Mercury or Relay application rejected: what to do next

Common rejection reasons

Country of residence on platform's restricted list (varies). Industry on platform's restricted list (adult, gambling, crypto exchange). Incomplete documentation (missing EIN letter, formation certificate, owner identification). Suspicious application patterns (rapid-fire applications from same IP).

Recovery path 1: address the reason

If rejection reason is documentation: provide complete documents and reapply after 60 days. If industry: clarify your business model is acceptable category. If country: try the other platform with different acceptance criteria.

Recovery path 2: try other platforms

Mercury rejection: try Relay. Both reject: try Wise Business (broader acceptance). All three reject: try Brex (US-resident founders preferred) or traditional bank with US visit.

Worst case: use Wise Business multi-currency account for receivables until acceptable banking is found.

Recovery path 3: structural changes

Intermediate entity: form Singapore or HK entity that owns Delaware LLC; SG/HK entity has different banking access. Cost: $1,500-3,000 additional setup.

Partner with US-resident founder: brings US-person banking eligibility. Operational complexity but reliable banking access.