FB
File.Business
$0 formation + paid compliance plans starting $99/yr.
3Wins
4.9★8,200+ reviews
220KFormed
Side-by-side comparison
All entities · all 51 jurisdictions · not just Delaware C-Corp
File.Business vs Stripe Atlas.
Stripe Atlas is a polished service for international founders forming Delaware C-Corps, with Stripe payment integration. File.Business offers broader operator stack at lower starting price.
File.Business vs Stripe Atlas
Compared across the seven dimensions that matter to a US founder: pricing transparency, compliance automation breadth, international-founder support, API and builder access, customer support depth, brand recognition, and mobile experience. File.Business leads on the first four; Stripe Atlas leads on YC-startup ecosystem presence, native Stripe-payments integration, founder-network access. The full line-by-line breakdown is below.
ST
Stripe Atlas
$500 one-time
1Wins
, Public reviews
, Customers
DimensionFile.BusinessStripe Atlas
Formation cost$0 + state$500 one-time
Best forAll US foundersFunded startups, intl
Banking partnerMercury/Relay/Chase/BrexStripe + Mercury
Compliance tracking51-stateDE-focused
Multi-entityYesLimited
The summary: Stripe Atlas is the original "form a US C-Corp from abroad" service with deep Stripe integration. File.Business covers all 50 states, multiple entity types, and broader operator infrastructure.
File.Business strengths
- All 50 states, LLC + C-Corp + nonprofit.
- $0 service fee starting point.
- Restricted-industries clarity.
- Industry verticals + 349-term glossary.
- Tax CPA + attorney partner network.
Stripe Atlas strengths
- Polished UX from the Stripe team.
- Tight integration with Stripe payments.
- Cooley-authored legal documents.
- Equity vesting + 83(b) tooling built in.
- Established brand among international founders.
Who picks which
Find your fit.
Pick Stripe Atlas if
- You are an international founder forming a Delaware C-Corp.
- You use or plan to use Stripe payments.
- You value Cooley-authored legal templates.
- You prefer a polished Stripe ecosystem product.
Pick File.Business if
- You want the broadest entity options (LLC, S-Corp, Nonprofit, multi-state).
- You want the lowest starting price.
- You want explicit restricted-industries policy.
- You need broader tax + attorney partner network.
Feature comparison
Side-by-side.
| Feature | File.Business | Stripe Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Starter pricing | $0 + state fee | $500 incorporation fee |
| Entity types | LLC, Corp, Nonprofit, all states | C-Corp + LLC (Delaware focused) |
| International founders | Dedicated content + partners | Strong focus |
| Stripe integration | Yes (partner) | Native |
| Banking partners | Multiple | Mercury default |
| Tax CPA network | Specialty-matched | Limited |
| Attorney network | Specialty-matched | Cooley templates |
| Ongoing compliance | Full federal + state | Some |
| Glossary + learning | 349 terms + 50+ guides | Atlas guides |
| Restricted industries | Explicit AUP | Not specified |
FAQ
Common questions.
How is File.Business different from Stripe Atlas?
Stripe Atlas is a strong, streamlined path for startups incorporating a Delaware C-corp with Stripe set up, and for that specific venture-track use case it is excellent. File.Business is broader: we form any entity type in any state, including LLCs, handle ongoing compliance and filings, and support businesses that are not on the venture path, not just Delaware C-corps.
Should I use Stripe Atlas or form an LLC?
It depends on your goal: if you are building a venture-backed startup that needs a Delaware C-corp and Stripe, Atlas fits well; if you are a small business, freelancer, or bootstrapper, an LLC is usually the better structure. We help you pick based on your plans rather than defaulting to a C-corp you may not need.
Can I get Stripe with a File.Business company?
Yes: with a US entity, an EIN, and a US bank account, you can set up Stripe under a company we form, including for international founders. We handle the entity, EIN, and address, and point you to banking, so Stripe onboarding has everything it needs even without going through Atlas.
Does File.Business handle ongoing compliance?
Yes, and this is a key difference: beyond incorporating, we track and file your annual reports, franchise fees, and other deadlines so the company stays in good standing. Incorporation is the start; keeping the entity compliant afterward is where an all-in-one service adds ongoing value.
Can I form in a state other than Delaware?
Yes: while Atlas centers on Delaware, we form entities in any state, which matters because most small businesses should form in their home state rather than Delaware to avoid paying two states. We help you choose the right state for your actual operations, not just the startup default.
Is File.Business good for international founders?
Yes: we form the US entity, obtain the EIN even without an SSN, provide the registered agent and address, and support the banking step, so a founder abroad gets a complete US presence. Atlas serves international founders too; we offer more entity and state flexibility around it.
What if I already incorporated with Stripe Atlas?
You can still bring your ongoing compliance and registered agent to File.Business without re-forming: we take over the agent with a simple change filing and track your filings and deadlines, complementing the incorporation Atlas handled. Your entity and Stripe setup are unaffected.
Does File.Business support non-startups?
Yes: much of what we do serves small businesses, freelancers, real estate investors, and established companies, not just venture-track startups, with LLCs and ongoing compliance rather than only Delaware C-corps. We match the structure to your business rather than assuming a fundraising path.
Why choose File.Business over Stripe Atlas?
If you want flexibility in entity type and state, ongoing compliance handled in one place, and support beyond the venture-startup use case, File.Business fits, while Atlas remains a great choice for a Delaware C-corp with Stripe. We help you pick the right structure and keep it compliant, not just incorporate it.
Try File.Business.
$0 service fee on formation. 60-day money-back guarantee. Cancel anytime.
SOC 2 Type II audited
220,000+ businesses. 60-day money-back. State fees passed through at cost.
Your operating system, not a transaction
Every deadline auto-tracked across your entities. Compliance Score visible year-round.
Transparent pricing
No hidden fees. No upsells at checkout. State fees disclosed upfront.