNs and US residency, which you won’t have. Business accounts through Mercury or Relay only require a US LLC and an EIN, both of which you can get remotely.

	Personal Account	Business Account
Available to Sri Lankans	No	Yes
Requires SSN	Yes	No
Requires US LLC	No	Yes
Requires EIN	No	Yes
Can open remotely	No	Yes
Works with Stripe & PayPal	Limited	Yes

Why Open a US Bank Account from Sri Lanka?

Having a US bank account is not just about storing money. For Sri Lankan freelancers and business owners working with international clients, it changes how you get paid, what platforms you can use, and how seriously clients take your business.

Here is why it matters in practice. 

1. Receive Payments from US Clients in USD

Most US-based clients pay through ACH transfers or domestic wire transfers. These only work if you have a US bank account with a US routing number and account number. Without one, you are limited to PayPal or Wise, which work, but come with higher fees and slower transfers for the client’s side.

A Mercury or Relay account gives you a real US bank account number that US clients can pay directly, just like paying any local vendor. 

2. Connect with Stripe, PayPal, and Other Platforms

Stripe requires a US bank account to receive payouts if you are operating under a US LLC. The same applies to several other payment platforms that prioritize or only support US-based accounts for business payouts.

Once you have a Mercury or Relay account, connecting it to Stripe, PayPal, or similar platforms becomes straightforward.

Read our full guides on Stripe in Sri Lanka and PayPal in Sri Lanka for setup details.  

3. Build Trust with International Customers

When you invoice a client with a US bank account number, it signals that your business is properly set up. Many US and European clients feel more comfortable paying into a US account than doing an international wire transfer to Sri Lanka. It removes friction and speeds up payment. 

4. Manage Global Business Payments

A US bank account acts as a central hub for your international business. You can receive USD, pay US-based contractors or software subscriptions, and move money to your Sri Lankan account when needed, all without dealing with high conversion fees on every transaction. 

What Are Mercury and Relay?

Before you apply, it helps to know what these platforms actually are, and what they are not. 

Mercury

Mercury is an online business banking platform built for startups, tech companies, and online businesses. It is popular among non-resident LLC owners because it accepts foreign founders, has no monthly fees, and offers a clean dashboard with solid integrations for tools like Stripe, QuickBooks, and Gusto.

If you are a freelancer, agency owner, or running an online business under a US LLC, Mercury is usually the first platform people try. 

Relay

Relay is an online business banking platform focused on small business cash flow management. Its standout feature is the ability to open up to 20 separate checking accounts under one business. This is useful if you want to separate operating expenses, tax reserves, and profit without juggling multiple banks.

Relay works well for business owners who follow a structured money management system and need more account flexibility than Mercury offers. 

Both Are Fintech Companies, Not Traditional Banks

Neither Mercury nor Relay is a bank. They are financial technology companies that partner with FDIC-insured banks to hold your funds.

• Mercury partners with Choice Financial Group and Column N.A. (FDIC insured up to $5 million)
• Relay partners with Thread Bank (FDIC insured up to $3 million)

Your money is protected, but it is worth knowing the structure before you open an account. 

What You Need Before You Apply to Open a US Bank Account from Sri Lanka

Before you start an application on Mercury or Relay, make sure you have all of these in place. A missing document or wrong address detail is the most common reason applications get rejected. 

1. A US LLC: Both Mercury and Relay only open accounts for US-registered businesses. You need a US LLC or Corporation set up before you apply. There is no way around this step. The good news is you can set up a US LLC from Sri Lanka without traveling to the US.  
2. An EIN from the IRS: An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your business’s tax ID number in the US. Both platforms require it during the application. You can get an EIN without an SSN, and the process can be done remotely from Sri Lanka.  
3. A Valid US Business Address: This is where most non-resident applicants run into problems. Neither Mercury nor Relay accepts a registered agent address as your business address. You need a real US street address. A virtual office address from a reputable provider works, but a physical address is stronger. 
4. A Passport: Both platforms require a valid government-issued photo ID for identity verification. For Sri Lankan applicants, your passport is the accepted document. 
5. A Business Website or Online Presence: Mercury and Relay may check your website during the review process to verify your business is real and active. A basic professional website with your services, contact details, and business name is enough. 

How to Open a Mercury Bank Account from Sri Lanka

Here is a steps by step guide:

Step 1: Have Your LLC and EIN Ready

Before you visit Mercury’s website, make sure your US LLC is active and you have your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS. Mercury will ask for both during the application. Starting without these will just get your application stuck.

Step 2: Go to Mercury’s Website and Start the Application

Go to mercury.com and click Get Started. Create an account with your email address. Mercury will ask whether you are applying as a founder or on behalf of a company. Select the option that matches your situation. 

Step 3: Fill in Your Business Details and Address

Enter your business name, business type, and your US business address. Remember, do not use your registered agent’s address here. Use a valid US street address. You will also need to describe what your business does. Keep this clear and specific, vague descriptions like “consulting” or “online business” can trigger extra review. 

Step 4: Upload Your Documents

Mercury will ask you to upload:

• Articles of Organization (your LLC formation document)
• EIN confirmation letter from the IRS
• Passport for identity verification

Make sure all documents are clear, readable, and consistent with the details you entered in the form. 

Step 5: Wait for Approval

Mercury typically reviews applications within 24 to 48 hours. You will get an email update on your application status. If Mercury needs more information, they will reach out via email. So, check your inbox regularly during this period. 

Step 6: Account Activated

Once approved, your Mercury account is live. You will get your US account number and routing number immediately. You can then connect it to Stripe, PayPal, or any other platform you use. 

How to Open a Relay Bank Account from Sri Lanka

Here is a steps by step guide: 

Step 1: Have Your LLC and EIN Ready

Same as Mercury, your US LLC needs to be active and your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS needs to be on hand before you start. Relay will not process your application without both. 

Step 2: Go to Relay’s Website and Start the Application

Go to relayfi.com and click Open an Account. Sign up with your email address and create a password. Relay will ask you to confirm your business type. So, select LLC or Corporation depending on your setup. 

Step 3: Provide Your Business and Personal Details

Fill in your business name, industry, and US business address. Relay will also ask for your personal details as the business owner, such as name, date of birth, country of residence, and ownership percentage. If you own 25% or more of the business, you will need to complete full identity verification. 

Step 4: Submit Your Documents

Relay will ask you to upload:

• Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation
• EIN confirmation letter from the IRS
• Passport for identity verification

As with Mercury, make sure every detail on your documents matches exactly what you entered in the form. Mismatches are a common reason for delays. 

Step 5: Approval Timeline

Relay typically takes 1 to 3 business days to review applications from non-residents. The process can take longer if Relay needs additional documentation or has questions about your business activity. They will contact you by email if anything is needed. 

Step 6: Account Activated

Once approved, your Relay account is ready. You will get your US account number and routing number, and you can immediately start setting up multiple checking accounts under your business if needed, which is one of Relay’s key features for managing cash flow. 

Mercury vs Relay: Which Is Better for Sri Lankan Users?

Both platforms work for Sri Lankan LLC owners, but they are built for different needs. Here is how they compare on the things that actually matter. 

1. Fees

Both Mercury and Relay have no monthly fees on their standard accounts. You will not pay to open or maintain the account on either platform. 

2. FDIC Coverage

Mercury offers FDIC coverage up to $5 million through its partner banks. Relay covers up to $3 million through Thread Bank. For most Sri Lankan freelancers and small business owners, both amounts are more than enough. But Mercury has the edge here. 

3. International Wire Costs

This is where the two platforms differ most for Sri Lankan users.

• Mercury: Incoming international wires are free. Outgoing international wires cost $25 per transfer on the standard plan
• Relay: Outgoing international wires cost $50 per transfer unless you upgrade to Relay Pro at $30 per month, which brings the cost down

If you are regularly sending money back to Sri Lanka or paying international vendors, Mercury is the cheaper option. 

4. Number of Accounts You Can Open

• Mercury: One checking account and one savings account on the standard plan
• Relay: Up to 20 separate checking accounts under one business

Relay wins here by a wide margin if you need to separate funds across multiple purposes. 

Which is Best for Freelancers

Mercury is the better fit for freelancers. It is simpler to manage, the interface is clean, and most freelancers do not need more than one or two accounts. The free international wires also make it cheaper when sending money home. 

Which is Best for Startups and Ecommerce

Relay is better for business owners who need structure in how they manage money, such as separating revenue, expenses, taxes, and profit across multiple accounts. If you run an ecommerce store or small agency with regular outflows, Relay’s multi-account setup keeps things organised without needing separate banks. 

Quick Decision Table

	Mercury	Relay
Monthly fee	$0	$0
FDIC coverage	Up to $5M	Up to $3M
Outgoing international wire	$25	$50 (free on Pro at $30/mo)
Number of checking accounts	1	Up to 20
Best for	Freelancers, startups	Small businesses, cash flow management
Non-resident friendly	Yes	Yes
Stripe & PayPal integration	Yes	Yes

Bottom line: Start with Mercury if you are a freelancer or just getting started. Go with Relay if you need multiple accounts and a more structured approach to managing your business money.  

Common Challenges and How to Handle Them

Opening a US bank account from Sri Lanka is doable, but it is not always smooth. Here are the most common problems applicants face and how to deal with them. 

1. Address Verification Issues

Neither Mercury nor Relay accepts a registered agent address as your business address. If you used your registered agent’s address during LLC formation, you need a separate valid US street address for your bank application. A virtual office address from a reputable provider works in most cases. But make sure it is a real street address, not a PO box or mailbox rental. 

2. Compliance Checks

Both platforms run compliance checks on every application. This includes checking your identity, your business type, and whether your business falls into any restricted categories. Businesses in gambling, adult content, crypto, or firearms-related industries are typically rejected.

If your application gets flagged, Mercury or Relay will reach out by email asking for more information. Respond quickly and clearly. Delays in your reply often lead to automatic rejection. 

3. Business Activity Reviews

Since 2025, both platforms ask for proof that your business is actually operating in the US market. If you cannot show invoices, signed contracts, or agreements with US-based clients, your application may get rejected or put on hold.

Before applying, prepare at least one or two documents that show real US business activity. 

4. EIN Delays

Getting your EIN from the IRS can take longer than expected, especially if you applied by fax. Mercury and Relay both require your EIN confirmation letter, a verbal confirmation or application receipt is not enough. Wait until you have the actual letter before starting your bank application. 

5. If Your Application Gets Rejected

• Mercury: A rejected application is recorded. Do not apply again from the same LLC immediately. Contact Mercury support first and ask whether a re-application is possible
• Relay: Contact their support team to understand the reason before trying again  

Tips to Get Approved 

These are small things that make a real difference between getting approved and getting rejected. 

1. Use a Professional Website: Both Mercury and Relay may check your website during the review process. A basic website with your business name, what you do, and a contact page is enough. If your website looks unfinished or does not match your business description in the application, it raises flags. 
2. Clearly Describe Your Business Model: When the application asks what your business does, be specific. Do not write “consulting” or “online services.” Write something like “web design services for US-based small businesses” or “content writing for SaaS companies.” The more specific you are, the less likely your application gets flagged for manual review. 
3. Keep All Documents Consistent: Your business name, address, and owner details must match exactly across your LLC documents, EIN letter, and the application form. Even a small mismatch, like “LLC” vs “L.L.C.”, can cause delays or rejection. 
4. Apply to Both Mercury and Relay at the Same Time: There is no rule against applying to both platforms simultaneously. Since approval is not guaranteed on either, applying to both at the same time gives you a backup if one rejects you. Having two accounts also makes sense long term. 
5. Do Not Apply Twice If Rejected: If Mercury rejects your application, do not submit a new application from the same LLC. It will get auto-rejected without human review. Contact their support team first, find out the reason, fix the issue, and then ask about re-applying. 

What Does It Cost?

The bank accounts themselves are free to open and maintain. The real costs come from the steps you need to complete before you can apply. 

1. LLC Formation

State filing fees vary depending on where you register your company.

• Wyoming: Around $100 one-time state filing fee
• Delaware: Around $90 to $110 one-time state filing fee

If you use a formation service to handle the paperwork, expect to pay an additional $0 to $300, depending on the provider. Some services include registered agent fees in their first-year package.

For more details, read our guide: Wyoming vs Delaware: which state to pick for your LLC

2. EIN Application

Getting an EIN directly from the IRS is free. However, if you apply by fax or use a third-party service to handle it for you, costs typically range from $50 to $100. The IRS does not charge a fee regardless of how you apply. 

3. Registered Agent Fees

A registered agent is required to maintain your US LLC. Annual fees typically range from $50 to $300 per year depending on the provider you choose. 

4. Mercury and Relay Platform Fees

	Mercury	Relay
Monthly fee	$0	$0
Relay Pro (optional)	—	$30/month
Outgoing international wire	$25	$50 (free on Pro)
Incoming wire	Free	Free

Both platforms are free to open and use at a basic level. The only ongoing cost to factor in is wire transfer fees if you regularly move money internationally. 

Other Options If Mercury and Relay Don’t Work

If your Mercury or Relay application gets rejected, you are not out of options. These alternatives can keep your business running while you sort out the main account. 

1. Wise

Wise is not a bank, but it gives you real US account details, a routing number and account number, that you can use to receive USD payments. It supports multiple currencies and is one of the easiest platforms for Sri Lankans to get approved on.

The main limitation is that Wise is a money transfer service, not a full business bank account. It works well for receiving payments but has fewer business banking features compared to Mercury or Relay. 

2. Payoneer

Payoneer gives you a US payment receiving account and works well with platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Amazon. It is easier to get approved compared to Mercury or Relay, but it is a payment platform, not a bank account. You cannot use it the same way you would use a Mercury account.  

3. Traditional US Banks

Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo do not work for Sri Lankan non-residents applying remotely. They require you to be physically present in the US with a US address and SSN. Unless you plan to visit the US, these are not a realistic option.  

Ready to Open Your US Bank Account? Let BR.lk Handle the Hard Part

Getting a Mercury or Relay account starts with having the right setup, shoud have a US LLC, an EIN, and a valid business address. For most Sri Lankans, that process alone takes weeks of back-and-forth.

At BR.lk, we help Sri Lankan freelancers and business owners set up their US LLC or UK company from scratch, fully remotely, with no trips to the US required. From company registration and EIN to connecting your new account with Stripe, PayPal, and Wise, we handle every step so you can focus on getting paid.

Here is what you get when you work with us:

• US LLC or UK company registered and ready in 24–48 hours.
• Full compliance with US and Sri Lankan regulations.
• Help connecting your business to Stripe, PayPal, Wise, and other platforms.
• Support in Sinhala and Tamil, no confusing legal language. 

Here is what one of our customers had to say:

“Absolutely fantastic experience with BR.LK! They made setting up my US LLC from Sri Lanka feel like a breeze. From day one, their team was super responsive and walked me through every single step — company registration, getting a US address and phone number, bank account setup, even helping with Stripe. If you’re in Sri Lanka looking to register a US company, BR.LK is the way to go.” — Malinda Alahakoon · Read his full Google review 

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For many Sri Lankan freelancers, agency owners, and online entrepreneurs, opening a US bank account through Mercury or Relay is absolutely worth it. It gives you access to faster USD payments, better payment platform integrations, and a more professional setup when working with international clients. 

While the process does require some preparation, such as setting up a US LLC, getting an EIN, and meeting banking requirements, the long-term benefits can make a big difference for anyone building a global business.

If your goal is to work with overseas clients, use platforms like Stripe, or create a stronger international business presence, having a US bank account is no longer a luxury, it is a practical business tool. The key is choosing the right platform for your needs and making sure your application is prepared properly from the start. 

With the right setup, opening a US bank account from Sri Lanka is very possible and can be a smart step toward growing your business internationally. 

Key Takeaways

• Sri Lankans cannot usually open a personal US bank account remotely, but they can open a business account through a US LLC.
• Mercury and Relay are two of the most popular options for opening a US business bank account from Sri Lanka.
• You need a US LLC, an EIN, a valid US business address, and a passport before applying.
• Both Mercury and Relay allow fully remote applications without needing to travel to the United States.
• Mercury is often the better choice for freelancers because of its simple setup and lower international wire costs.
• Relay is ideal for business owners who need multiple checking accounts for better cash flow management.
• A professional website and clear business activity can improve your chances of approval.
• Address verification and compliance checks are the most common reasons applications get delayed or rejected.
• Alternatives like Wise and Payoneer can help if your Mercury or Relay application is not approved.
• Opening a US bank account can make it easier to receive USD payments and grow an international business from Sri Lanka. 

FAQs