There are different requirments for opening a Flutterwave business account, depending on the kind of enterprise you operate.

Requirements for unregistered businesses

1. Website URL or Social Media page.

2. Residential address with proof of address. This can be a reference letter from your mobile money provider confirming your address and including account details.

3. Payout details, including bank account number, bank name, account name, email address, phone number, and SWIFT code.

4. Estimated monthly sales.

5. Business profile detailing the nature of your business activities.

6. Resident permit (only if your nationality is not the same as your home country).

7. Copy of SARS document confirming income tax number

8. Valid means of ID that is clear and legible. Acceptable forms of ID include:

   • International passport

   • National ID card

   • Driver's license

Please note that the expiry date on your ID should not be within 6 months of the date you submit it.

Requirements for sole proprietorship

1. Business owner and representative ID and proof of address, such as:

   • Utility bill or municipal bill

   • Statement from property managing agent or lights account

   • Telephone or cellular telephone statement

   • Business statement other than your own

   • Signed lease or rental agreement not older than 12 months

   • Letter or statement from a corporate or governing body

   • Insurance policy documents.

2. Corporate bank account details (bank account number, bank name, account name, email address, phone number, and SWIFT code).

3. Operational business address with attached proof of address from any of the following:

   • Utility bill or municipal bill

   • Statement from property managing agent or lights account

   • Telephone or cellular telephone statement

   • Business statement other than your own

   • Signed lease or rental agreement not older than 12 months

   • Letter or statement from a corporate or governing body

   • Insurance policy documents.

4. Verifiable website URL showing business activities

5. Estimated monthly sales

6. Copy of SARS document confirming income tax or VAT registration number for the company.

7. Bank-stamped bank statements or bank letters

8. Resident permit (only if nationality is not the same as home country)

9. Payout details: bank account number, bank name, account name, email address, phone number, and SWIFT code.

10. Valid means of ID (clear and legible), such as:

    • International passport

    • Driver's license

    • Smart ID

    • Green identity document

Please note: The expiry date of your identity document should not be later than 6 months from the submission date.

Requirements for a Limited Liability Company

1. Certificate of Incorporation

2. Memorandum of Incorporation

3. Business representative, Directors' & shareholders' IDs, and proof of address – this could be any of the following:

   • Utility bill (e.g., municipal water and lights account or property managing agent statement)

   • Business statement other than your own

   • Telephone or cellular telephone statement

4. Shareholder structure

5. Corporate Bank Account details (bank account number, bank name, account name, email address, phone number, and SWIFT code)

6. Proof of Operational Business Address from  the following:

   • Utility or Municipal bill

   • Lights account or property managing agent statement

   • Telephone or cellular telephone statement

   • Business statement other than your own

   • Signed lease/rental agreement not older than 12 months

   • Body corporate/governing body letter or statement

   • Insurance policy documents

7. Verifiable website URL showing business activities

8. Operating License (where business is regulated)

9. Estimated Monthly Sales

10. Bank-stamped bank statements or bank letters

11. Copy of SARS document confirming Income tax/VAT registration number for the company

12. Resident permit (only show if nationality is not the same as home country)

13. Payout details: Bank account number, bank name, account name, email address, phone number, and SWIFT code

14. Valid means of ID, such as:

    • International passport

    • Driver's License

    • Smart ID

    • Green Identity Document

Please note: The expiry date of your identity document should not be more than 6 months later than the day you are submitting it.

Requirements for other entities

1. Certificate of Incorporation

2. Memorandum of Incorporation

3. Bank-stamped bank statements or bank letter

4. Business owner/ Trustee Original Valid IDs, and Proof of address from  the following:

   • Utility or Municipal bill

   • Lights account or property managing agent statement

   • Telephone or cellular telephone statement

   • Business statement other than your own

   • Signed lease/rental agreement not older than 12 months

   • Body corporate/ governing body letter or statement

   • Insurance policy documents

5. Corporate bank account details (bank account number, bank name, account name, email address, phone number, and SWIFT code).

6. Proof of operational business address from the following:

   • Utility or Municipal bill

   • Lights account or property managing agent statement

   • Telephone or cellular telephone statement

   • Business statement other than your own

   • Signed lease/rental agreement not older than 12 months

   • Body corporate/ governing body letter or statement

   • Insurance policy documents

7. Verifiable website URL showing business activities

8. Estimated monthly sales

9. Residence permit/authorization to live and work (only show if nationality is not the same as the home country.

10. Valid means of ID, such as:

    • International passport

    • Driver's license

    • Smart ID

    • Green Identity Document

Please note: The expiry dates for your identity document should not be later than 6 months from the day you submit it.

FAQs about onboarding in South Africa

What is a Tax Identification Number?

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) in South Africa is a unique 10-digit number issued by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for tax purposes. It identifies individuals and entities and is required for tax-related transactions such as filing returns and paying taxes.

How long does it take to approve my account?

The account approval process usually takes 72 hours. You will receive an email notification once your account is approved. If you have further questions or need assistance with your account, please contact hi.southafrica@flutterwave.com. 

​​Can I upgrade my unregistered business account to a registered business account?

For assistance upgrading your account, please contact our Support team at hi.southafrica@flutterwave.com. You can also find the specific account upgrade requirements here.

What payout (transfer) method is available to South African merchants?

We have two payout options for South African merchants: direct bank transfers and wallet payouts. Using these options, you can quickly transfer your funds directly to your designated bank account or from your wallet to another Flutterwave business wallet.

When signing up, you need to provide your bank account details, including the bank's name, account number, account name, email address, phone number, and SWIFT code (if applicable). This information is necessary to transfer your payouts to your preferred bank account.

What collection method is available to South African businesses?

South African businesses can choose from a range of collection methods, such as card collection, bank collections (including NEDBANK, FNB, ABSA, STANDARD BANK, INVESTEC, AFRICAN BANK, BIDVEST BANK, TYMEBANK), 1Voucher, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.