Stripe Atlas Review 2023 — Is It Right for Your Startup?
Last Updated: By TRUiC Team
A formation service takes the headache out of structuring your business, leaving you with more time and energy to focus on your new business. Stripe Atlas is a popular startup formation service offering C corporation and LLC formation, but is it right for your startup?
Keep reading for a comprehensive overview of Stripe Atlas’ features and pricing, advantages, and disadvantages to determine if this is the right formation for your startup.
Recommended: Check out our full list of the best online incorporation services for startups.
Pros & Cons of Stripe Atlas
Pros
- Community Benefits: Customers gain access to the Stripe Atlas Community of founders and leaders.
- Access to Stripe Products: By forming your startup with Stripe Atlas you gain access to the Stripe payments platform.
- Tax Features Included: Stripe Atlas includes an employer identification number (EIN) and 83(b) election filing included in their services.
- Makes Formation Simple: Using a formation service like Stripe Atlas to structure your business saves time and effort.
- Included Discounts: Customers receive free credits for discounts from Stripe partners.
Cons
- Higher Cost Than Some Competitors: Stripe Atlas costs more than competing incorporation services offering similar features.
- Only Specific Business Structures Offered: Stripe Atlas only offers services for C corporation and LLC formation, which may not be ideal for all businesses.
- Business Model Requirements: In order to use Stripe Atlas’ services, you are required to have a defined business model.
Stripe Atlas Alternative: Firstbase
Over 10,000 entrepreneurs worldwide have launched their ventures with Firstbase. Sign up today to incorporate, manage, and grow your startup – all in one place.
Stripe Atlas Pricing & Features
Stripe Atlas costs more than competitors. The service costs a $500 setup fee, which includes formation, state filing, stock issuance, EIN registration, and one year of registered agent services. Then, $100 each year after for registered agent services.
Core Products
Included with Stripe Atlas’ $500 setup fee:
- Business formation
- Stock issuance
- One year of free registered agent services
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) filing
- Access to the Strip platform for payment processing
- IRS 83(b) election
Stripe Atlas’ pricing isn’t competitive. However, in addition to a suite of formation services, customers also gain access to the Stripe Atlas Community Membership as well as document templates for hiring, selling, and business management.
Stripe Atlas Reviews
While Stripe’s formation service, Stripe Atlas, didn’t have many customer reviews online, there are a large number of reviews for Stripe itself. The company received a 3.0 on TrustPilot with mixed reviews about its customer support and account security. However, the company has responded to 86% of negative reviews.
Here are some verified customer reviews from Trustpilot by people who used Stripe:
“Overall Stripe will perform everything I need. However, there are times I wish it was a little easier to understand how to set certain things up. (i.e. subscriptions, recurring payments. etc.)”
“I am utterly disappointed with the lack of professionalism and accountability from Stripe. Despite submitting all required documents multiple times, my Stripe business account remains unverified. I have reached out to their customer care support repeatedly, but each time I'm met with vague responses and no solutions.”
“We are happy with our payment processing, that all goes very smoothly. We do find the reports/analyticals a bit challenging to work with and the overall "backend" of the site to be cumbersome.”
“Solid payment system though I was having an issue and trying to get a live person to assist me was virtually impossible. The only method of communication was via email and my repeated requests for a customer representative to reach by phone were ignored. Issue was eventually resolved but their customer support has room for improvement.”
Stripe Atlas Alternatives
Choosing the right formation service for your startup is an important step in launching your business. While Stripe Atlas offers some benefits to startups, here’s how it stands up to competitor Firstbase.io.
Stripe Atlas
Firstbase
Firstbase.ai is a great choice for incorporating a startup but if you think an LLC might be a better structure for your business, we recommend Northwest Registered Agent.
Final Thoughts on Stripe Atlas
Stripe Atlas is a great incorporation option for startup founders looking to build their network of fellow founders. However, if you’re looking for a cheaper option or more robust features, another startup formation service may be for you.
To explore more options, visit our review of the best incorporation services for startups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stripe Atlas?
Stripe Atlas is a business formation service offered by Stripe, a fintech platform for businesses.
Is Stripe Atlas legit?
Stripe Atlas is a verified payment platform and formation service used by entrepreneurs in over 140 countries.
How long does Stripe Atlas take?
According to Stripe’s website, applying for Stripe Atlas services only takes ten minutes in their app.
Does Stripe Atlas set up a bank account?
No, Stripe Atlas does not automatically set up a bank account for your business when forming. However, users are able to establish an account with any of Stripe’s partners after forming their business.
Is Stripe Atlas expensive?
Stripe Atlas is more expensive than many competitors at $500 plus $100 per year after the first year for registered agent fees. You can explore more budget-friendly options in our guide to the best incorporation services for startups.
What are the benefits of Stripe Atlas?
Forming your business with Stripe Atlas grants you access to their community of founders, the Stripe payment platform, and one year of registered agent services for free.
