Fix Your KYCWhy Your KYC Keeps Getting Rejected (And How to Fix It)
You've submitted your documents 5, 10, maybe 15 times. Each time: "Verification Failed." No explanation. No help. Just frustration. Sound familiar? You're not alone — and there's a solution.
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The Hidden Problem With KYC Verification
Here's what platforms don't tell you: their automated verification systems reject documents for incredibly specific reasons, but they never explain what went wrong. It's a black box designed to protect them from fraud, but it leaves legitimate users completely in the dark.
After analyzing over 2 million document submissions, we've identified the exact reasons why KYC fails — and most of them are simple fixes you can make in minutes.
The Top 10 Reasons KYC Gets Rejected
1Image Quality Too Low
This is the #1 reason for rejection. If your image resolution is below 300 DPI or your file is under 500KB, most platforms will auto-reject it. Phone cameras compress images by default, which often drops them below the threshold.
💡 The Fix
Use your phone's highest quality camera setting. Turn off "High Efficiency" mode on iPhone or enable "Full Resolution" on Android. Aim for at least 2MB file size.
2Glare and Reflections
That shiny hologram on your ID? It's there to prevent counterfeiting, but it also reflects light directly into your camera. A single bright spot can make text unreadable to OCR systems.
💡 The Fix
Photograph documents in diffused natural light — near a window but not in direct sunlight. Tilt the document slightly (5-10 degrees) to deflect reflections away from the camera.
3Cropped or Missing Edges
If any corner of your document is cut off, even by a few pixels, the system assumes it might be a partial or edited document and rejects it immediately.
💡 The Fix
Leave a visible margin (about 5mm) around all edges of your document. Place it on a contrasting background so edges are clearly defined.
4Blurry or Out of Focus
Motion blur from shaky hands, or focusing on the wrong area, makes text illegible to OCR. The system needs to read every character on your document.
💡 The Fix
Place your document on a flat surface. Hold your phone steady with both hands. Tap to focus on the document before taking the photo. Use a timer to avoid shake from pressing the button.
5Wrong File Format
Some platforms are very strict about formats. HEIC files (iPhone default) are often rejected. Some don't accept PNG. Others require specific PDF formats.
💡 The Fix
Always use JPG/JPEG format. On iPhone, go to Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible. Convert other formats using a simple image converter.
6Name Mismatch
If your document shows "Robert" but your account says "Bob," that's a mismatch. Even small differences like middle names or suffixes (Jr., III) can cause rejection.
💡 The Fix
Update your account profile to match your document EXACTLY before uploading. Use your legal name as it appears on your ID, including middle names and suffixes.
7Expired Document
Most platforms require your document to be valid. Some even require 3-6 months of remaining validity. An expired ID is an instant rejection.
💡 The Fix
Check your document's expiry date before submitting. If it expires soon, consider renewing before attempting verification.
8Poor Lighting or Shadows
Harsh shadows across your document can obscure text and make verification impossible. Even partial shadows are problematic.
💡 The Fix
Use soft, even lighting from multiple directions. The best setup is near a window with additional room lighting. Avoid overhead lights that cast shadows from your hands.
9Wrong Document Type
Submitting a social security card when they asked for a driver's license. Uploading the back of your ID when they wanted the front. These mistakes are more common than you'd think.
💡 The Fix
Read the requirements carefully. If they ask for a passport, don't submit a driver's license even if you think it should work.
10Selfie Doesn't Match
For platforms requiring a selfie, the AI compares your face to the photo on your document. Glasses, different hairstyles, or significant weight changes can cause mismatches.
💡 The Fix
Remove glasses for your selfie. Use the same lighting as your document photo. Face the camera directly. Don't smile if your ID photo is neutral.
The Solution: Pre-Check Before You Submit
The frustrating part about KYC rejection is that you don't know what went wrong. You can't fix what you can't see.
That's exactly why we built Fix Your KYC. Our AI analyzes your document the same way platform verification systems do — but we tell you exactly what's wrong and how to fix it.
Stop Guessing. Start Passing.
Upload your document now and see exactly what to fix — for free.
Analyze My Document FreeConclusion
KYC rejection doesn't have to be a mystery. By understanding what verification systems are looking for and pre-checking your documents before submission, you can pass verification on your first try.
Remember: it's not about beating the system or faking anything. It's about presenting your authentic documents in the clearest, highest-quality way possible. That's all it takes.