Skip to content
IRS-Authorized PartnerReady Within 7 Days$297 All-Inclusive — Money-Back Guarantee

Mercury Bank ITIN: Open a Business Account

Updated April 2026

Quick answer

Yes, you can open a Mercury Bank business account with an ITIN. You need a US-registered LLC or corporation, an EIN, and your ITIN. Mercury has no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and ships debit cards internationally. The full application takes about 10 minutes online.

Mercury is one of the most popular banking platforms for non-resident founders who need a US business bank account. Unlike traditional banks that require a Social Security Number and an in-person visit, Mercury accepts ITINs and lets you apply entirely online. This guide covers everything you need to know about opening a Mercury account with your ITIN, from eligibility requirements to the exact steps in the application process. If you are still deciding between banking options, see our full ITIN bank account guide for a broader comparison.

Why Do Non-Residents Choose Mercury Bank in 2026?

Mercury has become the go-to banking platform for non-resident entrepreneurs building US-based businesses. Traditional banks like Chase and Bank of America require a Social Security Number and an in-person visit, which is impractical if you live outside the US. Mercury removes both barriers by accepting ITINs and offering a fully online application. For more on why an ITIN matters for your LLC, see our ITIN for LLC owners guide.

No monthly fees

Mercury charges zero monthly maintenance fees, has no minimum balance requirements, and provides free ACH and domestic wire transfers. You only pay for international wires.

100% online application

Apply from anywhere in the world. No branch visit, no appointment, no notarization. Upload your documents through Mercury's secure portal.

Built for startups and small businesses

Mercury offers features like treasury management, team permissions, virtual cards, and integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero.

What Are the Mercury Bank ITIN Eligibility Requirements?

Before you start the Mercury application, confirm you meet all the eligibility requirements. Missing even one item will delay or block your account opening.

Valid ITIN

Your ITIN must be active and not expired. If your ITIN was issued before 2013 and has not been used on a tax return in the last three years, it may be deactivated. Renew it before applying.

US-registered business entity

You need an LLC, corporation, or other business entity registered in a US state. Popular choices for non-residents include Wyoming, Delaware, and New Mexico LLCs because of their privacy protections and low filing fees.

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Your LLC or corporation needs an EIN from the IRS. This is different from your personal ITIN. You can apply for an EIN by mail using Form SS-4 or have a tax professional obtain one on your behalf.

Government-issued photo ID

Mercury requires a valid passport or government-issued photo ID for identity verification. The name on your ID must match the name on your ITIN and your LLC documents.

Need an ITIN before you can open Mercury?

Our CAA-certified team handles the entire ITIN application process. No passport mailing required. Get your ITIN so you can open your Mercury business account.

Get Your ITIN First - $197

What Documents Do You Need for Mercury with an ITIN?

Gather these documents before starting your Mercury application. Having everything ready prevents delays and reduces the chance of Mercury requesting additional verification.

DocumentDetails
ITIN confirmation letter (CP565)The letter the IRS mailed when your ITIN was assigned
EIN confirmation letter (CP575)The IRS letter confirming your business EIN
LLC Articles of OrganizationFiled with your state of registration
LLC Operating AgreementLists members, ownership percentages, and management structure
Passport or government-issued IDValid, unexpired, with photo and full legal name
Proof of US business addressRegistered agent confirmation or virtual mailbox lease

Mercury may also request a brief description of your business activity and expected monthly transaction volume. Prepare a one-paragraph summary before applying.

How Do You Apply for Mercury with an ITIN Step by Step?

The Mercury application takes about 10 minutes if you have your documents ready. Here is what to expect at each step.

Step 1: Create your Mercury account. Go to mercury.com and click "Open an Account." Enter your email, create a password, and verify your email address.

Step 2: Enter your business details. Select your entity type, enter your business name as it appears on your Articles of Organization, provide your EIN, and enter your US business address.

Step 3: Add personal information. Enter your full legal name as it appears on your passport. When Mercury asks for your tax ID, select "ITIN" and enter your 9-digit number. Your residential address can be international.

Step 4: Upload documents. Upload your passport, Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement, and EIN letter. PDF format works best. Make sure nothing is expired.

Step 5: Describe your business. Mercury asks about your industry, expected deposits, and transaction volume. Be specific. Vague answers trigger additional review.

Step 6: Submit and wait. Mercury reviews most applications within one to three business days. You get an email when approved or if more information is needed.

Mercury Bank Account Setup Guide for ITIN Holders

What Mercury Features Matter Most for ITIN Holders?

Once your Mercury account is open, you get access to a full suite of business banking tools. These features are especially useful for non-resident founders managing their US business remotely.

Free ACH and domestic wires

Send and receive ACH transfers and domestic wire transfers at no charge. This covers payroll, vendor payments, and receiving revenue from US-based clients.

International wire transfers

Mercury supports international wires for sending funds outside the US. Fees vary by destination. For frequent international transfers, you might also want a Wise Business account for lower conversion rates.

Virtual and physical debit cards

Generate virtual cards instantly for online subscriptions and SaaS tools. Mercury ships physical debit cards to international addresses so you can access ATMs worldwide.

Treasury and yield

Mercury Treasury lets you earn yield on idle cash through US Treasury bills and money market funds. Your funds stay accessible while earning a return on balances above your operating needs.

Planning to open Mercury but do not have an ITIN yet?

Our team processes ITIN applications for non-resident business owners every week. Get your ITIN so you can unlock Mercury and other US banking options.

Start Your ITIN Application

What Are Common Mistakes When Applying to Mercury with an ITIN?

These are the errors we see most often among non-resident founders applying to Mercury. Avoiding them saves you time and prevents account delays.

Using a personal address as business address

Mercury expects a US business address. Using your foreign home address for the business field flags your application. Use your registered agent address or a US virtual mailbox for the business address field.

Name mismatches between documents

Your name must match across your passport, ITIN, EIN letter, and LLC documents. If your passport has a middle name but your LLC does not, Mercury may flag it. Keep all names consistent.

Applying with an expired ITIN

Mercury verifies your ITIN with the IRS. An expired or deactivated ITIN will cause your application to fail. Check your ITIN status before applying and renew if needed.

Vague business description

Mercury reviews your business type and activity. Writing "consulting" or "online business" without details triggers additional scrutiny. Be specific about what your business does, who your customers are, and how you generate revenue.

How Does Mercury Compare to Other ITIN-Friendly Banks?

Mercury is not the only option for ITIN holders. Here is how it compares to other popular choices. For a deeper comparison, read our Mercury Bank ITIN overview.

FeatureMercuryWise BusinessRelay
Accepts ITINYesYesYes
Monthly fee$0$0$0
Domestic wiresFreeFee-basedFree
International transfersWire onlyMulti-currencyLimited
Yield on balancesMercury TreasuryNoNo
Best forUS-focused businessMulti-currency needsSimple checking

Many non-resident founders open both Mercury and Wise Business. Mercury handles US banking and treasury, while Wise handles international transfers with better exchange rates and multi-currency support.

What Should You Do After Your Mercury Account Is Open?

Once Mercury approves your account, take these steps to set up your banking properly and avoid compliance issues down the road.

Fund your account

Transfer an initial deposit via ACH, wire, or check. Mercury has no minimum deposit requirement, but having funds in the account activates features like debit card spending and treasury yield.

Order your debit card

Request a physical debit card and provide your international shipping address. Mercury ships internationally at no extra charge. Create virtual cards for online subscriptions too.

Connect accounting and set up team access

Mercury integrates with QuickBooks and Xero. Connect early to keep bookkeeping organized. If you have partners or a bookkeeper, add them as team members with appropriate permissions.

Keep your ITIN active

Mercury periodically re-verifies account holder information. If your ITIN expires, it can affect your account standing. File a US tax return at least once every three years to keep your ITIN active. See our ITIN bank account guide for more on maintaining your banking access.

Mercury Bank ITIN: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Mercury accepts ITINs for business account applications. You need a valid ITIN, a registered US business entity such as an LLC or corporation, and an EIN from the IRS. Mercury reviews each application individually, so having all your documents ready increases your approval chances significantly.

Get Your ITIN and Open Mercury

IRS-certified Certifying Acceptance Agent. No passport mailing. 100% money-back guarantee.

Standard $197 | Express $297