Mercury vs Brex: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Mercury and Brex comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Mercury
Banking for startups
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • Banking built for startups
- • No monthly fees or minimums
Brex
Corporate cards and spend management for startups
Best for you if:
- • All-in-one corporate cards, banking, and expense management
- • No personal guarantee required - great for startups
| At a Glance |  Mercury |  Brex |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Accounting | Accounting |
Rating | 88/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Mercury | Brex |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 176 | 0 |
| Categories | AccountingExpense Management | AccountingExpense Management |
How Mercury and Brex Compare
Mercury
Banking for startups
Free · 88/100 score
Brex
Corporate cards and spend management for startups
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Mercury is free. Brex is freemium.
Go with: Mercury
Want the highest-rated option?
Mercury: 88/100. Brex: 84/100.
Go with: Mercury
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Mercury
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Mercury is free. Brex is freemium. Go with Mercury if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are accounting tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Mercury scores higher: 88/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Mercury
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 84
- More community upvotes (176)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Brex
The Bottom Line
Mercury (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mercury or Brex better?
Mercury scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Mercury is free and Brex is freemium.
What are Mercury and Brex used for?
Mercury: Banking for startups. Brex: Corporate cards and spend management for startups.
What does Mercury cost vs Brex?
Mercury is completely free. Brex is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.