> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developer.novacpayment.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create Account

> Learn how to sign up for a Novac merchant account and get started with payments.

## Overview

Before you can make any API calls or start accepting payments, you need a Novac merchant account. During signup, you will choose an account type **Individual** or **Business** and complete KYC verification. Your account type determines your merchant name, transaction limits, and access to certain features like managing multiple business profiles.

## Account Types

Novac supports two types of accounts. Choose the one that matches your situation before you sign up, you cannot switch types after account creation.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card icon="user" title="Individual Account">
    For sole traders, freelancers, and developers building personal projects.

    * Your merchant name is derived from your **BVN-validated name**
    * Standard transaction limits apply
    * Full API access
    * Cannot add sub-businesses
  </Card>

  <Card icon="building" title="Business Account">
    For registered companies, startups, and multi-branch operations.

    * Your merchant name is derived from your **CAC-validated business name**
    * Higher transaction limits
    * Full API access
    * Can add and manage multiple sub-businesses
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  Both account types have access to the full Novac API. The primary differences are **transaction limits** and the ability to manage **multiple business profiles**, which is exclusive to Business accounts.
</Note>

***

## Steps to Create an Account

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create your account (Sign up)">
    Go to the [**Sign Up**](https://www.app.novacpayment.com/register) page and complete the registration form. Provide a valid email address, we’ll use this to verify your account, choose a strong password, and fill any required business details.

    **Tips**

    * Use a strong password (8+ characters recommended).
    * If you plan to accept payments from customers, use your business email for clarity in communications.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify your email">
    After sign up, check your inbox for a verification message from **[hello@novacpayment.com](mailto:hello@novacpayment.com)** and click the verification link to activate your account.

    **If you don't see the email**

    * Check Spam/Promotions folders.
    * Use the **Resend verification** option on the signup page.
    * If the link expires, request a fresh verification email.

    Once verified you will either receive a login link or be redirected to the Novac dashboard.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select account type & Complete your KYC">
    After logging in, complete your account profile so the dashboard can show the right tools and configuration options.

    Choose either **Individual** or **Business** depending on your setup.

    |                         | Individual         | Business                    |
    | ----------------------- | ------------------ | --------------------------- |
    | Merchant name source    | BVN-validated name | CAC-validated business name |
    | Transaction limits      | Standard           | Higher                      |
    | Sub-business management | ✗                  | ✓                           |
    | API access              | ✓                  | ✓                           |

    **Why this matters**

    * Accurate details speed up KYC and payout setup.
    * The dashboard uses this information to pre-fill forms and generate correct receipts and statements.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete KYC (Know Your Customer)">
    To access live payment features (payouts, larger volumes, live API keys) you’ll need to submit KYC information.

    **Typical documents you may be asked for**

    * Business registration/incorporation document (e.g., certificate of incorporation).
    * Government-issued ID (passport, national ID, or driver’s license) for beneficial owners and signatories.
    * Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement dated within last 3 months).
    * Bank statement or voided cheque for the account that will receive payouts.
    * A short statement of business activity or website link (helps verification).

    **Process**

    * Upload documents via the Dashboard > Settings > KYC (or the onboarding flow).
    * Review times vary, you’ll be notified by email when the review completes.
    * While KYC is pending, you can still use **Test mode** to integrate and validate your code.
  </Step>

  <Step title=" Retrieve your API keys">
    Once your account is set up and KYC is completed, proceed to get your API keys; see [obtain API keys](docs/getting-started/obtain-api-keys) > to get started.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Managing Multiple Businesses

<Info>
  This feature is available to **Business accounts only**. Individual accounts cannot add sub-businesses.
</Info>

```mermaid theme={null}
flowchart TD
    A(["master business account"])

    A --> B["Business A · Head Office"]
    A --> C["Business B · Lagos Branch"]

    B --> B1["API Keys"]
    B --> B2["Wallet Balance"]
    B --> B3["Virtual Account"]

    C --> C1["API Keys"]
    C --> C2["Wallet Balance"]
    C --> C3["Virtual Account"]

    style A fill:#7C3AED,color:#fff,stroke:none
    style B fill:#EDE9FE,stroke:#7C3AED,color:#1a1a1a
    style C fill:#EDE9FE,stroke:#7C3AED,color:#1a1a1a
```

### What is Sub-Business Management?

If your company operates multiple branches, outlets, or product lines, Novac lets you create and manage separate business profiles, all under one login. This means:

* **No separate signups** for each branch or outlet. Add them directly from your dashboard.
* **Each sub-business is fully independent** it gets its own API keys, wallet balance, virtual account, settlement account, and transaction history.
* **Switch between businesses** from the dashboard or at login select the profile you want to work with and the dashboard updates to reflect that business's data entirely.

Think of it as one master login that gives you access to several fully isolated merchant environments.

### Adding a New Sub-Business

<Steps>
  <Step title="Log in to your Novac Dashboard">
    Sign in at [app.novacpayment.com](https://app.novacpayment.com) using your Business account credentials.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to the Business Switcher">
    In the dashboard, locate the business/profile section (typically in the bottom navigation or sidebar) and click **Add New Business**.

    <Note>
      This option is only visible on Business accounts. If you are on an Individual account, this option will not appear.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete the new business profile">
    Fill in the details for the new business name, business type, and any required documentation. Novac validates the business name against CAC records.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Access the new business">
    Once created, the new business appears in your business list. You can switch to it from the dashboard at any time, or select it during login when prompted to choose a business profile.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## What’s Next?

**Before going live**

* Complete KYC and confirm live keys are visible.
* Add your production secret key to a secure secrets manager.
* Test full payment flows in Test mode (hosted checkout, direct charge, tokenization, refunds, webhooks).
* Configure webhooks and verify signature verification locally.