Stripe is the world's leading payment processor, but Canadian individuals cannot open Stripe accounts directly — you need a US LLC with a US bank account and EIN. An ITIN is required to correctly operate that US LLC as a Canadian owner. This guide explains the full setup.
Why Canadians Can't Open Stripe Directly
Stripe requires a business entity registered in one of its supported countries. Canada is supported, but Stripe Canada has different features and limitations compared to Stripe US. Many Canadian SaaS founders and e-commerce entrepreneurs prefer Stripe US for better feature access, lower fees, and broader payment method support.
To open Stripe US, you need a US LLC with a US bank account and EIN. Your Canadian ITIN ties you to the US LLC as the foreign owner, enabling proper tax documentation.
Canadian ITIN + US LLC: The Stripe Path
Step-by-step to get Stripe US from Canada:
- Get ITIN from ITIN Plus ($99, 8–14 weeks)
- Form a US LLC (Delaware recommended for SaaS/startups)
- Get EIN for the LLC from IRS (free)
- Open Mercury Bank account with LLC docs + EIN
- Register Stripe with LLC name, EIN, and Mercury bank
Stripe Canada vs Stripe US: Key Differences
Stripe Canada: Available for Canadian businesses. CAD primary currency. Good features but some US-specific payment methods (like US ACH) not available.
Stripe US (via US LLC): USD primary currency. Full feature access including ACH, Instant Payouts, Stripe Atlas integration, Connect for marketplace features. Better for selling primarily to US customers.
ITIN Plus for Canadian Stripe Users
$99, 8–14 weeks, IRS Certified Acceptance Agent. We serve Canadian entrepreneurs who want access to the US payment infrastructure. Email apply@itinplus.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Canadians open a Stripe account?
Yes, through Stripe Canada (for Canadian businesses). For Stripe US, you need a US LLC with US bank account and EIN. An ITIN is needed to correctly operate the US LLC as a Canadian owner.
Do Canadians need an ITIN for Stripe?
Indirectly, yes. To operate a US LLC (required for Stripe US), you need an ITIN to correctly identify yourself as the foreign owner on IRS forms. The LLC's EIN goes on the Stripe account directly.
Is Stripe US better than Stripe Canada?
Stripe US has broader features, lower fees for USD transactions, and is preferred for businesses primarily selling to US customers. Stripe Canada is fine for businesses primarily serving Canadian customers.
How long does it take to get an ITIN?
8–14 weeks from the IRS submission date. Apply through ITIN Plus for $99.
Can I run Stripe US as a Canadian with just an ITIN?
No. Stripe US requires a US business entity (LLC), US bank account, and the LLC's EIN. Your personal ITIN is needed for LLC tax compliance but the Stripe account itself is registered under the LLC's EIN.