Account Setup
Create your Credo account, complete verification, and configure your dashboard for payments.
This guide walks you through setting up your Credo account from registration to your first live configuration. Whether you're starting with sandbox testing or going straight to production, the steps are the same.
Create an account
Credo offers two separate environments. Start with sandbox for testing, then create a production account when you're ready.
- Go to app.credodemo.com/register
- Fill in your email, name, and password
- Verify your email address Sandbox accounts are activated immediately. No business verification is required.
- Go to app.credocentral.com/register
- Fill in your email, name, and password
- Verify your email address
- Complete the onboarding steps (see below) Production accounts require business verification before you can accept live payments.
Complete onboarding
After signing in to your production account, you'll be guided through six onboarding steps. Each step must be completed before your account is fully activated.
Personal profile
Provide the details of the primary account holder:
- Full name
- Email address (used for account communications)
- Phone number
- Date of birth
Business profile
Enter your business details:
- Business name: your registered or trading name
- Business type: sole proprietor, limited company, NGO, etc.
- Industry: select the category that best describes your business
- RC/BN number: your CAC registration number (if applicable)
- Business address: physical address of your business
- Website (optional)
The information you provide here appears on customer-facing elements like receipts and payment pages. Make sure it's accurate.
Registration documents
Upload the required documents for KYC/KYB compliance:
| Document | Accepted formats |
|---|---|
| Government-issued ID | National ID, International Passport, Driver's License, Voter's Card |
| Proof of address | Utility bill or bank statement (dated within 3 months) |
| CAC certificate | Certificate of incorporation or business name registration |
Documents must be clear, legible, and not expired. Blurry or cropped uploads will be rejected during review.
Business representatives
Add the details of key individuals associated with your business (directors, signatories, or beneficial owners). For each representative, provide:
- Full name
- Role / title
- BVN or government-issued ID
- Ownership percentage (if applicable)
This is a regulatory requirement. Credo uses this information for compliance verification only.
Account information
Add the bank account where you want to receive payouts:
- Select your bank
- Enter your account number
- Confirm the resolved account name
You can update your settlement account later, but changes may require re-verification.
Charges information
Review and confirm the transaction fee structure for your account:
- Fee rates per payment channel (card, bank transfer, USSD, etc.)
- Fee bearer setting (customer or merchant)
- Any negotiated or custom pricing
This step is informational — your fee structure is determined by your account tier and any agreements with Credo.
Get your API keys
Once your account is set up, grab your API keys for integration:
- Go to Settings → Developer → API Keys
- Copy your Public Key and Secret Key
| Key | Prefix | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Public Key | 0PUB... | Initializing payments (safe for client-side) |
| Secret Key | - | Verifying transactions (server-side only) |
Keep your secret key safe
Your secret key should never appear in frontend code, mobile apps, or version control. Store it in environment variables on your server.
Configure webhooks
Webhooks notify your server in real time when payment events occur. Setting them up is strongly recommended.
- Go to Settings → Webhooks
- Enter your webhook URL (must be HTTPS)
- Save the configuration
Your endpoint will receive POST requests for events like transaction.successful, transaction.failed, transaction.transaction.transfer.reverse, and transaction.settlement.success. See the Webhooks guide for the full payload structure and implementation details.
Invite team members
Add colleagues to your Credo dashboard with role-based access:
- Go to Settings → Team
- Click Invite Member
- Enter their email and assign a role
| Role | Access level |
|---|---|
| Admin | Full access to all settings, transactions, and team management |
| Developer | Access to API keys, webhooks, and transaction data |
| Finance | Access to transactions, settlements, and reports |
| Support | Read-only access to transactions for customer support |
Follow the principle of least privilege - only give team members the access they need for their role.
Enable two-factor authentication
Secure your account with 2FA:
- Go to Settings → Security
- Click Enable 2FA
- Scan the QR code with an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, etc.)
- Enter the 6-digit code to confirm
Two-factor authentication is strongly recommended for all accounts, especially those with admin access.
Dashboard overview
Once setup is complete, your dashboard gives you access to:
Transactions
View all payment activity - status, amounts, references, and customer details.
Settlements
Track when funds are paid out to your bank account.
Payment Links
Create shareable links to collect payments without writing code.
Reports
Export transaction data for reconciliation and accounting.
Next steps
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