A Non-Profit Account is for registered charities that want to use Payfast to receive donations and/or payments. Examples of registered Non-Profits are:
- Non-Profit Organisation
- Public Benefits Organisation
- Section 21 or Not For Profit Company
- Trust
How do I verify my account?
To verify your account, you will need to provide us with the documentation indicated below. You can securely submit the documents through your Payfast Dashboard (documents must be legible).
Required documentation:
1. Proof of registration
Non-Profit Organisation (NPO):
- A copy of NPO registration certificate as issued by the Department of Social Development.
Public Benefits Organisation (PBO):
- A copy of PBO registration confirmation as issued by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) (if applicable)
Section 21 Company / NPC:
- A copy of the company's registration documents that reflect the company is a registered Section 21 company or an NPC (Non-profit company)
- Trust registration documentation (IT number)
- Or the Trust Agreement / Deed of Trust
2. Proof of physical address of the organisation
A document that must reflect the organisation's name and physical address.
Please note: We cannot accept proof of address that is sent to a PO Box address.
Here is a list of valid documents that can be used to verify an organisation's physical address:
- A utility bill, such as water, electricity or rates (less than 3 months old)
- A bank statement or financial statement from a financial institution (less than 3 months old)
- A copy of a signed lease agreement (by both parties), (less than 1 year old)
- A CIPC document such as a COR 18.3 or CM26 reflecting the organisation’s address (registration number and business name) can be put forward as well
- A municipal rates and taxes invoice (less than 3 months old)
- A mortgage statement from another financial institution, (less than 6 months old)
- A telephone account, i.e a landline or cellphone account (less than 3 months old)
- An official tax return/tax assessment (less than 1 year old)
- Official correspondence from the South African Revenue Services (SARS) (less than 3 months old)
- A recent insurance policy issued by an insurance company for your organisation
- Correspondence from a body corporate or share-block association (less than 3 months old)
- A valid television license document
- A recent short-term insurance policy document or a short-term insurance renewal letter (less than 1 year old)
- A retail account statement (less than 3 months old)
- A written affidavit signed and stamped by a registered commissioner of oaths which confirms that the organisation is permitted to operate from a legitimate address.
3. Proof of the organisation's bank account
Please note: We cannot accept an internet banking transaction statement. A scanned paper statement or an electronic monthly statement issued by the bank are acceptable.
A single document is sufficient, below is a list of examples that could be used:
- Bank account statement reflecting the organisation's name and bank account number
- A letter from the bank reflecting the organisation's name and bank account number
- A cancelled cheque reflecting the organisation's name and bank account number
4. Proof of the organisation's director showing:
5. Proof of one additional organisation's director (should there be more than one) showing:
Where do I upload the documents?
- Log into your Payfast account.
Navigate to Account > Verification Documents.
- Upload the necessary verification documents.
- Click Submit Documents.
Our Support team will review your documentation and send you an email with an update on your account status.
Please note: Only registered non-profits can receive donations. You can log into your Payfast Non-Profit Account while your account is pending verification, but you won’t be able to receive any donations during this time.
Downgrading your account
Your Non-Profit Account can’t be downgraded to a Company Account if payments were processed and paid out to your non-profit's bank account. You will be required to register a new Company Account.