ComparisonBusiness banking & neobanks · updated 26 October 2026

Mercury vs Novo

Two popular business banking & neobanks tools, side by side. Mercury is best for US startups and tech companies; Novo is best for US freelancers and very small businesses. Here is how they differ and how to choose.

Best for US startups and tech companies

Mercury

Banking platform for US startups and companies, with checking and treasury accounts, cards and bill pay. Banking services are provided by partner banks.

Full Mercury profile →

Best for US freelancers and very small businesses

Novo

Business checking for US small businesses and freelancers with no monthly fee, invoicing and integrations. Banking via a partner bank.

Full Novo profile →

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Mercury vs Novo at a glance

MercuryNovo
Best forUS startups and tech companiesUS freelancers and very small businesses
Pricing modelFree planFree plan
Available inUSUS
Key featuresFree core business account
Virtual and physical cards
Treasury and bill pay
No monthly fee account
Built-in invoicing
Reserves for setting money aside
WebsiteVisit Mercury ↗Visit Novo ↗

Pricing

Both use the same pricing model: each has a free plan, with paid upgrades. We never publish exact prices because they change too often; check the current plans on each website.

Where they work

Both are available in US, so where you live will not decide it.

Which one should you choose?

  • Choose Mercury: the better fit for US startups and tech companies.
  • Choose Novo: the better fit for US freelancers and very small businesses.

Still unsure? Run through these before you sign up for either:

  • Who holds the deposits and whether they are covered by a deposit guarantee scheme.
  • Fees for international transfers and currency exchange.
  • Integrations with your accounting tool.
  • Whether your business type and country are accepted.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between Mercury and Novo?

Mercury is built for US startups and tech companies. Novo is built for US freelancers and very small businesses. Both use the same pricing model: each has a free plan, with paid upgrades.

Is Mercury or Novo available in my country?

Both are available in US, so where you live will not decide it.

Is Mercury cheaper than Novo?

It depends on how you use it, and prices change often, so we only list the pricing model. Both use the same pricing model: each has a free plan, with paid upgrades. Compare the current plans on each website before you sign up.

Not sold on either?

There are 11 other business banking & neobanks tools in the directory. Compare them all →

More comparisons

Guides on the blog

Information checked 26 October 2026. NxtGenFin is an independent directory, not affiliated with Mercury or Novo unless marked as featured, sponsored or affiliate link. Not financial advice.

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