Mercury, Wise, and Relay all serve non-resident founders — the “best” one depends on how your money moves. Mercury suits startups raising or holding USD; Wise wins for multi-currency international payments; Relay fits US-domestic businesses wanting a clean online banking experience. One honest note first: no provider guarantees approval — each makes its own decision on every application.
What every provider asks for
Before comparing, know the baseline. All three typically want:
- LLC formation documents (Articles/Certificate of Organization)
- EIN confirmation letter — non-residents get this by faxing Form SS-4 (~4 business days)
- Government photo ID of the owner (passport works)
- A US business address
- A clear description of what the business does
Apply with the exact same legal name, address, and EIN everywhere. Mismatched documents are the #1 reason applications stall.
Mercury — the startup favorite
Built for startups and tech companies. USD business checking and savings, virtual cards, and integrations with startup tools. The application includes a review of your business model — legitimate businesses with clean documents generally clear it, but Mercury is selective and the decision is entirely theirs. Best for: founders raising capital, holding USD revenue, or wanting a polished startup banking stack.
Wise Business — the multi-currency specialist
Wise gives you local account details in 20+ currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, and more) under one account — customers pay you like a local. Currency conversion uses the mid-market rate with a transparent fee. It’s not a full US bank replacement for every need, but for founders juggling international clients and suppliers, it’s unmatched. Best for: agencies, freelancers, and e-commerce sellers moving money across borders.
Relay — the US-domestic workhorse
A US online business banking platform with a clean interface, no-fee positioning, and strong bookkeeping integrations. Straightforward for businesses earning and spending primarily in USD. Like the others, approval is Relay’s decision based on your documents and business profile. Best for: US-focused LLCs that want simple, modern business banking without branch visits.
Head-to-head
- Multi-currency: Wise (clear winner) > Mercury (USD-focused) > Relay (USD-focused)
- Startup fundraising features: Mercury > Relay > Wise
- Ease of application for non-residents: all three are remote-friendly; none accept everyone
- International transfers: Wise (built for it) > Mercury (solid) > Relay (domestic-first)
Many founders end up with two: Mercury or Relay as the US home base, Wise attached for international flows. There’s no rule against it.
How Epics Deals helps
Banking applications live or die on document quality. Epics Deals forms your LLC for $130 + state fee with the EIN included free, so you apply with a clean, consistent paper trail from day one. We’re partnered with fintech banking providers and guide every founder through the application — while the final approval is always each bank’s decision. Formation, EIN, and guidance cover both non-resident and US-resident founders.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open any of these without visiting the US?
Yes — all three onboard remotely. No US visit is required.
Do I need an SSN?
No. An EIN for the LLC plus your passport/ID is the standard non-resident path.
Which is fastest to open?
Timelines vary by application and review queues; none publish a guaranteed timeline. Having your EIN letter and formation documents ready before you apply is the biggest speed lever you control.
Can I open accounts at more than one?
Yes, and many founders do — e.g., Mercury for USD operations plus Wise for international payments.
Related:
- How to Open a Mercury Bank Account as a Non-Resident (2026) — https://epicsdeals.com/mercury-bank-account-non-resident-2026/
- How to Get an EIN Without an SSN (Non-Resident Guide 2026) — https://epicsdeals.com/ein-without-ssn-non-resident/
- How to Form a US LLC as a Non-Resident (2026 Guide) — https://epicsdeals.com/us-llc-non-resident-guide/
Opening US business banking? Start with clean formation documents — Epics Deals forms LLCs for $130 + state fee, EIN included free, for non-resident and US-resident founders alike.
Free: US LLC Compliance Checklist
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