# Creating your account ## Overview Creating a Fynbos account is quick and simple. You'll verify your mobile number, enter your personal details, and choose your subscription. Most users finish in under 5 minutes. - **Mobile-first**: Sign up on your phone or computer using WhatsApp OTP - **Immediate access**: Start exploring your accounts as soon as signup is complete - **Verify later**: Identity verification is only required when you're ready to deposit money ## Signing up with your mobile number The most common way to create an account is with your mobile number. Fynbos sends a one-time pin (OTP) via WhatsApp to verify it's really you. 1. Navigate to [fynbos.app](https://fynbos.app) in your browser 2. Enter your **Mobile number** in the field provided 3. Select your country from the dropdown if you're not in South Africa 4. Tap **Request OTP** 5. Check WhatsApp for a message containing your one-time pin 6. Enter the **Code** in the verification field 7. Tap **Continue** > **Tip**: Didn't receive a code? Tap **Resend** to request another WhatsApp message, or tap **get SMS** to receive the code via text message instead. Once verified, you'll proceed to create your profile. ## Signing in with a passkey After you've created your account, you can register a passkey for faster future sign-ins. Passkeys use your device's built-in security (like Face ID, Touch ID, or Windows Hello) instead of OTP codes. > **Note**: You cannot sign up with a passkey. First create your account using your mobile number, then register a passkey in your account settings. See the "Registering a passkey" section below. ## Choosing what you want to do first After verifying your number, Fynbos asks what you'd like to start with. This helps personalise your experience. 1. Review the options presented: - **Save for emergencies**: Build a safety net with instant-access savings - **Long-term investing**: Invest tax-free with expert-built portfolios - **Invest for my kids**: Open tax-free accounts for your children (Protea plan) - **Save for other things**: Create savings pots for specific goals (Protea plan) - **Investment accounts**: Set up custom investment portfolios (Protea plan) - **I'm not sure**: Explore at your own pace 2. Tap your preferred option to continue Don't worry about choosing the "perfect" option. You can access all features from the app after signup. ## Entering your personal details Fynbos needs your legal name and ID number to create your profile and comply with financial regulations. 1. Enter your **First name** as it appears on your ID 2. Enter your **Surname** as it appears on your ID 3. Enter your 13-digit **ID number** Your birthday is automatically calculated from your ID number and displayed for confirmation. If referred by a friend, you'll see information about any referral rewards at the top of the screen. 1. Tap **Continue** to proceed ## Accepting the disclosures Before completing your account, you'll review important information about how Fynbos works. The disclosures explain: - **Intermediary Service**: Fynbos helps you execute transactions but doesn't provide personalised financial advice - **Administrator**: Your money is managed through Itransact (FSP number: 650), a licensed administrator - **License**: Fynbos operates under Life Current (FSP number: 51852) - **FICA**: Fynbos must verify your identity before processing transactions 1. Read through each disclosure section 2. Tick the checkbox to confirm you've read and accept the disclosures and terms 3. Tap **Continue** ## Choosing your subscription Fynbos offers two subscription options to fit your needs. | Subscription | Cost | Includes | | --- | --- | --- | | **Start for free** | R0/month | Emergency Savings, Tax-Free Savings Account | | **Protea** | R100/month | Everything in free, plus Savings pots, Kids Accounts, Investment accounts | 1. Select your preferred subscription 2. Tap **Continue** You can change your subscription at any time from your account settings. If you've been referred by a friend or through a partner, you may see a special offer instead. ## Verifying your identity Identity verification is required before you can deposit money. You don't need to complete it during signup—Fynbos will prompt you when you're ready to add funds. When you're ready to verify: 1. Tap **Verify now** to open the verification flow 2. Have your identity document ready (ID Book, ID Card, Passport, or Driver's License) 3. Follow the on-screen prompts to photograph your document 4. Complete a short selfie verification Verification typically takes a few minutes. Once approved, you can deposit money and access all features. > **Note**: If you're setting up a child's account, you'll need their birth certificate instead of an ID document. ## Registering a passkey (optional) After completing signup, you can register a passkey for faster future sign-ins. Passkeys eliminate the need for OTP codes. 1. On the passkey registration screen, tap **Register passkey** 2. Follow your device's prompts to create the passkey 3. Your passkey is now saved for future sign-ins You can register passkeys using your browser's built-in mechanisms, a password manager like 1Password, or a hardware security key. ## What happens after signup Once you've completed signup, your account is ready to explore. Here's what to expect: - **Home screen**: View all your accounts from a single screen - **Account setup**: Your Emergency Savings and Tax-Free Savings accounts are created automatically - **Add money**: Set up a debit order or make an EFT transfer to fund your accounts (requires identity verification) - **Automation**: Configure rules to automatically distribute money across your accounts When you're ready to add money, Fynbos will prompt you to complete identity verification.