KYC process: why and how to validate your account

KYC (Know Your Customer) verification is the mandatory step before your first euro withdrawal. Far from being a nitpicky formality, it's a legal requirement that protects the platform, workers and the European financial system. Here's what you need to know to pass KYC smoothly.

What is KYC, exactly?

KYC stands for Know Your Customer. It's the set of procedures any financial actor — bank, fintech, payment platform — must apply to verify the real identity of its users before transferring money to them.

The framework comes from the European anti-money-laundering directive (AML / CFT) and, in France, from the Monetary and Financial Code. Any platform paying euros to an individual must be able to prove it knows who it pays, where that person lives, and that funds are not used for money laundering or illegal activities.

Why Microtaches applies KYC

Three concrete reasons:

• Legal obligation. Without KYC, Microtaches can't legally pay out your earnings in euros. Non-negotiable, just like PayPal, Wise, Revolut or any online bank.
• Worker protection. KYC prevents a third party from impersonating you to grab your Ops. Without verification, a hacked account could be drained with no recourse.
• Platform sustainability. A French platform that doesn't comply with AML/CFT faces sanctions and shutdown. KYC keeps Microtaches running and paying its workers.

When is KYC triggered?

You don't need KYC to sign up, do missions and accumulate Ops. Verification becomes mandatory as soon as you make your first shop exchange or bank withdrawal — that is, from the 1,000 Ops threshold.

As long as you stay in the Ops accumulation phase (missions, earnings), KYC isn't required. But on your first shop exchange (gift cards, products) or bank withdrawal request, you'll be redirected to the Identity verification page.

The 3 documents to provide

1. Valid ID

Three accepted options:

• National ID card (front + back, readable, not expired).
• Passport (page with photo).
• Residence permit (front + back) for non-EU residents.

The document must be in colour, sharp, complete (all 4 corners visible), and the name must match exactly your Microtaches profile and your IBAN.

2. Proof of address less than 3 months old

Accepted: electricity, gas, water, internet, landline or mobile phone bill, rent receipt issued by an agency, home insurance statement, current tax notice.

Not accepted: prepaid mobile bills, screenshots of customer portals (download the official PDF), receipts, handwritten letters.

3. IBAN in your name

Enter the IBAN exactly as shown on your bank statement. The account holder must be the same person as the one registered on Microtaches and named on the ID. Joint accounts are accepted as long as your name appears as a holder.

European IBANs (EU, EEA, UK, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco) are processed without fees. Outside Europe, 800 Ops bank fees apply to the transfer.

How long does verification take?

Generally, the Microtaches team processes KYC files within a few business days. The delay depends on the queue volume and the completeness of your file.

You can track progress in real time on the Identity verification page, which includes a dedicated chat thread with the support team. If a document is unreadable or non-compliant, you receive a message explaining exactly what to fix.

The 6 mistakes that get a KYC rejected

1. Expired document. Check the date before sending. An expired ID or passport is refused, even by a few days.
2. Cropped or blurry photo. All 4 corners must be visible. Lay flat on a contrasted surface, natural light, no flash.
3. Name mismatch between profile, ID and IBAN. First cause of rejection. If you changed name (marriage, divorce), update your profile first.
4. Proof of address too old. Over 3 months = automatic rejection.
5. Customer portal screenshot. Always download the official PDF generated by the provider, never a screenshot.
6. IBAN of a relative. The account must be in the worker's name. No spouse, parent or friend IBAN, even with authorisation.

Security of your documents

Your KYC documents are stored in an encrypted private bucket, accessible only to the authorised support team. They are never used for commercial purposes nor shared with third parties, per our privacy policy and GDPR.

Once verification is done, documents are kept for the legal AML retention period (5 years after the end of the contractual relationship), then automatically deleted. You can request access, rectification or early deletion anytime from your profile.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do missions without KYC?

Yes. KYC isn't required to sign up or do missions. You can accumulate Ops without verification. KYC becomes mandatory as soon as you request your first shop exchange (gift cards, products) or bank withdrawal, starting at 1,000 Ops.

Is KYC redone for each withdrawal?

No. A single verification is enough. As long as your documents remain valid and your bank details don't change, subsequent withdrawals don't require a new verification.

How many times can I submit documents?

As many as needed. If a document is rejected, you can send a new one via the KYC chat thread with no penalty. No limit imposed.

What happens if I change address or bank?

Update your information from your profile and submit a new proof of address (or new bank details). The support team revalidates the change quickly.

Does KYC apply to residents outside France?

Yes, in every zone where Microtaches pays euros. EU, EEA, UK, Switzerland, Andorra and Monaco residents enjoy free SEPA transfers. Outside Europe, 800 Ops bank fees apply.

Can other workers or advertisers see my documents?

No. KYC documents are strictly confidential, stored in a private bucket and accessible only to the authorised support team for verification. No advertiser or other worker can access them.

For more, also read our guide on the €2,500 annual cap applied to withdrawals and our Microtaches vs Clickworker comparison.