> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.spendl.money/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.spendl.money/spendl-how-to-guides/spendl-kyc-how-to-guide.md).

# Spendl KYC How-To Guide

## Introduction

Before you can access any features on the Spendl platform, you need to complete the KYC (Know Your Customer) verification process. This is a legal requirement under South African FICA regulations and ensures that your account is secure, compliant, and ready to use.

**What this guide covers:**

This guide walks you through every step of the Spendl KYC Onboarding flow. There are 6 steps in total. Each step is covered in full with a screenshot of what you will see on screen, a clear explanation of every field, and best practice tips to help you get through the process without delays or rejections.

**What you will need before you start:**

| Document                                     | Required for           |
| -------------------------------------------- | ---------------------- |
| South African ID Smart Card or Passport      | Step 3: Identification |
| Proof of Residence (not older than 3 months) | Step 4: Address        |
| Employment details                           | Step 5: Employment     |

**How the flow works:**

The KYC flow is a 6-step process. A progress bar at the top of every screen shows exactly where you are in the journey. Steps must be completed in order and cannot be skipped.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Have all your documents ready before you start. Stopping midway through the process may require you to restart certain steps from the beginning.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

## Step 1: Product Selection

<figure><img src="https://3461027950-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnXdbiEUVeVXYdRx9uug6%2Fuploads%2F0OwMmWzBLniPcWYoUh6x%2FSpendl%20KYC%20Walk%20Through%20Step%201%20-%20Product.png?alt=media&amp;token=2a4fa102-73b3-43bc-ae25-b3498bf93ff0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

> **Choose the product you want to apply for to tailor the flow.**

The first step determines what features you will have access to on the Spendl platform. Your selection here shapes the rest of the KYC flow, so take a moment to choose the right option upfront.

### South African Residence

You will first be asked whether you have a South African residence.

| Answer | What it means                                                 |
| ------ | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Yes    | Proceeds to full product selection with all options available |
| No     | Limits available products based on your residency status      |

### What would you like access to?

| Product              | What you get                                                                                | Monthly Limit        |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------- |
| Spendl Wallet        | Digital wallet to send, receive, and manage funds. Can be upgraded to include a card later. | Wallet only          |
| Spendl Wallet + Card | Full wallet access plus a physical Spendl Card for spending worldwide.                      | See card plans below |

### Card Plans

If you select Spendl Wallet + Card, you will be asked to choose a Card Plan. This determines your monthly spending limit on your Spendl Card.

| Plan  | Monthly Limit | Availability    |
| ----- | ------------- | --------------- |
| Smart | R25,000 / mo  | No SA Nationals |
| Savvy | R100,000 / mo | Coming Soon     |
| Guru  | R500,000 / mo | Premium         |

### FICA Requirements per Plan

| Plan | SA Citizens             | Foreign Nationals                           |
| ---- | ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| Guru | ID + Proof of Residence | Passport + Work Permit + Proof of Residence |

{% hint style="info" %}
**Best Practice:** Choose the right product upfront. If you intend to use a physical Spendl Card for everyday spending, select Spendl Wallet + Card now. Upgrading from Wallet only to Wallet + Card later is possible but requires completing an additional KYC step.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
The Savvy plan is coming soon. If you are looking for a higher monthly limit, select Guru for now or revisit once Savvy becomes available.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Step 2: Personal Information

<figure><img src="https://3461027950-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnXdbiEUVeVXYdRx9uug6%2Fuploads%2FC8rLS9Uq7Nqp1lFgANVT%2FSpendl%20KYC%20Walk%20Through%20Step%202%20-%20Personal%20.png?alt=media&amp;token=eacb9b7c-f74a-45eb-b2df-613d7e07f03c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

> **Contact details and personal information. All fields must exactly match your official identity document.**

This step collects the core personal details tied to your Spendl account. Accuracy here is critical. Any mismatch between the information you enter and the documents you upload in Step 3 will result in your application being rejected.

### Fields to complete

| Field                       | What to enter                                                                                     |
| --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Email                       | Your registered email address. Tap Add alternative email to add a second address.                 |
| Title                       | Select your title from the dropdown (e.g. Mr, Mrs, Ms, Dr)                                        |
| First Name(s)               | As they appear on your ID document, including all middle names                                    |
| Surname                     | As it appears on your ID document                                                                 |
| Date of Birth               | Select from the date picker                                                                       |
| Gender                      | Select from the dropdown                                                                          |
| Language                    | Your preferred language for communications                                                        |
| Source of Funds             | Where your money comes from (e.g. Salary, Business Income, Pension)                               |
| Intended Purpose of Account | Why you are opening the account (e.g. Personal Use, Business Expenses)                            |
| Phone                       | Your primary South African mobile number (+27). Tap Add alternative phone to add a second number. |

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Critical:** Your First + Middle Name and Surname must be entered exactly as they appear on your ID document, including all middle names and correct spelling. Even a small mismatch between this form and your uploaded ID document will cause your KYC application to be rejected and you will need to resubmit.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Best Practice:** Before filling in this step, have your ID document open in front of you and copy your name character by character. Do not rely on memory. This is the single most common reason for KYC rejections.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Step 3: Identification

<figure><img src="https://3461027950-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnXdbiEUVeVXYdRx9uug6%2Fuploads%2FeuUpAJ0x8BvU75roXTML%2FSpendl%20KYC%20Walk%20Through%20Step%203%20-Identification.png?alt=media&amp;token=45df552d-bf20-446d-8aa9-126853b8156b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

> **Identity and residency details. A valid identity document upload is required to proceed.**

This step verifies who you are. You will need to provide your identity details and upload a clear photo or scan of your identity document.

### Fields to complete

| Field                | What to enter                                                                                          |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Nationality          | Your nationality (e.g. South Africa)                                                                   |
| Country of Residence | The country you currently live in                                                                      |
| Residence Indicator  | Select Resident or Non-Resident                                                                        |
| Identity Type        | Select ID (Smart Card) or Passport                                                                     |
| Are you a PEP / PIP? | Declare whether you are a Politically Exposed Person or Prominent Influential Person. Required by law. |
| ID / Passport Number | Your full ID or passport number as it appears on the document                                          |
| Country of Issue     | The country that issued your document                                                                  |
| Issue Date           | The date your document was issued                                                                      |
| Upload ID Front      | A clear photo or scan of the front of your document                                                    |

### Document Upload Requirements

| Identity Type | What to upload                                     |
| ------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| ID Smart Card | Front AND back of the Smart Card                   |
| Passport      | Single photo of the personal information page only |

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Critical:** The document image must be clear, fully in frame, and free from glare, shadows, or obstructions. Blurry or cropped images are one of the most common reasons for KYC rejection. Use a flat surface, good lighting, and make sure all four corners of the document are visible.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
**PEP / PIP Declaration:** If you are a Politically Exposed Person or Prominent Influential Person, you are legally required to declare this. Selecting No when the answer is Yes is a compliance violation and may result in your account being permanently suspended.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Best Practice:** Take your document photo in a well-lit room against a plain dark background. Avoid photographing under direct overhead light as this causes glare across the document surface. If using a scan, ensure the scanner resolution is set to at least 300 DPI.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Step 4: Residential Address

<figure><img src="https://3461027950-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnXdbiEUVeVXYdRx9uug6%2Fuploads%2FcRgd21WgwdYXCNbdGCF6%2FSpendl%20KYC%20Walk%20Through%20Step%204%20-%20Address.png?alt=media&amp;token=d2f4c527-4368-4cc9-a8e1-de830cd59fb2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

> **Your current residential address and a supporting Proof of Residence document.**

This step captures where you live. You will need to provide your full address and upload a valid Proof of Residence document to confirm it.

### Fields to complete

| Field                        | What to enter                                                           |
| ---------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Address Type                 | Select Residential                                                      |
| Residential Address          | Search for your address using the search bar, or fill in manually below |
| Street Number                | Your street number                                                      |
| Street Name                  | Your street name                                                        |
| Apt/Suite/Floor              | Optional. Add your unit or apartment number if applicable               |
| Suburb                       | Your suburb                                                             |
| City                         | Your city                                                               |
| Province                     | Select from the dropdown                                                |
| Postal Code                  | Your 4-digit postal code                                                |
| Residential Status           | Select whether you are a Tenant, Owner, or other status                 |
| Postal address same as above | Tick this if your postal address matches your residential address       |
| Proof of Residence           | Upload your supporting document (max 10 MB)                             |

### Accepted Proof of Residence Documents

| Document Type           | Requirements                                                   |
| ----------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Utility bill            | Not older than 3 months. Must show your full name and address. |
| Bank statement          | Not older than 3 months. Must show your full name and address. |
| Municipal rates account | Not older than 3 months. Must show your full name and address. |
| Lease agreement         | Signed. Must show your full name and address.                  |

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Critical:** A PO Box address is not accepted as a residential address. You must provide a physical street address where you actually reside.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important:** The name on your Proof of Residence document must match the name you entered in Step 2 exactly. A document in a different name will be rejected even if the address is correct.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Best Practice:** Use a recent bank statement as your Proof of Residence if possible. Bank statements are the most consistently accepted document type and are readily available through your bank's online portal. Make sure the statement is not older than 3 months from the date you submit your KYC application.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Step 5: Employment Details

<figure><img src="https://3461027950-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnXdbiEUVeVXYdRx9uug6%2Fuploads%2FKYAhegxx6Mld0Fpxuzg7%2FSpendl%20KYC%20Walk%20Through%20Step%205%20-%20Work%20Details%20Types.png?alt=media&amp;token=5cee7814-60e3-4369-a0c6-6e5f96fb7214" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

> **Your current work details for FICA compliance purposes.**

This step captures your employment information. This is a regulatory requirement and is used to understand the context of your financial activity on the platform.

### Fields to complete

| Field             | What to enter                                                                |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Company Name      | The name of your current employer or your own business name if self-employed |
| Employment Status | Select the option that best describes your current situation                 |

### Employment Status Options

| Status               | Who it applies to                                       |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| Employed             | Working full-time or part-time for an employer          |
| Self Employed        | Running your own business or working for yourself       |
| Unemployed           | Not currently working                                   |
| Temporarily Employed | On a fixed-term or contract basis                       |
| Professional         | Licensed professional (e.g. doctor, lawyer, accountant) |
| Retired              | No longer in active employment                          |
| Pensioned            | Receiving a pension as primary income                   |
| Student              | Currently studying as primary occupation                |
| Freelance            | Working independently across multiple clients           |

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important:** Do not leave the Company Name field blank even if you are unemployed, retired, or a student. Enter N/A if no company name applies to your situation. Leaving the field blank may delay your KYC review.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Best Practice:** If you are self-employed, enter your registered business or trading name as the Company Name rather than your personal name. If you freelance or consult, enter your primary trading name or the name you invoice clients under.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Step 6: Confirm and Submit

<figure><img src="https://3461027950-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnXdbiEUVeVXYdRx9uug6%2Fuploads%2FsCrV5Xs9id3rzUKljp7h%2FSpendl%20KYC%20Walk%20Through%20Step%206%20-%20Confirm.png?alt=media&amp;token=8e22bcdb-5a25-476f-b61d-daab13063a72" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

> **Review the legal declaration, accept the Terms and Conditions, and submit your application.**

This is the final step. Before submitting, read the declaration carefully. By ticking both boxes and submitting, you are making a legal declaration under FICA regulations.

### What you must do

| Action                        | Detail                                                                                                                            |
| ----------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Read the declaration          | Confirms that the FICA documents you uploaded were uploaded by the document owner and match the personal information you captured |
| Tick the FICA confirmation    | "I confirm that the FICA documents attached were uploaded by the document owner and match the personal information captured"      |
| Tick the Terms and Conditions | "I accept the Terms & Conditions"                                                                                                 |
| View documentation (optional) | Tap this link to read the full Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and compliance documentation before accepting                |
| Submit                        | Tap Submit to send your application to the Spendl compliance team for review                                                      |

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Critical:** Do not tick the FICA confirmation unless every document you uploaded genuinely belongs to you and accurately matches the personal information you entered. Submitting inaccurate or mismatched information is a compliance violation under South African law and may result in your account being permanently suspended.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Best Practice:** Before tapping Submit, take a moment to go back through each step and verify that your name, ID number, address, and uploaded documents are all consistent and accurate. Once submitted, your application goes directly to the compliance team for review. Corrections after submission require you to contact Spendl support.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## After Submission

Once you tap Submit, your KYC application is sent to the Spendl compliance team for review.

| What happens         | Timeline                                |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| Application received | Immediately                             |
| Compliance review    | Varies. You will be notified by email.  |
| Account approved     | Full platform access unlocked           |
| Account pending      | Limited access until review is complete |

{% hint style="info" %}
You will receive an email notification once your application has been reviewed. Keep an eye on your inbox, including your spam or junk folder, in case the notification lands there.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
If your application is rejected, you will receive an email explaining the reason. The most common reasons are a name mismatch between the form and the uploaded ID, a blurry or incomplete document photo, or a Proof of Residence document that is older than 3 months. Address the issue and resubmit.
{% endhint %}