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Mercury

Bank

The default for non-US founders. Built for startups, free wires, no SSN.

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ApplyRight field notes

The default pick for non-US founders, and the one we recommend most. Accepts Chinese nationals, smooth online application — its form is the cleanest and most straightforward of the bunch, the least painful to fill out — and unlimited virtual cards. Two things to know: a relationship manager only comes with the Pro plan ($299/mo) or $10M+ balances — everyone else uses tickets; and it won't serve jewelry or non-Kickstarter crowdfunding. The most reliable option overall.

Eligibility at a glance

Requires SSN
No
Overseas operating address
Yes
Intl wire (out)
Free
Virtual cards
Unlimited
Account manager
Pro plan ($299/mo) or $10M+ balance

Best for

  • Non-US founders with a US LLC or C-Corp (Delaware, Wyoming)
  • SaaS, tech startups, and professional services
  • Anyone who needs API + accounting integrations (Stripe, Shopify, QuickBooks)
  • Teams that need unlimited virtual cards

Where it falls short

  • Strict on high-risk industries: cannabis, gambling, adult, crypto exchanges
  • Email-only support — no phone line
  • Rejections are effectively final and hard to appeal
  • Tightened on “thin” profiles in 2026 (no website / LinkedIn / clients)

Restricted countries

CubaIranNorth KoreaCrimeaDonetskKhersonLuhanskZaporizhzhiaAfghanistanAlbaniaAngolaBangladeshBelarusBhutanBosniaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCentral African RepublicCongo (DRC)Congo (Republic)CroatiaEritreaGambiaHaitiIndonesiaIraqKyrgyzstanLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaMaldivesMaliMozambiqueMyanmarNepalNicaraguaNigeriaPakistanPalestinePhilippinesRussiaSomaliaSouth SudanSudanSyriaUkraineUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaVietnamYemenZimbabwe

Restricted industries

Money services (MSB)Crypto exchangeAdult contentCannabisGamblingFirearmsShell companiesJewelryCrowdfunding (off-platform)

Documents to prepare

  • A company website
  • A company domain email address
  • Full company documents (including the EIN)
  • An operating address: a real place of business (a home address, US or overseas, with proof; no virtual / PO Box). A registered agent or virtual mailbox is fine as the company's registered address
  • Your national driver's license (within validity)
  • The owner's passport (a live face-KYC is required, so the owner must be present)
  • Personal bank statements for the last 3 months (domestic or overseas)
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