KYC Verification: Why You're Asked for It and How to Pass It Fast

KYC stands for "Know Your Customer". It's the identity check run by companies that move money, such as banks, digital wallets and payment processors like Pandablue. You're asked for it to confirm that the person getting paid is who they say they are, to protect your money from impersonation and to comply with anti-money-laundering rules. To pass it fast you need a valid ID, clear photos and the same details everywhere.

What exactly is KYC?

It's a verification you complete only once, when you start using Pandablue. In practice it comes down to three things:

1. Identifying yourself: full name, date of birth and ID number.
2. Checking your document: you upload a photo of your valid ID.
3. Proving it's you: you take a selfie with a liveness check, which is compared with the photo on your ID.

The verification is automatic. If your ID document changes later, write to support@pandablue.com to update it.

Why do they ask for it if I just want to get paid?

Because your payments are processed with your personal details. KYC exists for three reasons, and all three work in your favor:

• Nobody else can collect your money. Identity validation is there to prevent impersonation: if someone tries to get paid in your name, they won't pass the verification.
• Your payments are processed without interruptions. Once your identity is approved, Pandablue recognizes your details and can process your payments smoothly.
• Regulations are met. Verification is part of the anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist-financing obligations that every company moving money must follow.

Which documents should I have ready?

• Your valid ID. We recommend using the local ID of your country of residence: in Colombia, your cédula de ciudadanía; in Mexico, your INE; in Brazil, your RG. For the Wallet in Colombia, the cédula de extranjería is also accepted.
• A phone with a good camera and good lighting for the photo of your ID and the selfie.
• Your bank account details, in your name. Your details must match the account where you'll get paid exactly. Payments to third-party or company accounts aren't allowed.

Which mistakes slow down approval the most?

Most verifications that take longer have no real problem. They're delayed by details you can fix in a minute:

• Blurry photo or glare: place the document on a dark surface, no flash, with natural light in front of you.
• Document cut off in the photo: make sure all four corners are visible.
• Expired document: check the date before you start. Only valid documents are accepted.
• Selfie with glasses, a cap or a filter: uncovered face, plain background and no filters from any app.
• Different name on your ID and bank account: the account where you get paid must be in your name, spelled exactly as on your ID.
• Typos in your details: type your ID number calmly and double-check it before sending.

How long does verification take?

If your ID is valid and the photos are clear, you'll get a confirmation email within 24 hours. If it doesn't arrive, write to support@pandablue.com.

Good news: verification is done only once. As one Pandablue user said after completing it, once you're fully verified, the following transactions take less time.

What happens to my data after I'm verified?

Biometric data, such as your selfie and facial recognition, is used exclusively to validate your identity and prevent impersonation. Pandablue operates with PCI-DSS certification and protects information with measures such as encryption. You can read in detail how your data is handled in our privacy policy.

What if I work with a studio?

The studio goes through its own verification too: it uploads its documents as a legal entity or individual before its panel is created. In addition, every model who gets paid through the studio verifies her identity once with a photo of her ID. If a payment is created before that verification, the model receives an automatic email with the steps to follow.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to send a photo of my ID?

Yes, as long as you send it through Pandablue's official channels: the app or the verification link contentcreators.pandablue.com/validate. If someone asks for your documents any other way, check with support first.

My verification was rejected. What do I do?

Check the list of common mistakes, fix whatever is missing and submit it again at contentcreators.pandablue.com/validate. If you have a pending payment, it stays on hold for up to 15 days while you submit the new verification.

Can I get paid while I'm being verified?

Your payment is processed once your verification is approved. If it isn't approved, the payment stays pending for up to 15 days; after that, the transaction expires and the payment is rejected. That's why it's best to verify as soon as you create your account, before your first payment.

Do I have to verify again if I change banks?

No. You just edit your payout details on the platform where you earn, and the change applies from your next payment. The account must still be in your name. If what changes is your ID document, write to support@pandablue.com.

Verify once and get paid without delays. Create your Pandablue account →