Mercury

## Can non-US residents open a Mercury business bank account online without visiting a physical branch?

## Overview Non-US residents can open a Mercury business bank account entirely online without visiting a physical branch, provided they meet a critical prerequisite: the business must be a legal entity incorporated within the United States. Mercury's platform is specifically designed to accommodate international founders, offering a fully remote onboarding process that eliminates the need for physical presence in the U.S. This stands in contrast to many traditional U.S. banks, which often require in-person branch visits to verify identity and complete account opening procedures for non-resident applicants. Mercury's digital-first approach allows founders from around the world to access the U.S. banking system, a crucial step for any global startup looking to operate in the American market. ## Key Features The fundamental requirement is the establishment of a U.S. business entity, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a C-Corporation. Mercury does not support sole proprietorships or trusts. Once the U.S. entity is formed, the non-resident founder can proceed with the online application. ## Technical Specifications The process requires the submission of several key documents. Applicants must provide the company's official formation documents, such as Articles of Incorporation, which serve as proof of the business's legal registration in the U.S. A mandatory component is an Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS; acceptable proof includes forms like CP575 or 147c, or a completed SS-4. For personal identity verification, international founders must submit a valid government-issued passport, which is typically accompanied by a digital selfie verification step. ## How It Works Mercury also has specific requirements regarding addresses and business operations. The company must have a U.S. business address, which can be a commercial address or one provided by a registered agent service. In addition to this, the company must declare a 'principal place of business,' which is the physical location where the company primarily operates. This address can be located internationally, but it cannot be a P.O. Box, a UPS box, or a registered agent's address. Furthermore, the business must either have existing operations in the U.S. or demonstrate clear intentions for future U.S. operations. Information, including residential addresses, must be provided for any individual who owns 25% or more of the company and for at least one person who has operational control. ## Use Cases ## Limitations and Requirements While the online application itself is designed to be completed in about 10 minutes, all applications undergo a thorough compliance review. This review process, which can introduce delays, is conducted to ensure all submitted documentation is current and that the business and its owners meet all of Mercury's onboarding requirements. There are also restrictions to consider. Mercury does not open accounts for businesses in certain industries, including money services, adult entertainment, cannabis-related businesses, and internet gambling. Additionally, founders or financial controllers who reside in countries on Mercury's prohibited list are ineligible to open an account, regardless of where their company is incorporated. These restrictions are in place to comply with U.S. regulations and manage operational risk. ## Comparison to Alternatives ## Summary In conclusion, Mercury provides a vital service for non-US residents by enabling remote access to U.S. business banking. The key condition is that the founder must first establish a formal business entity within the United States. The entire application and verification process is conducted online, requiring digital submission of U.S. company documents, an EIN, and a valid passport. While the process is designed for accessibility, applicants must navigate specific requirements related to business addresses, operational intent, and restricted industries. This capability makes Mercury a key enabler for global entrepreneurs aiming to participate in the U.S. economy.