Stripe Onboarding for International Founders
Easybrise Team
Banking Specialist
Stripe is an independent payment processor available to eligible U.S. businesses. This guide explains the general activation process for founders who choose to apply directly with Stripe.
Why International Founders Choose Stripe
- Accept payments from customers worldwide
- Support for 135+ currencies
- Instant payouts to US bank accounts
- Built-in fraud protection
- Easy integration with most platforms
- No setup fees or monthly costs (pay per transaction)
- Subscription billing capabilities
- Invoice and payment link features
Stripe US Account Requirements
- Active US LLC or Corporation
- EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- US business bank account (Mercury, Relay, etc.)
- Owner identification (passport)
- US business address
- Business website or product description
EasyBrise does not create or manage Stripe accounts. Founders must apply directly with Stripe and are subject to Stripe's verification and compliance review.
Important: You need a US bank account before activating Stripe, as Stripe deposits funds directly to your US business bank account.
Stripe Activation Process
Create Stripe Account
Sign up at stripe.com with your email. You can create an account before your LLC is fully set up, but can't activate until formation is complete.
Enter Business Details
Provide your LLC name, EIN, business address, and industry. Select 'Company' as your business type.
Add Representative Information
Enter details for the account representative (typically the primary owner). This includes name, date of birth, and address.
Add Beneficial Owners
List all individuals who own 25% or more of the business with their personal details.
Connect Bank Account
Link your US business bank account for receiving payouts. Mercury and most neobanks are supported.
Verify Identity
Upload a clear copy of your passport for identity verification. Ensure the document is valid and clearly readable.
Describe Your Business
Provide a clear description of your products or services. Include your website URL if available.
Verification Success Tips
- Use exact LLC name matching your formation documents
- Ensure EIN matches IRS confirmation letter
- Upload high-quality passport scans (all four corners visible)
- Have a live website describing your products/services
- Provide detailed and accurate business descriptions
- Respond quickly to any verification requests
- Keep business and personal information consistent
Stripe independently reviews all applications. Approval timelines and requirements may vary. Stripe has restrictions on certain business types including adult content, gambling, cannabis, weapons, and multi-level marketing. Review Stripe's prohibited business list before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Activating Stripe before having a US bank account
- Using personal bank account instead of business account
- Providing vague business descriptions
- Operating in a restricted business category
- Not having a website or online presence
- Mismatching business name across documents
Stripe Approval Checklist
Ensure smooth Stripe activation with this checklist
Checklist Preview:
- LLC formation complete
- EIN received
- US bank account open and active
- Clear passport scan ready
- Business website live
- +4 more items...
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