Novo for Delaware LLC.
Free business banking for freelancers and small businesses. We explain exactly how to open a Novo account with your Delaware LLC, what documents you need, how long approval takes, and whether non-US founders are accepted. Last updated: June 4, 2025.
Quick answer: Can a Delaware LLC open a Novo account?
Yes. A Delaware LLC can open a Novo account in the United States. Novo is difficult for non-US founders and typically requires an in-person visit or US work authorization. Approval takes 1 to 3 business days. You need your Delaware Certificate of Formation, EIN confirmation letter, government-issued photo ID, and 4 additional documents. There are no monthly fees.
Novo for Delaware LLC — key facts at a glance.
Why Delaware LLCs choose Novo.
Last updated: June 4, 2025
Novo is a free business banking platform built for freelancers, contractors, and small business owners. It offers a simple, no-fee business checking account with built-in invoicing, expense tracking, and integrations with popular business tools. Novo is particularly popular with solo Delaware LLCs, consultants, and creatives because of its simplicity and zero fees. The platform partners with Middlesex Federal Savings to provide FDIC-insured accounts. Novo offers a sleek mobile app, unlimited virtual cards, and integrations with Stripe, Square, PayPal, and QuickBooks. However, Novo does not support cash deposits and has limited multi-user features.
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in New York, New York, Novo has built a reputation as solo delaware llcs, freelancers, consultants, and small businesses with one owner who want simple, free banking with built-in invoicing. For Delaware LLCs specifically, Novo offers good compatibilitybecause it was built for modern businesses and accepts digital documentation.
The main challenge for non-US founders is eligibility. Novo typically requires a Social Security Number or ITIN, and non-US founders often need to visit a branch in person. This makes it difficult for founders who do not live in the United States or do not have US work authorization.
When you work with DelawareLLC.co, your specialist helps you prepare every document Novo requires, reviews your application before submission, and troubleshoots if the bank requests additional information. We have helped hundreds of Delaware LLCs open Novo accounts, and we know exactly what each bank looks for.
Delaware LLCs enjoy unmatched legal credibility because of the state's Court of Chancery and century-old corporate law framework. Investors, venture capital firms, and payment processors recognize Delaware as the gold standard for US business formation. However, that credibility depends on having a proper US banking footprint. When you present a Delaware Certificate of Formation but your business transactions flow through a personal account overseas, partners and investors question whether your LLC is a legitimate US entity. A US business bank account tied to your Delaware LLC reinforces your legal separation, builds business credit history, and signals to US customers, suppliers, and investors that you operate a genuine American business.
Non-US founders make three predictable mistakes when banking a Delaware LLC. The first is submitting documents that do not match exactly — using a shortened LLC name on the bank application while the Certificate of Formation shows the full legal name. Banks reject these applications automatically because their compliance software flags mismatched entities. The second mistake is applying before the IRS issues an EIN. Banks verify EINs against the IRS database in real time, and if your number is not yet active, the application fails instantly. The third mistake is using a personal bank account for LLC income, which pierces the corporate veil and exposes personal assets to business liability. These errors are completely avoidable with proper preparation.
Novo solves these problems by accepting digital documentation and verifying identity remotely. While Novo requires an SSN or ITIN, it compensates with robust in-person support and comprehensive business services that fintech banks cannot match. Specific use cases where Novo excels include e-commerce businesses processing US customer payments, SaaS companies collecting recurring revenue in USD, consulting firms invoicing American clients, and agencies managing multi-currency operations. Businesses that handle cash should pair Novo with a traditional bank that accepts deposits.
How to open a Novo account for your Delaware LLC.
Gather your documents
Start by collecting every document Novo requires. You need: 1. Delaware Certificate of Formation 2. EIN confirmation letter 3. Government-issued photo ID 4. US address 5. Social Security Number OR foreign passport 6. Business website or LinkedIn profile. Double-check that your LLC name on every document matches your Certificate of Formation exactly — even a missing comma or abbreviation can trigger an automatic rejection. If you are a non-US founder, confirm whether you need an SSN or ITIN before applying. We recommend scanning everything into a single PDF so you can upload it in one session.
Complete the online application
Visit novo.co and start the application. Enter your Delaware LLC name exactly as it appears on your Certificate of Formation. Use your EIN from the IRS. Enter your SSN or ITIN. If you do not have one, you cannot complete this application and should consider Mercury or Wise instead. The application takes 10-20 minutes. Do not rush: incorrect information here causes rejection or manual review delays.
Verify your identity
Novo verifies your identity using your government-issued ID. Online application takes 10 minutes. Novo reviews documents and verifies identity. You may be asked to take a selfie or record a short video for liveness detection. Respond to any verification requests within 24 hours. Delays in response can push your approval back by several days. Make sure the ID you upload is not expired and shows your full legal name.
Wait for approval
Approval typically takes 1 to 3 business days. Rejection is common for High-risk industries (crypto, gambling, adult content), Non-US founders without clear business presence, Mismatched documentation. During this period, avoid submitting duplicate applications — multiple submissions can flag your LLC for fraud review. You will receive an email when your account is approved. If additional documents are requested, upload them immediately through the dashboard. If approval takes longer than expected, check your spam folder for missed communications.
Fund your account
Once approved, fund your account via ACH transfer, wire, or debit card. There are no minimum balance requirements. Incoming wires are free, so you can transfer large amounts from international clients without penalty. Set up your accounting integration with QuickBooks immediately to automate bookkeeping. Order your debit card and activate it through the mobile app.
Novo pros and cons for Delaware LLCs.
Every bank has trade-offs. Novo is no exception. Before you submit your application, understand exactly what you gain and what you give up compared to alternatives like Mercury, Wise Business, and Relay. The right choice depends on whether Novo's strengths align with your business model and whether you can live with its limitations.
- Zero monthly fees
- Built-in invoicing and expense tracking
- Unlimited virtual cards
- ATM fee reimbursement ($7/month)
- 0% foreign transaction fee
- Good integrations with Stripe, Square, PayPal
- Simple mobile app
- No multi-user access
- No cash deposits
- No savings accounts
- No credit cards
- International wires cost $35
- Limited for businesses with multiple employees
- No API access
Novo vs alternatives for Delaware LLCs.
| Feature | Novo | Best alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | $0 | ✓$0 (Mercury, Wise, Relay) |
| Approval for non-US founders | Moderate | ✓Excellent (Mercury, Wise) |
| SSN required | Yes | ✓No (Mercury, Wise, Relay) |
| Wire fees | $0 (domestic), $35 (international) | ✓$0 (Mercury) |
| Foreign transaction fee | 0% | ✓0% (Mercury, Wise, Novo) |
| Virtual cards | Yes | ✓Yes (Mercury, Relay, Novo) |
| Cash deposits | No | ✓Yes (Chase, BofA, Capital One) |
| Savings accounts | No | ✓Yes (Mercury, Chase, BofA) |
| API access | No | ✓Yes (Mercury, Wise, Brex) |
| Approval speed | 1 to 3 business days | ✓1-3 days (Mercury, Wise, Novo) |
Novo fees and pricing breakdown.
- Monthly fee: $0
- Account opening: $0
- Wire incoming: $0 (domestic), $10 (international)
- Wire outgoing: $0 (domestic), $35 (international)
- ACH transfers: $0
- ATM fees: $0 (ATM fee reimbursement up to $7/month)
- Foreign transactions: 0%
- Debit card: Physical + virtual
- Mobile app: Yes
- Multi-user access: No
- Check deposits: Yes
- Check issuing: Yes
- API access: No
- Accounting integrations: QuickBooks, Xero, Stripe, Square, PayPal
Timeline: From application to first transaction.
Complete the Novo online application with your Delaware LLC documents. Time required: 10-20 minutes.
Novo reviews your Certificate of Formation, EIN, and identity documents. Additional verification may be requested.
You receive approval and account details via email. Debit cards are typically shipped within 5-7 business days.
Transfer funds via ACH or wire. Activate your debit card. Set up accounting integrations if needed.
Use your account for business expenses, receive customer payments, and build your business credit history.
Frequently asked questions: Novo for Delaware LLCs.
Can a non-US resident open a Novo account with a Delaware LLC?
No, or it is very difficult. Novo typically requires a Social Security Number or ITIN, and non-US founders usually need to visit a branch in person. Consider Mercury or Wise Business instead.
What documents does Novo require for a Delaware LLC?
Novo requires 6 specific documents for a Delaware LLC: Delaware Certificate of Formation; EIN confirmation letter; Government-issued photo ID; US address; and Social Security Number OR foreign passport; Business website or LinkedIn profile. The most critical document is your Certificate of Formation, which must match your LLC name exactly on the application. Your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS is mandatory — banks verify this number against IRS records, and applications without a valid EIN are rejected automatically. Non-US founders typically need additional documentation, including proof of US address and sometimes an in-person branch visit. We recommend organizing these documents in a single PDF before starting your application.
How long does Novo take to approve a Delaware LLC account?
Approval typically takes 1 to 3 business days. Online fintech banks like Novo review applications faster than traditional banks because they use automated document verification. Rejection is most common when high-risk industries (crypto, gambling, adult content). Additional verification can add 2-3 business days. If your application is flagged for manual review, respond to any document requests within 24 hours to prevent further delays. Founders who apply on Monday morning typically receive approval by Wednesday or Thursday.
Does Novo charge monthly fees?
No. Novo has no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements. You can open an account with zero dollars and maintain it indefinitely without paying maintenance charges. This compares favorably to Chase Business ($15/month unless you maintain $2,000) and Bank of America ($16/month unless you maintain $5,000). There is also no account opening fee. For a Delaware LLC operating on lean margins, zero monthly fees preserve capital for growth.
Can Novo receive wire transfers?
Novo receives wires for free. Outgoing domestic wires are also free, which is rare among US business banks. Wire transfers are the fastest way to move large sums into your Delaware LLC account from international clients or investors. Most fintech banks charge for international wires, but Novo offers competitive rates. If you expect frequent wires, compare the annual cost: at Chase, 12 incoming international wires cost $180. At Novo, the same volume costs $0.
Does Novo offer virtual debit cards?
Yes. Novo offers virtual cards for online purchases and subscriptions. You can create unlimited virtual cards with unique card numbers for each vendor, which improves security and makes expense tracking easier. If one vendor is compromised, you disable that card without affecting your main account. This is especially useful for SaaS subscriptions, advertising accounts, and freelancer payments. Novo also provides physical debit cards for in-person purchases and ATM withdrawals.
Can I deposit cash into Novo?
No. Novo does not accept cash deposits. If your Delaware LLC handles cash — for example, a retail store, restaurant, or event business — you need a traditional bank like Chase, Bank of America, or Capital One that operates physical branches. Most fintech banks, including Novo, Mercury, and Wise, do not handle cash because they lack branch infrastructure. Plan to deposit cash at a traditional bank, then transfer funds to Novo via ACH.
Does Novo integrate with QuickBooks or Xero?
Yes. Novo integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, Stripe, Square, PayPal. The QuickBooks connection syncs transactions automatically, categorizes expenses, and reconciles your books in real time. The Xero integration imports bank feeds daily and matches transactions against invoices. Accurate bookkeeping is essential for Delaware LLC tax compliance, and these integrations eliminate manual data entry.
What happens if Novo rejects my application?
Novo rejects applications for High-risk industries (crypto, gambling, adult content); Non-US founders without clear business presence; Mismatched documentation. If rejected, you have three options. First, appeal with corrected documentation — fix mismatched names, add missing documents, or clarify your business description. Second, apply to an alternative like Mercury or Wise, which have broader acceptance criteria. Third, work with a DelawareLLC.co specialist who reviews your application before submission and troubleshoots rejections. The best prevention is following Novo's guidelines: provide a professional website or linkedin.
Should I choose Novo or Mercury for my Delaware LLC?
Choose Novo if solo delaware llcs, freelancers, consultants, and small businesses with one owner who want simple, free banking with built-in invoicing. Choose Mercury if you want zero fees, faster approval, and better support for non-US founders. Novo offers virtual cards, and zero monthly fees. For non-US founders without an SSN, Mercury accepts foreign passports and approves in 1-5 days. If you need international transfers, Novo may be the better primary choice.
Tools to help you decide.
Related guides.
Opening a bank account is one of the first things you should do after forming your Delaware LLC. Start with our complete Delaware LLC banking guide for an overview of all options. Compare the best banks for Delaware LLCs, or read our guide to online business banking if you cannot visit a branch in person.
Before you apply, understand EIN requirements — you need an EIN before any bank will open an account. Learn how to set up Stripe and PayPal as payment processors that connect to your new business account. If you are a non-US founder, our non-resident guide covers banking, tax, and compliance in detail. See our cost breakdown or our pricing to form your LLC.
For specific business types, explore e-commerce banking, consulting firm setup, and SaaS startup banking. Each guide explains which bank features matter most for that industry and how to avoid common rejection reasons.
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