In the modern world of business, especially in the global economy, accepting online transactions is crucial. Stripe is one of the most trusted and powerful payment processors in the world, albeit not available in every country. If you live in a country where Stripe isn’t supported, don’t worry, there’s a proven workaround.
By registering a U.S. business (LLC) and a couple of other simple steps, you can gain access to a fully functional U.S. Stripe account without needing to reside or hold U.S. citizenship.
This post covers every single step from forming a U.S. company, obtaining the EIN, setting up a virtual bank, and even configuring your Stripe account from abroad.
🌍 Benefits of Creating A U.S. Stripe Account
Regardless of whether you are an entrepreneur, freelance worker, developer, or a SaaS startup, Stripe is an amazing tool to have, though it is limited to 45 countries.
If you live in places like Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Nigeria, gaining complete access to services like Stripe is virtually impossible.
That is the reason why creating a U.S. Stripe account is so beneficial. Here’s why it pays off:
✅ Receive Payments Globally
Stripe accepts all payment methods, including credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, ACH, and more. With a U.S. Stripe account, you can receive payments through almost any channel, particularly USD.
✅ Gain Access to Leading Integrations
Many of the leading platforms such as Shopify, ClickFunnels, Teachable, Gumroad, WooCommerce, and Kajabi require Stripe as a primary or preferred payment processor. Without Stripe, you risk leaving out essential features to optimize revenue from your online business.
✅ Build Reputation and Improve Conversion Rates
Owning a company with a Stripe account based in the U.S enhances reputation with online customers regardless of their location. Payment processors based in the U.S. are viewed as more reliable and professional compared with those in other regions of the world.
✅ Overcome Home Country Restrictions
Quite a number of countries experience issues with receiving online payments due to regulatory restrictions placed on banking. Having a Stripe account provides reliable payment processing systems while bypassing these national hurdles.
What You Need to Create a U.S. Stripe Account
Stripe requires businesses to be legally formed in a supported country. To open a U.S.-based Stripe account, you must present a legitimate U.S. business structure and supporting documentation.
Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need:
| Requirement | Description |
| U.S. LLC (Limited Liability Company) | Register a legal company in a U.S. state like Wyoming, Delaware, or Texas |
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | U.S. tax ID issued by the IRS to identify your company |
| U.S. Business Address | A real or virtual U.S. address for your company registration |
| U.S. Phone Number | A local U.S. number for verification and customer communication |
| U.S. Business Bank Account | Used to receive payouts from Stripe |
| Website or Online Store | A live and operational website representing your business |
| Valid Government-Issued ID | Can be your passport or national ID from your country |
| Stripe Account Setup Details | Business description, services, industry, and website links |
✅ Tip: All these items can be obtained remotely through a service provider like Bizstartz, which specializes in helping non-residents start U.S. companies and create Stripe accounts.
Step 1: Form a U.S. LLC
First, create an LLC in one of the U.S. states that is open to foreign business owners. Some of the most popular are:
- Wyoming: Low filing fees, strong privacy, and no state tax
- Delaware: Best known for legal protections and loved by tech and startup companies
- Texas: Large economy, great brand value for product-based businesses
To register, you need to have a business name, real (a physical) US address, and registered agent. These processes can be completed by Bizstartz, which does not require you to travel.
Typically, forming an LLC takes 1-2 business days depending on the state.
Step 2: Get Your EIN from the IRS
After registering your LLC, you need to get EIN, which is the Employer Identification Number or Federal ID for your company. It’s similar to a social security number but for businesses.
EIN is issued by IRS for any legal US entity, owners do not necessarily need to be US citizens.
You’ll need the EIN to:
- Register your business with Stripe
- Open a U.S. bank account
- File taxes or tax-exempt paperwork if applicable
Bizstartz can obtain your EIN quickly, even if you don’t have an SSN or ITIN.
🔹 Step 3: Open a U.S. Business Bank Account
Stripe needs a U.S.-based bank account to send your payouts. As a non-resident, your best option is a virtual business banking platform that lets you open an account through the internet.
Top options include:
- Mercury: Supports global founders, FDIC insured, no monthly fees.
- Relay: Free ACH transfers, virtual debit cards, easy to use.
- Wise (formerly TransferWise): Offers a USD account with routing numbers.
Having your LLC and EIN gets you a U.S. bank account within 24 – 72 hours online.
🔹 Step 4: Creating a Business Website
Make sure your website is Synced up before signing up for stripe:
- Up and Running
- Properly showcases your services or products
- Has contact info, terms of service, privacy policy, refund policy, and all other relevant business details.
- Consistent with your LLC/stripe application info.
Stripe will check if your website falls under categories like gambling, adult content, CBD etc. They do not approve of restricted businesses.
🔹 Step 5: Create an Account on Stripe
Go to Stripe’s website and click “Start Now” to register. At this stage your business, banking and other necessary components are ready.
Fill in the following details:
Country: United States
Business Type: LLC (choose single-member or multi-member)
Business Name: Match your registered LLC name
EIN: Enter your tax ID
Bank Info: Input your U.S. bank routing and account numbers
Phone Number: Use your U.S. number
Business Website: Include the full URL
Business Description: State the services accurately
Personal Info: Name, address, passport or national ID
Upon submission, Stripe reviews accounts within 24 to 72 hours, depending on their volume of requests.
Can I Use My Foreign ID or Passport?
Sure! With Stripe, you can verify your identity with a passport, national ID, or driver’s license from your home country. A U.S. ID, visa, or SSN is not required.
Be sure to submit a clear, color, and unexpired photo.
Withdrawal of Funds from Stripe Without a US Address
Stripe sends funds directly to your U.S. bank account like Mercury or Relay. You can then transfer to your local bank in your country using:
- Wise: Quick transfer option with low fees worldwide.
- Payoneer: Works well with freelancers and online marketplaces.
- SWIFT transfers: Traditional bank to bank global wire transfers.
This helps maintain an overseas payment system without needing a local stripe account.
Errors to Avoid as a US Stripe Non-resident
❌ Submitting partial or fake addresses in the US.
❌ No dot com or a half built landing page
❌ No EIN for stripe application
❌ Out of scope businesses for stripe
❌ LLC, Stripe and the business site having different information
Keeping away from these errors increases the chances significantly.
Stripe-Ready Business Solutions From Bizstartz
Gathering all these components is like solving a puzzle with pieces scattered across different time zones, legal frameworks, and documentation needs.
At Bizstartz, it is our passion to assist entrepreneurs from different corners of the globe by helping them establish a business in the USA to enable payment processing worldwide.
Here are the services we offer:
✅ Formation of U.S. LLC, in any state of your choice.
✅ Getting an EIN to apply with IRS.
✅ Provision of a virtual address and phone number in the US.
✅ Opening a U.S. business bank account with Mercury or Relay.
✅ Providing assistance with Stripe account configuration.
✅ Creation of a website and compliance pages for the business.
✅ Ongoing bookkeeping, issuance of ITIN, and tax filing support.
We now accomodate freelancers, agencies, SaaS owners, and eCommerce retailers and over the hundreds of entrepreneurs we have aided in launching and scaling thier businesses using U.S. Stripe accounts.
👉Begin your journey with Bizstartz now.
🙋♂️ Last Updated September 25, 2023
1. If I’m from a non-supported country, can I make a Stripe account?
You are able to open a Stripe account if you set up a U.S. company and bank. So, even if you live outside the United States, you can obtain a Stripe account.
2. Is a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) required?
No. You can use your EIN and a foreign passport or national ID to register.
3. What types of businesses can use Stripe?
They support businesses from SaaS platforms, eCommerce and digital courses to coaching and consulting. However, they restrict certain industries like gambling, adult content, and high-risk finance.
4. How long does it take to get approved?
In most cases, if your documents and website are in order, Stripe usually approves accounts within 1–3 business days.
5. Can I access strip dashboard from my home country?
Yes. You can access your account from anywhere in the world once it’s approved.
6. What happens if Stripe rejects my application?
You will receive an email with the information. They assist with rewriting to ensure acceptance.
7. Is Stripe safe and secure?
Absolutely. For accepting payments online, Stripe stands as one of the most secure platforms, as it is PCI-compliant.
8. Can I use Stripe for both physical and digital products?
Certainly. Stripe facilitates both the delivery of physical products and the provision of digital services or subscriptions.
9. Will I need to pay U.S. taxes if I have a U.S. Stripe account?
That depends on how your LLC is structured. Bizstartz will help you determine if and how you’ll owe taxes and stay compliant.
10. How much does it cost to set up everything?
These services vary based on state, and some non-residents may benefit from affordable range packages offered by Bizstartz.
🚀 Ready to Accept Payments Internationally?
Geographic limitations will no longer impede your business growth.
With a U.S. LLC and a Stripe account, you can access global markets, expanding to new platforms and running a professional online business wherever you connect your laptop.
Let Bizstartz construct your U.S. business framework while you focus on increasing revenue.
👉 Start your Stripe journey with us now
