Selecting the correct Flutterwave business account

Updated 13 months ago

Flutterwave offers different account types to cater to the specific needs of your business.

Business Account

  • Unregistered Business Account (Not available in all countries): Suitable for a business that needs to initiate registration or has not received its registration number. This account type allows access to our services and receipt of payments while awaiting formal registration. 

  • Registered Business Account: When your business has a registration number or has applied for one, you can choose from two account types::

    • Sole Proprietorship:  Select for individual businesses, freelancers, and small-scale operations where you are the sole owner of the business.

    • Limited Liability Company (LLC):  Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), Partnerships and Enterprises. It provides additional legal protection and flexibility.

  • Other Entity Account:Select Other Entity Account during registration if your organization is an NGO, Trust, Association or Co-operative Society. 

How to successfully verify your business on Flutterwave

To complete your Flutterwave account verification, here are some tips. 

  • Registered Business or Other Entity Account:  Connect your business bank or mobile money account that  matches your Flutterwave business account registration .

  • Non-Registered Business Account: Connect your personal bank or mobile money account when signing up for an unregistered business account. 

  • Your BVN name must match your valid ID and bank account name [for Nigerians].

  • Use the correct identity number during verification.

  • Provide original copies of your ID and business registration documents, copies are not accepted.

  • ID and business registration documents must be valid and in good condition. Expired, laminated, or damaged are not accepted. 

  • Take a well-lit picture of your ID. The entire image must be visible and legible. 

  • Submit both the front and back of your ID when verifying your ID document.

  • Place your valid ID on a surface with a distinct color from the ID to enhance visibility.

  • When submitting ID or business registration documents, use your device's camera to take a new picture of the original document. saved pictures are not accepted. 

  • For registered businesses, all business directors, and business owners must complete a separate verification process for you to start receiving payments. Each director and business owner will receive an email to complete verification. 

Businesses and services prohibited by Flutterwave

To maintain the quality and integrity of services offered through Flutterwave, we prohibit certain businesses from using our platform. To view the list of these businesses, please refer to our Support Resources.

Do I need registered business documents to open an account?

Account opening requirements vary by country or region. For example, business registration is mandatory to open an account in East African countries like Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. Check the specific regulations and requirements of your country of operation.

The onboarding experience is customized based on the business type selected. For example, when you choose an unregistered business, you will provide the required information, including trading name, bank details, business and residential address, and valid identification.

Can I register with multiple business accounts?

Yes, you can have multiple business accounts under your profile. To create additional business accounts:

  1. Log in to your dashboard

  2. On the bottom left of the dashboard, select your business details

  3. Choose "Your Businesses."

  4. Click on "See All Businesses."

  5. Select "New Business +" to create a new business account.

  6. Complete a new  account setup and KYC process to activate the new business account.

Subaccounts offer flexibility and convenience, as you can switch between your business  within your dashboard. However, each account is subject to regular compliance and transaction monitoring.

How to Add Collaborators to Your Flutterwave Dashboard

You can add collaborators to your Flutterwave account to delegate tasks and share responsibilities. Here's how: 

  1. Log in to your Flutterwave dashboard.

  2. Go to "Settings".

  3. Find "Teams" or "Permissions".

  4. Click "Invite new members".

  5. Enter the email of the person you want to invite as a collaborator.

  6. Choose the role or permissions for the collaborator.

  7. Send the invitation to the collaborator.

  8. The collaborator will receive an email invitation to join your account and can accept it to gain access.

What types of businesses does Flutterwave support?

Flutterwave supports a variety of businesses, including:

  • Freelancers

  • Individual business owners

  • Companies

  • Religious organizations

  • Trusts

  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

  • Associations

For a list of businesses that are not allowed, please visit here.

Is there a minimum amount required to open a business account?

There is no minimum account value required to open a business account.

Can I update my business information after creating an account?

Yes, you can update business information after creating an account, such as adding owners/directors, a business logo, settlement accounts, and more. To do this, email hi@flutterwavego.com and our support team will assist you. 

Card transactions are failing despite successful verification

You should have access to all local payment methods. However, some payment methods may take longer to configure despite successful verification.

Local card collections may take up to 24 hours to configure. You’ll be notified once all local card payment methods (including card) have been set up.

If the issue persists, please contact us at hi@flutterwavego.com.

Do I need a company website to create a Flutterwave business account?

If you don't have a website, you can provide your social media handle (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn).

Why is my verification failing?

The most common reasons for verification failures include:

  • ID is laminated, peeled, broken, or expired.

  • ID is printed or photocopied or is not of the original ID.

  • The name on the bank account does not match the business's name (for registered businesses/NGOs) or merchant (for unregistered businesses).

  • A corporate bank account is provided for an unregistered business account (or vice versa).

  • The name on your BVN (Bank Verification Number) does not match the name on your valid ID or bank account number (for Nigerian businesses).

  • A selfie taken in a poorly lit environment or provided with an unclear or blurry image can also cause verification to fail.

If you continue to have issues, please email our Support team at hi@flutterwavego.com.

How to create a Flutterwave account

Follow these steps to create an account:

  • Choose your account type: Business Account or Other Entity.

  • Enter your business details, such as the name and type.

  • Provide your physical business address, including the country, state/province, and city/suburb/region. Don't forget to attach proof of business address.

  • Upload relevant business documents, such as a Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, valid IDs of directors/trustees/owners, and any other necessary documents for your country and business type.

  • Select your preferred payout method for receiving payments.

  • Provide your valid ID number or tax identification number for verification.

  • Review your information for accuracy and submit your application.

  • We will review and verify your application.

Please note that account activation for South Africa, Egypt, Kenya and Ghana takes approximately 72 hours. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our support team at hi@flutterwavego.com.

I completed the onboarding process, but my account was not approved

If you have completed the onboarding process but your account is pending approval:

Double-check the information you submitted: 

  • Ensure all the information provided during the onboarding process is accurate and up-to-date.

  • Review your personal and business details, including required documents to ensure everything is correct.

Contact our customer support: 

  • If you're still experiencing issues, please contact our customer support team at hi@flutterwavego.com.

  • Please provide your account details, such as email address or Merchant ID and explain the issue. Don't forget to attach any available error messages or relevant documents.

  • The team will investigate the issue and guide you on the next steps.

What is document tampering?

Document tampering refers to any alteration or modification to an official document, such as your identification card or passport, that changes its original form. Examples include a laminated copy of an ID, peeled or broken ID, covering an ID with a nylon or transparent material, or an expired ID. These actions can lead to verification failures.

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