Mercury vs Relay for Delaware LLC.

Delaware LLCs that are startups or tech companies, need savings accounts, want unlimited virtual cards, and prioritize API access and investor tools.

Delaware LLCs that are agencies, consultancies, or businesses that need multiple accounts for budgeting, client separation, or team spend controls.

Which is better for non-US founders, Mercury or Relay?

Mercury is better for non-US founders. Mercury accepts foreign passports with fewer restrictions, while the alternative requires additional documentation or has nationality limitations. For founders from India, Nigeria, Brazil, or the UK, this difference determines whether you can open an account at all. Both banks approve non-US founders in 1-5 days, which is faster than traditional banks.

Can I open both Mercury and Relay?

Yes. Many Delaware LLCs maintain multiple bank accounts. Mercury and Relay complement each other well. Having two accounts reduces risk if one bank freezes your account for a routine compliance review. It also lets you optimize fees: use Relay for wires and either bank for international transfers. There is no regulatory limit on the number of business bank accounts a Delaware LLC can hold. We recommend starting with the bank that fits your primary use case, then adding the second account after 30-60 days of stable operation.

Which has lower fees?

Both have $0 monthly fees. Compare wire fees, FX fees, and ATM fees based on your usage. Wire fees are comparable. For a business sending $10,000 per month internationally, the fee difference can equal $200-$400 annually. If you primarily operate in the US with occasional international payments, the fee gap may not matter. If you pay suppliers in EUR or GBP every month, the cheaper FX bank saves thousands per year.

Which approves faster?

Mercury typically approves faster. 1-5 days vs 2-5 days. Faster approval matters if you have a product launch, supplier payment deadline, or investor wire incoming. Both banks offer online applications that take 10-20 minutes. Submit your application on a Monday morning for the fastest turnaround. Make sure your EIN is active and your documents match exactly to avoid manual review delays.

Which is better for e-commerce?

Mercury has better API access for e-commerce integrations. Mercury also wins on virtual cards, which are essential for managing ad spend and subscriptions safely. E-commerce businesses processing high transaction volumes need automated reconciliation and unlimited virtual cards. Both banks integrate with Stripe and PayPal for payment processing.

What if I get rejected?

If Mercury rejects you, apply to Relay immediately. Most rejections are due to documentation issues, not eligibility. Common rejection reasons include mismatched LLC names, missing EIN letters, high-risk industry classification, and unclear business descriptions. Fix the issue, gather complete documentation, and reapply. You can also work with a DelawareLLC.co specialist who reviews your application before submission. If both banks reject you, consider Relay or Novo as third alternatives. Each bank has slightly different risk criteria, so a rejection from one does not predict rejection from another.

Do I need an EIN for both?

Yes. Both banks require an EIN from the IRS. Apply for your EIN before opening any business bank account. Banks verify your EIN against IRS records during the application process. If your EIN was issued less than 2 weeks ago, some banks may not find it in the database yet. Wait until your EIN confirmation letter arrives before applying. For non-US founders, EIN processing takes 2-4 weeks after filing Form SS-4. Do not attempt to apply with a pending EIN — the application will be rejected automatically.

Can I switch later?

Yes. You can open a new account and transfer funds at any time. There is no penalty for switching banks. Many Delaware LLCs start with one bank and add a second account as their business grows. To switch, open the new account, update your payment processor and payroll direct deposit, wait 30 days to confirm all transactions clear, then close the old account. Keep your old account statements for at least 7 years for tax purposes. If you have recurring payments, update each vendor individually to avoid missed payments.