Banking providers change their eligibility rules more often than anything else in the formation stack — which is exactly why they belong in a dated blog, not an evergreen guide.
What changed
Reports indicate Mercury tightened its requirements and country eligibility for non-resident-owned companies in 2026. The practical effect is that some founders who previously qualified may no longer.
What to do
If you're forming as a non-resident, check current eligibility before relying on any one provider, and line up an alternative. Our evergreen US business banking guide compares Wise, Mercury, and Revolut for non-residents and is kept current.
Provider policies change without notice and vary by your country. Confirm eligibility on the provider's own site before applying.