Why does Yoco insist on Identification?
The Financial Intelligence Centre Act (38 of 2001) or ‘FICA’ was introduced to help fight financial crimes such as money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities in South Africa. The Act requires Yoco to identify persons correctly or, to ‘FICA’ the person, through verifying or obtaining proof of a person’s identity (i.e. your Identity Document or Passport).
Suitable Identity Documents:
When verifying your identity on the Yoco Mobile or Web App, we'll scan your face live to compare with Home Affairs' Database, and can hopefully do so without your having to submit your ID document.
However, should our automatic checks fail, or your identity has not been captured with South African Home Affairs (for international citizens), we may have to use photos of your original identification documents to make sure that the person signing up for Yoco really is you.
To verify your identity, we may need a clear photo of your original and valid (not expired) Identity Document — uploaded to your Yoco Mobile App or Web App.
You can use any of these documents:
South African IDs: Green ID book, or Smart ID card, or Barcoded Passport
Note - No drivers' licenses.
International IDs: Passport, and Work Visa (valid, not expired).
If you submit a Document that can expire (especially International IDs/ Passports), please note that you’ll need to repeat this step every time your documents are renewed so we always have the current, valid version.
Submitting your Identification
Once you’ve signed up with Yoco, you can access your Yoco profile on the Mobile/Web App here. Go to the Hub tab, and click on the Complete your profile tile.
Here, you’ll see what you still need to do in order to complete your profile for payouts.
Verify your identity: Select the Verify your identity tile to get started. First, you’ll need to enter your South African ID number. If you’re an international citizen, select I don’t have a South African ID.
For South Africans
For South Africans
Once you’ve entered your ID number, we’ll then search the national Home Affairs database for a name match, and you’ll be asked to confirm who you are. If we don’t manage to find a match, we’ll ask you to upload your proof of ID and selfie.
Not getting a Home Affairs Search result?
Not getting a Home Affairs Search result?
You’ll get the choice to upload your ID either from your device or by scanning a QR code from your phone (if you’re on the Web App).
Don’t have an ID card? You can also specify which type of ID document you’d like to use (ID card, Green ID book, or South African passport) by selecting the pencil icon next to the ID document listen next to the small South African flag.
Select Continue when you’re ready to begin your ID verification process, and allow access to the camera on your device.
Follow the on-screen steps to correctly frame and photograph your original ID document. You may be asked to take a photo of different parts of the document (like front and back side), so pay careful attention to the instructions.
When you’re done photographing your original ID document, it’s time to Continue on to performing a live face scan - again, you have the option to scan a QR code to continue on your phone if you prefer (if you’re using the Yoco Web App).
This is when your liveness check begins, when we’ll scan your face with a live selfie to verify that it’s really you. Follow the on-screen prompts and hold your face still, at first. Then, turn your head slowly in a circle following the green on-screen indicator - this scans and captures your face from all angles.
Once your liveness check has been passed successfully, your details will be sent to our system for processing. We’ll review your details and get back to you on the progress within 2 business days.
If your profile details are automatically verified, you’ll get a success message and can continue on with completing your profile steps.
Once you’ve confirmed the Home Affairs search results for your name and date of birth, you’ll then need to select Scan my face (take a live selfie) to verify your identity.
If you’re using the Yoco Web App, you’ll also have the option to scan a QR code to continue on a phone. Click on I’m ready when you want to start your live face scan, and follow the on-screen instructions to take a successful picture of your face.
Once your photo has been uploaded and processed, you’re all done! Now, it’s time to add your company and bank details - find out more here.
For International Citizens
For International Citizens
When you’re done creating your Yoco profile to sign up, you’ll be asked to submit a photo of your original, barcoded passport as well as a valid (and current) work visa. You’ll also take a live selfie to verify your identity.
Once you’ve selected I don’t have a South African ID, you’ll see instructions for verifying international citizens - please read them carefully before hitting Continue.
Next, tell us where you’re from by selecting either US resident or Other (and then selecting your country from the list).
Select which type of identity document you’d like to submit for verification, and confirm the issuing country before hitting Next.
Please read the Tips on-screen carefully and view the guidelines if you’re unsure, before selecting Continue. You can also scan a QR code to continue on your phone if you prefer (if you’re using the Yoco Web App).
Open up your passport to show the barcoded page with your passport photo, and flip it horizontally to fit the picture into the frame as shown.
Get ready to perform your liveness check with a clear selfie and scan of your face, before hitting Continue. You can also scan a QR code to continue on your phone if you prefer (if you’re using the Yoco Web App).
Follow the on-screen prompts and hold your face still, at first. Then, turn your head slowly in a circle following the green on-screen indicator - this scans and captures your face from all angles. Once your liveness check has been passed successfully, your details will be sent to our system for processing.
Now, it’s time to upload a clear photo of your original, current work visa. Make sure to take a photo and save it on your device where you can easily find it. You can also scan a QR code to continue on your phone if you prefer (if you’re using the Yoco Web App).
Select the file containing the photos of your original work visa from your list of saved files on your device. Confirm your upload by selecting Continue. For international citizens, we have to perform special manual checks to confirm and verify your identity and clearance to do business in South Africa.
Look out for an email from Yoco letting you know your identification process has been approved, or with any next steps. Now, it’s time to add your company and bank details - find out more here.
