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How to create and verify account on Stripe

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18
Quick Answer

Creating a Stripe account requires signing up with business details and verifying your identity through document submission. The verification process typically takes 1-2 business days and involves providing tax information, bank details, and identity documents.

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Prerequisites

  • Valid email address
  • Business information and documents
  • Bank account details
  • Government-issued ID or business registration

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Sign up for Stripe account

Visit stripe.com and click Start now. Enter your email address and create a secure password. Choose your country and business type from the dropdown menus. Click Create account to proceed.
Use a business email address if available, as it appears more professional to customers and partners.
2

Complete business information

Fill out the business details form including:
  • Legal business name and doing-business-as name
  • Business address and phone number
  • Industry and business description
  • Website URL (if applicable)
Click Continue when all fields are completed.
Ensure all information matches your official business registration documents exactly.
3

Add personal information

Enter your personal details as the account representative:
  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Home address
  • Last 4 digits of SSN (US) or equivalent ID number
For businesses, you may need to add additional representatives or beneficial owners.
Have your government-issued ID ready as you'll need to upload it in the next steps.
4

Set up banking information

Navigate to Settings → Bank accounts and scheduling. Click Add bank account and enter:
  • Bank routing number
  • Account number
  • Account holder name
Verify the information is correct and click Add bank account.
Use a business bank account if you have one, as it helps with bookkeeping and looks more professional.
5

Upload identity verification documents

Go to Settings → Account details. Under the Identity verification section, upload required documents:
  • Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport)
  • Business registration documents (if applicable)
  • Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)
Click Submit for review.
Ensure documents are clear, well-lit photos or high-quality scans with all information visible.
6

Complete tax information

Fill out the tax form in Settings → Tax details. For US businesses, complete Form W-9. For international accounts, complete Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E. Enter your Tax ID (EIN, SSN, or international equivalent) and click Save tax information.
Consult with a tax professional if you're unsure about which tax classification applies to your business.
7

Activate your account

Once all information is submitted, Stripe will review your account (typically 1-2 business days). You'll receive an email notification when approved. Log into your dashboard and you'll see Account activated status. Your account is now ready to accept payments.
You can start integrating Stripe into your website immediately after activation using the API keys found in the Developers section.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Account verification is taking longer than expected

Check your email for any requests for additional documentation. Contact Stripe Support through the dashboard if it's been more than 5 business days. Ensure all uploaded documents are clear and match the information provided.

Document upload fails or gets rejected

Verify documents are in supported formats (JPG, PNG, PDF) and under 10MB. Ensure all text is legible and the entire document is visible. Re-upload using a different browser or device if the upload continues to fail.

Bank account verification fails

Double-check routing and account numbers for accuracy. Ensure the bank account is active and in good standing. Some banks may require you to contact them to authorize third-party connections like Stripe.

Cannot access account after creation

Check your spam folder for the verification email and click the verification link. Try resetting your password using the Forgot password link. Clear browser cache and cookies, or try logging in from an incognito window.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Stripe website before purchasing.
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