Mercury and Wise card delivery: How long it takes and how to get it faster
When you open a business account with Mercury or Wise Business, card delivery follows a similar overall structure, but there are important details that founders should understand upfront.
Both Mercury and Wise provide access to virtual debit cards shortly after your account is approved. These virtual cards can usually be used for online payments and, in many cases, added to digital wallets while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
Physical cards are issued separately and shipped after the account setup is completed. By default, cards are sent by standard mail to the address of the company founder or the address provided during account registration. For founders based outside the United States, this often means international delivery through regular postal services.
Standard card delivery does not always include tracking and delivery times can vary significantly depending on the destination country, local postal services, and customs processing. This is why many founders experience uncertainty during delivery and start asking questions such as where their card is, how long delivery should take, or whether the card has been lost.
Because of these limitations, some founders choose to use an alternative delivery method, such as international forwarding with DHL, to ensure faster shipping, full tracking, and delivery to a specific address anywhere in the world.
See how Mercury and Wise card delivery works, including faster options.
How Mercury and Wise card delivery works
When you open a business account with Mercury or Wise Business, card delivery follows a similar overall structure, but there are important details that founders should understand upfront.
Both Mercury and Wise provide access to virtual debit cards shortly after your account is approved. These virtual cards can usually be used for online payments and, in many cases, added to digital wallets while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
Physical cards are issued separately and shipped after the account setup is completed. By default, cards are sent by standard mail to the address of the company founder or the address provided during account registration. For founders based outside the United States, this often means international delivery through regular postal services.
Standard card delivery does not always include tracking and delivery times can vary significantly depending on the destination country, local postal services, and customs processing. This is why many founders experience uncertainty during delivery and start asking questions such as where their card is, how long delivery should take, or whether the card has been lost.
Because of these limitations, some founders choose to use an alternative delivery method, such as international forwarding with DHL, to ensure faster shipping, full tracking, and delivery to a specific address anywhere in the world.
Mercury business card delivery (physical & virtual)
When you open a Mercury business account, you gain access to both virtual and physical debit cards, but they are not delivered in the same way or at the same time.
Virtual Mercury cards are typically available shortly after your account is approved. These cards can be used immediately for online payments and can often be added to digital wallets, allowing you to start using your account without waiting for the physical card to arrive.
The physical Mercury business card is issued separately and shipped after the account setup is completed. By default, the card is sent by standard mail to the address associated with the account holder. For founders located outside the United States, this usually means international delivery through regular postal services.
Delivery times for physical cards can vary depending on the destination country and local postal systems. In many cases, standard delivery does not include detailed tracking, which can make it difficult to know where the card is during transit or how long it will take to arrive.
Because of these limitations, some founders choose alternative delivery options, such as international forwarding services, to receive their Mercury card faster and with better visibility throughout the shipping process.
Wise business card delivery (physical & virtual)
When you open a Wise Business account, you receive access to both virtual and physical debit cards, but these are provided on different timelines and serve different purposes during the setup phase.
Virtual Wise cards are usually available shortly after your account is approved. These cards can be used for online payments and subscriptions and are often added to digital wallets, allowing you to start using the account while waiting for the physical card to arrive.
The physical Wise Business card is issued separately and shipped after the account setup process is completed. By default, Wise sends physical cards via standard postal delivery to the address provided during registration. For founders located outside the primary service regions, this often means international shipping with limited visibility during transit.
Delivery times for physical Wise cards can vary depending on the destination country, local postal services, and customs handling. In many cases, standard delivery does not include detailed tracking, which can lead to uncertainty if the card takes longer than expected to arrive.
Because of these factors, some business owners choose to use international forwarding options to receive their Wise Business card faster, with tracking and delivery to a specific address worldwide, reducing delays and the risk of lost mail.
Where cards are sent by default (founder’s address)
By default, both Mercury and Wise send physical business cards to the address associated with the account holder, most commonly the founder’s personal address provided during registration.
This is an important detail for founders to understand, especially when the company is registered in the United States but the founder lives elsewhere. Even though the business is US-based, physical cards are not automatically sent to a US address unless one is explicitly provided during the setup process.
When the founder’s address is located outside the United States, cards are typically delivered via standard international mail. This can result in longer delivery times, limited tracking, and a higher risk of delays depending on local postal services and customs procedures.
Because of this, many founders are surprised when their card takes longer than expected to arrive or when tracking information is unavailable. This is a common reason why users start searching for updates such as where their card is or whether delivery can be sped up.
To avoid these issues, some founders choose to redirect or forward their cards to a specific address using international courier services, ensuring faster delivery, full tracking, and greater control over where the card is ultimately received.
How long does it take to receive a Mercury or Wise card?
The time it takes to receive a Mercury or Wise Business card depends on several factors, including the type of card, the delivery method, and the country where the card is being sent.
In most cases, virtual cards are available first. After your account is approved, both Mercury and Wise typically provide virtual debit cards that can be used for online payments and added to digital wallets while you wait for the physical card. This allows you to start using your account without being blocked by delivery timelines.
Physical cards take longer because they are printed, processed, and shipped separately. When standard mail delivery is used, delivery times can vary widely. For founders based outside the United States or primary service regions, international delivery often takes longer due to postal handling, cross-border transit, and customs procedures.
It is also common for standard card delivery to have limited or no tracking. This can make the waiting period feel longer, especially when there are no clear updates on where the card is or when it will arrive. In many cases, delays do not mean there is a problem with the card itself, but rather that the shipment is moving through multiple postal systems.
For founders who need their card sooner or want better visibility during delivery, alternative shipping options such as international forwarding with DHL can significantly reduce delivery time. Courier-based delivery typically offers faster transit, full tracking, and more predictable arrival timelines compared to standard postal services.
Understanding these differences helps set realistic expectations and allows you to choose the delivery option that best fits your timeline and location.
Typical delivery times with standard mail
When Mercury or Wise cards are sent using standard mail, delivery times can vary significantly depending on the destination country and local postal services.
For founders located in the United States or nearby regions, standard delivery is usually relatively fast and predictable. However, for founders based outside the US, especially in Europe, Asia, or other international locations, standard mail often involves multiple postal carriers and cross-border handling.
In international cases, delivery can take anywhere from several days to a few weeks. Delays are commonly caused by postal backlogs, customs processing, or limited coordination between international postal systems. This is normal and does not usually indicate an issue with the card itself.
Another important factor is tracking. Standard mail shipments often provide limited or no tracking information once the card leaves the origin country. This means founders may not receive updates during transit, which can create uncertainty about whether the card is still on the way or delayed.
Because of these limitations, standard mail is best suited for founders who are not in a hurry and are comfortable waiting without frequent delivery updates. For those who need faster delivery or full visibility during shipping, alternative courier-based options are often considered.
Why card delivery can take longer than expected
Card delivery can sometimes take longer than expected, especially for founders located outside the primary service regions of Mercury and Wise. This is usually not caused by an issue with the account or the card itself, but by how physical cards are produced and shipped internationally.
After a card is issued, it must first be printed and prepared for shipment. This step alone can add a few days before the card is handed over to a postal or courier service. Once shipped via standard mail, the card often passes through multiple postal systems, particularly for international deliveries.
Customs processing is another common factor. Even though bank cards are low-value items, they may still be subject to routine customs checks, which can slow down delivery without any action required from the recipient.
Limited tracking is also a key reason delivery feels slower than expected. With standard mail, updates may stop after the card leaves the origin country, leaving founders unsure whether the card is still in transit or delayed at a checkpoint.
Finally, local postal reliability varies by country. In some regions, international mail is delivered less frequently or experiences backlogs, which can extend delivery times beyond initial estimates.
Understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations and explains why delivery delays are relatively common with standard card shipping methods.
Country-specific delays (general explanation, without a list of countries)
Card delivery times can vary significantly depending on the destination country, even when the same delivery method is used. These differences are usually related to local infrastructure rather than the card issuer itself.
In some countries, international mail moves quickly through customs and local postal networks, while in others it may be processed more slowly due to internal procedures, reduced delivery frequency, or limited coordination with foreign postal services. These variations can add unexpected delays even when the card was shipped on time.
Customs handling also differs by country. While bank cards generally do not require additional documentation, they may still be held temporarily for routine inspection. This process is often automatic and does not generate notifications, which can make delays difficult to explain or predict.
Local postal reliability plays a major role as well. In certain regions, international deliveries are grouped and distributed less frequently, which means cards may wait several days before the final delivery attempt. Holidays, staffing shortages, or regional backlogs can further extend delivery times without any action required from the recipient.
Because these factors are outside the control of Mercury or Wise, delivery estimates should always be treated as approximate. This is why founders in some locations experience smooth and fast delivery, while others may wait longer under otherwise identical conditions.
For founders who want to avoid country-specific uncertainty, using a courier-based forwarding option can provide more consistent delivery timelines and better visibility regardless of destination.
Can I track my Mercury or Wise card delivery?
Whether you can track your Mercury or Wise card delivery depends on the delivery method that was used when the card was shipped.
When cards are sent using standard mail, tracking is often limited or not available at all. In many cases, you may receive a notification that the card has been shipped, but no detailed tracking updates once it leaves the origin country. This is common with international postal deliveries and can make it difficult to see where the card is during transit.
Because standard mail usually passes through multiple postal systems, tracking information may stop after the first leg of the journey. This does not mean the card is lost, but simply that updates are no longer shared between postal carriers.
If a courier-based delivery option is used, such as DHL forwarding, full tracking is typically available from dispatch to final delivery. This allows you to see real-time updates, estimated delivery dates, and confirmation once the card has arrived.
For founders who want certainty and visibility during delivery, tracked shipping is the most reliable option. It reduces uncertainty, helps avoid long periods without updates, and makes it easier to plan around the arrival of the physical card.
If tracking is not available, the best approach is usually to allow sufficient time based on your location and delivery method before assuming there is a problem.
Tracking availability with standard delivery
With standard card delivery, tracking availability is usually limited and should not be expected to work the same way as courier shipments.
In many cases, Mercury and Wise can confirm that a physical card has been shipped, but standard postal delivery often does not provide end-to-end tracking. You may see an initial status update when the card is dispatched, but tracking information can stop once the shipment leaves the origin country.
This happens because standard mail relies on multiple national postal systems that do not always share tracking data with each other. As a result, the card may continue moving toward its destination without any visible updates, even though it is still in transit.
For international deliveries, this lack of tracking is normal and does not mean the card is lost. It simply reflects the limitations of standard postal services rather than an issue with Mercury or Wise.
If having clear delivery updates and confirmation is important, standard delivery may not be the best option. In those cases, tracked courier-based delivery provides significantly better visibility and reduces uncertainty during the waiting period.
What “no tracking” usually means
When card delivery shows “no tracking,” it usually does not mean that something is wrong with your Mercury or Wise card. In most cases, it simply reflects the limitations of standard postal delivery.
With standard mail, tracking often ends once the card leaves the origin country. From that point on, the shipment continues through international and local postal systems that do not provide shared or public tracking updates. As a result, the card may be moving normally even though there are no visible status changes.
This lack of tracking does not indicate that the card is lost or delayed indefinitely. It only means that delivery progress cannot be monitored in real time. Many cards arrive successfully without any tracking updates appearing during the final stages of transit.
Because of this, periods of silence are common with standard delivery, especially for international shipments. The card may arrive suddenly after several days or weeks without any prior notification.
If continuous updates and delivery confirmation are important, the absence of tracking is a sign that standard mail may not be the right option. In those cases, using a courier-based delivery method with full tracking provides greater transparency and peace of mind.
What to do if your card seems stuck
If your Mercury or Wise card seems stuck in delivery, the first step is to allow enough time based on the delivery method and your location. With standard international mail, periods without updates are common and do not automatically mean there is a problem.
If no tracking is available, waiting is often the only option during the initial delivery window. Many cards arrive without any status changes, especially during the final stage of local delivery. Checking how long standard delivery typically takes in your region can help determine whether the delay is still within a normal range.
If the waiting period has clearly exceeded the expected timeframe, the next step is to check your account dashboard or notifications to confirm that the card was successfully issued and shipped. In some cases, delays happen before shipment rather than during transit.
If the card does not arrive after a reasonable amount of time, contacting Mercury or Wise support is usually the appropriate next action. Support teams can confirm the shipment status, advise whether a replacement is needed, or guide you through next steps if the card needs to be reissued.
To avoid similar situations in the future, many founders choose tracked or courier-based delivery options. These provide clearer delivery updates and reduce uncertainty, especially for international shipments where standard mail delays are more common.
Can I use my card before the physical card arrives?
Yes, in most cases you can start using your Mercury or Wise card before the physical card arrives by relying on virtual cards.
Both Mercury and Wise typically provide virtual debit cards shortly after your account is approved. These virtual cards can be used for online purchases, subscriptions, and many digital services, allowing you to operate your business while waiting for the physical card to be delivered.
Virtual cards are especially useful during the delivery period because they remove the dependency on postal timelines. In many cases, they can also be added to digital wallets, making them usable for a wider range of payments without needing the physical card in hand.
However, some use cases still require the physical card. Cash withdrawals at ATMs and certain in-person transactions may not be possible until the physical card arrives. Because of this, virtual cards are best seen as a temporary but functional solution rather than a complete replacement.
Using virtual cards first is a common and practical approach, especially for founders dealing with international card delivery. It allows business operations to continue without interruption while physical delivery is still in progress.
Using virtual cards while waiting
While waiting for the physical Mercury or Wise card to arrive, virtual cards are the primary way most founders continue operating without interruptions.
Virtual cards are issued digitally and are available directly inside your Mercury or Wise account once the setup is complete. They can be used immediately for online payments, software subscriptions, advertising platforms, and other business expenses that do not require a physical card.
Using virtual cards during this period helps eliminate downtime caused by delivery delays. You can pay vendors, manage recurring charges, and start processing essential expenses even if the physical card is still in transit.
In many cases, virtual cards can also be added to digital wallets, expanding their usability beyond browser-based payments. However, some transactions still require the physical card, such as ATM withdrawals or certain in-person purchases.
For most online-first businesses, virtual cards are more than sufficient during the waiting period. They act as a practical bridge between account approval and physical card delivery, ensuring that business operations can continue smoothly regardless of shipping timelines.
Apple Pay / Google Pay availability
Apple Pay and Google Pay availability can make a significant difference while waiting for a physical Mercury or Wise card, but access depends on several factors.
In many cases, virtual cards issued by Mercury or Wise can be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay, allowing founders to use their cards for contactless payments before the physical card arrives. This can be especially useful for in-person payments, online-to-offline transactions, and day-to-day business expenses.
Availability may vary depending on the card issuer, card type, and the country where the digital wallet is registered. Some regions support adding virtual business cards to digital wallets immediately, while others may require the physical card to be activated first.
It is also common for Apple Pay and Google Pay support to differ between Mercury and Wise. Even when digital wallets are supported, not all merchants or terminals accept mobile payments in the same way, which can affect real-world usability.
For founders who rely heavily on contactless payments, checking wallet compatibility inside the Mercury or Wise dashboard is recommended as soon as the virtual card is issued. When available, digital wallets can significantly reduce reliance on the physical card during the delivery period.
If Apple Pay or Google Pay is not available in your region, virtual cards can still be used for most online transactions until the physical card arrives.
What you can and cannot do before the physical card arrives
Before the physical Mercury or Wise card arrives, there are several things you can already do, as well as a few limitations to be aware of.
Using virtual cards is the main advantage during this period. You can make online payments, pay for subscriptions, advertising platforms, software tools, and other digital services needed to run your business. In most cases, you can also manage spending limits and generate additional virtual cards directly from your account.
If Apple Pay or Google Pay is available for your card, you may also be able to make contactless payments in stores that support mobile wallets, even without the physical card in hand.
However, certain actions are usually not possible until the physical card arrives. Cash withdrawals at ATMs typically require the physical card, and some in-person payments may not work if the merchant does not accept mobile wallets or online card details.
In addition, some regions or merchants may require the physical card to be activated before allowing specific types of transactions. This means that while virtual cards cover most online use cases, they are not a full replacement for the physical card in every situation.
Understanding these limits helps set realistic expectations. Virtual cards allow business operations to continue, but the physical card is still needed for full flexibility once it arrives.
DHL forwarding for Mercury & Wise cards (faster & secure delivery)
DHL forwarding is a popular option for founders who want faster and more reliable delivery of their Mercury or Wise business cards, especially when standard mail delivery is slow or unpredictable.
Instead of relying on regular postal services, cards can be forwarded to a specific address using DHL, which significantly improves delivery speed and visibility. This is particularly useful for founders located outside the United States or in regions where standard international mail often experiences delays or lacks tracking.
With DHL forwarding, shipments usually include full tracking from dispatch to final delivery. This allows founders to see where the card is at every stage of transit and receive a clear estimated delivery date, reducing uncertainty during the waiting period.
Security is another important advantage. Courier-based delivery lowers the risk of lost or mishandled mail compared to standard postal services, especially for international shipments that pass through multiple postal systems.
Because of these benefits, many founders choose DHL forwarding when timing is critical or when they want peace of mind knowing exactly when and where their card will arrive. While this option may involve additional cost, it is often justified by faster delivery, better tracking, and increased reliability.
What DHL forwarding is
DHL forwarding is a delivery method that allows your Mercury or Wise business card to be shipped through a courier service instead of standard postal mail.
In practice, this means that the card is redirected or forwarded to a specific address using DHL once it is issued. Rather than relying on local postal systems, the shipment is handled end to end by a global courier network, which results in faster transit and better delivery control.
Unlike standard mail, DHL forwarding typically includes full tracking from the moment the card is dispatched until it reaches the final destination. This makes it easier to know where the card is at any time and reduces uncertainty during international delivery.
Another important aspect of DHL forwarding is security. Courier handling lowers the risk of cards being delayed, lost, or mishandled compared to regular mail, especially when shipments cross multiple borders.
For founders who need their card quickly or want predictable delivery timelines, DHL forwarding is often chosen as a more reliable alternative to standard card shipping.
How card forwarding works step by step
Card forwarding works by redirecting your Mercury or Wise business card through a courier service instead of relying on standard postal delivery.
The process starts once your Mercury or Wise account is approved and the physical card is issued. At this stage, the card is prepared for shipment by the card provider, just like with standard delivery.
Instead of being sent directly to the founder’s address via regular mail, the card is routed through a forwarding setup. This usually means the card is first received at an intermediary address or handled in a way that allows it to be handed over to a courier such as DHL.
Once DHL takes over the shipment, the card is transported using a courier network rather than national postal systems. From this point on, the delivery is fully trackable, and you can see real-time updates as the card moves through transit and customs.
After clearing customs, the card is delivered directly to the final address you specified. This last step is usually faster and more predictable than standard mail, as courier deliveries are prioritized and handled with fewer intermediaries.
The entire forwarding process is designed to reduce delays, improve visibility, and minimize the risk of lost or stuck mail. For founders who need their card quickly or want certainty about delivery, this step-by-step flow offers a much more controlled alternative to standard shipping.
DHL vs standard mail (speed, tracking, reliability)
The main difference between DHL forwarding and standard mail comes down to speed, tracking, and overall reliability.
With standard mail, card delivery is typically slower and less predictable, especially for international shipments. Cards often pass through multiple postal systems, which can add delays and make delivery times highly variable. Tracking, if available at all, is usually limited and may stop once the card leaves the origin country, leaving long periods without updates.
DHL forwarding, on the other hand, is designed for faster and more controlled delivery. Shipments move through a single courier network with prioritized handling, which significantly reduces transit time compared to standard postal services. This is especially noticeable for cross-border deliveries.
Tracking is another key difference. Standard mail often provides little to no visibility during transit, while DHL forwarding typically offers full tracking from pickup to final delivery. This allows founders to see exactly where the card is and receive accurate delivery estimates.
In terms of reliability, standard mail depends heavily on local postal infrastructure, which varies widely by country. Delays, missed deliveries, or lost mail are more common in some regions. DHL forwarding reduces these risks by using a centralized courier system with consistent delivery standards and direct handoff.
For founders who are not in a rush and are comfortable waiting without updates, standard mail can be sufficient. For those who need faster delivery, clear tracking, and predictable arrival, DHL forwarding is generally the more reliable option.
Who DHL forwarding is best for
DHL forwarding is best suited for founders who want faster, more predictable delivery of their Mercury or Wise business cards and do not want to rely on standard international mail.
This option is especially useful for founders located outside the United States, where postal delivery can be slow, inconsistent, or difficult to track. In such cases, DHL forwarding provides clearer timelines and greater certainty about when the card will arrive.
It is also a good fit for founders who need their card quickly in order to start operating, manage expenses, or access services that require a physical card. When timing matters, the reduced transit time offered by courier delivery can make a meaningful difference.
Founders who value tracking and visibility tend to prefer DHL forwarding as well. Knowing exactly where the card is during transit reduces uncertainty and helps avoid long periods without delivery updates.
On the other hand, founders who are not in a rush and are comfortable waiting longer without detailed tracking may find standard mail sufficient. DHL forwarding is most beneficial for those who prioritize speed, reliability, and peace of mind over minimizing delivery costs.
International delivery & address flexibility
International delivery and address flexibility are key considerations for founders who open Mercury or Wise accounts while living outside the United States.
By default, physical business cards are usually issued to the founder’s residential address, even if the company itself is registered in the US. This allows non-US founders to receive cards without needing a US home address, as long as the provided address can accept international deliveries.
Both Mercury and Wise support international card delivery, but delivery times and reliability can vary depending on the destination country and local postal infrastructure. In some regions, standard delivery may take longer or provide limited tracking, which is why address flexibility becomes important.
Founders are not restricted to a single type of address. Cards can be sent to a personal residence, a business address, or another location where the founder can reliably receive mail. This flexibility is especially useful for founders who travel frequently or do not have a permanent address.
When faster or more predictable delivery is needed, international address flexibility also makes it possible to use forwarding or courier services, such as DHL, instead of standard mail. This allows founders to choose the delivery method that best fits their location, timeline, and level of reliability required.
Overall, international delivery support and flexible address options ensure that non-US founders can receive and use their Mercury or Wise cards regardless of where they are based, without being tied to a specific country or fixed address.
Sending your card to any address worldwide
Mercury and Wise allow business cards to be delivered to addresses outside the United States, which gives founders a high level of flexibility when it comes to where their cards are sent.
In most cases, the card can be shipped directly to the founder’s residential address, regardless of the country they live in. This means there is no requirement to have a US home address in order to receive a physical business card.
Cards can also be sent to alternative addresses, such as a business location, a trusted third party, or another place where the founder can reliably receive mail. This is especially useful for founders who travel frequently or do not have a fixed long-term address.
For founders who want more control over delivery speed or reliability, this address flexibility makes it possible to combine international shipping with forwarding or courier services. By choosing where the card is sent, founders can reduce delays and avoid issues related to local postal systems.
Overall, the ability to send cards to virtually any address worldwide ensures that non-US founders are not limited by geography. It allows them to receive and use their Mercury or Wise cards in a way that fits their location, mobility, and business needs.
Why founders outside the US use forwarding services
Founders outside the United States often use forwarding services because standard international card delivery can be slow, unreliable, or difficult to track.
In many countries, postal systems involve multiple handovers between local and international carriers, which increases the risk of delays or lost mail. Forwarding services reduce this uncertainty by moving the shipment into a single courier network as early as possible.
Another key reason is predictability. Founders who rely on their business cards for daily operations prefer knowing exactly when the card will arrive. Forwarding services usually provide clearer delivery timelines and real-time tracking, which standard mail often cannot offer.
Forwarding is also commonly used by founders who travel frequently or do not have a stable long-term address. Instead of depending on local postal delivery, they can route the card to an address or service that offers controlled handoff and international shipping.
Finally, many founders choose forwarding simply for peace of mind. When a card is essential for accessing funds, managing expenses, or operating the business, reducing delivery risk becomes more important than minimizing shipping costs.
What happens if you change address mid-delivery
If you change your address while your Mercury or Wise card is already in transit, what happens next depends largely on the delivery method being used.
With standard mail, changing the delivery address mid-shipment is usually not possible. Once the card enters the postal system, it continues toward the original address, often without the option to reroute or update delivery details. In these cases, the card may be delayed, returned to the sender, or lost, depending on local postal handling.
With courier-based delivery or forwarding services, address changes are sometimes possible, but only within certain limits. If the shipment has not yet reached the final delivery stage, the courier may allow a reroute or address update, though this can result in additional delays or fees.
If the address change happens too late in the process, the most common outcome is that the card completes delivery to the original address. If it cannot be received there, a replacement card may need to be issued and shipped again to the correct location.
For this reason, it is important to confirm the delivery address before the card is shipped whenever possible. If you expect to move or travel during the delivery window, using a stable address or a forwarding setup reduces the risk of complications.
In short, changing an address mid-delivery can be difficult and unpredictable, especially with standard mail. Planning ahead and choosing a reliable delivery method helps avoid delays and the need for reissuing the card.
Typical costs for a non-resident US LLC setup
The costs below are shown to provide transparency and context while you evaluate your options. Final pricing depends on your state selection and which optional services are relevant to your situation. No commitment is required at this stage.
Core service
This service is required to establish a US LLC. All other services are optional and depend on how you plan to use your company.
US LLC Formation
Form a US LLC as a non-resident – fully remote and compliant
$299
Optional services
Not every non-resident needs these services. They depend on how you plan to use your US LLC.
Fintech Account Setup
Open and use a US business account remotely for your LLC
$69
DHL Forwarding
Secure delivery of US business debit cards worldwide
$199
Stripe Account Setup
Stripe preparation and verification for non-resident LLCs
$399
Interactive Brokers Setup
Invest US LLC funds through a corporate brokerage account
$299
Fast, predictable card delivery worldwide with DHL
Avoid delivery delays with DHL forwarding, full tracking, and virtual cards while you wait.
Track your card with DHL forwarding
You know exactly where your card is at every stage, with real-time tracking, clear delivery updates, and confirmation when it reaches your address.
Reduced risk of lost or delayed cards
Courier-based delivery reduces the chance of cards getting stuck, delayed, or lost in international postal systems.
Worldwide address flexibility
Cards can be delivered to residential, business, or alternative addresses worldwide, without requiring a US home address.
Ability to use virtual cards while waiting
You can start making online payments and managing expenses with virtual cards before the physical card arrives.
Platforms we use to run US LLCs remotely
We work with established platforms commonly used by non-resident founders to support US LLC operations, payments, and remote business management.
Frequently Asked Questions about US LLCs for nonresidents
Starting and running a US LLC as a non-resident often raises practical and legal questions. Below you’ll find clear answers to the most common concerns around ownership, taxes, residency, and compliance, so you can move forward with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
In most cases, Wise issues the physical card shortly after the account is fully verified. Standard delivery usually takes one to three weeks for international addresses, depending on the destination country and local postal services. If a courier or forwarding option is used, delivery can be significantly faster.
Mercury typically ships physical cards after the account is approved and the card is issued. With standard mail, international delivery often takes two to four weeks. Delivery times can vary based on location, customs processing, and postal reliability in the destination country. Using forwarding or courier delivery can reduce waiting time.
Tracking availability depends on the delivery method. Standard mail often provides limited or no tracking, especially for international shipments. If the card is delivered via a courier or forwarding service such as DHL, full tracking is usually available from dispatch to final delivery.
Delays are most commonly caused by international postal transit, customs processing, or limited tracking with standard mail. Cards may also take longer if the address is difficult to serve or if local postal systems experience backlogs. In most cases, delays are logistical rather than account-related.
Yes, in many cases you can use a virtual card before the physical card arrives. Both Mercury and Wise typically provide virtual cards that can be used for online payments, subscriptions, and other digital expenses while you wait for delivery of the physical card.
If your card has not arrived within the expected timeframe, the first step is to check whether tracking information is available. If there is no tracking or the delivery appears stuck, contacting Mercury or Wise support is recommended. In some cases, a replacement card may be issued if the original shipment is considered lost.
Yes, delivery via DHL is possible through forwarding or courier-based delivery options. This method is often chosen by non-US founders who want faster delivery, better tracking, and higher reliability compared to standard mail.
In most cases, cards can be forwarded to almost any country and to various types of addresses, including residential or alternative locations. Availability may depend on courier coverage and local regulations, but forwarding services generally offer broad international reach.