Pros
- No ATM fees, monthly fees or overdraft fees
- Integrates smoothly with most third-party apps
- Offers up to $5million FDIC insurance
- Allows free wire transfers
Cons
- Accepts only incorporated businesses
- Restricted customer support through email to only new members
About Mercury
Mercury stands out as a digital bank catering to startups and expanding businesses, providing advanced business checking as well as savings accounts. Noteworthy for its fee-free structure and absence of minimum deposit requirements, Mercury allows users to obtain physical debit cards or computer-generated cards for their team. An additional feature is the API integration, facilitating a seamless connection between your bank account and other essential business software tools. Mercury’s focus on modern solutions makes it an appealing choice for businesses seeking convenience and flexibility in their financial operations.
Account Basics
Mercury presents business checking as well as savings accounts designed to streamline operational processes for startups. Read an overview of Mercury’s business banking offerings:
Mercury Bank – Checking
Mercury’s complimentary professional checking account ensures easy entry with no minimum balance requirements or monthly account maintenance fees. Although it doesn’t accrue interest, the account provides several valuable benefits, such as:
- Free domestic and international wire transfers (USD)
- Up to $5million FDIC insurance
- Customizable limits for employee credit and debit cards
- Comparatively less foreign exchange fees
- Free access to Allpoint network ATMs
- API (Application Programming Interface) that integrates with a wide variety of applications
- Free ACH expenses
- Easy and customizable dashboard that allow quick organization of financial data, payments, etc.
In essence, Mercury’s checking account provides limitless customization without the worry of substantial fees, catering to businesses of all sizes. However, it does have limitations, as conventional banking features like cash deposits and check-writing capabilities are not supported. All transactions must be conducted digitally, and the checking account doesn’t accrue interest.
Mercury Bank – Savings
While Mercury’s checking account has its merits, the savings account is rather straightforward and lacks the perks commonly found in a basic brick-and-mortar banks, such as earning interest. With a 0.00% APY, it falls short compared to the competitive rates offered by a few of the finest business/professional savings accounts, which can go up to 4.00% APY/more. On a positive note, there are not any specified fees for these savings account, moreover users can make unlimited withdrawals without incurring penalties.
Mercury Bank – Treasury
For clients looking for maximizing returns on surplus funds, the Mercury Treasury account serves as a money management solution. Available exclusively to customers with an amount exceeding $500,000, this account boasts no maintenance or any additional transaction fees. In its place, Mercury generates revenue by retaining a fraction of the invested Treasury funds. Offering a modest interest rate ranging between 4.99% and 5.43% APY, the account provides a more substantial return. However, the highest interest rate is reserved for clients investing over $20 million. While the invested assets are not insured by FDIC, the account administrator, Apex Clearing Corp is insured by the SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation) equal to $500,000 for each investor.
What Do People Say About Mercury?
Services and Products offered
Mercury extends its services to include a business credit card- IO Mastercard. This credit card comes with noteworthy advantages, including no yearly fee and no requirement for a credit background check. Among its key benefits is the capability to make 1.5% returns on all buys. The card provides boundless computer-generated cards, a durable real metal card, and a comprehensive dashboard for efficient spending management and control settings on employee/member cards. Additionally, for startups with fundraising aspirations, Mercury offers project debt funding as part of its suite of financial solutions.
Quick Access
Mercury, being a digital-first platform, stands out in delivering smooth and adaptable user interfaces. Clients benefit from an online control panel providing a comprehensive view of checking plus savings accounts, outgoing payments, capital, employee cards, etc. The user-friendly mobile apps, available on both iOS as well as Android platforms, empower customers to execute various tasks. These include making payments, sending, receiving, and transferring money, as well as digitizing receipts for streamlined bookkeeping processes. The intuitive design ensures a seamless and efficient user experience.
Fees
Mercury distinguishes itself through its fee-free structure, encompassing no regular monthly fees, wire fees, ATM fees or overdraft fees. It’s essential to note a 1% charge for cash exchange in the case of foreign transactions. While Mercury emphasizes a fee-free approach, certain advanced features might incur associated fees. Examples include mass payments, elective superior processing on universal transactions, facilitated through the Mercury API, and the management of Treasury accounts. Clients should be aware of potential charges related to specific advanced functionalities.
Mercury Vs Traditional Banks
Mercury sets itself apart by offering business checking alongwith savings accounts without any account fees or mandatory minimum deposits. Additionally, there are absolutely no charges for check or ACH transfers, and receiving domestic or USD international wires is fee-free. Embracing a software-first philosophy, Mercury provides access to its API, empowering users to create custom integrations connecting their bank accounts with other business software. The platform also supports ready-made integrations with key services such as Plaid, Stripe, Gusto, Quickbooks, and popular eCommerce payment processors like PayPal and Shopify.
Security
Mercury prioritizes the security of your information through robust measures. All web pages are encrypted, and account passwords are securely stored using the bcrypt algorithm. Debit card numbers are not stored in the account dashboard, and additional encryption safeguards sensitive data like social security numbers. For enhanced security, Mercury mandates the use of an authentication app for two-factor authentication, a more secure alternative to SMS-based authentication that reduces the risk of compromise. Your safety and the protection of your sensitive data are key considerations in Mercury’s approach to security.
Customer Services
To contact Mercury, new members can initiate communication via email at help@mercury.com. The company is prompt in responding to emails, typically within several hours on weekdays and within 24 hours on weekends. Additionally, members have the option to engage in real-time chat with the Mercury team from Monday to Friday, between 6 am and 5 pm PT.
Bottomline
Mercury Bank is a fintech firm providing tailored online-banking facilities, particularly beneficial for startups, particularly those in the tech sector. With features such as no account min. limits, wire fees, ATM fees, or maintenance fees, at over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs, Mercury Bank’s checking as well as savings accounts propose adaptable and accessible solutions for businesses of varying sizes.
While the Mercury Savings Account does not yield any interest (0.00% APY), clients maintaining high balances have the option to apply for the interest-bearing Mercury Treasury Account. Additionally, Mercury employs sweep networks of banks to enhance protection, offering potential FDIC insurance coverage of up to $5 million. This makes Mercury a compelling choice for startups with substantial capital.