Stripe for a Non-Resident US LLC
Stripe fully supports non-resident US LLC owners — but only when the account setup is done correctly.
Who this guide is for
- Non-resident founders who have a US LLC and want to accept card payments
- Shopify and e-commerce founders who need Stripe for checkout
- SaaS founders setting up subscription billing through Stripe
The practical problem
Stripe requires a US bank account (routing and account number) and a US EIN for a US LLC account. Non-resident founders often run into issues because they either don't have these yet, or they apply with mismatched information (EIN name vs LLC name). Stripe's verification process can flag accounts and hold funds for weeks if the setup is done incorrectly.
Your options
Mercury + Stripe
Mercury is FDIC-insured and integrates directly with Stripe. Best for most non-resident LLCs.
Wise Business US account + Stripe
Wise provides a US routing and account number. Accepted by Stripe. Not FDIC-insured but faster to open.
Documents typically needed
- US LLC articles of organization
- EIN confirmation letter
- LLC operating agreement
- US bank account (Mercury/Wise US)
- Passport
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying for Stripe before having a US bank account
- Using a mismatch between the EIN registered name and the LLC name in Stripe
- Not enabling 2FA immediately (Stripe requires it for payouts)
How Nomadic Go helps
Nomadic Go forms your US LLC, helps obtain the EIN, and coordinates US bank account opening. Once the bank account is open, Stripe setup is typically straightforward for the founder to complete directly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a Wise Business account as my Stripe bank account?
Yes. Wise Business provides a US routing number and account number that Stripe accepts as a standard ACH payout destination.
How long does Stripe hold funds for new accounts?
Stripe may hold funds for 7-14 days for new accounts while assessing risk. This typically reduces to 2 business days after 90 days of normal processing.
Can I use Stripe with a US LLC before I have a US bank account?
No. Stripe requires a US bank account to activate payouts for a US LLC account. You need Mercury, Relay, or a Wise Business US account first before activating Stripe payouts.
Does a non-resident US LLC pay US taxes on Stripe income?
This depends on whether the income constitutes effectively connected income with a US trade or business. Consult a US CPA familiar with non-resident LLC taxation. Nomadic Go does not provide tax advice.
What happens if Stripe flags my new account for review?
New Stripe accounts commonly see a 7-day fund hold. Ensure your business description matches your actual activity, have identity verification documents ready, and respond promptly to any Stripe compliance requests.