Why identification is required in a digital wallet and what features it unlocks: the easywallet case

Registration in a digital wallet usually takes only a few minutes, but it is not enough to access most financial features. The user needs to complete identification and verify their identity. This is a requirement under Armenian legislation, in particular the Republic of Armenia Law “On Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing”. Financial institutions must establish the customer’s identity and verify it using reliable documents or other official data when granting access to financial transactions.

For example, in easywallet, top-ups from a bank card, fund withdrawals, cashback and the bonus programme are not available without verification. After identity confirmation, the wallet can be used as a full-featured tool for transfers, payments and money management.

Let’s look at why digital wallets require identification, what features it unlocks and how the process works using easywallet as an example.

What identification means in a digital wallet

Identification is the confirmation of a user’s identity based on an official document.

Usually, to complete the procedure, the user needs to:

1. take a photo of their passport or ID card;
2. take a selfie;
3. wait for automatic or manual data verification.

The system compares the information from the document with the user’s data. For example, the photo in the passport is compared with the selfie taken during the verification process.

Registration and identification are different stages.

Registration creates an account in the app. Usually, a phone number, name, email address and password are enough for this step.

Identification confirms the identity of the account holder and unlocks access to financial transactions that are not available to an anonymous user.

Why a digital wallet needs to know the user’s identity

A digital wallet allows users to store money, receive transfers and make payments. Therefore, it is important for the operator to understand who owns the account and who is carrying out transactions. Identification serves several purposes.

It protects the user’s money

If the user loses their phone, forgets their password or faces account blocking, verified data helps establish who owns the wallet and restore access.

Without identification, it is more difficult for the operator to check whether the person contacting support is actually the account owner.

It reduces the risk of fraud

Identity verification makes it harder to create anonymous accounts for illegal transfers, user deception and other suspicious transactions.

The wallet operator gains the ability to link a financial transaction to a specific person.

It unlocks access to money transactions

Most digital wallets limit the functionality of unverified accounts.

Without identification, the user may not have access to:

1. top-ups from a bank card;
2. fund withdrawals;
3. receiving large transfers;
4. financial products;
5. cashback and bonuses;
6. transactions with higher limits.

The specific set of restrictions depends on the wallet and the user’s status.

How identification works in easywallet

After successful verification, the account receives verified status. This allows the user to use the digital wallet not only to view services, but also for full financial transactions.

easywallet is a digital wallet by EasyPay. Users can register in the app with a phone number by providing their name, email address and password.

However, after basic registration, most financial features remain unavailable. To use them, the user must complete mandatory identification.

How to complete easywallet identification

Verification is completed online in the app.

The user needs to:

1. Open the identification section.
2. Take a photo of their passport or ID card.
3. Take a selfie.
4. Submit the data for review.
5. Wait for confirmation.

The system uses facial recognition technology and compares the user’s selfie with the photo in the document.

If the user cannot complete verification online, they can visit one of the EasyPay branches and confirm their identity in person.

What becomes available after easywallet identification

Identification turns a basic easywallet account into a full-featured payment tool.

Top-up from a bank card

After identity verification, the user can top up easywallet from supported bank cards.

The provided data lists the following payment systems and services:

1. Visa;
2. Mastercard;
3. American Express;
4. Arca;
5. Payoneer.

The fee may depend on the card, bank and top-up method. The final terms should be checked on the screen before confirming the transaction.

Withdrawal of funds to a bank card

A verified user can withdraw money from easywallet to a bank card.

However, cash cannot be withdrawn directly at an EasyPay branch or post office. easywallet also does not have its own card for ATM cash withdrawals.

To receive cash, the user will first need to transfer the funds to a bank card and then withdraw them through an ATM.

Cashback and EasyCoin

After identification, the user gets access to cashback and the EasyCoin bonus programme.

1 EasyCoin equals 1 Armenian dram.

Bonuses may be credited:

1. for purchases and payments made as part of promotions;
2. through partner offers;
3. under the referral programme;
4. for participating in contests.

Accumulated coins can be used to receive available goods or services.

Online loan

After completing identification, users can apply for an online loan in easywallet for an amount of up to 160,000 Armenian drams.

Before applying, check:

1. the interest rate;
2. the total cost of the loan;
3. the repayment term;
4. fees;
5. penalties for late payment;
6. the final repayment amount.

Fast approval does not mean that the loan is cost-effective. Before submitting an application, it is worth comparing the terms with offers from banks and other credit organisations.

Additional financial services

Identified users may also have access to other app features, including transactions with banking products and financial services.

The availability of a specific service depends on citizenship, user status and the requirements of the partner providing the product.

Is identification required to pay utility bills?

Yes. If you want to pay utility bills from your easywallet balance, identification will be required. The reason is simple: before making a payment, the wallet account needs to be topped up, and top-ups from a bank card in easywallet are available only after identity verification.

In other words, the utility payment itself may be a simple household payment, but the money transaction goes through the wallet. Therefore, without identification, the user will not be able to fully top up the account and regularly pay for electricity, gas, water, internet or other services from the app balance.

If you plan to use easywallet only to view available services, full identification may not be needed immediately. However, for regular utility payments and money management through the app, it is better to complete verification in advance.

What requirements apply to non-residents?

Non-residents of Armenia can use easywallet, but additional requirements apply to them.

According to the provided data, a non-resident may need:

1. an Armenian phone number;
2. a public services number or social card;
3. a card issued by an Armenian bank.

In addition, non-residents cannot open a free bank account through the app. They also cannot top up the account through a terminal.

Therefore, before registering, a non-resident should check in advance whether they have the required documents and which features will be available after identification. It is also important to distinguish between full account identification and confirmation of selected transactions at EasyPay terminals through imID.

How imID is used in EasyPay

Since April 2026, imID has been used at EasyPay terminals to confirm selected transactions, for example when topping up bank cards and deposits.

However, transaction confirmation through imID should not be confused with full easywallet account identification.

The main way to identify an easywallet user is to take a photo of a passport or ID card and a selfie in the app. An alternative option is to visit an EasyPay branch in person.

Therefore, imID is used to confirm selected actions at a terminal and does not replace the standard account verification procedure in the app.

Is it safe to send a passport and selfie?

Before submitting documents, make sure you are using the official digital wallet app.

To reduce risks:

1. download the app only from the App Store or Google Play;
2. check the developer’s name;
3. do not send photos of documents through messengers;
4. do not complete identification through links from suspicious messages;
5. do not share one-time codes or your PIN code with anyone;
6. use Face ID, Touch ID or app lock;
7. do not store photos of documents in open access on your phone.

EasyPay operates under Central Bank of Armenia licence No. 17 and has an ISO 27001 certificate in information security management.

At the same time, account security also depends on the user. Even a verified wallet can be at risk if the password or SMS code is shared with another person.

What to do if easywallet does not approve your identification

Problems may occur because of poor photo quality, insufficient lighting or a mismatch between the entered data and the document.

Try the following:

1. Clean your smartphone camera.
2. Take a photo of the document in good lighting.
3. Make sure all edges of the document are visible.
4. Do not cover the photo, name or document number.
5. Remove glasses, headwear and other items that may interfere with facial recognition.
6. Check whether the account details match the document.
7. Try again on another device.
8. Contact EasyPay support or visit an EasyPay branch.

Do not send documents to unofficial support accounts on social media.

Is it worth completing identification in easywallet?

Identification is required if you plan to use easywallet not only to view services, but also as a full-featured tool for money management.

After identity verification, the following features become available:

1. top-ups from a bank card;
2. withdrawals to a card;
3. cashback;
4. the EasyCoin bonus programme;
5. online loan;
6. other financial transactions.

If you are not ready to provide a document and selfie, the wallet’s functionality will be limited.

Before completing identification, review the data processing terms, use only the official app and check the requirements in advance, especially if you are not a resident of Armenia.

FAQ

Can you use easywallet without identification?

You can create an account without full identity verification, but most financial transactions will be unavailable. In particular, the restrictions apply to card top-ups, fund withdrawals, cashback and bonuses.

What documents are needed for identification?

You need to take a photo of your passport or ID card and take a selfie.

Can verification be completed without visiting a branch?

Yes. The main process is completed online directly in the easywallet app.

What should you do if online identification fails?

You can try again in good lighting, check the entered details and photo quality, or visit an EasyPay branch.

Does identification unlock access to all features?

Not always. Some features depend on citizenship, residency status, the availability of a bank card and the requirements of the specific financial partner.

Does identification guarantee loan approval?

No. Identification allows the user to apply, but the decision to issue a loan is made by the lender.

Bottom line

Identification in a digital wallet is needed not only to meet formal requirements. It confirms the account owner, helps protect funds and unlocks access to key financial transactions.

Using easywallet as an example, after identification, users can top up the wallet from a bank card, withdraw money, receive cashback, accumulate EasyCoin and use selected financial products.

Before completing verification, make sure you have installed the official app, review the personal data processing terms and check which features are available to users with your status.

Compare digital wallets in Armenia on AFM: review identification methods, fees, transfers and available services to choose the right service for everyday payments.