Practical Guide: Key Comparisons of KYC Requirements Across Platforms

Practical Guide: Key Comparisons of KYC Requirements Across Platforms

In cross-border e-commerce and overseas marketing, security and compliance have become critical factors that cannot be ignored. Whether setting up an online store, running ads, or integrating payment systems, the Know Your Customer (KYC) process is a mandatory requirement for platforms. However, verification procedures and compliance requirements vary significantly across platforms. This article provides a detailed comparison of KYC requirements on major platforms, helping you efficiently complete account verification and avoid business delays due to incomplete documentation or procedural errors.

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What is KYC? Why is it so important?

KYC (Know Your Customer) is a security mechanism designed to verify user identities and prevent financial crimes. Major global e-commerce, advertising, and payment platforms strictly enforce KYC policies to ensure secure and compliant transactions.

For cross-border sellers or marketers, KYC is not just a formality—it’s a passport to smooth business operations. Failure to pass KYC may result in:

• Account restrictions (e.g., withdrawal freezes, ad suspensions)
• Triggering platform risk controls, delaying business launch timelines
• In severe cases, account termination risks

Detailed Comparison of KYC Requirements on Major Platforms

1. E-Commerce Platforms: Amazon, eBay, Shopify

Amazon

• ID Proof: Passport or ID card of the legal representative (clearly visible); business license (for corporate sellers).
• Address Proof: Utility bill or bank statement from the last 3 months (must match registered address).
• Verification Process: Two-step—online submission, followed by video verification or mailed verification code for some sellers.
• Special Requirements: Tax information (e.g., W-9 or VAT) for North American and European sites may require additional review.

eBay

• ID Verification: Typically requires only an ID card or passport; high-risk categories (e.g., electronics) may need supplemental company documents.
• Payment Account Linkage: Requires validation via PayPal or bank account, indirectly fulfilling KYC.
• Processing Time: Fast, usually 1-3 business days.

Shopify Payments

• Business Documents: Must provide company registration proof and legal representative ID.
• Business Proof: Recent e-commerce store links or supply chain contracts.
• Restricted Industries: Sectors like health products or financial services require additional compliance files.

2. Advertising Platforms: Google Ads, Meta (Facebook & Instagram)

Google Ads

• ID Verification: Personal accounts need ID + address proof; business accounts require business license + legal representative ID.
• Payment Info: Credit card or bank account must match the registered name.
• Common Issues: Business name discrepancies with the license may lead to rejection.

Meta Ads

• Personal Accounts: Upload ID + live selfie (liveness check).
• Business Accounts: Requires company documents, business category declaration, and domain verification.
• High-Risk Industries: Cryptocurrency, weight loss products, etc., may need pre-approval whitelisting.

3. Payment Platforms: PayPal, Stripe, Wise

PayPal

• Personal Accounts: ID + address proof (e.g., bank statement).
• Business Accounts: Requires articles of association and Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declaration.
• Regional Variations: Some countries (e.g., India) may need PAN card or tax ID.

Stripe

• Strict Business Checks: Legal representative ID, company registration, website details (e.g., refund policy).
• Sector-Specific Reviews: Subscription businesses must submit sample terms of service.

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

• Dual Verification: Validates business credentials and requires proof of fund sources (e.g., invoices or contracts).

General Tips to Avoid KYC Pitfalls

1. Prepare Compliant Documents in Advance

• Ensure IDs and business licenses are valid.
• Address proofs must be issued by official entities (e.g., banks, utilities).

• Avoid glare or incomplete edges in photos.
• Preferred formats: PDF or JPG (max 10MB).

• Some platforms request documents in phases (e.g., Shopify may later ask for operational screenshots).

• For complex cases (e.g., cross-border corporate structures), delegate to KYC agencies to save time.

Conclusion: Streamline KYC for Global Business Growth

While platform-specific rules may seem intricate, the core logic remains consistent: proving "who you are" and "business legitimacy." Mastering these differences ensures swift approvals and mitigates account risks from compliance oversights.

For platform-specific KYC details or guided verification support, visit [QuarkHub Global Marketing Studio](https://www.quark-hub.com/)—our team delivers tailored solutions!

--- Call to Action: 🚀 Stuck on KYC? Click to contact QuarkHub for 1-on-1 fast-track support!