Activate Your Account | Cashfree Payments

To activate a Cashfree Payments account, you must complete the onboarding process, submit entity-specific documents, and verify business details. For exploration, the sandbox environment allows you to test Cashfree products and simulate payment scenarios before going live. This page covers the following topics:

Create an account
Explore test environment
Required documents
Documents by entity type

Create an account

To create a Cashfree Payments account, complete the following steps:

Go to the Cashfree sign up page.
Provide the business email address and set a password, then select Continue. Alternatively, select Sign up with Google to create the account directly.
Enter the mobile number, select Create account, and verify it using the OTP sent to the registered phone.

Select the checkbox to receive account updates via WhatsApp. Cashfree may contact you for clarifications during the onboarding process.

After signing up, follow the instructions to complete account activation:

Business details

On the Business details page, enter the brand name, select the product or service category, and choose the annual turnover range from the dropdown menu. Select Continue to proceed.

Choose your solution

On the Choose your solution page, select the product that best fits the business needs. Provide the following details based on the selection:

Collect Payments
Verify My Customers
Make Payouts

Accept and automate online payments from customers across web and mobile apps while ensuring high conversion rates.

Requirements: Provide the website URL or the Play Store or App Store URL for the app.

Select Continue after choosing the preferred solution.

KYC information

On the KYC information page, provide the following details:

Business registration details: Enter a valid business PAN number. The system uses the PAN to fetch the legal name and GST, CIN, LLPIN data.

The remaining steps on the KYC information page vary based on the business structure:

Individual
Registered entity

Archetype identification: The system automatically identifies individuals using the fourth digit “P” of the provided PAN.
Business owner verification:
- OTP verification: Complete identity verification instantly using the Aadhaar number and the OTP sent to the registered mobile number.
- DigiLocker verification: Securely authenticate and share Aadhaar information via the DigiLocker account.
- CKYC verification: Use the Central KYC (CKYC) record to prefill details automatically. This method is optional.
CKYC verification flow: If CKYC verification is chosen, follow the steps below to complete it:
1
Authenticate via CKYC
If CKYC verification is chosen, enter the mobile number and OTP linked to the PAN’s CKYC record. The system will then securely retrieve their identifying documents.
2
Verify and confirm documents
Once the records are fetched, review the retrieved document (such as a driving licence or PAN). If the details are correct, click Confirm. You can also remove and upload a new document if needed.
Principal place of business: Enter the complete and accurate business address. The business location is subject to physical verification.

Upload business documents: For proprietorship businesses, upload at least two proofs of business (such as Udyam, Shop & Establishment, or MSME certificate).
- Municipal certificate
- Udyog Aadhaar
- Shop & Establishment certificate
- Other government-issued registration proofs
If you do not have these documents, Cashfree changes the business type to Unregistered.

Archetype identification: The system automatically identifies registered entities if the fourth digit of the provided PAN is not “P”. For example, the fourth letter of a business PAN is “C”.
Authorised signatory verification: An authorised signatory must be verified to access the CKYC information and complete the KYC.

After getting consent of the merchant, the CKYC record is automatically retrieved using the business PAN and Date of Incorporation (DOI).

Beneficial owner (BO) details: Identify all individuals who hold a significant beneficial interest in the business, as required under the RBI KYC Master Direction.
1
Review the prefilled BO list
The system identifies potential beneficial owners and executives based on the merchant’s records.

Verified BOs: If a BO has a green Verified status, no further action is required for them.

Once the list is accurate, select Confirm Beneficial Owners to proceed.
Once the verification is complete and the final list is confirmed, it becomes a frozen list. Beneficial Owner details cannot be changed or edited from the dashboard after that.
2
Select and verify unverified BOs
In case you are required to verify an unverified BO, you will see three verification options:

CKYC verification: Verify using the mobile number and OTP linked to their CKYC record.

DigiLocker verification: Authenticate via Aadhaar on their DigiLocker account.

OTP verification: Verify instantly using Aadhaar number and an OTP.
3
Authenticate via CKYC
If CKYC verification is chosen, enter the mobile number and OTP linked to the PAN’s CKYC record. The system will then securely retrieve their identifying documents.
4
Verify and confirm documents
Once the records are fetched, review the retrieved document (such as a driving licence or PAN). If the details are correct, click Confirm. You can also remove and upload a new document if needed.

A beneficial owner is any individual who:

Holds more than 10% of the ownership or share capital in a company, partnership, or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
Holds more than 15% of the interest in an association, body of individuals (BOI), or society.
Is entitled to 10% or more of the interest in a trust.

Beneficial owners do not need to be identified for publicly listed companies or their majority-owned subsidiaries.

Principal place of business: Enter the complete and accurate business address. The business location is subject to physical verification.

Upload business documents: Provide the required business documents for final verification.

The exact documents required for upload vary depending on entity type. See documents by entity type for the list that applies to your business.

Bank account setup

On the Bank account setup page, enter the company’s bank account number and IFSC code to ensure settlements reach the correct account. Click Verify to validate the details.

The first transaction in newly opened accounts must be a credit from an existing KYC-complied bank account of the customer.

Video KYC and submit

Video KYC (V-CIP) is a remote video call used to complete KYC for individuals or the authorised signatory when required.

When V-CIP is required
- V-CIP is triggered if Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) fails, or if additional supporting documents are still needed after EDD.
When V-CIP can be deferred
- If EDD is successful and any requested documents are uploaded and verified, V-CIP is not required and can be deferred.

Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) is an additional risk check performed before moving to V-CIP. EDD typically includes address verification, automated website and PAN checks, validation that the first transaction comes from an existing KYC-complied bank account, and review of email and phone communication trails. If these checks pass, the system relies on EDD and V-CIP is usually not required.

Select Submit to verify to finalise the application. After a brief verification process, you receive a confirmation, allowing you to start integrating Cashfree Payments into your platform.

Account activation typically takes 24 working hours after you submit all required documents, subject to compliance verification.

The video below highlights the detailed process of account creation.

Explore test environment

The test environment serves as a sandbox to explore and experiment with Cashfree Payments features without any financial impact. You can:

Familiarise yourself with the dashboard interface.
Explore integrations and read product documents.
Test product features and simulate various payment scenarios.
Verify workflows before going live.

Once you are confident with the setup in the test environment, you can activate your account to start processing real payments.

Required documents

Account activation requires verification of the business and the identity of the person(s) who will operate it. Requirements vary by entity and line of business; see Documents by entity type for the list that applies to your business.

Business owner identification

Cashfree verifies the identity of the business owner or the person authorised to act for the business (authorised signatory) in one of these ways:

Method	Description
Aadhaar OTP	Cashfree sends a one-time password (OTP) to the mobile number linked to the Aadhaar. The merchant enters it to confirm identity. This is the most common method.
Central KYC (CKYC)	If KYC has already been completed with a bank or another regulated entity, details may be in the Central KYC registry. With consent, Cashfree fetches them so the merchant does not have to re-enter everything. Cashfree must attempt this for individuals as per guidelines.
DigiLocker	The merchant can sign in to their DigiLocker account and share Aadhaar or another government ID from there. Cashfree uses it to verify identity without a physical document upload.
Manual (original valid document)	If Aadhaar OTP, CKYC, or DigiLocker doesn’t work (e.g. mobile not linked, or technical issue), Cashfree accepts a certified copy of an original valid document such as a passport, voter ID, or driving licence.

Documents by line of business (LOB)

Additional documents are required based on the business category to determine the Merchant Category Code (MCC) and ownership.

Category	Sub-category	Documents
SaaS	Software as a service (SaaS)	AOC for PCI-DSS compliance
SaaS	Food, health and beauty supplements	FSSAI
Education	Schools, colleges, vocational schools	UGC certificate/ICSE/CBSE/AICTE
Finance	Forex	FEMA registration, FFMC certificate
Finance	Payment service provider	PA PG licence, nodal account
Finance	Stock brokerage and trading	SEBI certificate
Finance	Lending	NBFCs or SLAs with RBI approved NBFCs
Utilities	Electric, gas, water	BBPS certificate
Travel	Tours and travel agencies	IATA certificate or IRCTC agency certificate

Website compliance

Cashfree automatically checks the merchant’s website or app for:

What is checked	Description
Legal name match	Cashfree confirms that the business name on the site matches the one on the registration documents so the merchant’s ownership or representation can be verified.
Business category (MCC)	Cashfree verifies that the stated business category is correct using automated checks. This helps apply the right rules for the industry.

Documents by entity type

Based on the business entity type, different documents are required. The sections below list what is needed for each entity; merchants may also need extra documents by line of business.

Individuals (unregistered) or Proprietorship

For a sole proprietor, the PAN’s fourth character is P. The items below are what is needed to verify the merchant and the business.

Documents needed	Description
PAN or Form 60	The personal Permanent Account Number (PAN) used for the business. If the merchant does not have a PAN, Form 60 (a declaration) is used instead as per tax rules.
Bank details	The bank account where settlements are to be received. The account must be in the name of the business owner. Cashfree needs the account number and IFSC to verify it.
Aadhaar or Central KYC (CKYC)	Identity is verified using Aadhaar (OTP sent to the linked mobile) or by pulling details from the Central KYC registry if KYC has already been completed with a bank or other regulated entity. Cashfree must attempt CKYC for individuals as per guidelines.
Business proof	If Cashfree’s automated checks or address verification cannot confirm the business, at least two documents that show the business exists are required. Examples: GST registration, Udyam (MSME) certificate, Shop & Establishment licence, municipal or other local registration, tax returns, professional licence, IEC (import-export code), or any other government-issued business registration.

If the merchant’s details are in the Central KYC registry, Cashfree fetches them (including Aadhaar ID and permanent and current address where available) and fewer fields need to be filled. If not, Cashfree may ask for a short video call (Video KYC) to verify identity and address via DigiLocker or document upload.

Public or private limited company

For companies registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Cashfree verifies the company, the person who will operate the account (authorised signatory), and anyone with significant ownership (beneficial owners).

Documents needed	Description
Business PAN	The company’s Permanent Account Number (PAN). Cashfree uses it to fetch basic company details from government records.
Certificate of Incorporation (CIN)	The official document that shows the company was registered. Cashfree tries to fetch it automatically using the company PAN; if not available, the merchant may need to upload it.
Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)	The legal documents that define the company’s purpose, rules, and structure. Cashfree requires certified copies. They help confirm the company name, registered address, and who the directors and significant shareholders are.
Board resolution or power of attorney	A document from the company (on letterhead, signed by a director or company secretary) that authorises specific managers or officers to operate the Cashfree account on behalf of the company. A power of attorney can serve the same purpose if it clearly grants this authority.
Authorised signatory identity	The person who will operate the account must prove their identity. Cashfree accepts Aadhaar or PAN, and verifies them via Central KYC (CKYC), DigiLocker, or an uploaded copy of a valid ID (e.g. passport, voter ID, driving licence).
Beneficial owners	Anyone who holds a significant share or control in the company (as per RBI guidelines) must complete KYC. At least one beneficial owner must be verified for initial activation. Cashfree often prefills names from CKYC or from directors linked to the company PAN; the merchant confirms or adds anyone else.
Address	The company’s registered office address and, if different, the principal place of business. Cashfree uses this for verification and correspondence.

Cashfree prefills directors and the person operating the account from company records and Central KYC when possible; then the merchant confirms or adds details. If not, the merchant will need to upload board resolution, power of attorney, and identity documents, and Cashfree may ask for a video call.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or Partnership

For LLPs and partnerships, Cashfree verifies the firm, the person who will operate the account, and the partners.

Documents needed	Description
Business PAN	The firm’s or LLP’s Permanent Account Number (PAN).
LLPIN (for LLPs)	The Limited Liability Partnership Identification Number. Cashfree fetches it automatically for LLPs where possible.
Registration certificate	Official proof that the LLP or partnership is registered with the relevant authority (e.g. Registrar of Firms), where applicable.
Partnership deed	The legal agreement between partners that sets out profit-sharing, roles, and other terms. It is mandatory for partnerships and helps Cashfree identify partners and the person authorised to act for the firm.
Partner or signatory identity	The designated partner or person who will operate the Cashfree account must prove their identity using Aadhaar or PAN, verified via Central KYC (CKYC), DigiLocker, or an uploaded ID.
Partner KYC summary	A list of all partners (or designated partners for LLPs) and any authorised signatories, with their KYC details completed as per standard individual verification requirements.

Cashfree gets partner names from the deed and the person operating the account from Central KYC when available. If not, Cashfree may ask for the registration certificate and a video call to verify identity.

Society, trust, or NGO

For trusts, societies, and NGOs Cashfree verifies the entity, the person authorised to operate the account, and key functionaries (e.g. trustees).

Documents needed	Description
Entity PAN or Form 60	The trust’s, society’s, or NGO’s Permanent Account Number (PAN). If the entity doesn’t have a PAN, Form 60 is used as per tax rules.
Authorised signatory identity	The trustee, secretary, or other person who will operate the Cashfree account must prove their identity (Aadhaar or PAN) via Central KYC (CKYC), DigiLocker, or an uploaded ID.
Entity documents	Trust: Trust deed and, if the trust is registered, its registration certificate. NGO or Society: Registration certificate and, where applicable, 80G or 12A certificates (tax exemption documents). These help Cashfree confirm the entity’s name, purpose, and who runs it.
Key persons and beneficiaries	A list of trustees, key functionaries, and anyone else authorised to operate the account, with their KYC completed. For trusts, Cashfree may also need details of beneficiaries, settlor, or protector as per RBI KYC guidelines.

When the person operating the account is in Central KYC, Cashfree fetches their details and usually no video call is needed. Otherwise Cashfree may ask for a video call and the registration certificate (if the trust or society is registered).

Unincorporated association or body of individuals

For associations or bodies of individuals that are not registered as a company, LLP, or society, Cashfree needs proof of the group’s existence and who can act for it.

Documents needed	Description
Governing resolution	A resolution or decision from the managing body (e.g. committee) that authorises the relationship with Cashfree and names the person(s) who can operate the account.
PAN or Form 60	The PAN (or Form 60 if no PAN) in the name of the association or body of individuals.
Power of attorney	A document that authorises specific persons to carry out transactions and represent the association or body with Cashfree.
Authorised persons’ KYC	Identity and address verification for the beneficial owners, managers, officers, or employees who are authorised to operate the account, as per standard individual KYC requirements.
Existence documents	Any documents that together establish that the association or body exists and how it is structured (e.g. constitution, rules, or registration with a government or regulatory body).

Cashfree verifies the person authorised to act for the body; if their details are in Central KYC the process is simpler. Otherwise Cashfree may ask for a video call and documents such as the governing resolution, power of attorney, identity proof of the person authorised to act, or documents that establish the body’s existence.

Other juridical persons (e.g. local bodies, universities)

Entities such as local authorities, universities, or other legal persons created by law need to show who can act for them and that the entity exists.

Documents needed	Description
Authorisation documents	Documents that state the name of the person authorised to act on behalf of the entity and the scope of their authority (e.g. what they can sign or approve).
Authorised person’s KYC	Identity and address verification for that person, in line with standard individual KYC requirements.
Existence documents	Official documents that prove the entity exists—for example, registration or establishment acts, government notifications, or equivalent documents.

Identity of the person authorised to act is verified via Central KYC, DigiLocker, or document upload. If Cashfree cannot verify them automatically, a video call and documents such as authorisation proof and identity or existence documents may be requested.

Hindu undivided family (HUF)

A Hindu Undivided Family is a legal entity under Hindu law, comprising the family and its property. The Karta is the head of the HUF and typically manages its affairs.

Documents needed	Description
HUF PAN	The Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the HUF as an entity. It is mandatory for the HUF to have its own PAN.
Karta PAN	The PAN of the person who is the Karta (head) of the HUF. Cashfree uses this to verify the person managing the HUF.
Bank details	The HUF’s bank account number and IFSC code. Settlements will be credited to this account.
Aadhaar of Karta	The Karta’s Aadhaar number. Cashfree verifies it by sending an OTP to the mobile number linked to that Aadhaar.
HUF registration proof	A document that proves the HUF exists—typically the HUF deed, or a letter from the tax authority recognising the HUF.
Identity proof of Karta	A copy of a valid ID for the Karta: Aadhaar, driving licence, voter ID, or passport. This supports the KYC Cashfree performs for the person acting for the HUF.

When the Karta’s details are in Central KYC Cashfree fetches them and fewer steps are required. If not, Cashfree may ask for a video call and the HUF deed.

Help Center

Account and Onboarding

Payment Gateway

Payouts

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End Customer

Account Activation

Create an account

Explore test environment

Required documents

Business owner identification

Documents by line of business (LOB)

Website compliance

Documents by entity type

​Create an account

​Explore test environment

​Required documents

​Business owner identification

​Documents by line of business (LOB)

​Website compliance

​Documents by entity type

Create an account

Explore test environment

Required documents

Business owner identification

Documents by line of business (LOB)

Website compliance

Documents by entity type