Multi-currency and FX account for travel agencies with a US LLC

First, we map your currency needs: which currencies you receive from customers and which you need to pay out to suppliers. We analyse your payment corridors, volumes, and counterparties to select the right type of institution. This could be a US-based fintech or an international payment institution that welcomes travel businesses. We then build a comprehensive file, including your LLC's formation documents, beneficial ownership details, and supplier agreements. A key part of our work is creating a clear narrative that explains your business model and flow of funds, addressing the future delivery risk inherent in travel.

Underwriters focus on risk, particularly the financial and compliance aspects of your travel agency. They will verify the identity and residency of the ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) of the US LLC. Your supplier contracts will be scrutinised to ensure they are legitimate and that you have formal agreements in place. They analyse your expected currency corridors and volumes for exposure to high-risk jurisdictions or sanctioned entities. Finally, they will want to see your cancellation and refund policies to understand how you manage customer disputes and the potential for chargebacks, which are a known risk for MCC 4722.

A US LLC is a flexible entity, but its international nature attracts scrutiny. While formation is quick, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS can take several weeks for non-resident owners, and this is essential for any application. Banks and payment institutions will expect to see the LLC’s articles of organisation and operating agreement. While no physical US office is required, having a real US correspondence address and demonstrating operational substance helps significantly. For tax purposes, foreign-owned single-member LLCs have specific reporting obligations, such as filing Form 5472. We ensure your documentation is correctly prepared for financial partners.

Applications from US LLC travel agencies are often rejected for several reasons. A common issue is a perceived lack of substance, especially if the owners are non-residents and the business has no clear US footprint. Another major red flag is the absence of clear supplier contracts, which underwriters see as a critical risk. Vague or poorly explained fund flows also lead to declines. Xavion mitigates this by preparing a file that establishes the legitimacy and operational reality of your business from the outset. We demonstrate clear ownership, provide all necessary entity and supplier documentation, and present a compelling case that explains your model, thereby pre-empting underwriter concerns.

For a well-prepared US LLC travel agency, securing a multi-currency account typically takes between one and five weeks from introduction to the institution. The timeline depends on the complexity of your ownership structure and the responsiveness of the chosen provider. Once live, maintaining the account requires ongoing compliance. This includes notifying the provider of any changes to your business model or ownership, and being prepared to answer questions about transaction patterns. We can also help you establish a relationship with a backup provider to ensure business continuity if your primary account faces any restrictions.