What Are the Common U.S. Banks? A Guide for International Business Accounts

For many global companies, setting up a U.S. bank account is often the first step to entering the international market. But the moment you start researching, one big question pops up: What are the common U.S. banks, and which of them can actually support your business from overseas?

Traditional names dominate the headlines, but they’re not always the easiest choice — especially for newly registered companies or businesses incorporated outside the U.S. That’s why more companies are now turning to modern, offshore-friendly commercial banks like CBiBank that make U.S. banking more accessible, even without being physically present.

1. How Are U.S. Banks Typically Categorized?

The U.S. banking system consists of several types of institutions. Understanding them helps you make the right choice based on your company’s needs:

National Banks
These are the large, federally regulated banks operating across states. While well-known, they tend to have strict compliance rules, often requiring in-person verification and extensive documentation.

Regional or State Banks
These institutions serve smaller geographic areas and sometimes offer more flexible customer support. However, their international capabilities are often limited.

Commercial Banks with International Focus
A growing number of commercial banks cater specifically to global clients — especially those with companies registered in Hong Kong, BVI, Singapore, or Seychelles. These banks often allow remote onboarding and support multi-currency operations.

CBiBank fits into this last category. It’s a U.S.-based commercial bank known for offering remote account opening, fast KYC processing, and tailored support for businesses involved in global trade, digital services, or e-commerce.

2. What Business Accounts Do These Banks Offer?

Different banks provide different types of business accounts depending on your operational goals. Here's a simplified breakdown:

Basic Corporate Checking Accounts
Suitable for daily business operations such as payments, collections, payroll, and transfers. However, some banks may impose restrictions on non-U.S. entities.

Multi-Currency Settlement Accounts
Useful for companies dealing in multiple currencies like USD, EUR, CNH, and HKD. These accounts simplify currency conversion and international settlement.

Trade-Related Services
Some banks offer Letters of Credit, bank guarantees, and other trade finance tools — which are essential for export/import businesses. However, these services are typically available only through banks that specialize in international business.

CBiBank offers all the above account types, focusing on businesses engaged in global services. It also supports remote onboarding and quick account activation, making it ideal for companies without a U.S. office.

3. How Do You Open a U.S. Bank Account as a Foreign Company?

The actual account opening process varies depending on the bank and your business registration, but most follow this general structure:

Step 1: Company Documentation
Prepare incorporation papers, a valid business plan, proof of company address, passport or ID of shareholders/directors, and tax information such as EIN (if applicable).

Step 2: KYC and Compliance Review
Traditional banks often require face-to-face meetings. Offshore-friendly banks, on the other hand, may support video-based KYC, significantly speeding up the process.

Step 3: Account Setup and Security Tools
Once approved, the bank will issue credentials or a hardware security token (U-Key) for online banking access.

CBiBank supports full remote onboarding with video verification and delivers U-Key devices internationally. The entire process — from submission to activation — can be completed in as little as 1–3 business days.

4. What Should International Businesses Consider When Choosing a U.S. Bank?

Choosing a bank isn’t just about reputation — it’s about fit. Here are the key factors that matter for offshore companies:

Remote Accessibility
Can you complete onboarding and use the account without visiting the U.S.? Commercial banks like CBiBank offer this as a standard feature.

Jurisdictional Support
Not all U.S. banks accept offshore companies. Make sure the bank supports your company’s registration country (e.g., Hong Kong, Cayman, Seychelles).

Multi-Currency Capability
A good U.S. bank for international business should allow you to hold and transact in multiple currencies without needing extra accounts.

Speed and Simplicity
Time matters, especially for startups and new exporters. A long waiting period or unclear documentation requirements can delay your operations.

Customer Service
Having access to a responsive, English or Chinese-speaking team helps resolve issues quickly, especially across time zones.

CBiBank stands out in this area. Its support team is used to working with international clients and offers dedicated onboarding assistance. The bank also covers a wide range of industries — including consulting, logistics, advertising, gaming, and digital services.

5. Why Are More Businesses Choosing Commercial Banks Like CBiBank?

The main reasons are flexibility, speed, and global compatibility. Traditional banks may offer more physical branches and legacy credibility, but they often lag behind when it comes to:

Supporting offshore entities

Offering remote KYC

Enabling fast, paperless onboarding

Handling multi-currency transactions

Providing trade finance tools for new companies

CBiBank focuses on solving these pain points. As a licensed U.S. commercial bank, it bridges the gap between strict compliance and real-world business needs — all while staying compliant with U.S. regulatory standards.

It has become especially popular among Hong Kong and Southeast Asia-based companies looking to access U.S. banking infrastructure without unnecessary roadblocks.

Final Thoughts

So, back to our original question: What are the common U.S. banks? From massive traditional institutions to agile commercial banks, the landscape is diverse — but not every option fits international businesses.

If you're a cross-border trader, e-commerce startup, or offshore service provider, working with a commercial bank that understands your needs is critical. In that context, banks like CBiBank have redefined what it means to access the U.S. banking system — fast, global, and fully remote.