To verify a trading account you normally need two documents: one proving who you are, such as a passport or national identity card, and one proving where you live, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement. Many brokers add a selfie or short video check, and larger deposits can trigger questions about the source of funds. These “know your customer” checks are a legal requirement, and they are what allows withdrawals.
Key takeaways
- Proof of identity: a valid passport, national ID card or, in some countries, driving licence.
- Proof of address: a document showing your name and address, usually dated within the last three to six months.
- The name must match exactly across the account, the documents and payment methods.
- Screenshots, cropped images and expired documents are the most common reasons for rejection.
- You may also be asked questions about trading experience, because CFDs are complex products.
| Proof of identity | Passport, national ID card, or driving licence where accepted |
|---|---|
| Proof of address | Utility bill, bank statement, tax or council document |
| Address document age | Issued within the last 6 months |
| Selfie or liveness check | Completed in the client area on a phone camera |
| Typical review time | Within one business day of a complete submission |
| Unlocks | Withdrawals and, in some cases, higher deposit limits |
The documents you will be asked for
| Type | Usually accepted | Usually rejected |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of identity | Passport, national identity card, driving licence where accepted | Expired documents, photocopies of photocopies, student or work cards |
| Proof of address | Utility bill, bank or card statement, tax letter, government letter | Mobile phone bills in some cases, envelopes, documents older than the limit, screenshots of apps |
| Selfie check | A live photo or short video taken in the client area | Old photos, photos of screens |
| Source of funds | Payslip, bank statement, tax return, sale documents | Unsupported explanations |
Why brokers ask for all this
Regulated firms must identify their clients, check that funds come from legitimate sources and screen against sanctions lists. That obligation applies to every licensed broker, including under the licence described in FSC Mauritius licence explained. Verification also protects you: it is what stops someone else from withdrawing your money. Many brokers also ask a short set of questions about your knowledge and experience, because CFDs are complex leveraged products and the firm must judge whether they are appropriate for you.
How to get it right first time
- Use original documents. Photograph or scan the real document, not a copy, in good light.
- Show all four corners. Cropped edges are one of the most common reasons for rejection.
- Check the date. The address document must be recent; issued within the last 6 months.
- Match the names. The name on the documents, the account and your payment methods must be the same.
- Use a supported format. Colour images or PDFs; no screenshots of banking apps unless they show the full statement.
- Submit everything together. Partial submissions wait in the queue until the set is complete.
Common reasons a document is rejected
| Reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| Document expired | Upload a valid one |
| Address document too old | Use a statement from the last few months |
| Name does not match | Use documents in the account holder’s full legal name |
| Image blurred, cropped or glared | Re-take in daylight, flat, all corners visible |
| Address differs from the one on the account | Update the address first, then upload |
| Document in an unsupported language | Provide a certified translation if requested |
Once approved, withdrawals are available; how they work is covered in deposits and withdrawals explained. If you want to try the platform before verifying anything, open a demo account.
Common mistakes to avoid
Using documents in another name. Accounts must be in the name of the person trading.
Uploading edited images. Altered documents lead to rejection and can close an account.
Leaving verification until you want to withdraw. It delays the first payout.
Sending documents by email or chat. Upload only through the secure client area.
Risk warning. Trading CFDs carries a high level of risk since leverage can work both to your advantage and disadvantage. As a result, the products offered on this website may not be suitable for all investors because of the risk of losing all of your invested capital. You should never invest money that you cannot afford to lose, and never trade with borrowed money.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to verify a trading account?
Usually a proof of identity, such as a passport or national identity card, and a proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last few months. A selfie check and, for larger deposits, proof of the source of funds may also be requested.
Why was my proof of address rejected?
The most common reasons are that the document is too old, the name or address does not match the account, it is a type the broker does not accept, or the image is cropped or blurred. Upload a recent, complete statement in the account holder’s name.
How long does account verification take?
Once a complete set of clear documents has been submitted, reviews are often completed within a business day. Incomplete or unclear submissions take longer because they must be re-requested.
Why does a broker need my documents?
Regulated financial firms are legally required to identify their clients, check the origin of funds and screen against sanctions lists. Verification also prevents anyone else from withdrawing your money.
Can I trade before my account is verified?
Policies differ. Many brokers allow a deposit and limited activity before verification but block withdrawals until it is complete. A demo account can be used without any documents.
Related reading
Know the policy behind verification
Reading the KYC AML policies and the privacy policy before any upload shows the rules your documents are checked under and how your personal data is treated.
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