How Paystack Works on YeboWork (and What to Get Right)

YeboWork uses Paystack (a licensed South African payment provider) to process secure online payments and to verify pros' bank accounts. This article explains how it works and the five details that most often decide whether your account verifies.

What Paystack does on YeboWork

Paystack handles two things behind the scenes:

1. Online payments ("Pay on YeboWork"). When a buyer chooses to pay online, Paystack securely processes their card or bank payment. A platform service fee (6% + R5) is added on top for the buyer, and the pro receives their full quoted price directly into their connected bank account via a Paystack subaccount. Cash and EFT payments don't go through Paystack — they're arranged directly between buyer and pro.
2. Payout‑account verification. Before a pro can receive online payments, they connect a bank account. Paystack runs a real‑time Account Verification Service (AVS) check that confirms your account name, ID number and account number against your bank's records. Only once this passes is your payout account active.

How payout‑account verification works

When you submit your bank details, YeboWork sends them to Paystack, which checks them against your bank in real time and returns a pass or fail. It compares:

• the account holder name you entered against the name your bank has on the account,
• your ID number against the account holder on record, and
• your account number and bank.

If everything matches, your account is verified and ready for payouts. If any part doesn't match, the bank "refutes" the check and it fails.

Five things to note (and get right)

1. Your account name must match your bank's records exactly. Enter the name exactly as your bank holds the account — including initials and spelling. Example: if your bank shows "T M NKOSI", entering "Thabo Nkosi" or misspelling the surname can cause a mismatch.

2. Enter the account number with zero typos. A single wrong or swapped digit checks a different account and fails. Example: typing 62130045512 when your real account is 62310045512 (the 3rd and 4th digits transposed) will always be refuted.

3. Your ID number must belong to that account. The South African ID you enter must be the one linked to the account holder at the bank. Example: using an old or incorrect ID, or a typo in the 13‑digit number, will fail even if the name is right.

4. Verification costs 5 credits per attempt — and it's non‑refundable. You're charged whether the check passes or fails, because Paystack charges YeboWork for every attempt. So double‑check your details before submitting. Example: three failed attempts = 15 credits spent, so confirm your bank details on your bank statement or app first.

5. Use an account that can actually receive payments. It should be a personal cheque/current (or valid business) account that accepts credits, at a supported South African bank. Example: some savings, third‑party, or unsupported‑bank accounts can't be verified for payouts — use your main transactional account.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I find my exact account name and number? On your bank statement or in your banking app under account details — use those exact values.

Why did my verification fail even though my details look right? The most common causes are a name that doesn't match the bank's format, a mistyped account or ID number, or an account type that can't receive credits. Check each against your bank's records and try again.

Do I pay a fee to receive money? No — the buyer pays the 6% + R5 service fee on online payments; you receive your full quoted price. Cash and EFT have no platform fee.

How long does verification take? It's usually instant — Paystack checks with your bank in real time and returns the result within a few seconds.

Is my ID and bank information safe? Yes — it's sent securely to Paystack for the verification check and isn't shown publicly on your profile.

Key takeaways

• Paystack powers secure online payments and verifies your payout bank account.
• Verification matches your name, ID and account number against your bank — all three must be correct.
• The biggest cause of failure is a small typo in the account number or a name that doesn't match the bank exactly.
• Each verification attempt costs 5 credits and is non‑refundable, so confirm your details first.
• Cash/EFT don't use Paystack; only "Pay on YeboWork" online payments do.

Need help connecting your payout account? See the payout setup steps in your seller Help, or contact support@yebowork.co.za.