One of the most significant challenges for non-US founders operating freelance businesses, e-commerce sites, or startups is banking. Conventional banks frequently turn away non-residents completely, demand in-person visits, and require mountains of paperwork.
This is where Mercury enters the picture.
Mercury is a cutting-edge online banking system designed for entrepreneurs that work remotely, like you. It allows you to have complete control over your finances, a legitimate US bank account, and business tools without ever having to travel outside.
Why Mercury Is the Go-To Bank for Non-US Entrepreneurs
Mercury is more than just your typical online bank. We call it a game-changer for international founders looking for quick, flexible, and completely remote access to the US financial system.
If you’re starting a SaaS company, managing a digital agency, or growing an e-commerce brand, Mercury hooks you up with a banking setup that fits your style: online, global, and totally borderless.
Here’s what makes Mercury the top choice for non-residents:
- No in-person visits required
- Quick online application—open your account in 10 minutes
- Supports non-US residents with valid LLCs or C-Corps
- No hidden fees or complicated terms
- Trusted by over 100,000 startups
What Is Mercury?
Mercury is a fintech platform in the US that offers business banking solutions all online. Even though it’s not your typical bank, it teams up with FDIC-insured banks like Evolve Bank & Trust and Choice Financial to provide complete US business accounts—think account and routing numbers, virtual cards, and a bunch of other stuff.
It’s like a smooth, online version of traditional banks, minus all the annoying paperwork, long waits, and strict rules that can keep international founders out.
With Mercury, you can:
- Open a business account without visiting the US
- Send and receive payments via ACH and wire transfers
- Create virtual and physical debit cards
- Connect to tools like QuickBooks, Stripe, Shopify, and more
- Track your financials from a clean, modern dashboard
It’s designed specifically for startups and online businesses, making it the ideal banking solution for remote founders building global companies from anywhere in the world.
Top Benefits of Using Mercury in 2025
Mercury has become the gold standard for remote-friendly business banking. That is for good reason. It’s not just about having a US-based account. It’s about having access to a financial platform designed for the way you actually work.
Here’s why thousands of non-US founders trust Mercury:
No Minimum Balance
Start lean. Mercury doesn’t require a minimum deposit or balance, making it ideal for early-stage businesses.
No Account Opening Fees
You can open a Mercury account at no cost—no setup charges, no monthly maintenance fees.
Free ACH Transfers Within the US
Send and receive domestic payments without fees. When you send $100, the other side gets $100, no deductions.
Built-in Expense Tracking
Organize and categorize your expenses directly in the dashboard. Ideal for budgeting and making tax season easier.
Seamless Integration with Accounting Tools
Mercury integrates easily with tools like QuickBooks and Xero, helping automate your bookkeeping workflow.
Transparent Pricing
There are no surprise fees. What you see is what you get—clear, straightforward, and fair.
24/7 Customer Support
Got a question or issue? Mercury’s support team is responsive, knowledgeable, and available around the clock.
Mercury Account Requirements (Detailed)
Before you begin the Mercury application process, it’s important to understand the exact requirements. While opening an account is straightforward, Mercury follows strict compliance rules to ensure your business is eligible and properly verified.
Here’s what you’ll need:
1. A Legal US Entity (LLC or C-Corp)
Your company must be officially registered in the United States. For most international founders, this means forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Neubase can help you complete this step remotely, without visiting the US.
2. Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Mercury requires your business to have an EIN issued by the IRS. This number is essential for tax reporting and identity verification. It’s also a mandatory requirement for opening any US business bank account.
3. A US Business Address
Your LLC must have a registered address in the US. This does not need to be a physical office, you can use your registered agent’s address to fulfill this requirement.
4. Proof of Identity
Mercury will ask for valid government-issued identification for each person who owns 25% or more of the business. For non-US residents, this typically means submitting a passport.
5. Proof of Address (If Applicable)
If you reside in a high-risk country, Mercury may ask for additional documentation, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or insurance policy in your name. This helps them comply with US financial regulations.
6. Business Formation Documents
You’ll need to submit your articles of organization (for LLCs) or articles of incorporation (for C-Corps), along with your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS.
7. Clear and Compliant Business Activity
Your business must not operate in restricted sectors such as gambling, adult entertainment, or the sale of controlled substances. Mercury may request a short explanation of what your business does to ensure it aligns with their policies.
Once you have all of these pieces in place, you’re ready to apply. The next step: opening your Mercury account.
How to Open a Mercury Account: Step-by-Step
Once your US company is set up and you’ve gathered your documents, opening a Mercury account is quick and simple. Most applications are completed in under 15 minutes, and approvals usually happen within a few business days.
Here’s exactly what to expect:
Step 1: Visit Mercury’s Website
Go to Mercury and click on “Open Account.” This starts your application. You’ll be prompted to create a login using your email address and set a password.
Step 2: Enter Basic Business Information
You’ll need to provide key business details, including:
- Legal business name
- Country of incorporation (e.g., United States)
- Type of business (LLC or C-Corp)
- Industry and a short description of your activities
- Estimated monthly transaction volume
Take your time with this step—accurate details reduce the chances of delays during verification.
Step 3: Add Personal Information
Each person who owns 25% or more of the company will need to submit:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Residential address
- Passport or government-issued ID (scanned or uploaded)
Mercury uses this information to meet KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance requirements.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
You’ll be asked to upload:
- Your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS
- Your business formation documents (e.g., Articles of Organization)
- Proof of address (if requested)
Mercury may also ask a few follow-up questions, especially if your business operates in a unique industry or you’re applying from a flagged region.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
After submission, Mercury’s compliance team will review your application. Most accounts are approved within 3–5 business days, although it can be faster if all documents are clear and complete.
Once approved, you’ll receive full access to your account and can immediately begin using Mercury’s dashboard to manage your finances.
How Neubase Helps You Get There
Opening a Mercury account is simple, but only after you have the right foundation in place. That’s where Neubase comes in.
We specialize in helping non-US residents set up fully compliant US companies and bank-ready documentation. If you don’t already have an LLC or EIN, we handle it all, from start to finish.
Here’s how we support you:
We form your US LLC remotely
No travel, no paperwork. Just answer a few questions and we take care of the registration, state filings, and setup.
We apply for your EIN
We deal with the IRS, so you don’t have to. You’ll receive the official EIN letter, required for Mercury and other banks.
We provide your US business address
Your LLC needs a US address. We include a registered agent and mail forwarding address so you’re covered from day one.
We guide you through the Mercury application
Once your company is ready, we walk you through the Mercury setup process step by step. You’ll know exactly what to submit, how to answer the forms, and when to expect approval.
We’re available long after the launch
From compliance questions to banking integrations, we’re your long-term partner in building and managing your US business.
Conclusion
Opening a US business bank account used to be one of the hardest parts of launching a company from abroad—but not anymore.
With Mercury, non-US founders can now access a modern, reliable banking solution without ever setting foot in the United States. It’s fast, flexible, and designed for how online businesses actually operate. No hidden fees. No in-person appointments. Just clean, digital-first banking.
All you need to get started is a US LLC, an EIN, and a few essential documents. You can take the DIY route or let Neubase handle the entire process for you, from forming your company to walking you through your Mercury account setup.
Want to make global business banking easy?
Book your free 1-on-1 consultation and launch your US company and Mercury account with confidence.
