Using Stripe for Your Non-US Business with a US LLC

TL;DR: If you form a US LLC as a non‑US founder you can use Stripe to process payments, but you must satisfy Stripe’s identity and bank verification (EIN, ID documents, bank account). The fastest path: form the LLC, get an EIN, open a US bank account, then apply for a US Stripe account — timelines vary and Stripe decisions are case‑by‑case.

Time to read: ~8 minutes

Lo que vas a aprender

Qué documentos y verificaciones suele pedir Stripe para un Stripe non‑US business.
Pasos concretos para un Stripe setup LLC siendo extranjero (Stripe LLC foreigner).
Opciones de payout, plazos y configuraciones comunes para Stripe international.
Riesgos de cumplimiento, reporting fiscal y alternativas si Stripe no aprueba tu cuenta.

Contexto y el problema

Many entrepreneurs in LATAM create a US LLC to access the US payments ecosystem and use Stripe for payment processing (keywords: Stripe non‑US business, Stripe international, payment processing LLC). Stripe supports US‑based businesses, but verification and payout requirements are stricter when the owners or the beneficial owners are non‑US residents. The main pain points are:

Identity verification: Stripe needs to verify the “responsible person” and beneficial owners. For US companies this often means providing SSN/ITIN or equivalent ID and supporting documents.
Bank account: Stripe US accounts need a US bank account to receive payouts.
Tax and compliance: A US LLC with foreign owners introduces US tax/reporting questions and KYC/AML checks.
Case‑by‑case reviews: Stripe’s verification is not identical for every account — some foreign owners get approved with passport and EIN, others are asked for ITIN or additional documents.

Because of these variables, it’s important to follow a clear setup path and gather the usual documents in advance.

Solution — Step‑by‑step (Stripe setup LLC for a foreigner)

Below is a practical roadmap with concrete actions and typical timelines.

1) Form your US LLC (foundation)

What to prepare: Choose a state (Delaware, Wyoming, Texas, Florida are common choices). Prepare Articles of Organization and register with the Secretary of State.
Timeline & cost: Using a specialized provider can reduce friction. For example, Rely offers LLC formation plans from USD 449 to 649, including registered agent, EIN assistance, Operating Agreement and BOIR, with standard formation in 5–7 business days and an express option in 1 business day.
Why it matters: Stripe will want to see your Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement as part of business verification.

2) Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

How: Apply online (if eligible) or via paper/third‑party if you don’t have an SSN. Providers like Rely include EIN support in their packages.
Why: Stripe uses the EIN to tie the company to US tax identity and bank accounts.

3) Open a US bank account that accepts non‑resident LLCs

Options: Online banks such as Mercury or Relay are popular. Some Rely plans include bank account opening help with Mercury or Relay.
What Stripe needs: Routing & account numbers for payouts. If you want Instant Payouts, a debit card supporting those payouts is required (often a US‑issued debit card).
Timeline: Bank account approval can take from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on additional checks.

4) Apply for a US Stripe account (Stripe setup LLC)

During signup you’ll provide:
- Business legal name, EIN, address, and formation documents.
- Responsible person information: name, date of birth, personal ID (passport or driver’s license) and often a US SSN or ITIN for US persons. For foreigners, Stripe commonly asks for passport plus proof of address and may request ITIN; requirements are case‑by‑case.
- Bank routing & account number for payouts.
Verification docs to have ready:
- Articles of Organization
- EIN confirmation (CP575 or EIN letter)
- Operating Agreement / BOIR (for ownership)
- Passport/driver’s license scans and a selfie
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
Typical outcome/timeline: many accounts are approved within hours to a few days, but Stripe may put accounts under review and request extra documents — plan for up to 1–2 weeks.

5) Configure payments, payouts and risk controls

Payout schedule: Stripe’s default is daily rolling payouts with a short delay (depends on risk). For new accounts Stripe may hold funds for 7–14 days initially.
Currencies & conversions: You can accept international cards; Stripe auto‑converts or deposits to your US account. Expect foreign exchange fees when charges are in non‑USD.
Fraud & dispute settings: Enable Radar rules, set webhooks for disputes, and verify platform/web store settings.
Testing: Use Stripe test keys and run a few live transactions (low value) to verify webhook handling, refunds, and payouts.

6) Compliance & taxes (important)

KYC/AML: Stripe conducts KYC and may ask for ongoing proof of activity or source of funds.
Tax reporting: A US LLC’s tax filing depends on classification (disregarded entity vs. corporation) and owner residency. It’s strongly recommended to consult a tax advisor familiar with US‑foreign owner scenarios. Stripe may issue reports relevant for tax filing (but does not replace a tax consultant).
Recordkeeping: Keep copies of all formation, bank, EIN and Stripe correspondence — these are commonly requested during reviews.

Verification nuances and common blockers

SSN vs ITIN: If you don’t have an SSN, Stripe may accept an ITIN or other identity documents, but approval is not guaranteed. If Stripe explicitly requests SSN and you don’t have it, contact Stripe support and provide the alternative documents they accept.
Beneficial ownership: Stripe will want names and IDs of anyone owning >25% of the company. Make sure your Operating Agreement and BOIR reflect ownership clearly.
Business model risk: Some business types (high‑risk verticals) may face higher scrutiny or higher reserves. If your business is in a regulated area (crypto, adult, gambling, etc.), expect extra checks.

Alternatives if Stripe won’t approve

PayPal Business (global but different fees and buyer protections).
Payoneer (good for receiving international payouts).
Adyen or Braintree (enterprise or region‑specific options).
Payment facilitators or marketplaces (if you can integrate via a platform).
Hybrid approach: accept cards via one provider and use Stripe for USD cards if approved.

Cómo Rely te ayuda

Rely simplifies the first, and often trickiest, part of this process: forming a US LLC and getting the supporting documents Stripe wants. Rely’s plans (USD 449–649) include LLC formation, a registered agent, EIN assistance, an Operating Agreement and BOIR, plus email/chat support—everything Stripe commonly requests during verification. The standard formation time is 5–7 business days; if you need to move fast, Rely’s express option forms the LLC in 1 day and can help you be operational in under 5 days.

Some Rely plans also assist with opening a US bank account via partners like Mercury or Relay — that’s a common requirement for Stripe payouts. Using a single provider for company formation, EIN and bank setup reduces the number of moving parts when you apply for a Stripe account.

Próximos pasos

Decide the state for your LLC and gather IDs.
Start LLC formation and EIN — consider a provider that bundles these steps.
Open a US bank account (Mercury/Relay) and collect documents.
Apply to Stripe with all documents ready; be prepared for follow‑up verification.

If querés formar tu LLC y tener soporte para el EIN y la cuenta bancaria, empezá con Rely — ellos ofrecen planes que cubren la formación, documentos legales, registered agent y opciones de cuenta bancaria para que puedas avanzar con tu Stripe setup LLC más rápido.

Si querés, puedo darte una checklist personalizada para tu país de residencia y modelo de negocio. ¿De dónde sos y qué vendés?