How to send initial capital to your U.S. business account (and why it’s not mandatory)

Is initial capital mandatory to start a business in the U.S.?

If you’re planning to start a company in the U.S. as a non-resident, you may wonder: is there a minimum capital requirement? The answer is no. There’s no legal requirement for a minimum capital contribution to register a U.S. business, whether it’s an LLC or a Corporation.

This flexibility often surprises non-resident entrepreneurs used to stricter regulations. Still, even though it’s not required, defining and transferring initial capital to your U.S. business account is often a smart and strategic move.

Why it’s worth sending capital even if it’s not mandatory

Even without a legal obligation, initial capital allows your business to operate with structure from day one. You can use the funds to pay for tools, hire freelancers, invest in marketing, or cover basic operating expenses. These expenses are often tax-deductible, which makes tracking them essential for financial health.

While there’s no legally required minimum, the amount listed in your Operating Agreement should be genuinely contributed by the members—regardless of the value. This ensures compliance with state authorities and avoids future questions about capitalization or ownership distribution.

Adding capital upfront also strengthens your business’s image with financial institutions and simplifies bookkeeping for your accountant, especially when it’s time to file your tax return.

Best ways to transfer money to your U.S. business account

Traditional international wire transfers through banks are possible, but they often come with high fees, slow processing times, and poor exchange rates.

Luckily, there are several modern digital platforms that offer better solutions for international transfers to a U.S. business account, especially for non-resident entrepreneurs.

Top recommended platforms to send capital to the U.S.

Based on Globalfy’s experience helping thousands of clients all over the world, here are the most reliable, cost-effective, and practical platforms to send money to your U.S. business account:

ℹ️ Important: Platforms like Stripe Atlas are often mistaken for business bank accounts. While they help you process payments from customers, they do not serve as full business accounts and cannot be used to send capital to your company.

How to correctly register the transfer

When making the transfer, be sure to label it properly in your accounting system as a capital contribution (owner contribution) or partner investment. This prevents it from being misclassified as business income.If you use Globalfy’s accounting services through the Scale plan, our team will help you document the transaction correctly and stay compliant with U.S. regulations.

Final thoughts: not mandatory, but highly recommended

To sum up, you are not required to contribute capital to open your business in the U.S., but doing so is usually a smart decision—even if the amount only covers initial setup, a business address, or opening fees. It reinforces your financial structure, adds credibility, and makes daily operations smoother from the beginning.

By choosing the right platform—whether Wise, a certified exchange provider, or a digital solution like Inter Bank, Nomad, or Avenue—you can avoid excessive fees, delays, and gain more control over your international business operations.

Need help to open your U.S. company and get trusted recommendations for setting up your business account? Talk to the experts at Globalfy and simplify every step of your journey as an entrepreneur in the United States.