Potato Bro Solo Company Handbook · 003: How to Open a US Bank Account from China

Many people’s solopreneur dream dies on the six words: “I don’t have a US bank card.”

Buying ChatGPT Plus, Claude Code, paying Stripe — without a US card, every step is blocked.

The good news: you don’t need to fly to the US, no SSN required. You can complete the whole process from China.

This article documents the full flow after I successfully navigated it. Follow along, and in about 2-3 months, you’ll have your first real US bank card.

The Four Essentials You Need

Opening a US bank card doesn’t require a green card or SSN (US Social Security Number, only available to citizens and legal residents), but you do need these four things:

The four essentials are indispensable. Below, I’ll break down how to get each one.

Step 1: Apply for an ITIN (Most Crucial, Most Time-Consuming)

ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a tax number issued by the IRS to non-residents. It has the same 9-digit format as an SSN, starting with 9. Most banks and card issuers accept ITIN as a substitute for SSN.

Application Route: Find a CAA (Certifying Acceptance Agent)

A CAA is an IRS-certified intermediary that can verify your passport remotely via video, so you don’t need to mail the original passport. This is the safest way to apply for an ITIN from China.

Application process:

• Find a CAA online (domestic agents: search “ITIN申请” on Taobao, price 1200-1800 RMB; English: search “ITIN” on Fiverr, $150-250)
• Provide passport scan + video verification (5 minutes)
• Agent helps you fill out W-7 form + prepare tax filing reason
• Submit to IRS, wait 8-12 weeks
• Receive ITIN confirmation letter from IRS

Important Notes:

• After getting your ITIN, wait 1 month before applying for a bank card, so the bank’s system has time to load your number.
• You need to file a tax return using your ITIN every 3 years, otherwise the number will expire.
• Applying for an ITIN does not make you a US tax resident; your domestic income will not be taxed by the US.

Step 2: Prepare a US Address

The bank will mail your physical card to your US address and also use the address to verify your identity. It must be a private residential address, not a shipping warehouse or obvious commercial address.

If you have friends/family in the US with an address, that’s best and most stable. If not, use the method below.

Recommended: Anytime Mailbox (ATMB)

Provides a real US private address, supports scanning mail and forwarding to China, all online.

Step 1 — Register and Choose a State

Open anytimemailbox.com, click Sign Up in the top right. After registering, you’ll see available addresses across all 50 US states, with the most in California.

Select your desired state to enter that state’s address list.

Step 2 — Verify the Address is Residential

The list contains some commercial addresses, so you must verify first. Use any of these tools:

• USPS official lookup: tools.usps.com/zip-code-lookup.htm
• Smarty: smarty.com/products/single-address

Check whether CMRA is N — N means private address, Y means commercial address. You must choose N.

You can also check Google Maps street view; only pick addresses that are clearly residential buildings.

Step 3 — Choose a Plan

Click the address and select Select Plan. Plans start at $4.99/month (prices vary by address), average around $9.99/month. Includes 30 letters per month, 5 pages free scanning, forwarding fee $5 (plus shipping). Start with monthly billing; switch to annual if you like it.

After payment, the system assigns you a mailbox number (e.g., Unit #581). The full address format will be something like Ste 112 Unit #581, .... When filling out bank application forms, the bank may automatically delete the Unit number — that’s fine, as long as the recipient name matches.

Step 4 — Complete 1583 Notarization

The 1583 form authorizes ATMB to receive your mail on your behalf. You must complete this to use the address officially.

Process:

• After logging in, the homepage will prompt “Complete Verification”. Click to enter.
• Choose No SSN, fill in your personal info (for passport issuing province, enter in English, e.g., BEIJING).
• For Address ID, select “Voter Card”, and use your Chinese ID card + translation (translation via Alipay costs about 60 RMB).
• Choose self-certification “Use Own Notary”, fee ~$25.
• Download the pre-generated 1583 PDF, open proof.com/customers/anytime-mailbox for video notarization.
• Video verification: scan the QR code with your phone to take photos of your passport and ID card, then join a video conference (the notary agent speaks English but it’s simple — just confirm your name and choose signature style; takes no more than 5 minutes).

After notarization, upload to ATMB and wait for review, usually approved within a few days.

When You Receive Mail

ATMB will email you a notification. Log in to see the envelope scan. Choose “Open & Scan” (to read contents) or “Forward” (to send to China). Forwarding costs: from US West to China, economy mail ~20-30, tracked courier ~50-80, weight of two bank cards ~0.4 lbs.

Step 3: Get a US Physical Phone Number

Google Voice virtual numbers won’t work. Bank customer service can identify VoIP numbers; using a GV number on the application will get rejected or trigger manual review. You need a real US physical SIM card.

Why can you use a US number from China? — WiFi Calling

WiFi Calling is a feature offered by US carriers that lets you make and receive US calls over WiFi. Rates are the same as domestic US calls, no international roaming charges. As long as you’re connected to WiFi in China, you can receive SMS verification codes and customer service calls from banks.

How to enable on iPhone: Settings → Phone → Turn on “Wi-Fi Calling”

Note: Only SIM cards that support WiFi Calling can enable this feature.

⚠️ 2025-2026 Important Update: WiFi Calling in China Needs DNS Configuration

WiFi Calling servers for T-Mobile-based carriers (Tello, Ultra Mobile, US Mobile, etc.) with IP range 208.54.0.0/16 are partially blocked in mainland China. Simply connecting to WiFi may not activate WiFi Calling. You must add a rule on your router or proxy software to route that IP range through a proxy.

Clash / Quantumult / Surge users: Add rule IP-CIDR, 208.54.0.0/16, Proxy Node

Router users: Change DNS to 199.85.126.10 + 199.85.127.10, or use firmware that supports transparent proxy (Merlin / OpenWRT).

2026 Mainstream Options Comparison (Updated):

Recommended: Ultra Mobile PayGo (Purple Card)

$3/month, 100 minutes + 100 SMS + 100MB data, on T-Mobile network. Compared to Tello, an extra advantage is that it supports China Mobile/Unicom roaming signals (can still receive SMS via roaming when no WiFi available), making it suitable for long-term use in China. Available on Taobao / Xianyu, or buy directly from official website.

⚠️ Keep the number active: If the account balance is less than $3 and you haven’t renewed for over 60 days, the number will be reclaimed. Recommend enabling Auto Pay.

Activation Steps (Ultra Mobile PayGo):

• Buy the SIM card (official website or Taobao)
• Connect to US IP, then go to my.ultramobile.com to activate
• After activation, follow the DNS/proxy configuration above to enable WiFi Calling
• iPhone: Settings → Phone → Wi-Fi Calling → turn on
• Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIM Cards → select Ultra Mobile → turn on Wi-Fi Calling

Recommended: Tello — Suitable for users who need flexible plans

Tello uses T-Mobile network, supports eSIM for instant activation, plans are customizable. Official website: tello.com

Step 1 — Register an Account

Go to tello.com/account/register, sign up with email or Google/Apple account.

Step 2 — Confirm Phone Compatibility

First, use tello.com/bring_your_own_phone to enter your phone’s IMEI number to confirm it’s unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile network. iPhones are generally compatible.

Step 3 — Choose a Plan + Buy SIM

Go to tello.com/buy/custom_plans to customize your plan:

• Minutes: 100 (enough)
• SMS: Unlimited
• Data: 0 or lowest tier (you’ll mainly use WiFi in China, no data needed)
• Minimum about $5-8/month

Choose SIM type: eSIM (recommended, instant activation, no waiting for mail) or Physical SIM (needs international shipping, about 1-2 weeks).

At checkout, enter your US address (use your Anytime Mailbox address) and billing info (Chinese address is fine). Supports credit card, PayPal.

Step 4 — Activate the SIM

After receiving the SIM (or purchasing eSIM), go to tello.com/activate to complete activation.

⚠️ The activation page requires a US IP. Use a proxy to connect to a US node in China before proceeding.

Activation steps:

• Log into your Tello account
• Go to Activate SIM page, enter SIM card number or scan eSIM QR code
• Select the plan you purchased earlier
• Confirm the number (system will assign a US number)
• Activation complete, restart your phone

Step 5 — Enable WiFi Calling

iPhone: Settings → Phone → Wi-Fi Calling → turn on

Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIM Cards → select Tello → turn on Wi-Fi Calling

⚠️ If WiFi Calling cannot connect, refer to the DNS/proxy configuration instructions above.

Once enabled, you can make and receive US calls normally over WiFi in China, rates same as US domestic, no international roaming charges.

Keeping the Number Active:

• Make sure to renew monthly on time; insufficient balance will suspend the number.
• Recommend enabling Auto Pay.
• Long-term use in China is fine; with proper DNS/proxy configuration, WiFi Calling works stably.

Step 4: Open a US Checking Account

A secured card requires a US bank account to deposit the security deposit and make payments.

Simplest Solution: Wise

Wise can be opened entirely online, no need to go to the US. It gives you a real US Routing Number + Account Number. Opening is free, and you can fund it with RMB transfers from China.

Opening Steps:

• Go to wise.com, click Register, sign up with email.
• Choose Personal account.
• Fill in name, date of birth, residence select China.
• Verify email, complete basic registration.
• After logging in, click Payments on the left → select USD.
• The first time you use a USD account, you’ll need to submit address proof (e.g., a scan of your Anytime Mailbox bill).
• After approval, go to your USD account page → select the Local tab.

After setup, you’ll see full US account info: ACH routing number + Account number + Account type (Checking), along with Wise’s physical address (Capital One will require this when depositing the security deposit).

When depositing your security deposit, use this Routing Number and Account Number to fill in Capital One.

Note: Repaying via Wise easily triggers Capital One risk controls. After you get your Capital One card, we recommend applying for a Capital One Checking account at the same time (you can apply directly in online banking; having the card means no need to go to a branch).

Step 5: Apply for a Capital One Secured Card

Once the four essentials are in place, this step is the smoothest.

Why Capital One?

Capital One currently has the highest success rate for “cloud residents” in China applying for US bank cards. It explicitly accepts ITIN, and the application process is entirely online — no need to visit a branch.

Application Steps:

• Go to capitalone.com, click Credit Cards → Credit Building.
• Click “See if I’m Pre-Approved”, fill in basic info (name, address, ITIN, date of birth).
• If pre-approval goes through, you’ll get an unsecured card directly; if not, choose the secured card application.
• When filling in the application form, note:
  • US Citizen → No
  • US Resident → Nonresident (NRA)
  • Address: enter your Anytime Mailbox private address
  • Phone: enter your US physical number
  • Income: enter 50,000–100,000 (don’t go too high to avoid being asked for tax documents)
• For SSN field, enter your ITIN number.
• Submit and wait for an email, usually a few hours to 1 business day.

Two Secured Card Options:

Recommended: Quicksilver, $200 deposit, 1.5% cash back on every purchase. After 3-6 months of use, the deposit is usually refunded and the card upgraded to an unsecured card.

After Approval:

• Receive an email asking for additional documents → upload a scan of your passport info page + ITIN confirmation letter.
• After review approved → receive email asking you to deposit the security deposit.
• Use your Wise Checking account to deposit the deposit (enter Routing Number + Account Number).
• Wait 1-2 weeks, physical card mailed to your US address.
• Have the address service scan and forward to you → activate upon receipt, then set up online banking.

Activation Notes:

• Do not register for online banking in the app before receiving the physical card — this easily triggers risk controls.
• Activate using the phone number on the back of the card. Prepare: full card number, ITIN, date of birth.
• After activation, set up online banking. Preferably use a US IP — don’t jump between different IPs.

Potential Pitfalls

Risk Control (Restricted Account)

About 30-60 days after using the new card, Capital One may freeze the account and ask for identity proof.

How to get it resolved:

• Prepare: ITIN confirmation letter + passport + Capital One Checking statement (if you have one)
• Fax to Capital One (fax number is on the card’s sticker) or call customer service repeatedly.
• Explain that you don’t have an SSN, only an ITIN, and ask them to accept your passport as an alternative ID.
• Usually resolved in 1-2 weeks.

Wise Repayment Risk Controls

Don’t use Wise to directly repay your Capital One card. After getting the card, immediately apply for a Capital One Checking account in online banking, then use that account for payments.

Roadmap After That

The purpose of the first secured card isn’t cash back — it’s building credit history. Use it for monthly fixed expenses, pay in full every month, and your credit score will steadily increase. Once you have a credit score, the path ahead is smooth.

Summary

The US financial infrastructure for a solopreneur starts with this secured card.

Many people think, “I’m not in the US, so I can’t do it” — but that’s not true. The whole process can be done from China. The key is the ITIN step — patiently wait 2-3 months, and everything else is just following the steps.

Before your ITIN arrives, prepare your address, phone, and Wise account. Once the number comes, you can apply for the card immediately.

Solopreneur series, starting from zero:

• 001 — Register a domain in 20 minutes
• 002 — Build a site with GitHub Pages
• 003 — Open a US bank account from China (this post)

mousepotato | PhD in Computer Science (full scholarship, US) | 11 years tech management in Silicon Valley | AI · OPC · Products | X @iluciddreaming

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