Does Mercury Bank Accept ITIN? Open a Business Account
Last updated: June 2026
Written by
itin.so Editorial Team
IRS-Authorized Certifying Acceptance Agents
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 do not have a tax ID yet, you can get your ITIN before you apply. If you are still deciding between banking options, see our full ITIN bank account guide for a broader comparison.
Mercury has become one of the most popular banking platforms for non-resident founders who need a US business bank account without a Social Security Number or an in-person visit. With a US-registered LLC or corporation, an EIN, and your ITIN, you can apply entirely online in about ten minutes, and Mercury charges no monthly fees, requires no minimum balance, and ships debit cards internationally. This guide covers everything from eligibility requirements and the documents you need to the step-by-step application, key features, and how Mercury compares to Relay and Wise.
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 - $197What 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.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 Organization | Filed with your state of registration |
| LLC Operating Agreement | Lists members, ownership percentages, and management structure |
| Passport or government-issued ID | Valid, unexpired, with photo and full legal name |
| Proof of US business address | Registered 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.
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 ApplicationWhat 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.
| Feature | Mercury | Wise Business | Relay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accepts ITIN | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Monthly fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Domestic wires | Free | Fee-based | Free |
| International transfers | Wire only | Multi-currency | Limited |
| Yield on balances | Mercury Treasury | No | No |
| Best for | US-focused business | Multi-currency needs | Simple 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
Does Mercury Bank accept ITIN?
Can I open a Mercury Bank account with an ITIN instead of an SSN?
What business types does Mercury Bank support for ITIN holders?
How long does it take to open a Mercury account with an ITIN?
Does Mercury Bank require a US address for ITIN holders?
What fees does Mercury Bank charge for business accounts?
Can I get a Mercury debit card shipped internationally?
What happens if Mercury denies my business account application?
How does Mercury compare to Relay and Wise for ITIN holders?
Is Mercury safe for large deposits from ITIN holders?
Can I use Mercury for Stripe and PayPal payouts with my ITIN?
Written by
itin.so Editorial Team
IRS-Authorized Certifying Acceptance Agents
The itin.so editorial team is made up of IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) professionals who have helped applicants from 150+ countries secure their ITINs. Every guide is sourced from official IRS publications, forms, and instructions, then reviewed for accuracy before publishing.