Novo vs Mercury: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Novo and Mercury 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.
Bottom line: Mercury wins this matchup. BILL Spend & Expense ranks #1 on our Expense Management list. BILL Spend & Expense is the highest-listed Expense Management tool with a free plan. Pick Novo if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Novo
Smarter online business banking solutions for small businesses and self-employed entrepreneurs.
Best for you if:
- • You want business banking for small businesses
Mercury
Business banking for startups. Open an account online in minutes
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Novo requires payment)
| At a Glance | Novo | Mercury |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Free 100% free |
Category | Finance Invoicing | Finance Accounting |
Rating | 4.0/5 Trustpilot 4.2 · G2 3.5 4,812 reviews | 4.6/5 G2 4.4 · Capterra 4.8 182 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | n/a | Personal tier is annual-only billing |
Choose Novo or Mercury?
Choose Novo if
- You want business banking for small businesses
- You want no hidden fees approach
Choose Mercury if
- You want a fully free tool (Novo requires payment)
- You want no fees
- You want great UX
In-Depth Analysis
Novo
Smarter online business banking solutions for small businesses and self-employed entrepreneurs.
Novo's pricing is exceptionally generous, offering a completely free tier with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.
Strengths
- Pro: Business banking for small businesses
- Pro: No hidden fees approach
- Pro: Integrates with business tools
- Pro: Easy account setup
- Pro: Mobile-first banking
Weaknesses
- Con: Limited to US businesses
- Con: No physical branch locations
- Con: Feature set still evolving
- Con: Deposit and transfer limits
- Con: May not suit all business needs
Key features
Mercury
Business banking for startups. Open an account online in minutes
Mercury's Business Banking and Treasury tiers are exceptionally generous, offering core banking services and high-yield options for free.
Watch out
Personal tier is annual-only billing
Strengths
- Pro: No fees
- Pro: Great UX
- Pro: API access
Weaknesses
- Con: Limited credit options
- Con: US only
Key features
Pricing: Novo vs Mercury
| Plan | Novo | Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Business Banking |
| Tier 2 | N/A | Free Treasury |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $240 Personal |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Novo pricing and Mercury pricing.
Key Takeaways
Mercury
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.0/5
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Novo
- Larger review base (4,812 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Mercury wins this matchup. BILL Spend & Expense ranks #1 on our Expense Management list. BILL Spend & Expense is the highest-listed Expense Management tool with a free plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Novo or Mercury better in 2026?
Mercury wins this matchup. BILL Spend & Expense ranks #1 on our Expense Management list. BILL Spend & Expense is the highest-listed Expense Management tool with a free plan. Pick Novo for finance workflows (main strength: business banking for small businesses). Pick Mercury for finance workflows (main strength: no fees).
What are Novo and Mercury used for?
Novo: Smarter online business banking solutions for small businesses and self-employed entrepreneurs. Mercury: Business banking for startups. Open an account online in minutes.
What does Novo cost vs Mercury?
Novo pricing is on their site. Mercury's paid plans start at Free (Personal).
What's the main difference between Novo and Mercury?
Novo's main strength: business banking for small businesses. Mercury's main strength: no fees.