Unless I am missing something, what is the benefit of setting up an LLC in Wyoming, if you still need to be in the US to setup a bank account?
I too have a Wyoming LLC, but I had to fly to the US just to open the bank account. Without a bank account attached to the LLC, isn't it useless?
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I guess to answer my own question, I took a look at
@MisterF 's suggestion for Cloud Peak, and this is what they explain:
If possible, the easiest solution is to visit the United States yourself. Even if you are only able to open one account initially, then the banker will be able to assist with additional accounts in the future.
The second easiest solution is if you have a friend or family member in the United States. You may appoint them manager or officer of the company. They may then visit the bank and open an account since they represent the company. You do not have to pay them and they are not generally liable for any business profits.
You may visit multi-national bank near you. For example, Santander, RBC and Barclays can open an account for a Wyoming based company.
We have had clients report success with Payoneer. This is an alternative financial institutions which allows you to set up accounts using less stringent requirements than other institutions.
Opening a bank account online is one option. There are banks which cater to certain industries and countries which would be able to help you. For example, Stripe now helps e-commerce stores with not only merchant processing, but account openings as well.
What is interesting about this is there might be a couple loopholes here which make it feasible to open a "stealth" Wyoming LLC + bank account, as well as some promising solutions for people who are living internationally.
Just because it is tickling my curiosity, in theory, one could use SecondEye or another false document services to open a Wyoming LLC. They could then follow the numerous guides found here to setup a Payoneer account that would be connected to the bank account. I am sure you could even do the same for Transferwise and PayPal, all as business accounts.
Age them, use them. Even filing for taxes in Wyoming. And there you go, you have a totally anonymous business, connected to an anonymous bank account.
The more legitimate way to go about this however, would probably also work if you did the above, all in your real name.
So actually, the cost to do this is not insane. $199/year, another ~$300 for upkeep and filing.
