Formation Services

Stripe Atlas vs Clerky

Side-by-side comparison across 11 dimensions. Data is approximate and for informational purposes only.

Entity Types
Stripe Atlas
C-Corp, LLC
Clerky
C-Corp
Setup Fee
Stripe Atlas
$500
Clerky
$799
Annual Fee
Stripe Atlas
$100/yr
Clerky
$0 (no ongoing fees)
Timeline
Stripe Atlas
1–5 business days
Clerky
1–3 business days
States Available
Stripe Atlas
Delaware only
Clerky
Delaware only
EIN Filing
Stripe Atlas
Included
Clerky
Included
Registered Agent
Stripe Atlas
Included
Clerky
Included
Banking Integration
Stripe Atlas
Stripe + Mercury + Silicon Valley Bank
Clerky
None
Compliance Support
Stripe Atlas
Full
Clerky
Minimal
Non-Resident Support
Stripe Atlas
Full
Clerky
Partial
Platform Type
Stripe Atlas
Full-service
Clerky
Full-service

Key Notes

Stripe Atlas

Designed for tech startups and SaaS businesses. Includes Stripe payments integration, 409A valuation discount, and legal document templates. Delaware C-Corp is the default path.

Clerky

Specialized for VC-backed startups. One-time fee covers incorporation, bylaws, stock issuance, and founder agreements. No ongoing platform fees. Used by Y Combinator companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Stripe Atlas pricing compare to Clerky?

Stripe Atlas setup fee: $500. Clerky setup fee: $799. Total costs vary depending on add-ons, state fees, and renewal rates.

Which is more accessible for non-US residents, Stripe Atlas or Clerky?

Stripe Atlas: Full. Clerky: Partial. Accessibility depends on entity type, country of residence, and specific documentation requirements.

Does Stripe Atlas or Clerky include EIN filing?

Stripe Atlas EIN filing: Included. Clerky EIN filing: Included. EIN is required for US bank account opening and tax filing.

Is Stripe Atlas or Clerky a stronger fit for cross-border founders?

The answer depends on your specific situation — entity type, country of residence, budget, and operational needs. Both services address different trade-offs. Use our free risk check to map your structural exposure before choosing.

How We Compared

We collected pricing, included services, non-resident support levels, and formation timelines from each provider's public website. Costs are compared at initial setup and annual renewal rates.

11 data points per service·Last reviewed March 2026

Why Trust This

  • Built by Jett Fu — 20+ years running cross-border businesses
  • Affiliate links are marked. Most services listed have no affiliate relationship. Details
  • Data sourced from provider websites. We verify pricing and features periodically.

Disclaimer: All data on this page is approximate and for informational purposes only. Pricing, features, and availability change frequently. This is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify all figures directly with each provider before making decisions. Data reflects conditions as of early 2026.

Not sure which service fits your situation?

Choosing between services depends on where you live, where your clients are, and how your income flows. Our free risk check maps your structural exposure in 3 minutes.