Summary
Summary- MercuryRecommended
Best for SMBs already using Mercury for finances
Best for SMBs already using Mercury for finances - XeroRecommended
Best for non-US businesses
Best for non-US businesses - QuickBooks OnlineRecommended
Best traditional accounting software
Best traditional accounting software - GeltRecommended
For high-income individuals and business owners
For high-income individuals and business owners
Best alternative for modern business banking.
Mercury is a great alternative for those who want a banking platform that feels like software, not paperwork. If you're running a US-based business, whether you're a startup, small business, or scaling up, Mercury makes it easy to open accounts online, manage funds with automated transfers, and handle invoicing or bill pay without the usual friction. The interface is intuitive, and you can create multiple accounts to automate how money moves for payroll, taxes, or other needs.
If you want business and personal finances under one roof, Mercury stands out by offering free personal accounts to both owners and employees, making transfers between business and personal funds fast and simple. Security and FDIC insurance are handled through partner banks, so your funds are covered up to $5 million.
Mercury is online-only, so if you need physical branches or write paper checks regularly, it may not cover every edge case. Customer support isn't instant, and there's no traditional checkbook, but for most modern operators, it delivers a smoother experience than legacy options.
Disclaimer: Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC. Deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured bank.
Best alternative for reliable accrual accounting.
Xero is an alternative for those who want a proven accounting tool that works well for both US and international teams. If you're running an accrual-basis business and need something that's already trusted by companies around the world, Xero fits that workflow.
It's especially well suited if you value stability and a track record over chasing the newest tools.
If you operate a smaller, cash-basis business and want something more modern, you may find Xero less tailored to your needs.
Best alternative for US-based accounting teams.
QuickBooks Online is an alternative for those who need accounting software built around US tax laws and workflows. If your team is based in the US, you'll find that most local accountants are already proficient with QBO, and the system's focus on US compliance makes it a practical choice for domestic operations.
The API is robust, making integrations much easier than with desktop accounting systems. This can save headaches if you need to connect your books to other business tools.
If you're looking for deep expense management, advanced payroll, or strong time tracking, QuickBooks Online will feel limited. Its strengths are best realized by US-based businesses that want reliable, accountant-friendly accounting rather than advanced operational add-ons.
Best alternative for complex personal and business taxes.
Gelt is a great alternative for those who want a hands-on tax partner that can handle both business and personal finances, especially if your situation goes beyond the basics. If you have a mix of business income, personal investments, or even angel investments, Gelt brings everything together in one dashboard, making it easier to see the full picture.
Their team stands out for giving advice that actually impacts your bottom line, with clients seeing real savings from their recommendations. If you've struggled to find an accountant who understands both the big picture and the details of your financial life, Gelt's approach bridges that gap.
This option makes the most sense if your tax and financial needs are more involved than what a basic service can handle. If you only need simple tax filing, the value of their strategic support may not be as noticeable.
