Why Are You Asked for Your ID and a Selfie When Opening a Finance App?

It’s not to bother you. It’s to protect you.

You open a new app to create an account, and there it is again:
your camera turns on, it asks for your ID, then a selfie… and you think: this again?

But that step — the one many people see as a hassle — is exactly what prevents someone else from using your name, your face, and your money.
In a world where everything happens on your phone, identity verification is your strongest line of defense against fraud.

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It’s not optional — it’s the law

In Costa Rica, verifying identity isn’t just a company policy. It’s a legal obligation, part of Law 7786, created to prevent money laundering and financial crime.

Authorities like SUGEF and the Central Bank of Costa Rica require all financial services — banks, digital wallets, fintechs — to verify who you are before allowing you to move money.

This is known as KYC (Know Your Customer), and its goals are:

• Prevent fraud and identity theft
• Block illegal use of the financial system
• Make sure money stays in the hands of its rightful owner

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Why do they ask for your ID and a selfie?

Simple: it’s the safest way to confirm you really are who you say you are.

• Your ID provides official data
• The selfie confirms that you’re the one submitting it

It’s like a double lock — if you don’t have both keys, you’re not getting in.
That’s how fake accounts and impersonation are stopped.

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When will they ask for it?

Any time you try to use a service that involves handling money. For example:

• Opening an account in a finance app
• Activating SINPE Móvil
• Requesting a digital card
• Receiving payments or sending money
• Applying for an online loan

Even if it’s a small amount of money, the rules still apply.

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Why verifying your identity helps you

More security. More access. More control.

• No one can open accounts in your name
• Your money stays safe, even if your phone gets stolen
• You can use 100% digital services without visiting a branch
• Apps can offer safer, more personalized products

And once your identity is verified, many platforms recognize you for future use.
Fewer steps. Faster access.

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Protect your data: do it the right way

Your documents are valuable. Share them only in secure places:

• Make sure the app is registered with SUGEF or authorized by the Central Bank
• Read the privacy policies carefully
• Never send your ID or selfie over WhatsApp, email, or social media
• Only use the official channels of the app or institution

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What if this control didn’t exist?

The risks would be serious:

• Fraudsters opening fake accounts
• Loans or credits requested without your consent
• Money transfers using stolen data
• Financial loss and reputational damage

Without identity verification, the system would be chaos.

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Bottom line: verifying means protecting yourself

Submitting your ID and selfie isn’t just a step — it’s a shield.
It’s what makes modern financial services faster, safer, and smarter.

Thanks to these controls, apps and fintech platforms can offer trustworthy services without putting users at risk.

At Zimplifica, we’ve built identity verification into all our financial solutions — so fintechs, startups, and companies can innovate securely and in full compliance with the law.

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Are you a fintech or payment solution developer?

Do you want to connect your app, platform, or company to SINPE?

Contact us
At Zimplifica, we help you integrate with SINPE in a secure, regulated, and scalable way.