Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) for Non-US Residents
This guide provides a clear, concise process for non-US companies, such as those registered in India, to open a Mercury business bank account.
Prerequisites
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Business must be a corporation, LLC, or partnership in a supported country (e.g., India). Sole Proprietorships are not eligible. |
| US EIN | A US Employer Identification Number is required (apply via IRS Form SS-4). |
| Documents |
- Business registration (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation). - Government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport). - Proof of address (if requested). |
| Applicant | Must be an owner or officer with significant control (e.g., 25%+ ownership). |
Steps to Open a Mercury Account
Visit Site and Get Started
➡️
Create Account
➡️
Add Company Info & Upload Docs
⬇️
Identity Verification
⬅️
Applicant Details
⬇️
Review and Submit
1. Access Mercury’s Website
Visit – https://mercury.com/
- FAQ – https://mercury.com/faq/
- Click “Get Started” or “Open an Account.”
2. Create an Account
- Enter an email (personal or company) and create a secure password.
- Verify your email via the confirmation link sent to your inbox.
3. Enter Business Information
Provide your company’s legal name and country of registration (e.g., India).
- Select business type (e.g., corporation, LLC).
- Input your US EIN (apply via IRS if needed; see below).
- Enter your U.S. business address (e.g., registered agent or virtual office address in the U.S., such as a Delaware business address). Mercury requires a valid U.S. business address and does not accept PO boxes.
- Select industry and briefly describe business activities.
- Optionally add a company website to strengthen your application.
4. Submit Business Documents
Upload a digital copy (PDF or image) of your business registration (e.g., Indian Certificate of Incorporation).
- Ensure documents are clear, in English, or include certified translations.
- Mercury may request additional documents (e.g., business license, operating agreement).
5. Provide Applicant Details
- Enter full name, date of birth, and residential address of the owner or officer.
- Specify ownership percentage (typically 25%+).
- Upload a government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport).
- Provide proof of address (e.g., utility bill or Last 2 months bank Statement) if requested.
6. Complete Expected Activity
7. Verify Identity
- Mercury may require additional verification for US banking compliance (KYC/AML), such as security questions or extra documents.
- Follow instructions provided via email or the Mercury dashboard.
8. Submit Application
- Review all information and documents for accuracy.
- Submit through Mercury’s online portal.
- Review typically takes 1-3 business days.
9. Activate Account
- Upon approval, receive account access details via email.
- Log in to access USD checking and savings accounts to receive a U.S. routing number and account number (FDIC-insured via Mercury’s partner banks, no monthly fees, per Mercury’s terms).
10. Set Up Banking
- Link external accounts (e.g., Indian bank) for transfers.
- Issue virtual or physical debit cards.
- Initiate ACH, wire, or international transfers.
- Use Mercury’s tools (e.g., invoicing, cash flow analytics) for business management.
Mercury: Empowering Global Businesses
Open an account online in 10 minutes
No Fees
USD Transactions
FDIC Insurance up to $5M
Modern Banking Tools
- Open an account online in 10 minutes
- No monthly fees, free USD wires
- FDIC-insured up to $5M
- Ideal for startups & non-US companies
Instructions
| Documents to Prepare |
- Article/Certificate of Incorporation (Stamped by US State). - IRS EIN document (e.g., CP 575, 147c letter, SS-4, or IRS Website screenshot). - International Passport for each founder/owner (photo, DOB, ID number). - Proof of address, if requested (e.g., utility bill, bank statement from India/US). - Optional: Company website/marketplace link (e.g., Amazon, with About Us/Contact pages). |
|---|---|
| Email and Contact Details |
- Email: help@mercury.com - Contact Form: mercury.com (“Get in Touch” section) - Note: 24/7 email support, no phone support. |
| Mercury Resources |
- Website: https://mercury.com/ - Support: https://support.mercury.com/ - FAQ: https://mercury.com/faq/ - Prohibited Countries: http://mercury.com/help/prohibited-countries - Documents Guide: Gathering Your Documents |
FAQ
Can I open an account from India?
Yes, with a US-registered LLC/C-Corp, EIN, and physical India/US address (not PO box). India is not restricted.
No US address?
Use your India residential/office address, proof (e.g., utility bill, Last 2 months bank Statement) may be needed.
Application timeline?
1–4 business days, check email/spam for updates.
Extra requirements for Indians?
Additional KYC/AML documents (e.g., bank statement) if high-risk, ensure active website.
INR transactions?
USD-based accounts, 1% fee for INR wires. Select INR as a currency if needed.
Application rejected?
Mercury emails reasons; resubmit per instructions or email help@mercury.com.