Stripe Atlas Review: US Company Formation for Startups
Is Stripe Atlas the right choice for forming your US company? Here's our honest review of this popular Delaware C-Corp formation service.
Comparison Disclaimer
Pricing and features shown are based on publicly available information. Always verify current pricing on provider websites before making decisions. We receive affiliate commissions from some providers. Information current as of January 2025.
Verdict: Great for US VC-Track Startups, Overkill for Others
Stripe Atlas is well-designed for startups raising US VC. Convenient one-stop formation with banking and legal templates. For non-US founders not raising VC, an Estonian company is usually better (easier banking, lower costs).
Formation fee
$500
Annual fee
$100
Setup time
1-2 weeks
Countries
140+
What is Stripe Atlas?
Stripe Atlas is a Delaware C-Corp formation service designed for startups. For $500, you get a US company, EIN (tax ID), bank account application, legal templates, and Stripe payment processing setup.
It's particularly popular with non-US founders who want a US company for VC fundraising or US market credibility. The package is convenient but doesn't include ongoing accounting (you'll need to arrange that separately).
How Stripe Atlas Works
Apply
Fill out application with business details. Stripe reviews within days.
Formation
Stripe forms Delaware C-Corp, files articles, gets EIN from IRS.
Banking
Apply for Mercury bank account (not guaranteed for non-US founders).
Setup
Get legal templates, Stripe account activated. Find your own accountant.
What's Included in $500
Included
- • Delaware C-Corp formation
- • Registered agent (1 year)
- • EIN (tax ID) from IRS
- • Mercury bank account application
- • Legal document templates
- • Stripe account setup
- • 83(b) election template
- • Cap table management (Carta credits)
Not Included
- • Accounting / bookkeeping
- • Tax filing (federal, state)
- • Guaranteed bank account
- • Legal advice
- • Ongoing compliance
- • Delaware franchise tax payment
- • Annual report filing
Real Year 1 Costs
| Cost Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stripe Atlas formation | $500 | One-time |
| Registered agent (year 2+) | $100/year | Required |
| Delaware franchise tax | $300+/year | Required |
| Accounting/bookkeeping | $200-500/month | You arrange separately |
| Federal/state tax filing | $200-500 | Annual |
| Year 1 Total (realistic) | $3,500-8,500 | Including accounting |
Compare to Xolo Leap's all-inclusive ~$1,050/year for an Estonian company.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Convenient one-stop formation process
- US company familiar to US VCs
- Good legal templates included
- Stripe account automatically set up
- Cap table management credits (Carta)
- Well-designed, professional experience
Cons
- Expensive when you add accounting ($3,500-8,500/year total)
- Banking not guaranteed (Mercury often rejects non-US founders)
- 21% corporate tax immediately (vs 0% in Estonia)
- No ongoing accounting included
- Locks you into US structure
- Delaware franchise tax required annually
The Banking Problem for Non-US Founders
⚠️ Banking Is Not Guaranteed
Stripe Atlas partners with Mercury for banking, but Mercury often rejects non-US founders. Many Atlas users report being denied bank accounts, leaving them with a company they can't operate.
- • Non-US address: Higher rejection rate
- • No US ties: Harder to get approved
- • Even if approved: Account closures happen
- • Alternative banks (Chase, BoA): Nearly impossible remotely
Estonian companies don't have this problem — Wise and Revolut accept e-residents easily.
Who Is Stripe Atlas For?
Perfect For
- Startups planning to raise US VC
- US residents (banking is easier)
- Companies needing US credibility for enterprise sales
- Those planning to hire US employees
- Businesses targeting acquisition by US companies
Not Ideal For
- Non-US founders not raising VC (banking problems)
- Bootstrapped businesses (tax disadvantage)
- Simple freelancing/consulting
- Those wanting all-in-one with accounting
- Cost-conscious founders
Stripe Atlas vs Xolo Leap
| Feature | Stripe Atlas | Xolo Leap |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Delaware (US) | Estonia (EU) |
| Year 1 cost (realistic) | $3,500-8,500 | ~$1,050 |
| Accounting included | No | Yes |
| Banking (non-US founder) | Often denied | Easy |
| Corporate tax | 21% immediate | 0% until distributed |
| US VC compatibility | High | Low (flip needed) |
| Best for | VC-track startups | Bootstrapped businesses |
Alternatives to Stripe Atlas
Xolo Leap
€79-129/month
Estonian company with accounting included. Better for non-US founders not raising VC. Much cheaper.
Read ReviewFirstbase
$399 + accounting
Similar to Atlas but cheaper formation ($399). Same banking challenges for non-US founders.
Clerky
$799
Formation-only service for Delaware C-Corps. No banking help. For those with existing accountant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Stripe Atlas
All information verified as of December 2025. Prices and features subject to change. Always verify current pricing with providers.
