KYC Onboarding Flow
This page describes the full KYC process from application submission through to approval and project kickoff, including all possible outcomes and the ongoing review cycle.
Flow overview
Stages
Stage 1: Application submission
The merchant submits their application via the PAI dashboard. This includes all KYC information: business and entity details, director and signatory details, shareholder and UBO declarations, and initial document uploads.
Submit well before your target kickoff date:
Project kickoff, stage access, and technical integration do not begin until KYC is approved. Incomplete submissions significantly extend timelines.
Stage 2: Automatic verification
PAI first attempts to verify submitted information automatically by cross-referencing it against external data sources including commercial registries, KYC databases, and governmental records. No action is required from the merchant during this stage.
If automatic verification succeeds for all required checks, the account is set to approved without requiring manual document review.
Typical duration: Same day to 1 business day where automatic verification succeeds.
Stage 3: Manual compliance review
If automatic verification cannot be completed, the application moves to manual review by the PAI compliance team. The team checks:
- All required documents are present and correct for the entity type
- All directors, authorised signatories, shareholders, and UBOs (25%+) are declared and documented
- Documents meet quality standards — not expired, legible, address matches application
- MCC-specific documents are included where required
- Business description is sufficient for risk assessment
Typical duration: 1–3 business days from submission.
Outcomes
Outcome A: Approved
All verification checks pass. Status is set to approved. The PAI onboarding team schedules the project kickoff call and technical integration begins.
Typical timeline from submission: 2–5 business days for standard-risk profiles.
Outcome B: Rejected
The application does not meet the requirements for approval and the issue cannot be resolved by providing additional documents. Reasons include business model outside PAI's acceptable use policy, irreconcilable inconsistencies in submitted information, or regulatory restrictions applicable to the merchant's jurisdiction or MCC.
The rejection notice specifies the reason. Depending on the reason, reapplication may be possible. Contact your PAI point of contact for guidance before resubmitting.
Outcome C: Additional information required
The application cannot be approved in its current state because specific documents or information are missing or insufficient. This is not a rejection. Once the requested materials are submitted, the review restarts.
The merchant receives a notice specifying exactly which documents are needed. Review Troubleshooting before resubmitting to resolve the underlying issue and avoid a repeat request.
Typical timeline after resubmission: 1–3 additional business days.
Escalation: Under review (EDD)
Applications are automatically escalated for enhanced due diligence for high-risk MCC categories, complex or multi-layered ownership structures, multi-jurisdictional entities, or applications that trigger risk signals during initial review. Status is set to under_review. No action is required from the merchant unless PAI contacts you directly.
Typical duration: 5–10 business days. Complex cases may take longer.
Periodic KYC reviews
KYC approval is not permanent. PAI conducts periodic reviews of all active merchant accounts. During a review, PAI may request updated KYC information and supporting documentation. You are required to respond promptly.
You are also required to proactively notify PAI of any changes to your KYC information — including changes in directors, signatories, shareholders, or UBO structure — with at least 3 business days' written notice before the change occurs.
Timeline summary
| Stage | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Automatic verification — success | Same day – 1 business day |
| Manual review — initial | 1–3 business days |
| Standard approval from submission | 2–5 business days |
After resubmission (additional_info_required) | +1–3 business days |
Enhanced due diligence (under_review) | 5–10 business days |
Note:
Timelines are estimates. Incomplete submissions, complex ownership structures, and high-risk MCC categories all extend review times.