Let’s face it: finding the right bank for your business can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. While Mercury Bank has been making waves in the startup and small business world, it’s not the only fish in the sea. These Mercury Bank alternatives offer plenty of features and bonuses.

Whether you’re a local shop dealing with mountains of cash or a tech startup dreaming of global domination, there’s a banking solution out there with your name on it. From North One’s cash-friendly approach to Wise’s international flair, we’re here to help you navigate business banking and find your perfect financial partner. 

What is Mercury Bank?

Mercury is a fintech company positioned as a banking solution for startups and small businesses. Founded in 2019, Mercury offers multiple digital-first business banking services designed for entrepreneurs and growing companies. Their platform combines the reliability of traditional banking with modern financial technology.

Mercury provides business checking and savings accounts with features that go beyond basic banking. These include FDIC insurance up to $5 million through partner banks and sweep networks, zero hidden or monthly fees and free domestic and international USD wire transfers. They also include automated payments, seamless integrations with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero and customizable corporate cards with cashback rewards. Finally, Mercury offers a unique feature called Mercury Raise, which connects startups with potential investors and industry experts. 

However, Mercury Bank may not be the right bank for your business. A lack of cash deposit accessibility, no fee-free ATMs and email-only customer service are all drawbacks—and a good reason to explore Mercury alternatives.

Top Mercury Alternatives for Small Businesses

These Mercury Bank alternatives offer flexible banking solutions, competitive fees, and tailored features designed to meet the unique needs of small businesses and startups.

1. North One

North One is ideal for small businesses—especially cash-dependent businesses like restaurants and laundromats. While there are no physical branches, this bank offers 90,000 locations for cash deposits. Plus, North One offers automated deposit organization for budgeting through its “envelope” system. The easy integrations with platforms like QuickBooks and Xero make it a great option for those looking to save time and streamline their operations.

North One does not charge monthly fees, and there’s no minimum balance. They also offer up to $250,000 in business loans, making them a smart option for founders who need funding. North One provides real-time payments, which further supports small business cash flow.

While it integrates with various platforms and provides live in-app support, North One does lack virtual cards and international wire transfer capabilities.

2. Chase Business Banking

Chase Business Banking combines traditional and digital banking services, featuring a vast network of ATMs and branches, mobile card readers and unlimited fee-free electronic deposits. They also offer generous sign-up bonuses. However, it charges high overdraft fees and a monthly account fee for lower balances. Chase also limits free cash deposits and in-person transactions. This can make it a less-than-ideal choice for owners who handle large amounts of cash or who are watching every penny.

3. Novo

Novo is best suited for sole operators and online businesses, thanks to its easy integration with e-commerce platforms. It offers free worldwide ATM access, no monthly minimum balance, no monthly or hidden fees and multiple software integrations. However, Novo has limited debit card options, doesn’t support cash deposits at ATMs and charges fees for insufficient funds.

4. Bank of America

Bank of America is good for businesses with higher balances, offering both fundamental and relationship banking accounts. The bank offers up to $300 as a sign-on bonus when you’re approved for their business Mastercard. Bank of America provides a large network of branches and ATMs, unlimited no-fee electronic transactions and mobile banking features. However, they have relatively low savings interest rates. They charge monthly fees for lower balances, and have higher fees for incidental transactions.

5. Bluevine

Bluevine caters to medium to high-revenue businesses. They offer a 2.0% interest rate on checking accounts and credit lines up to $250,000. The bank also allows unlimited fee-free transactions and cash deposits, via the Green Dot network. However, Bluevine charges for domestic wires, lacks international wire capabilities and has limited integration with e-commerce platforms—so they may not be right for international businesses and online stores.

6. Rho

Rho is designed for larger businesses. It’s an all-in-one business banking platform designed to streamline financial operations for growing companies. With no monthly fees, wire fees or ACH fees, Rho provides fee-free operating accounts backed by 24/7 customer support. Businesses can manage their cash, send money, automate payables and control expenses. The platform also offers treasury services, allowing companies to earn up to 4.53% yield on cash.

Rho’s integrated system helps finance teams save time by automating expense management, accounts payable and accounting reconciliation, while offering features like real-time spend control and customizable credit cards. With easy integration into accounting tools like QuickBooks and NetSuite, businesses can scale finance operations and eliminate manual tasks.

7. Relay

Relay is tailored for small businesses with two to 100 employees and offers a comprehensive suite of features. It provides 20 free checking accounts, integrates with popular accounting software and offers accounts payable automation through its Pro version. 

Relay supports various payment platforms and provides up to 50 Mastercard debit cards. While it offers free domestic and international wires with currency conversion in its Pro version, Relay lacks venture funding options—which may not be a good choice for startup founders.

Best Mercury Alternatives for Startups

If you’ve launched a startup, you’re probably looking for slightly different features. These banks offer specialized services, such as easier access to funding, flexible transaction limits, and robust online tools more tailored to startups’ unique needs.

1. Brex 

Brex is an all-in-one spend management platform that caters to high-revenue startups. It offers cashback on charge card purchases, free wire transactions and expense management tools. 

However, there’s one huge drawback. Brex no longer serves small businesses, doesn’t support sole proprietors and lacks savings accounts, debit cards and ATM access, which limits its usefulness for smaller startups or those without a high-value revenue source.

2. Silicon Valley Bank

Silicon Valley Bank was founded as a bank for startups. While they collapsed in March 2023, traditional bank First Citizens Bank acquired them and restored their reputation. Their free checking accounts provide a solid foundation for financial management without the burden of monthly fees. Both physical and virtual cards are available, offering flexibility in how startups handle their expenses and employee spending. 

The online account management system is robust and user-friendly—business owners can oversee their finances from anywhere in the world and integrate with software like QuickBooks. Remote check deposit functionality streamlines the process of handling paper checks, saving time and eliminating the need for frequent bank visits. 

3. Wise

Wise Business offers a suite of financial services tailored for growing businesses, particularly startups with international aspirations. It provides a multi-currency account supporting over 40 currencies, allowing businesses to make payments and transfers worldwide. 

Unlike traditional banks, Wise uses mid-market exchange rates without hidden fees. This could potentially save businesses significant costs on international transactions. The low setup cost of $31 USD and absence of monthly fees make it a smart option for budget-conscious startups.

Wise also offers bulk payment capabilities and integration with QuickBooks and Xero. It offers up to 4.44% returns on balances without locking funds away, a feature that can help startups maximize their capital efficiency. However, if your business only performs domestic business transactions, another option may be more suitable.

The Right Bank Can Make All the Difference

The bottom line: Your perfect banking match depends on your unique business DNA—your size, your industry and where you’re headed. You need a bank that gets you, grows with you and has your back every step of the way. Whether you choose North One or another Mercury alternative, take your time and weigh your options.