KYC Requirements for Affiliates

KYC—Know Your Customer—isn't just for casino players. Affiliate programs increasingly require identity verification before paying commissions. This is part of the broader legal compliance landscape that all affiliates must navigate.

Understanding what's required and why helps you prepare properly and avoid payment delays.

What is KYC for Affiliates?

The Basics

KYC for affiliates: Identity verification process required by affiliate programs before processing payments.

Purpose:

• Verify you are who you claim to be
• Prevent fraud and money laundering
• Comply with regulations
• Protect against identity theft

When It's Required

Common trigger points:

• First withdrawal request
• Payment threshold reached
• Random audit
• Suspicious activity flagged
• Program policy change

Timing varies:

• Some require KYC at signup
• Some require before first payment
• Some only for large payments ($1,000+)
• Some never require it (less common)

Understanding these requirements is crucial in your first 90 days as a casino affiliate.

Standard KYC Documents

Proof of Identity

Accepted documents:

• Passport
• National ID card
• Driver's license

Requirements:

• Must be valid (not expired)
• Must show photo
• Must show full name
• Must show date of birth
• Clear, readable image

Tips:

• Take photos in good lighting
• Ensure all corners visible
• No glare or shadows
• Both sides if required

Proof of Address

Accepted documents:

• Utility bill (electric, water, gas)
• Bank statement
• Government letter
• Phone bill (sometimes)
• Credit card statement

Requirements:

• Must show full name
• Must show address matching your application
• Usually must be dated within 3 months
• Clear, readable image

Tips:

• PDF statements work better than screenshots
• Ensure date is visible
• Make sure name matches exactly

Additional Documents (Sometimes)

May be requested:

• Selfie holding ID
• Video verification
• Business registration documents
• Tax ID/numbers
• Bank account details

For companies:

• Certificate of incorporation
• Articles of association
• Director identification
• UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) documentation

KYC Process by Program Type

Crypto Casinos

Generally:

• Less stringent than fiat
• Often only required for large payments
• Some never require KYC
• When required, standard documents

This is one advantage of crypto vs fiat affiliate programs.

Examples:

• Small programs: Minimal or no KYC
• Major programs: Standard KYC required

Traditional/Fiat Casinos

Generally:

• More stringent requirements
• Required earlier in relationship
• More thorough verification
• May require business documentation

Why stricter:

• Regulatory requirements
• Banking relationships
• Anti-money laundering obligations
• Corporate compliance

Affiliate Networks

Often more thorough:

• Full KYC at signup (sometimes)
• Business documentation for companies
• Tax information required
• More formal process

Common KYC Issues and Solutions

Problem: Name Mismatch

Issue: Name on documents doesn't match account

Causes:

• Typos in application
• Nickname vs. legal name
• Name change (marriage, etc.)
• Cultural name order differences

Solution:

• Contact support immediately
• Provide explanation
• Submit documents showing both names
• Legal name change documents if applicable

Problem: Expired Documents

Issue: ID or proof of address is expired or too old

Solution:

• Obtain current documents
• Request extension if awaiting renewal
• Use alternative acceptable documents

Problem: Address Doesn't Match

Issue: Proof of address shows different address

Causes:

• Recent move
• Different billing address
• Using parent's address initially

Solution:

• Update address in account first
• Provide documents for current address
• Explain situation to support

Problem: Unclear Images

Issue: Documents are rejected for image quality

Common problems:

• Blurry photos
• Glare or shadows
• Cropped edges
• Too dark

Solution:

• Take photos in natural light
• Place document on flat surface
• No flash (causes glare)
• Ensure all corners visible
• Use document scanner if available

Problem: Non-Standard Documents

Issue: Your normal documents aren't accepted

For proof of address:

• Some countries have different utilities
• Some people don't have utility bills
• Living with family situation

Solutions:

• Bank statement often works universally
• Request letter from local authority
• Notarized statement (last resort)
• Contact support for alternatives

Privacy and Security Concerns

Legitimate Concerns

What you're sharing:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Home address
• ID numbers
• Photos of yourself

Risks:

• Data breach exposure
• Identity theft potential
• Privacy invasion
• Document misuse

How to Protect Yourself

Before submitting:

• Verify you're on official site
• Check program is legitimate
• Understand data retention policy
• Review privacy policy

When submitting:

• Use secure connection (HTTPS)
• Don't email documents (use upload portal)
• Consider watermarking documents ("For [Program] verification only")
• Keep copies of what you submitted

After submitting:

• Monitor your identity
• Request confirmation of receipt
• Ask about data deletion policy
• Know your rights in your jurisdiction

Red Flags

Be cautious if (recognize affiliate program red flags):

• Requests come via email (phishing risk)
• Non-standard document requests
• Requests for payment to complete KYC
• Pressure to submit immediately
• Unclear what data is used for

Verify: Contact program directly through official channels if you receive unexpected KYC requests.

Business vs. Personal Accounts

Personal Accounts

Standard requirements:

• Personal ID
• Proof of address
• Sometimes selfie

Simpler process but:

• Personal liability
• Personal tax implications
• Personal information exposed

Business Accounts

Additional requirements:

• Business registration documents
• Director/owner identification
• Business address proof
• Sometimes bank account proof
• UBO documentation

Advantages:

• Liability protection
• Professional appearance
• Potentially better tax treatment
• Separates personal information

Disadvantages:

• More documentation required
• Longer verification process
• Ongoing compliance needs
• Setup costs

Expediting the Process

Before You Start

1. Gather documents in advance - Don't wait for first withdrawal
2. Ensure currency - Check expiration dates
3. Match names exactly - Use legal names consistently
4. Quality photos ready - High resolution, clear images

During the Process

1. Submit complete package - All required documents at once
2. Follow instructions exactly - Read requirements carefully
3. Respond quickly - If additional info requested
4. Be polite but persistent - Follow up if delayed

Timeline Expectations

Typical processing:

• Crypto programs: 24-72 hours
• Fiat programs: 3-7 business days
• Networks: 1-2 weeks
• Complex cases: 2-4 weeks

Factors affecting speed:

• Document quality
• Volume of requests
• Complexity of your situation
• Program's processing capacity

When KYC Goes Wrong

Rejection Scenarios

Common reasons:

• Poor image quality
• Mismatched information
• Expired documents
• Suspicious patterns
• Country restrictions

Response:

• Request specific reason
• Address the issue
• Resubmit with corrections
• Escalate if necessary

Escalation Options

If stuck:

1. Contact affiliate manager directly
2. Request supervisor review
3. Ask for specific rejection reasons
4. Provide additional documentation
5. Consider alternative programs if unresolvable

Last Resort

If permanently rejected:

• Request written explanation
• Review your options
• Consider if your situation is incompatible with program
• Explore alternative programs

Conclusion

KYC is a normal part of operating as a casino affiliate. Proper preparation makes it painless:

Key takeaways:

1. Prepare documents early - Don't wait for first payment
2. Use high-quality images - Clear, complete, unobstructed
3. Match information exactly - Consistent names and addresses
4. Respond promptly - Quick replies speed the process
5. Protect your information - Verify legitimacy, consider watermarks

KYC protects everyone: It may feel intrusive, but it helps maintain the integrity of the affiliate ecosystem and protects against fraud.

For a broader view of compliance, see our casino affiliate compliance checklist. Programs like PureOdds have streamlined KYC processes that get you paid faster. Learn more about choosing reliable affiliate programs and watch out for red flags in program terms.