Is it possible to activate Shopify payments without a SSN, and used a LLC instead?
Topic summary
Activating Shopify Payments using an LLC instead of an SSN. Support clarifies requirements are country-specific; in the United States, a Social Security Number (SSN) is mandatory to sign up for Shopify Payments, regardless of business structure (including an LLC). When asked if an Employer Identification Number (EIN) could be used instead, support explicitly said no—an EIN cannot substitute for an SSN in U.S. onboarding. No alternatives or exceptions were provided. Requirements for non-U.S. countries may differ, but details were not discussed. Outcome: For U.S.-based merchants, activation requires a personal SSN; using only an LLC/EIN is insufficient. The question was answered definitively, and the thread appears resolved.
H, @Oxsa03 .
Thank you for reaching out!
It will depend on what country you are located in, if you are in the United States then yes we will need your SSN to sign up for Shopify Payments.
Please let me know if you have any further questions! I would love to learn more about your business. What type of products do you sell?
Talk soon,
Can I use an EIN ?