Mercury for India
AvailableHow Indian Founders Open a Mercury Account with a US LLC (2026)
Mercury provides online business accounts to US companies. Indian founders qualify by forming a US LLC, then open a Mercury account remotely, no US visit required.
Quick Answer
Mercury offers online business accounts to US companies, including LLCs owned by Indian residents. You cannot open a Mercury account with an Indian entity directly, but with a US LLC and an EIN you can open a Mercury account online, with no US visit. Form a US LLC ($0 upfront) to qualify.
Can Indian Residents Open a Mercury Account?
Mercury is a US financial technology company that provides online business accounts (banking services are provided by its partner banks). It serves US businesses, so it does not onboard Indian individuals or Indian companies directly.
The good news: Mercury actively works with non-resident-owned US LLCs. Once you have a US LLC and an EIN, you can apply for a Mercury account entirely online, with no US travel and no SSN. This is how thousands of Indian founders run US-facing businesses.
Forming a US LLC is the step that makes you eligible for a Mercury account, plus Stripe and the rest of the US financial stack.
Last verified: 2026-06-09
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Open a Mercury Account from India
Form a US LLC to qualify for a Mercury account. StartGlobal handles formation, EIN, and account setup guidance.
Form a US LLC from India
Register a Wyoming or Delaware LLC through StartGlobal. The process is 100% remote and takes 3-7 business days. You do not need a US visa or SSN.
Learn moreGet an EIN (Tax ID)
We apply for your Employer Identification Number with the IRS. No SSN required. Your EIN is typically issued within 2-4 weeks.
Open a US business bank account
Open a Mercury or Relay account online using your LLC documents and EIN. No US visit required. Most accounts are approved within 1-2 weeks.
Apply for your Mercury account
Apply online with your LLC documents, EIN, and passport. No US visit or SSN required. Most applications are reviewed within days.
Start operating in USD
Receive client and Stripe payments into your Mercury account, hold USD, and move funds to India via Wise or wire when you choose.
Requirements
What Indian Founders Need for a Mercury Account
Valid Passport
Your India passport for identity verification during LLC formation and bank account setup.
US LLC
A registered US LLC in any state. Wyoming is recommended for international founders due to low fees and strong privacy.
EIN (Tax ID)
An Employer Identification Number from the IRS. This is your business tax ID, required for banking and payment platforms.
US Business Bank Account
A US bank account connected to your LLC. Mercury is the most popular choice for non-resident founders.
Indian Passport
Your Indian passport for identity verification during the Mercury account application.
Comparison
US Business Accounts for Indian Founders
Relay
Another US account option for LLCs. Fewer integrations and startup perks than Mercury for most founders.
Wise Business
Great for multi-currency receiving and conversion, but is not a full US business account with the same features.
Traditional US banks
Usually require an in-person visit and sometimes an SSN or ITIN, which is impractical for most non-residents.
US LLC + Mercury
With a US LLC and EIN you can open a Mercury account online and pair it with Stripe and Wise. You get USD operations, no US visit, and no SSN, which is hard to match with Indian-side options alone.
Common Concerns
Questions Indian founders ask about Mercury
Do I need a US LLC to open a Mercury account?
Yes. Mercury provides accounts to US businesses, so you need a US LLC and an EIN to qualify. Once formed, Indian founders open a Mercury account online with no US visit.
Is it legal for Indian citizens to own a US LLC?
Yes. US LLCs are open to non-citizens and non-residents from India. You do not need a US visa, Green Card, or Social Security Number. This is a standard business structure used by international entrepreneurs.
What is the total cost?
StartGlobal forms your LLC at $0 upfront, included with the $149/month plan, which covers registered agent, EIN application, and bank account setup assistance. There are no hidden fees. Ongoing compliance, including the state annual report and registered agent, is included in the monthly plan.
How long does the entire process take?
From India, the typical timeline is: LLC formation (3-7 business days), EIN (2-4 weeks), bank account (1-2 weeks). Most founders are fully operational within 4-6 weeks.
Simple Pricing
One price. Everything included.
No hidden fees. No surprise charges. Just everything you need to start.
What's included
- Business Name Check
- State Filing in Any State
- Operating Agreement
- Digital Signatures
- Registered Agent Included
- EIN / Federal Tax ID
- Business Bank Account
- Compliance Calendar
Everything you need to form and run your LLC. Formation included, $0 upfront.
Formation is included with your plan. No add-ons, no state fees, no hidden fees. Cancel anytime.
FAQ
Mercury in India: Frequently Asked Questions
Everything Indian founders need to know about accessing Mercury
No. Mercury serves US businesses, so you need a US LLC (or corporation) and an EIN. With those, you can apply online from India, no US travel or SSN required.
Yes. Mercury works with many non-resident-owned US LLCs. You apply with your LLC formation documents, EIN, and passport. Approval is typically quick and fully online.
Hold USD in your Mercury account and transfer to India via Wise (mid-market rate) or a wire when you choose. Keep your FEMA and tax reporting in order with a local advisor.
Yes. Owning a US LLC and using a US business account with Mercury is legal for Indian residents. Maintain proper Indian tax and FEMA reporting with a local advisor.
Form Your US LLC from India
Get access to Mercury, US banking, and global payment processing. Join thousands of Indian entrepreneurs who trust StartGlobal.
Start Your US LLC