How to Get a Stripe Account in an Unsupported Country Using Stripe Atlas: A Guide for Creators

As the creator economy continues to grow, more and more people are looking for ways to monetize their content. Writing platforms like Substack, Medium, and Ghost have made it easier for writers to monetize their content through subscriptions, but they only support payments through Stripe.

Unfortunately, Stripe does not support all countries, leaving creators in unsupported countries in a bind. However, there is a solution - Stripe Atlas. In this article, we will explain what Stripe is, its benefits, why living in a Stripe-unsupported country is a bottleneck, and how to use Stripe Atlas to get a Stripe account.

How to Get a Stripe Account in an Unsupported Country Using Stripe Atlas: A Guide for Creators

What is Stripe?

Stripe is a payment gateway that allows businesses to accept and manage online payments. It was founded in 2010 by brothers Patrick and John Collison and is now one of the most popular payment processors in the world. Stripe offers a variety of features that make it attractive to businesses of all sizes, including:

1. Ease of use: Stripe's user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it simple to set up and manage payments.
2. Security: Stripe is highly secure and PCI-compliant, which means that businesses can trust that their customers' data is safe.
3. Customizability: Stripe offers a wide range of customization options, including the ability to design custom checkout pages and manage subscriptions.
4. Global reach: Stripe supports payments in over 135 currencies and is available in 46 countries.

Why Living in a Stripe Unsupported Country is a Bottleneck

Unfortunately, not all countries are supported by Stripe. This means that if you live in one of these countries, you cannot use Stripe to accept payments. This can be a major bottleneck for creators who want to monetize their content. Without access to Stripe, creators are limited in their ability to generate revenue and may have to rely on less efficient payment methods.

Stripe-Supported Countries

It's worth noting that Stripe continues to expand its reach and add support for new countries over time.

As of April 2023, Stripe is available in the following countries:

• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Brazil
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Gibraltar
• Greece
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• India
• Indonesia (By Invite Only)
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Mexico
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Thailand
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States

What is Stripe Atlas?

Stripe Atlas is a platform designed to help entrepreneurs set up their US-based companies easily and quickly from anywhere in the world. With Stripe Atlas, founders can form a C Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Delaware, get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), open a US business bank account, and create a Stripe account to accept payments from around the world.

In addition, Stripe Atlas offers a range of benefits and resources, such as access to legal and tax experts, free legal templates, and exclusive partner discounts, to help entrepreneurs get their businesses up and running smoothly. Stripe Atlas provides an all-in-one solution for entrepreneurs looking to start and grow their businesses in the US market.

How to Use Stripe Atlas to Get a Stripe Account

If you live in a Stripe-unsupported country, you can still get a Stripe account by using Stripe Atlas. Stripe Atlas is a service that helps entrepreneurs start and run an online business by providing them with the tools they need to incorporate their company, set up a bank account, and get a Stripe account.

To get started with Stripe Atlas, follow these steps:

1. Apply for Stripe Atlas: To apply for Stripe Atlas, go to https://stripe.com/atlas and click on the "Get Started" button. You will need to provide some basic information about yourself and your business.
2. Wait for Approval: After you submit your application, Stripe will review it and let you know if you have been approved. This usually takes a few days.
3. Incorporate Your Company: Once you are approved, you will need to incorporate your company. Stripe Atlas will guide you through the process and help you choose the best legal structure for your business.
4. Set Up a Bank Account: After you have incorporated your company, you will need to set up a bank account. Stripe Atlas has partnered with Silicon Valley Bank to provide banking services to its customers.
5. Get a Stripe Account: Once you have set up a bank account, you can get a Stripe account. Stripe Atlas will help you set up your Stripe account and guide you through the process of integrating Stripe with your website or app.
6. Start Accepting Payments: Once your Stripe account is set up, you can start accepting payments from customers all over the world. Stripe makes it easy to accept payments in multiple currencies and manage subscriptions.

Benefits of Stripe Atlas:

1. Reliable and Safe Company Setup: Stripe Atlas provides a reliable and safe way for entrepreneurs to set up their company from anywhere in the world. By forming a C Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Delaware, entrepreneurs can benefit from the strong legal and business infrastructure of the state.
2. Easy and Fast Setup: With Stripe Atlas, entrepreneurs can set up their company in a fast and easy way, without the need to visit the United States or navigate complex legal requirements. Stripe Atlas handles the entire process, from forming the company to obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
3. Access to the Stripe Atlas Community: Entrepreneurs who use Stripe Atlas gain access to the Stripe Atlas Community, a global community of like-minded entrepreneurs who can provide support and guidance throughout the startup journey.
4. Global Payment Acceptance: By creating a Stripe account through Stripe Atlas, entrepreneurs can accept payments from customers all over the world, in over 135 currencies.
5. US Business Bank Account: Stripe Atlas makes it easy for entrepreneurs to open a US business bank account, which can be a challenge for those based outside of the United States.
6. Exclusive Benefits: Stripe Atlas partners with legal and tax experts, and technology platforms to provide entrepreneurs with exclusive benefits worth up to $100,000 USD. This includes access to free legal templates for common legal needs.

Overall, Stripe Atlas offers a comprehensive solution for entrepreneurs looking to set up their business in a reliable, safe, and fast way. With Stripe Atlas, entrepreneurs can focus on building their business, while leaving the legal and administrative details to the experts.

Onboarding for Stripe Atlas:

1. Create a Stripe Account: To start your US company with Stripe Atlas, the first step is to create a Stripe account. This will enable you to accept payments from customers all over the world, in over 135 currencies.
2. Submit the Atlas Form: After creating your Stripe account, the next step is to submit a short Atlas form. This will provide Stripe with the necessary information to form your C Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Delaware.
3. Complete Company Formation: Once you have submitted the Atlas form, Stripe Atlas will handle the rest of the process, including obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and setting up a Delaware registered agent.
4. Activate Payments: With your company formed, you can now activate payments through your Stripe account. This will enable you to start accepting payments from customers all over the world.
5. Open a Business Bank Account: Stripe Atlas makes it easy for you to open a US business bank account, which can be a challenge for those based outside of the United States. This will enable you to manage your finances and receive payments in a seamless way.
6. Join the Stripe Atlas Community: By using Stripe Atlas, you gain access to the Stripe Atlas Community, a global community of like-minded entrepreneurs who can provide support and guidance throughout your startup journey.
7. Access Partner Benefits: Stripe Atlas partners with legal and tax experts, and technology platforms to provide you with exclusive benefits worth up to $100,000 USD. This includes access to free legal templates for common legal needs and other valuable resources.

Overall, onboarding with Stripe Atlas is a straightforward process that enables entrepreneurs to set up their businesses in a reliable, safe, and fast way. With Stripe Atlas, you can focus on building your business, while leaving the legal and administrative details to the experts.

Stripe Atlas Pricing:

Setting up your US company with Stripe Atlas costs a one-time fee of 500 USD, which includes forming your company in Delaware and obtaining your company's tax ID (EIN) from the IRS. This fee also covers the first year of maintaining a Delaware registered agent to keep your company in good standing.

After the first year, the annual fee for maintaining the Delaware registered agent is 100 USD per year. This ensures that your company stays in compliance with Delaware law and avoids any potential legal issues.

Overall, Stripe Atlas offers a cost-effective and efficient solution for entrepreneurs looking to set up a US company from anywhere in the world. With a transparent pricing structure and a range of exclusive benefits, Stripe Atlas is an excellent choice for startups and entrepreneurs.

Business Costs for Maintaining a Stripe Atlas-formed Business in the US:

As a US company formed with Stripe Atlas, there are several tax, legal, and reporting obligations that you should be aware of. These include:

• Filing US state and federal taxes annually, as required by law.
• Maintaining a Delaware registered agent to keep your company in good standing with Delaware. Stripe Atlas users can access this service for an annual fee of 100 USD after the first year, which is included in the one-time setup fee of 500 USD.
• Filing annual reports with the State of Delaware to keep your company's information up to date.
• Complying with ongoing state or country registration, reporting, and tax requirements in the locations where your business operates.
• Maintaining a business bank account, which may be subject to fees and eligibility criteria set by the bank.

While there are costs associated with maintaining a US company formed with Stripe Atlas, the platform offers a range of benefits that can help entrepreneurs save time and money, such as access to legal and tax experts, free legal templates, and exclusive partner discounts. With proper planning and management, the costs of maintaining a Stripe Atlas-formed business can be manageable and worthwhile for entrepreneurs looking to grow their business in the US market.

Benefits of Using Stripe

There are many benefits to using Stripe as your payment gateway, including:

1. Global Reach: Stripe supports payments in over 135 currencies and is available in 46 countries. This means that you can accept payments from customers all over the world.
2. Ease of Use: Stripe's user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it simple to set up and manage payments.
3. Security: Stripe is highly secure and PCI-compliant, which means that businesses can trust that their customers' data is safe.
4. Customizability: Stripe offers a wide range of customization options, including the ability to design custom checkout pages and manage subscriptions.
5. Integration: Stripe integrates seamlessly with a wide range of popular e-commerce platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento.
6. Competitive Pricing: Stripe offers competitive pricing, with no setup fees, monthly fees, or hidden fees. You only pay for what you use.
7. Fast Payouts: Stripe offers fast payouts, with funds deposited directly into your bank account within 2 business days.

How to Get a Stripe Account in an Unsupported Country Using Stripe Atlas in a Nutshell

In conclusion, Stripe is a popular payment gateway that allows businesses to accept and manage online payments. Unfortunately, not all countries are supported by Stripe, which can be a bottleneck for creators who want to monetize their content. However, by using Stripe Atlas, entrepreneurs can get a Stripe account and start accepting payments from customers all over the world.

Stripe Atlas provides entrepreneurs with the tools they need to incorporate their company, set up a bank account, and get a Stripe account. With Stripe, creators can easily monetize their content and take advantage of the many benefits that Stripe has to offer, including global reach, ease of use, security, customizability, integration, competitive pricing, and fast payouts.

💡 This article has been written with the help of A.I. for topic research and formulation.