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Perks

As a founder or someone new to the US, it can be difficult to know how to bootstrap your presence here. Below is a list of platforms that we've used to bootstrap a US presence so we know they work. Some of the links are referral links, which gives you sign-up bonuses. The order roughly follows: get a US address (by staying at Zeta House) -> get US phone/SMS -> form/maintain entities -> setup money rails -> build credit/investing -> get accounting -> run payroll/HR.

Mail Handling and Mailing Address​

Anytime Mailbox​

  • https://anytimemailbox.referralrock.com/l/1YULONGQIU19/
  • What it's for: A virtual mailbox with a real US street address. Receive mail/packages, get scans, forward anywhere.
  • Why you need it: Most banks, fintechs, and services want a US mailing address; this gives you one even before you lease an office.
  • Notes: You'll complete USPS Form 1583 (ID + notarization) to authorize handling. Acceptable as a mailing address; some applications still ask for a "principal place of business" (use Zeta House residency where appropriate).

Telecoms​

GoogleFi​

  • https://g.co/fi/r/29M4K3
  • What it's for: US mobile number (voice/SMS/eSIM) that works well for 2FA and US-only signups; strong international roaming and hotspot.
  • Why you need it: Many banks/fintechs require a US SMS-capable number. The phone-bill statement can be accepted as evidence of residence.
  • Notes: Start on eSIM in minutes. Billing prefers a card on file; international usage is fine but keep a US billing address tied to your mailbox/Zeta House.

Corporation Registration​

Delaware​

  • https://www.delawareregisteredagent.com/
  • What it's for: Registered agent to form/maintain a Delaware C-Corp/LLC; receives legal/service-of-process.
  • Why you need it: Required in DE if you incorporate there (common for startups).
  • Notes: Combine with Stripe Atlas or DIY filings.

Texas​

  • https://www.texasregisteredagent.net/
  • What it's for: Registered agent in Texas if forming a TX entity or registering your DE company to do business in TX.
  • Why you need it: Zeta House is in TX; you may need TX foreign qualification to hire/run operations here.
  • Notes: Agent keeps you compliant on state notices.

Stripe​

  • https://stripe.com/atlas
  • What it's for: Turnkey Delaware C-Corp formation + EIN + initial docs, with banking/tax intros.
  • Why you need it: Fastest default path for venture-style US incorporation if you don't want to assemble providers yourself.
  • Notes: Fees apply; suitable for most software startups.

Banking​

Mercury (Business)​

  • https://mercury.com/r/matrix-ai
  • What it's for: US business checking/savings for startups/LLCs/C-Corps with modern UI, virtual/physical debit and credit cards, wires/ACH.
  • Why you need it: Clean way to hold USD, pay vendors, receive investor/customer funds.
  • Notes: You'll need a formed US entity + EIN. Often easier than big legacy banks for non-US founders.

Brex (Business)​

  • https://brex.com/signup?rc=whfKEKl
  • What it's for: Corporate credit card and expense platform tied to company health/cash (no personal guarantee).
  • Why you need it: Centralize spend control, virtual cards per vendor, auto-receipt capture.
  • Notes: Eligibility depends on company profile; best for venture-scale startups with US entities.

Wise (Personal/Business)​

  • https://wise.com/invite/dic/yulongq
  • What it's for: Multi-currency accounts with good FX; provides USD account/routing details to receive ACH/wires.
  • Why you need it: Bridge money from your home country; pay US vendors before your US bank is live.
  • Notes: Wise USD details are accepted by many platforms, but some services still insist on a traditional US bank. Make sure to sign up with your foreign home address, not the US address.

HSBC US (Personal)​

  • https://www.us.hsbc.com/refer/
  • Use the Code: S015836425
  • What it's for: Personal checking/savings in the US, especially if you already bank with HSBC abroad.
  • Why you need it: Personal US account helps with subscriptions, deposits, and proof of US financial footprint. HSBC statements can be used as evidence of residence.
  • Notes: Global view/relationship can ease onboarding. Bring passport + proof of address (Anytime Mailbox + Zeta House lease docs typically suffice).

Credit Cards​

These cards will require SSN/ITIN, but generally thin US credit history or no US credit history. Start with secured cards if necessary, and some institutions will provide the card even with no history.

Capital One​

  • https://i.capitalone.com/Jl3fyMeeG
  • What it's for: Secured card for building credit history.
  • Why you need it: Alternative path to build credit.
  • Notes: Needs SSN/ITIN and proof of residence. Use the physical locations.

Chase​

  • https://www.referyourchasecard.com/20r/68WNXO4BZ1
  • What it's for: Broad travel/cash-back ecosystem (e.g., Sapphire/Freedom).
  • Why you need it: Strong transfer partners and protections once you have US credit.
  • Notes: Needs SSN/ITIN and proof of residence. User the physical locations.

Gemini​

Investment Brokerage​

Interactive Brokers​

  • https://ibkr.com/referral/yulong122
  • What it's for: Interactive Brokers for personal or corporate trading/investing; strong global access and multi-currency.
  • Why you need it: Park surplus USD, access global markets, or open an entity brokerage alongside your US corp.
  • Notes: Good for international founders; compliance is strict—have IDs and entity docs ready.

US Personal and Corporate Accountant​

Haynie CPA​

  • https://www.hayniecpas.com/austin-texas/
  • What it's for: US tax compliance (federal/state), bookkeeping, payroll setup, and cross-border issues.
  • Why you need it: Prevent costly mistakes with EIN/ITIN, 1099/W-2, sales tax (if applicable), and year-end filings.
  • Notes: Engage early if you’re taking revenue or paying US contractors/employees.

Human Resources and Information System​

Rippling​

  • https://blue.mbsy.co/77T6qL
  • What it's for: Payroll, benefits, device/identity management in one system; supports US hiring plus international/EOR options.
  • Why you need it: Issue compliant W-2 payroll, manage I-9/onboarding, automate 2FA/SSO and laptop management.
  • Notes: Great once you start hiring or need vendor/employee access control.

Payment Gateways​

Square​

  • https://squareup.com/i/MATRIXAI00
  • What it's for: Card payments, POS, invoices, and online checkout—from pop-ups at Zeta House to web sales.
  • Why you need it: Fast way to start taking US card payments without a separate merchant account; supports Tap-to-Pay (phone), low-cost readers, invoices with ACH, and payout to your US bank.
  • Notes: Works best once you have a US entity + EIN + US bank (e.g., Mercury) and a US contact/SMS for KYC. Hardware optional; instant transfers available for a fee. Use alongside Stripe if you’re primarily online and want developer-heavy integrations; use Square if you want in-person + simple online in one stack.