❓ 📋 How to set up PayFast for your school ▶ Show

STEP 1 — Create your PayFast merchant account

• Go to payfast.co.za and click "Sign Up"
• Choose "Individual" if registering personally, or "Business" if you have a registered company
• You will need:
  • Your SA ID number (for individual) or company registration number (for business)
  • Your school's bank account details
  • A valid email address and phone number
• Verification takes 1–2 business days after submitting

STEP 2 — Find your Merchant ID and Merchant Key

• Log in to your PayFast dashboard at payfast.co.za
• Your Merchant ID (8 digits) and Merchant Key appear on your main dashboard
• You can also find them under: Settings → Developer Settings → API Credentials
• Copy them exactly — no spaces before or after

STEP 3 — Set your Passphrase (recommended)

• In PayFast dashboard, go to Settings → Security
• Click "Add Passphrase" or "Edit Passphrase"
• Create a passphrase using only: letters, numbers, and these characters: - _ /
• Write it down somewhere safe
• If you don't set a passphrase, leave the field empty below

STEP 4 — Enter your credentials below

• Paste your Merchant ID, Merchant Key, and Passphrase into the fields below
• These ensure parent payments go directly to your school's bank account — Ourel never touches the money