Not a sole proprietor?
Select your business type and get the right steps to complete your Yoco profile: Registered Company (Pty Ltd) • Closed Corporation (CC) • Partnership
NPO • NPC • Trust
As a sole proprietor, you run a business in your own name using your personal ID and bank account*. You're not registered with the CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) and don't have a business registration number.
* Sole proprietors are the only business type that don't need a business bank account.
Once you’ve signed up with Yoco as a sole proprietor, you’ll be redirected to the Yoco App (mobile or web) to complete a few identity checks, as required by South African law.
Not sure what you'll need? Check our verification requirements for individuals and businesses.
❗Important: Only after your profile has been completed and your information verified, can you start transacting and getting paid with Yoco.
Haven't downloaded the Yoco Mobile App yet? It's your back office in your back pocket. Select your App Store below to get started.
Completing your Yoco profile as a sole proprietor
Over 90% of Yoco merchants complete their profiles without any manual document uploads or intervention, and more than half are fully verified and compliant within just 15 minutes!
To complete your profile, you’ll need to:
To start, review the three steps you'll need to complete in the Yoco App (mobile or web), then select I'm ready.
💡 Tip: Select Get verified faster on your phone to scan the QR code and complete your profile on the Yoco Mobile App instead.
1. Verify your email address
Verifying your email address helps us keep your account secure and ensures that we're able to reach you with important updates.
Select the Verify email address button on the Complete Setup screen.
Select the Send code button and a 6-digit verification code will be sent to the email address linked to your Yoco profile.
💡 Good to know: If you need to change your email address, select the Change email address link to update it.
Copy the code from the email, then click or tap inside the first of the six blocks on your screen and paste the code. If the code expires before you're able to submit it, select the Resend code link and we’ll send you a new verification code.
Email verification FAQs
I haven't received a verification email. What should I do?
I haven't received a verification email. What should I do?
Start by checking your Spam or Junk folder.
Search for an email thread titled ‘Verify Your Email’ – new OTP emails are sometimes grouped into existing threads, making it seem like they've already been read.
If you’re using a corporate email address, company security settings may be blocking your email. Try using a personal email address instead.
Make sure you’ve typed your email address in correctly, then click the Resend code link.
If none of the above works, try using a different email provider.
Can I use one email address to verify multiple accounts?
Can I use one email address to verify multiple accounts?
No, each Yoco profile must be associated with a unique email address. Some email providers allow + extensions (e.g., [email protected]). If yours doesn’t, we recommend creating an email alias instead.
What is an email alias?
What is an email alias?
An email alias is an alternative email address that forwards messages to your main inbox. This allows you to receive emails at a different address without having to creating a whole new email account.
Provider-supported email aliases
Email provider | Alias type | Are +aliases supported? | Creating a real alias |
Gmail | +alias only (e.g. [email protected]) | Yes | No true aliases. Use your filters to organise your +aliases |
Outlook Hotmail Live | True alias (new inbox identity) | Not recommended | Go to account.microsoft.com → Your Info → Account Aliases → Add Email |
Yahoo Mail | Disposable aliases under a base name | No | Go to Yahoo Mail → Settings → More Settings → Mailboxes → Add Disposable Email |
ProtonMail | Separate email addresses (requires paid plan) | Yes | Go to Settings → Identity & Addresses → Add Address |
Zoho Mail | Admin-managed aliases (best for custom domains) | No | Go to Admin Console → Users → Select User → Mail Settings → Add Alias |
Is the + extension the reason I haven't received my verification email?
Is the + extension the reason I haven't received my verification email?
Some email providers don’t support automated emails for + aliases. Try creating an alias with your email provider and using that instead.
Can my verification email be sent to a different email address?
Can my verification email be sent to a different email address?
For security reasons, we only send OTPs to the email address that’s being verified.
Why does it say my verification code is incorrect?
Why does it say my verification code is incorrect?
Verification codes have an expiration time (for security reasons), so check that you’re entering the code from the most recent verification email. If in doubt, request a new verification code and try again.
2. Verify your mobile number
Verifying your mobile number adds another layer of security to your profile and gives us another channel to contact you with important updates.
Select the Verify number button on the Complete Setup screen.
Select the Send code button and a 6-digit verification code will be sent to the mobile number linked to your Yoco profile.
💡 Good to know: If you need to change your mobile number, select the Change mobile number link to update it.
Copy the code from the SMS, then click or tap inside the first block on your screen and paste. If the code expires before you're able to submit it, select the Resend code and we’ll send you a new verification code.
Mobile verification FAQs
I haven't received a verification SMS. What should I do?
I haven't received a verification SMS. What should I do?
Check that you’ve typed your mobile number in correctly, then click the Resend code link.
Can I use one mobile number to verify multiple accounts?
Can I use one mobile number to verify multiple accounts?
No, each Yoco profile must be associated with a unique mobile number.
Can my verification email be sent to a different mobile number?
Can my verification email be sent to a different mobile number?
For security reasons, we only send OTPs to the mobile number that’s being verified.
Why does it say my verification code is incorrect?
Why does it say my verification code is incorrect?
Verification codes have an expiration time (for security reasons), so check that you’re entering the code from the most recent verification SMS. If in doubt, request a new verification code and try again.
Why did my task disappear after updating my mobile number during verification?
Why did my task disappear after updating my mobile number during verification?
Your new mobile number was already verified, so no further verification was needed and the task was automatically marked as complete.
3. Add your business details
Select the Add your business details button on the Complete Setup screen.
When asked Is your business registered with CIPC?, select No, or I'm not sure, then select Continue.
When asked What best describes your business? select No registration documents, then select Continue.
Enter your business name, then select Continue.
Enter your business's online presence – you can add your Instagram, Facebook, X, and/or website details. If your business isn't online, select Not applicable. When you're done, select Save.
Under Select a business category, select the category that best represents your business to expand it.
Choose the subcategory that most closely matches what you do, then select Continue.
Review your selection. If it's correct, select Confirm. If you'd like to change it, select Change to go back and choose again.
4. Add your bank details
You must provide details for a South African transactional bank account – one that can make and take payments.
Select the Submit bank details button on the Complete Setup screen.
Enter your name in the Account holder's name field as it appears on your bank account.
Under Account holder's identity document, select South African ID or Passport.
Enter your ID or passport number in the Account holder's ID number field.
Select the Bank dropdown. A list of the most popular bank will appear. Select your bank from the list, or use the Search banks field to find it.
❗Important: Make sure that you enter your bank account number, not your card number.
Under Account type, select Cheque or Savings.
Enter your Account number.
Select the Submit button.
Need to change your business type?
If you selected the wrong business type during sign-up, select the Account holder field, then select Change business. Follow the prompts to complete the new business details.
Once you've entered your bank account details, we'll verify them automatically. If everything checks out, your account will be approved instantly.
💡 Good to know: Some banks (like Capitec Business) can't be verified automatically. If we can't verify your account instantly, we'll ask you to upload a bank confirmation letter issued within the last 3 months. We'll review it manually within 24 hours and let you know the outcome.
❗Getting a red error message?
❗Getting a red error message?
Read the message carefully before closing the red banner. Once it's closed, you won't be able to view it again.
The account number or bank provided is not valid.
Check your details and resubmit.
The account you provided belongs to another individual.
You'll need to use a bank account registered in your name. Update your details and resubmit.
📄 Need to upload proof of account?
📄 Need to upload proof of account?
Download a bank confirmation letter from your bank. Click here to find out how.
Drag and drop the letter into the Drag and drop or browse files field, then select the Upload file button. Or, select the Upload file button and locate the letter on your device.
Bank account verification FAQs
How does Yoco verify my bank account?
How does Yoco verify my bank account?
Yoco instantly performs a series of checks when you enter your bank details while completing your Yoco profile. Click here to read all about them.
What should I check when entering my bank account number?
What should I check when entering my bank account number?
Make sure that your bank account number includes up to 11 digits. Be careful not to enter a card number, which usually has 16 digits.
What should I check when entering my bank selection?
What should I check when entering my bank selection?
Please ensure that the bank you select from the drop-down list matches the bank account details you’ve provided exactly, e.g. if you have a business account with Capitec Business, select Capitec Business from the drop-down menu, not Capitec.
What does it mean if my account is in manual review?
What does it mean if my account is in manual review?
If your bank account isn’t verified and approved immediately, there’s no need to be concerned. All it means is that we need to manually confirm that your bank details and identity match, this can take up to 24 hours.
What causes a manual review?
What causes a manual review?
Some banks (like Capitec Business) can’t always be checked automatically on our system. When this happens, we request a bank confirmation letter (no older than 3 months), which we use to verify the account within 24 hours.
What does it mean if my account is in manual review?
What does it mean if my account is in manual review?
Where can I get an account confirmation letter?
Where can I get an account confirmation letter?
You can download a bank confirmation letter from your bank’s website or app. Click here for instructions.
Please note: We don't accept informal letters or screenshots from online banking platforms. To meet our verification requirements, the document must be an official bank-issued letter.
5. Verify your identity
As a registered financial services provider, we're required by South African law to verify the identity of all our merchants. This is part of our commitment to comply with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA), which helps prevent fraud, money laundering, and the financing of terrorism.
To get started, follow the steps below based on your ID type.
South African citizens
If you hold one of these, follow the South African citizens verification steps:
South African ID card
Green barcoded ID book
South African passport
International citizens
Follow the international verification steps and have these ready:
A photo of your valid, unexpired passport
A valid work permit or visa
Asylum seekers and refugees
Send a copy of one of the following valid documents issued by the Department of Home Affairs to [email protected]:
Asylum Seeker Temporary Permit
Formal Recognition of Refugee Status
Red Refugee Book
South African citizens
Select the Verify button on the Complete Setup screen.
On the Let's confirm it's you screen, select Start verification.
On the Take a selfie to confirm it's you screen, choose how you'd like to complete the verification:
Select Scan my face to use your computer's camera.
Select Continue on phone to complete the verification on your mobile phone.
Note: To increase the chances of your scan being successful, we recommend that you scan your face on your mobile phone.
Frame your face inside the oval on screen, then select I'M READY. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully and read the tips below to ensure success. Keep your face fully visible and centred within the oval throughout the process.
We’ll take a live selfie and match it match to your photo on the Home Affairs database within seconds. As soon as your profile has been verified, a success message will appear and you can continue on to the next step.
Tips for a successful selfie
Centre your face so that it fills most of the on-screen oval.
Move closer if prompted, until your face fits inside the oval.
Look straight ahead into the camera, keeping your eyes level.
Keep your expression neutral – don't smile, frown, etc.
Make sure your face is well lit – avoid shadows and bright backlighting.
Remove glasses, hats, and anything else that may block your face.
Keep still and stay within the oval until the scan is complete.
Using your SA ID number and struggling with face verification?
Using your SA ID number and struggling with face verification?
If your selfie wasn't accepted, you can complete verification by uploading an accepted ID document and retaking the selfie.
❗ Important: The selfie you take in the final step must match the ID document you upload. If they don't match, your identity check will fail.
Choose All countries except USA as your country of residence and select Continue.
Read the Privacy Notice and the Notification on the Processing of Personal Data, tick the box to confirm your consent, then select Continue.
Select South Africa as the issuing country, then choose your ID document type. Yoco accepts the following:
South African passport
South African identity card
Green barcoded ID booklet
❗Important: You must use your ID document when completing this step. You'll be asked to take a selfie in the next step, which must match the ID document you've just uploaded. If it doesn't, your identity check will be unsuccessful.
If prompted, allow camera access to continue.
Follow the on-screen instructions to position your ID document horizontally within the frame. When it's correctly aligned, select the round white camera button to capture it.
Once your document is captured, follow the on-screen prompts to complete the face scan. The green indicator shows when your face is correctly positioned. Hold still until the scan is complete.
We'll compare your face scan against your ID document. If they match, your identity check is complete. This usually only takes a few seconds.
Tips for the liveness check
Centre your face so that it fills most of the on-screen circle.
Move your head slowly until all the lines around the circle turn green.
Look straight into the camera, keeping your eyes level.
Keep your expression neutral – don't smile, frown, etc.
Make sure your face is well lit – avoid shadows and bright backlighting.
Remove glasses, hats, and anything else that may block your face.
Keep still and stay within the oval until the scan is complete.
International citizens
Before you start, make sure that you have the following ready:
Passport – you'll need to photograph the biodata page (the page with your photo and barcode).
Work visa – this must be issued by the Department of Home Affairs and must clearly state that you're entitled to conduct work, business, or employment in South Africa.
❗Important: Both documents must be valid and not expired – we will verify this. If your visa has been extended, you can upload your old visa together with proof of extension.
Select the Verify button.
Choose the I don’t have a South African ID link.
Review the on-screen instructions, then select Continue.
Read the Privacy Notice and the Notification on the Processing of Personal Data, tick the box to confirm your consent, then select Continue.
Choose the country where your identity document was issued, and select the Continue button.
Using the Yoco Web App? Select Continue on phone to scan a QR code and complete the next steps on your mobile device.
Open your passport to the biodata page and hold it horizontally to fill the frame as shown. When it's correctly positioned, select the round white camera button to capture it.
❗Important: We only accept valid (not expired) passports issued by your government. You must use your passport when completing this step.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the face scan for your liveness check. The green indicator shows when your face is correctly positioned. Hold still until the scan is complete.
Once your liveness check is done, we'll compare it against your passport. If they match, your identity check is complete. This usually only takes a few seconds.
Tips for the liveness check
Centre your face so that it fills most of the on-screen circle.
Move your head slowly until all the lines around the circle turn green.
Look straight into the camera, keeping your eyes level.
Keep your expression neutral – don't smile, frown, etc.
Make sure your face is well lit – avoid shadows and bright backlighting.
Remove glasses, hats, masks, and anything else that may block your face.
Keep still and stay within the oval until the scan is complete.
We recommend completing your live selfie on your phone, as it typically has a higher success rate. To switch to your mobile, select the Continue on phone button.
Identity verification FAQs
What if there’s no match in the Home Affairs database?
What if there’s no match in the Home Affairs database?
If we can’t find a match (this can happen when the Department of Home Affairs' system is down or your photo is missing from their records), we'll ask you to take a photo of your valid (not expired) identity document and a live selfie. We'll guide you through the process online.
Can I complete identity verification with someone else's ID?
Can I complete identity verification with someone else's ID?
No, you can only use your ID document for the ID verification process. That's because you're required to take a live selfie as part of this process and if you're using someone else's ID document, your photo won't match the one linked to their ID number on the Department of Home Affairs' database.
What if I live in South Africa, but don’t have a South African ID?
What if I live in South Africa, but don’t have a South African ID?
If you live in South Africa but you're not a South African citizen, select the I don't have a South African ID link when asked to enter your ID number, and you'll be guided through an alternative verification process. If you have an asylum seeker permit, contact the Yoco Support Team via our in-app chat.
6. Upload your work permit (if applicable)
1. Select the Upload work permit button.
2. Upload your work permit/visa. Before you select the Continue button, make sure that it meets these requirements (if it doesn't, it won't be accepted for verification purposes):
It's valid (not expired).
It's in your name.
It's issued by the Department of Home Affairs.
It clearly states that you are permitted to conduct work, business, or employment in South Africa.
3. Once you've uploaded your work permit/visa, we'll review it and let you know if your identity has been verified. This usually takes 1–2 working days.
Work permit/visa FAQs
What qualifies as a valid work permit/visa?
What qualifies as a valid work permit/visa?
Only permits/visas officially issued by South Africa's Department of Home Affairs will be accepted. Your permit/visa must clearly state that you are permitted to conduct work, employment, or business in South Africa. Without this specific permission, we won’t be able to process your payments through Yoco.
What is not considered a valid work permit/visa?
What is not considered a valid work permit/visa?
Entry, exit, and visitor stamps in your passport do not qualify as a valid work permit/visa.
The work permit/visa in my passport is expired. What should I do?
The work permit/visa in my passport is expired. What should I do?
We cannot accept an expired work permit/visa for verification. However, if you’re in the process of renewing your permit/visa, you can submit your expired permit/visa and your renewal application slip and we'll move forward with your application while your renewal is in progress.
My passport has expired, but my work permit/visa is still valid. What should I do?
My passport has expired, but my work permit/visa is still valid. What should I do?
If your passport has expired, but it contains a valid work permit/visa, you can still upload the permit/visa.
Must the work permit/visa be in my name?
Must the work permit/visa be in my name?
Yes, we'll validate the details on the permit/visa and compare them with the details you've provided. If the information doesn't match, you won't be able to complete this step.
Need more help?
Start a conversation with a Yoco Support consultant via our in-app chat.