REB
Approval Guide
Everything you need to know
So... What is required
It's simple really. You need to provide us with the following documents:
For partnership or registered company we require: (Click Down)
A Valid ID
Sole Traders must submit:
A Bank Statement
So... What do I need?
If you are a Partnership...
A Valid ID
A Bank Statement
Partnership Deed
You must submit:
What about if I am a Registered Company? (Click Down)
Annual Returns form
So... What do I need?
If you are a Registered Company...
A Valid ID
A Bank Statement
Articles of Association and Certificate of Incorporation
You must submit:
But why?
Rakuten Europe Bank (REB) operates our regulated payment institution. Our dedicated legal and finance teams ensure, through their diligence, that the Rakuten marketplace is a secure trading environment for customers and Merchants alike
To provide extra safeguards to customers, European regulations require REB to collect certain business and personal information from you and confirm your identity before payment account opening
In the absence of the required information, you will not be permitted to trade on Rakuten.co.uk
What should my ID scan look like?
The MRZ Number (bottom two lines) must be readable
The image must be clear
The passport number must be readable
The ID must be valid
(EVERYONE)
What should my bank statement scan look like?
The company address must match your Rakuten account name
The IBAN and BIC must be readable
The statement must be dated within the last Three months
The bank logo must be visible
(EVERYONE)
What should my partnership deed scan look like?
The two business partners must be visible in this section
The partnership name must be visible in this section
(PARTNERSHIP ONLY)
Please Note: You must scan and submit every page
What should my certificate of incorporation look like?
The name of the company must be visible and match your Rakuten UK Account name.
The company number must be clearly visible
(REGISTERED BUSINESS ONLY)
What should my articles of association look like?
(REGISTERED BUSINESS ONLY)
Please Note: You must scan and submit every page
Please Note: You must scan and submit every page
What should my extract from the companies register look like
(REGISTERED BUSINESS ONLY)
you must ensure that your business details are visible and readable on the document
Glossary of terms
Articles of Association - Only applicable if it is a registered company. A documents that defines the way a business is run and the general business details. This can be found at the Companies House Website
Bank Statement - A business bank statement from your main business bank account. This should be a download PDF version of your online account where possible (valid within 3 months)
Director - The main decision maker of the company
Extract from the companies register - Another document from Companies House which proves your company is registered. It will provide more basic company details, like company name and address
Official Identification document - Any official ID of the shareholders country of nationality such as a Passport or DVLA Driving License
Glossary of terms
Certificate of Incorporation - A document providing proof of company existence from Companies House, it should include registered company number and company name
Extract from the companies register (Annual Returns Form) - A document which provides further details on the company including date of establishment, registration data, company name and address and company status
Intermediary - A person who has legal power to act on behalf of a merchant
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) - A person who controls over 25% of the shares of the company and so ultimately benefits from the company
IMPORTANT! - You can purchase a copy of the Annual Returns Form, Articles of Association and Certificate of Incorporation from Companies House for £1.00
Struggling with the process?
Still having trouble with the legal process? You can find more information about the process in our extensive guide HERE
If you can't find the information you are looking for, you can contact your merchant services advisor or our merchant helpdesk at merchant.helpdesk@rakuten.co.uk
Altenatively, you can call the helpdesk team on
+44 (0)20 3510 8188 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am - 17:30 pm)