Checklist
Account opening documents.
With a complete file you answer the bank’s questions before they are asked. Six areas, ready to tick off.
As of 17 September 2026 · Global Capital Strategy
Banks and payment providers need to know who owns an account, what the company does and where the money comes from. If you answer these questions with documents, you get your account sooner. This list collects the documents typically requested for that.
It is tailored to the US LLC and applies accordingly to any company. Which documents a provider actually asks for is its own decision, and it alone decides on the opening. GCS prepares the account application with you and cross-checks the documents beforehand.
01 · Company
The company documents.
First the provider checks that the company exists and who may represent it.
- Formation documentFor the LLC the articles of organization, for a Ltd the certificate of incorporation, for a GmbH or OÜ the register extract. Use the complete version with the registration date.
- Articles or operating agreementFor the LLC the operating agreement, for the Ltd the articles of association, otherwise the statutes. Signed and in the current version. Glossary: operating agreement
- The company’s tax numberFor the US LLC the IRS confirmation of the EIN, otherwise the tax or registration number from the country of formation. Glossary: EIN
- Current proof of good standingSome providers ask for a current certificate of good standing or a fresh register extract. Request it shortly before the application.
- Owners and beneficial ownersWho holds how much, and who ultimately stands behind it? Keep a simple overview ready. For a single-member LLC, that is you. Glossary: beneficial owner
- Translation and apostille where requestedFor documents in another language, providers often ask for a certified translation, and for foreign certificates sometimes an apostille. Ask beforehand what is accepted. Glossary: apostille
02 · Identity
Who stands behind the company.
Every person who owns or represents the company is identified.
- Valid passportFor all members with a significant stake and all authorised signatories. A passport that expires soon can lead to questions; renew it beforehand.
- Prepare for online identificationMany providers identify you by video or photo in the browser or app. Have your passport, good light and a stable connection ready.
- State your tax residenceProviders ask for your country of residence and your tax number there. The information feeds into the automatic exchange of information and should match your actual residence. Glossary: CRS
- Short professional profileBanks in particular ask about your background. A short CV or an up-to-date online profile that fits the business model answers that.
03 · Address
Addresses that match.
Home and business address should read the same in every document.
- Proof of home addressA recent utility bill, bank statement or official registration certificate in your name. Many providers accept only documents from the last few months.
- The company’s business addressThe address in the register or the business address from the GCS package. Not every provider accepts a pure registered agent address as a business address. Glossary: registered agent
- No fixed residence: clarify firstIf you live location-independently, clarify before applying which proof of address the provider accepts. GCS discusses this with you before the application goes out.
- Consistent spellingName, company and address spelled the same in the application, register extract, website and invoices. Differences quickly lead to questions.
04 · Business model
Explain the business clearly.
The provider wants to understand where the money in the account will come from and where it goes.
- Short descriptionWhat do you sell, to whom, in which countries and through which channels? Five sentences are enough, and they should match the website. Guide: why banks decline
- Website with company detailsA website with services, contact and company details shows that the business exists. An empty placeholder page tends to prompt questions.
- Expected turnover and payment flowsMonthly incoming and outgoing payments, typical amounts, currencies and the main countries of your customers and suppliers. Estimate realistically: if turnover later differs sharply, the provider will ask.
- Industry and permitsIf your business needs a permit, enclose it. Providers review some industries particularly closely, so state your industry openly in the application.
05 · Source of funds
Show where the money comes from.
For the starting capital and larger deposits, providers ask about the origin.
- Origin of the starting capitalBank statements showing where the money for the contribution comes from: savings, salary, sale proceeds or a distribution. Glossary: source of funds
- Evidence of income and wealthTax assessment, payslips, the accounts of a former company, or the purchase agreement for a property or shareholding you sold.
- Document crypto assets end to endIf money comes from crypto assets, have the transaction history, exchange statements and the path to the bank account ready.
- Evidence larger deposits straight awayIf you plan a larger deposit, submit the evidence of its origin with it. That answers the question before the provider asks it.
06 · Contracts
Evidence from the running business.
First contracts and invoices make the business model tangible.
- Customer contracts or ordersOne to three contracts, quotes or order confirmations that show how you earn money.
- InvoicesIssued invoices with the company name and business address exactly as in the application.
- Main suppliers and platformsSuppliers, platforms or freelancers you pay regularly, with country and purpose.
- New company: a short business planIf there is no turnover yet, a short plan with your offer, target customers and expected figures shows what you intend to do.
- Keep the file up to dateProviders update their customer data regularly. Keep all documents in one folder and update it when address, members or business change. Glossary: KYC
This checklist describes common requirements. Each provider decides which documents it requires and alone decides on opening the account. The list does not replace legal or tax advice.