Mercury

## Does Mercury offer paperless onboarding for C-Corps and LLCs?

## Overview Mercury offers a fully digital and 100% paperless onboarding process for both C-Corporations and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). The entire account opening procedure is conducted through a web-based application, which eliminates the need for physical paperwork, wet signatures, or in-person visits to a bank branch. This streamlined, browser-based workflow is designed to allow founders and business owners to apply for and open an operational business account remotely and efficiently, often within a matter of minutes for the application itself, with approvals typically granted within a few hours to a few days. ## Key Features The documentation required for the application is submitted entirely through digital uploads to a secure online portal. For a C-Corp or LLC, applicants must provide several key documents. First, the company's state-filed formation documents are required, such as the Articles of Incorporation for a C-Corp or the Articles of Organization for an LLC. These documents serve to verify the company's legal registration within the United States. Second, official documentation for the company's Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS is mandatory. Mercury accepts several forms of proof, including Form CP575, Form 147c, or a returned and stamped SS-4 form. A simple application for an EIN is not sufficient; proof of issuance is required. Third, government-issued identification must be provided for key individuals associated with the company. This includes any beneficial owner with a 25% or greater stake in the company and at least one individual with operational control. Accepted forms of ID include a U.S. driver's license, a Permanent Resident Card, or an international passport for non-U.S. citizens. ## Technical Specifications ## How It Works Upon submission, the application undergoes a review process that includes standard Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks to comply with federal regulations. While the process is highly automated, certain factors can trigger a more detailed manual review, potentially extending the approval timeline. These factors include complex ownership structures, such as those involving multiple layers of entities, trusts, or numerous foreign owners. Applications from businesses operating in industries that Mercury or its partner banks deem high-risk may also be subject to additional scrutiny. In some instances, Mercury may request supplementary documentation to complete its due diligence, such as contracts, source-of-funds information, or merchant agreements. ## Use Cases Once an account application is approved, the business gains immediate access to key banking functions through the Mercury dashboard. One of the primary benefits is the ability to instantly issue and use virtual debit cards for online purchases and other business expenses. This allows a company to begin transacting immediately, without waiting for a physical card to arrive in the mail. Physical debit cards are shipped to the business address following account approval. This paperless and rapid onboarding process provides a significant practical advantage for modern businesses, especially startups and remote-first companies, by reducing administrative friction and accelerating the timeline from company formation to financial operation. ## Limitations and Requirements The banking services themselves are provided through Mercury's FDIC-member partner banks, which as of early 2026 include Choice Financial Group and Column N.A. ## Comparison to Alternatives ## Summary