Before a prop firm pays you, it has to verify who you are. This know-your-customer (KYC) step is where many first payouts are delayed. Here’s what South Africans need and how to get it right the first time.
When KYC happens
Most firms verify you after you pass the evaluation, before signing the funded-account agreement or before your first payout. Some verify earlier. Completing it early avoids delays when you’re ready to withdraw.
Documents South Africans typically need
| Requirement | Usually accepted |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Smart ID card (both sides), passport, sometimes a driver’s licence |
| Proof of address | Utility bill, municipal account, bank statement or lease, usually dated within the last three months |
| Selfie or liveness check | Taken on your phone during verification |
Some verification providers don’t accept the older green barcoded ID book, so a smart ID card or passport is safest.
Mistakes that delay verification
- The name on your prop firm account differs from your ID, for example a nickname or missing middle name.
- A proof of address in someone else’s name, such as a parent’s or landlord’s.
- An expired document, or a photo with glare or cropped corners.
- A payout account in a different name from your KYC.
If you rent or live with family
If utilities aren’t in your name, use a bank statement or a signed lease. Some providers accept an affidavit with the account holder’s bill, but check with the firm’s support first.
Prop firms we currently recommend
-
1
FTMO Best overall
- Max account
- $200,000 (more via scaling)
- Profit split
- 80%, up to 90%
- Fee from
- €89 (≈ $10K account)
- Our rating
- 4.6 out of 5
-
2
FundedNext Best for MetaTrader users
- Max account
- $200,000 (up to $4M through scaling)
- Profit split
- 80%, up to 95%
- Fee from
- $59.99 USD (confirm at checkout)
- Our rating
- 4.4 out of 5
-
3
Funding Pips Best budget pick
- Max account
- $100,000 per account (scales to $2M)
- Profit split
- 60–100% (depends on payout cycle)
- Fee from
- About $29–$36 USD ($5K)
- Our rating
- 4.3 out of 5
FAQ
What documents do I need for prop firm KYC in South Africa?
Usually a smart ID card or passport, a proof of address from the last three months, and a selfie or liveness check.
Is the green ID book accepted?
Not always. Some verification providers reject it, so use a smart ID card or passport if you can.
Why was my prop firm KYC rejected?
Common reasons are name mismatches, expired documents, blurry photos or a proof of address in someone else’s name.