Helm and Mercury, compared.
The same checklist applied to both. Mercury's figures are from its published pricing, read on 21 October 2026.
| Helm | Mercury | |
|---|---|---|
| Account currencies with local details | USD, EUR, GBP | USD only; non-USD international wires sent in 40+ currencies |
| Account fee | Set for your volume, agreed in writing | Mercury plan free; Plus 35 USD and Pro 350 USD a month (29.90 and 299 USD a month billed annually) |
| Receive on local rails | Domestic transfer | Free to receive ACH and domestic wires |
| Receive by SWIFT | Set for your volume, agreed in writing | Not stated on the pricing page |
| Send by SWIFT | Set for your volume, agreed in writing | USD wires free (SHA) or 15 USD flat to cover intermediary fees (OUR); non-USD wires carry a 1% exchange fee |
| Conversion | Set for your volume, agreed in writing | 1% on non-USD international wires; international transaction fee on non-USD card spend |
| Digital dollars | USDC and USDT | Not offered; Mercury states its accounts hold fiat only |
| Trade finance | Supplier, receivables and working capital | Working capital term loans (typically 4 to 11 months) and venture debt; trade finance not stated |
| Named account manager | Every client | Relationship manager on the Pro plan |
| Who can open | Companies registered outside the US in supported countries, after review | Companies formed in the US or a US territory with existing or planned US operations; founders may live abroad |
Which one fits which business
Mercury is built for companies formed in the United States, including those whose founders live abroad. It offers free ACH, domestic wires and USD international wires, bill pay, invoicing and accounting tools, working capital loans and venture debt, and a relationship manager on its Pro plan. Helm provides USD, EUR and GBP details in the company's own name, international payments to suppliers and collections from buyers. The differences are EUR and GBP account details, payments in USDC and USDT, trade finance arranged case by case, and a named account manager for every client.
The checklist behind the table
The items above are the ones that decide what an account costs a trading business and whether it covers the whole trade. The guide to the best business bank account for importers explains each item; the exporters' guide covers the receiving side.
Open a Helm account
USD, EUR and GBP accounts, SWIFT and digital dollar payments, trade finance and a named account manager.
Open accountQuestions
Is Helm cheaper than Mercury?
It depends on your volume, currencies and rails. Helm sets pricing for each client and agrees it in writing before the account opens, so the fair test is Mercury's published fees against a Helm proposal for your own monthly pattern. The three fees that matter most to a trading business are the SWIFT fee, the conversion fee and anything deducted when you are paid.
Can I use Helm and Mercury together?
Yes. Many businesses hold more than one account. Helm account details in your company's name can be used alongside any other provider.
Where do these figures come from?
Helm agrees fees with each client before the account opens. Mercury's figures are from mercury.com/pricing, read on 21 October 2026. Fees change; check the provider's page before you decide.
Figures for Mercury are taken from its published pricing page on the review date and may change. Mercury is a trademark of its owner. This page is general information, not advice.