Getting Started & KYC
This article covers everything you need to set up Tangem Pay, understand the verification process, and know what to do if something goes wrong.
Requirements
To sign up for Tangem Pay you need:
- A Tangem Wallet (hardware or mobile wallet)
- A valid government-issued ID
- A residency address in one of the supported countries or US states
You must be 18 years or older. US residents are also required to provide their Social Security Number, as required under the Bank Secrecy Act and FinCEN regulations.
To start spending after activation, you will need to fund your account with USDC on the Polygon network. You can do this by sending USDC directly or by using the built-in swap feature in the app.
How to sign up
Open the Tangem app and tap the Tangem Pay banner on your wallet portfolio page, or use the Get Tangem Pay button in settings. You will be guided through the following steps:
- Select your region (US or international)
- Read and accept the Terms and Conditions
- Complete identity verification through Sumsub — you will need to verify your phone number, email address, and upload your ID documents
- Once approved, your virtual Visa card is issued automatically
Before you begin, make sure you are using the wallet you intend to link to Tangem Pay. Only one Tangem Wallet can be linked per account, and this cannot be changed after onboarding. If you lose access to your linked wallet, you will also lose access to your Tangem Pay account and any funds in it. Choose and secure your wallet carefully.
How long does it take?
In most cases, your card is issued automatically within 5 minutes of completing verification. In rare cases it may take up to 48 hours. If the “Issuing your card” status has not changed after 48 hours, contact support@paera.com directly.
KYC — why it is required
KYC (Know Your Customer) is a mandatory identity verification process required for all Tangem Pay cardholders. It is a legal requirement under financial regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act and FinCEN guidelines, designed to prevent fraud and money laundering. Without completed KYC, the card cannot be issued.
The verification is handled by Sumsub, a regulated identity verification provider. The process applies only to your Tangem Pay account. Your Tangem Wallet, its private keys, assets, and transaction history are completely unaffected.
Tangem Support does not have access to your personal data or verification status. All KYC-related matters are handled by Paera at support@paera.com.
My KYC is stuck or taking too long — what do I do?
If your verification has been in progress for more than 48 hours without a status change, contact support@paera.com. Tangem Support cannot check or influence your verification status.
My verification was rejected — what happens now?
If your application is rejected, nothing happens to your Tangem Wallet or its assets. The wallet is self-custodial and completely separate from Tangem Pay — a rejected application has no effect on it whatsoever.
Tangem Support cannot see the reason for rejection. Contact support@paera.com for information about your specific case.
If you attempt to register again using the same identity, your application will be automatically rejected. Do not attempt to re-register before contacting Paera.
My region or state says "not supported" — why?
Not all countries and US states are currently supported. If your region is not supported, your application will be rejected during KYC. The most reliable way to check eligibility is to apply through the app or scan this [QR code link] and enter your country or state of residence during onboarding.
If you believe your region is being rejected in error, contact support@paera.com.
I am seeing a "Using a VPN?" notification during KYC, but I am not using one
This notification sometimes appears even without an active VPN. The most reliable fix is to disconnect from Wi-Fi and switch to mobile data before continuing the verification process. If the problem persists, contact support@paera.com.
I did not receive my email or SMS verification code
During KYC, you are required to verify both your phone number and email address using one-time codes. If a code does not arrive, check your spam folder and ensure the phone number and email you entered are correct.
If the issue persists, contact support@paera.com — Tangem Support cannot resend or override verification codes.
Can I change my verification details after KYC?
Tangem Pay support cannot make changes to verification information. To update your email, phone number, residency address, or other details after onboarding, contact support@paera.com.
Can I link more than one wallet to my Tangem Pay account?
No. Only one Tangem Wallet can be linked to your Tangem Pay account. This wallet is your default for funding the card and managing your balance. Choose carefully before registering — wallet changes are not supported after onboarding.
Can I use Tangem Pay with a mobile wallet?
Yes, Tangem Pay can be set up on a Tangem mobile wallet as well as a hardware card wallet. However, hardware card wallets are recommended as they keep private keys offline and provide an additional layer of security.
If you upgrade from a mobile wallet to a hardware card wallet later, your Tangem Pay account will remain active — the private keys move to the card’s chip but the wallet address stays the same.