Definition
What is Mercury Bank?
Mercury is a US digital banking platform purpose-built for startups. Not technically a bank itself — Mercury partners with FDIC-insured banks (Choice Financial, Evolve) to provide banking services. Popular with foreign-founded US C-Corps because it accepts non-US founders.
Why startups use it
Why startups use Mercury.
- No monthly fees — free business checking
- Online onboarding — no US visit needed
- Accepts foreign founders (Indian, etc.) with US C-Corp
- Domestic and international wires
- Debit card included
- Mercury Treasury — invest idle cash in T-bills (3-5% yield)
- Direct integrations with Stripe, QuickBooks, Xero
- Founder-friendly support team
Requirements
To open Mercury.
- US-incorporated entity (Delaware C-Corp/LLC most common)
- EIN from IRS
- US address (registered agent address works)
- Founder ID (passport for foreign founders)
- Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)
- Sometimes: business plan, expected transaction volume
Process
Mercury process.
- Apply at mercury.com (free)
- Upload incorporation docs, EIN letter, founder ID
- Mercury reviews 1-7 business days
- Possible verification call (15-30 min video)
- If approved, account active immediately
- Receive account/routing numbers; debit card mailed in 1-2 weeks