An online financial service, not a traditional bank
Mercury is a US online financial company. Accounts are held by partner banks, and FDIC deposit insurance applies through them, within its limits. This model is common among US neobanks: read the terms to see which bank holds your account.
Open from abroad, with conditions
You apply online, with no trip to the US. Each provider decides on its own which countries of residence and which activities it accepts, and its rules can change. Nobody can guarantee an account will be opened: not ClicGlow, not any other provider.
Documents to prepare
A consistent file saves time. Usually:
- The LLC's Articles of Organization
- The IRS letter confirming the EIN
- A passport for each beneficial owner
- Recent proof of personal address
- A precise description of the business, with a website if possible
- A US company address, depending on the provider's requirements
What to watch out for
The LLC's name must be identical on every document. A vague business description is a common reason for refusals or extra questions. Answer verification requests quickly: without an answer, an application can be closed.
Alternatives
Other US online banks accept LLCs owned by non-residents, and payment institutions such as Wise offer business accounts in dollars. Compare fees, deposit protection and accepted countries. Having a backup option is good practice.
If you live in France
An account opened abroad must be reported every year with form 3916. Our guide "US LLC and French taxes" covers this point.
Official sources
This article is for information only and is not legal or tax advice. The rules mentioned may have changed since the update date.
