Why Whatnot Requires Seller Verification

At Whatnot, we are committed to creating a safe, trusted, and reliable marketplace for buyers and sellers alike. To uphold the integrity of our platform, all sellers are required to verify their phone number, payment method, and government-issued ID. Below is a breakdown of why each of these verifications is essential.

📞 Phone Number Verification

Purpose:
We use your verified phone number to:

• Ensure account security: Phone numbers help us implement two-factor authentication (2FA) and recover your account in case of suspicious activity.
• Provide timely support: In the event of account or order-related concerns, having up-to-date contact information ensures we can reach you promptly if needed

What you’ll need to do: You’ll receive a one-time code (OTP) during signup or in your seller dashboard. Enter this code to confirm your number.

💳 Payment Method Verification

Purpose:
Adding and verifying a payment method ensures that:

• You can receive payouts: We need valid financial details to deposit your earnings securely and without delay.
• We meet financial compliance: Verifying your method of payment helps us comply with U.S. banking and anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.
• Transactions are secure: It reduces the risk of fraud, scams, and chargebacks by confirming seller identity and payment legitimacy.

What you’ll need to do: Link a credit card, bank account or supported payout method.

🪪 Identity Card Verification

Purpose:
Verifying a government-issued photo ID is a legal and security requirement that helps us:

• Confirm your legal identity: This is crucial for compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) laws and ensures that sellers are who they claim to be.
• Protect the community: ID verification deters bad actors and builds buyer trust in our seller base.

What you need to do:
Upload a clear photo of a valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport) via our secure identity verification process in Stripe (US sellers). Your data is encrypted and used solely for verification purposes.

Note: All account holders must be 18 or older. If you’re between the ages of 13–17, you can sell on Whatnot with a verified parent or guardian account. Learn more.

Need help?

If you run into any issues during identity verification, please contact us in the app for support.