Mercury vs Carta: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Mercury and Carta 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.
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 need something completely free
- • You need accounting features specifically
- • Banking built for startups
- • No monthly fees or minimums
Carta
Equity management and cap table software
Best for you if:
- • You need entity management features specifically
- • Carta is a platform for managing equity, cap tables, and valuations for startups
- • It handles 409A valuations, equity grants, and liquidity events
| At a Glance |  Mercury | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Accounting | Entity Management |
Rating | 88/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Mercury | Carta |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 176 | 0 |
| Categories | AccountingExpense Management | Entity ManagementFinancial Planning |
Understanding the Differences
Both Mercury and Carta solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Mercury positions itself as "banking for startups" while Cartafocuses on "equity management and cap table software". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Mercury
Mercury makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution.
When to Choose Carta
Carta is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Mercury lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Mercury
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Carta is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Carta
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Carta takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Carta
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Mercury is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Mercury higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Mercury more (176 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Mercury Does Better
- More community upvotes
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Carta If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Mercury (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Mercury scores higher in our analysis, but Carta might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mercury or Carta better?
Based on our analysis, Mercury scores higher with 88/100. Mercury isfree while Carta is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Mercury to Carta easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Mercury and Carta offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Mercury is completely free.Carta is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.