US Stripe account. For non-US founders.
International founders forming US LLCs typically need US Stripe for payments. Stripe requires a US entity, US EIN, US bank account, and verification documents. This guide walks through the setup and common rejection reasons.
Start here.
US entity (LLC or C-Corp), US EIN, US bank account, identity verification.
Stripe Atlas + US Stripe both work for non-US founders. Atlas handles incorporation; US Stripe handles payments after.
Identity verification (passport + selfie), business verification (EIN letter + Articles), bank verification (US account).
1-3 business days typical after submission of complete documents.
Mismatched names; incomplete EIN; non-US bank account; prohibited industries.
The full picture.
Required entity
US Stripe requires a US business entity. LLC or C-Corp both work. International founder forms a US LLC (typically Wyoming or Delaware) or C-Corp (Delaware), with EIN issued via Form SS-4.
EIN requirement
Stripe requires a federal EIN. For foreign founders without SSN, the EIN comes from paper Form SS-4 filed with the IRS (1-3 weeks typical timeline). EIN letter (CP-575 or 147C) is the verification document.
US bank account
Stripe requires a US business bank account. Partner banks (Mercury, Relay, Wise Business, Bluevine) open accounts for foreign-owner US LLCs with proper documentation: passport, formation documents, EIN letter, sometimes notarized affidavits.
Identity verification
Stripe requires identity verification of all beneficial owners and authorized representatives. Passport is the standard document for non-US founders. Selfie verification typically required. Address proof from your home country.
Business verification
Stripe verifies the business vian EIN letter, Articles of Organization/Incorporation, and operating agreement (LLC) or bylaws (corp). Stripe Atlas customers have simplified verification; standalone US Stripe applicants submit each document.
Restricted industries on Stripe
Stripe prohibits: adult content, certain types of gambling, virtual currency (some), certain pharmaceuticals, illegal goods. File.Business does not service cannabis, adult content, or firearms regardless of Stripe policy.
Common rejection reasons
(1) Name mismatch between Stripe profile and entity name. (2) EIN letter not yet received (apply for EIN before Stripe). (3) Non-US bank account on file (must be US). (4) Address inconsistencies between passport and Stripe profile. (5) Prohibited industry classification.
Setup timeline
LLC formation: 1-3 days (Delaware) to 1 week. EIN via paper SS-4: 1-3 weeks. US bank account: 1-2 weeks. Stripe account: 1-3 days from submission. Total: typically 4-6 weeks end-to-end.
Multi-currency considerations
US Stripe accepts payments in USD primarily but supports many currencies. Funds settle in USD to your US bank account. International transfers to your home country incur wire fees and FX conversion.
Common questions.
Do I need a US LLC for Stripe?
Can I use Wyoming LLC for Stripe?
How long does the EIN take for non-US founders?
Which US bank accepts foreign owners?
What about Stripe Atlas?
Can I get rejected?
Do I need to be a US tax resident?
What about taxes on Stripe income?
Cost of setup?
Form your US LLC.
From abroad. Wyoming or Delaware. EIN, US banking, Stripe, ongoing compliance handled.
This guide is educational. International tax and compliance require specialty CPA and attorney advice.
On the $129/yr Compliance Annual Filings plan, we cover state late fees.
When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.