For foreign business owners, setting up banking in the US can feel like navigating a maze. Mercury has become a go-to option for many startups, but relying on a single account comes with risks, especially if you’re selling to US customers or managing multiple online stores.

That’s where Adro comes in. Designed with international founders in mind, it offers a straightforward way to open a US account, no SSN required, plus added perks to keep your business moving.

In this article, we’ll compare Adro and Mercury, highlight their strengths, and explain why having both could be the smart move for protecting your operations and revenue.

What Adro Offers

Adro is built for one purpose: making US banking simple and accessible for non-resident business owners. Whether you’re starting a new venture or expanding into the US market, Adro is designed to help you get set up quickly and keep your operations running smoothly.

Here’s what makes Adro stand out:

International-First Approach

Adro is made for foreign founders from day one. You don’t need to be in the US or have local residency to open an account. Everything can be done remotely, making it perfect for businesses operating from overseas.

No SSN or ITIN Required

Traditional banks often require an SSN or ITIN. Adro removes that barrier, letting you open a fully functional US business account with just your passport, proof of business, and a valid address.

Multiple Account Options

• Business checking and savings accounts to handle daily transactions and store your funds securely.
• Business credit card with 1% cashback on USD purchases from your very first swipe, with no minimum deposit requirements.
• Can set up an unlimited number of virtual cards with customizable spending limits, instantly, making it easier to create cards to manage team spending.

Easy, Remote Onboarding

The entire process is digital. From the approval application, you can set up your account without setting foot in the US, saving time and travel costs.

US-Based Customer Support

Need help? Adro offers both chat and email support from a friendly team based in New York City. That means faster answers and real people who understand the needs of international business owners.

FDIC-Insured Security

Your funds are protected up to $250,000 through Stearns Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. Along with this, Adro uses encryption, biometric logins, two-factor authentication, and real-time payment approvals to keep your account safe.

What Mercury Offers

Mercury is a well-known name in the fintech space, especially among startups and tech-driven businesses. It’s sleek, modern, and offers a range of tools for managing company finances. 

However, its focus is mainly on US-based companies, which means international founders may face a few extra steps before getting approved.

Here’s a closer look at what Mercury provides:

Startup-Focused Banking

Mercury is designed with startup founders in mind. It offers clean, easy-to-use online banking with features like multiple accounts, virtual debit cards, and built-in payment tools.

Requirements for Opening an Account

To use Mercury, you’ll need:

• A US-registered company (LLC or C Corp)
• An EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• A real US physical address, and in some cases, may require documentation
• Your company’s source of funds
• Your company's formation documents (such as your Articles of Incorporation)
• An international passport or a US government ID for each founder or majority owner of the company.

While Mercury does accept some international founders, having a US presence is essential.

Account Features

• Business checking and savings accounts
• Domestic and international wires
• Virtual and physical debit cards
• Integrations with accounting tools and payment processors

FDIC Insurance

Funds are FDIC-insured through Mercury’s partner banks and sweep network, protecting balances up to the legal limit.

Cashback Program

Mercury offers cashback through its IO credit card, but there may be a minimum deposit requirement (commonly noted as $25,000) before you can earn rewards, something early-stage founders should keep in mind.

Support Options

Mercury’s customer support is primarily email-based. While they are responsive, it may not be as fast or convenient as live chat, especially when urgent issues arise.

Adro vs Mercury (a Side-by-Side Table)

Now that we’ve covered what each platform offers, let’s put Adro and Mercury head-to-head. This quick comparison will help you see which one fits your business needs and why having both could give you extra protection.

Key Takeaways

• Adro is more accessible for foreign business owners who don’t have a US address or SSN, and it’s designed specifically with international users in mind.
• Even if you don't have your articles of incorporation or EIN, Adro can help you get this. Keep in mind that an extra fee is involved.
• Adro doesn't charge anything for inbound wire transfers.
• Adro offers live chat, and Mercury doesn't, so if you're not sure about the process of opening a US account, it might be easier to use live chat for support.
• Adro offers 1% cashback on purchases made in USD on the Adro Business Mastercard. There is no minimum account balance needed to take advantage of this. Mercury asks for a minimum $15k.
• Mercury offers strong features for startups already established in the US, but its requirements can make it harder for non-residents to open an account.
• Using both accounts gives you a backup in case of account freezes, payout delays, or operational issues, critical for marketplace sellers and international entrepreneurs.

Risks of using one bank account for eBay or Amazon sellers

If you sell on marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, or Etsy, there’s a hidden risk that many sellers overlook: tying multiple stores to a single bank account. While it might seem easier to manage all sales through one account, it can also put your entire business at risk.

Here are some of the reasons why:

Linked Store Suspensions

Many marketplaces link your accounts behind the scenes. If one of your stores gets suspended, whether due to a policy violation, customer dispute, or even an error, other stores connected to the same bank account could also be suspended.

Frozen Funds

When a store is suspended, marketplaces often hold your funds for a review period. If all your stores share one account, you could lose access to all your sales revenue at once, even from stores that were never in trouble.

Business Disruption

If your only bank account is affected, you can’t receive payouts, pay suppliers, or cover shipping costs. This can quickly lead to delayed orders, lost customers, and long-term damage to your reputation.

How Having Multiple Accounts Helps Reduce the Risk

• Diversification: Use different bank accounts for various stores, so a suspension in one doesn’t impact all your revenue streams
• Avoid disruptions: Even if one bank account is suddenly frozen or temporarily blocked, you can keep selling and accessing your funds through the other

For marketplace sellers, having a backup account isn’t just a convenience; it’s a safety net. By pairing your Mercury account with an Adro account, you protect your income and keep your operations running smoothly, no matter what happens to one platform.

Final Thoughts

Both Adro and Mercury bring valuable tools to the table, but they serve slightly different needs. Mercury is great for startups already established in the US, while Adro is built from the ground up for international business owners, making it easier to open and manage a US business account from anywhere.

The smartest move? Use both. Having multiple accounts gives you a safety net against freezes, payout delays, and marketplace-linked account risks, helping you keep your business running without interruption.

Start protecting your US operations today, open your Adro business account, and get set up in minutes.