The identity check confirms that you are who you say you are. It protects your account, and it's a requirement for financial services firms like us. It's the last step before your account is activated: it runs on your phone, takes a few minutes, and is automatic, so in most cases your account is active as soon as it finishes.
Before you start: have your physical ID with you (a passport, driver's licence, My Number card or residence card; a photocopy or a photo on your screen won't be accepted), make sure your phone can receive an SMS, and check that the name, date of birth and address you entered in Personal Information match your ID exactly. Turn off any VPN on your phone and your computer, as a VPN can block the check.
- Open Personal Information in the client area. The check has to be completed on your phone, because it needs the camera: if you're on a computer, the page gives you a link and a QR code to scan with your phone, which opens the check in your phone's browser.
- Start the identity check below your details. Allow camera access when your browser asks.
- Photograph your ID. Choose the document type and take the photos the screen asks for, front and back where needed. The photos are taken live in the check; you can't upload existing images.
- Take a selfie. Follow the prompts so the check can match your face to the photo on your ID.
- Confirm your mobile number. Enter the code we send by SMS. Use your own number: it may be used later to confirm it's you when you access your account.
- Wait for the result. The check usually completes within minutes, and your account is activated automatically, with deposits and trading unlocked. If your details don't match your ID exactly, the check goes to a manual review and we'll email you when it's done.
If the check stops partway or shows an error, you can start it again from the same page. See The identity check didn't go through.
Your data
The check is carried out by Sumsub, a specialist identity-verification provider used by financial companies around the world. Your ID photos and selfie are sent encrypted and used only to verify your identity. We never ask you to send ID documents by email or chat, so if a message asks for that, don't reply to it.
Related: How to open an account · Can I trade without being verified? · What to Do If You Cannot Upload Your Identity Documents (ID) · Why do I need to verify my Zentrader account?