Verify a Sole Trader Account

Verify a Sole Trader Account

A Sole Trader account is intended for a sole proprietor or partnership that is not registered with CIPC/CIPRO and wants to receive payments.

Examples of those who can register a Sole Trader account are:

  1. A person
  2. Sole proprietorship
  3. Partnership

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 identity of account holder (What can I use?)

A single document is sufficient, below is a list of examples that could be used:

  • A colour scan of your ID document/passport/smart ID card (back and front)
  • A colour photo of your ID document/passport/smart ID card (back and front)
  • A grayscale certified copy of your ID document/passport/smart ID card (back and front) (a pure black and white copy is insufficient)

  1. 2. Proof of physical address 

A document that must reflect name/initials and surname, physical address or property descriptions (i.e. erf/stand numbers) and must be less than 3 months old.

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 a physical residential address:

  • A utility bill, such as water, electricity or rates (less than 3 months) 
  • 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 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, ie. 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 life insurance policy issued by an insurance company
  • 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/invoice (less than 3 months old)
  • A letter from a municipal representative (eg. ward councillor), on the municipality's letterhead, confirming that an individual is permitted to reside on land managed/serviced by that municipality, bearing the stamp of the relevant municipal authority

Unacceptable documents:

  • Once-off invoices, ie. Doctors accounts or invoices from plumbers
  • Proof of address sent to a PO Box address

3. Proof of bank account ownership of account holder

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:

  • A bank account statement showing your name and bank account number
  • A letter from your bank confirming your name and bank account number
  • A cancelled cheque showing your name and bank account number

Where do I upload the documents?

  1. Log into your Payfast account.
  2. Navigate to Account > Verification Documents.  
  3. Upload the necessary verification documents.
  4. Click Submit Documents.

Our Support team will review your documentation and send you an email with an update on your account status.

Partnerships registering as a Sole Trader account

Partnerships registering a Sole Trader account must provide a partnership agreement. This document must state who is in the partnership along with both their identity documents. Any changes that could potentially be made must be clearly stipulated in the partnership agreement.

Upgrading your account

If you have a Sole Trader Account and want to upgrade it to a Company Account, you can follow the instructions for upgrading your account.


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