What is a Utility Bill and Why is it Required by Amazon for Seller Verification?
E-Commerce
If you are planning to become an Amazon seller or set up a professional seller account, you may be asked to provide a utility bill. Understanding what a utility bill is and why it's required is key to ensuring a smooth process. This article will explain the types of utility bills Amazon accepts, what they should look like, and how to make sure your document meets Amazon’s requirements.
What is a Utility Bill?
A utility bill is a document provided by utility service providers, showing the usage and payment for essential services such as electricity, water, gas, or internet. Common types of utility bills include:
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Electricity bills
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Water bills
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Gas bills
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Internet or cable TV bills
These bills typically contain important information like the user’s name, address, service provider details, and payment history. Amazon uses this information to verify your identity and address.
Why Does Amazon Require a Utility Bill?
Amazon asks for utility bills primarily for identity verification and address validation. Here are some common scenarios where you may be asked to submit a utility bill:
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Account Verification: If you’ve provided an address during the registration process, Amazon may request a utility bill to confirm its accuracy.
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Business Address Verification: For business sellers, Amazon may need a utility bill to verify the authenticity of the registered business address.
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Compliance and Security: Amazon may require a utility bill to ensure the seller complies with local regulations and avoid fraudulent addresses and false information.
What Should an Amazon-Requested Utility Bill Look Like?
The utility bill you provide to Amazon must clearly display the following key information:
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Your Name: The name on the bill should match the name on your Amazon account.
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Address: The address on the bill should match the one provided in your account registration.
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Billing Date: The bill should be recent, typically within the past 90 days.
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Service Provider's Name: The bill should clearly show the name of the utility provider, such as an electricity, gas, or internet company.
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Payment Information: The bill should indicate payment status (paid or outstanding balance).
How to Submit a Utility Bill to Amazon
Submitting your utility bill is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure a successful submission:
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Login to Your Amazon Seller Account: Go to the account verification page in your Amazon Seller Central account and check for any document requests.
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Upload the Document: Choose the option to upload your utility bill and ensure the file is clear, readable, and in an acceptable format (such as PDF, JPEG, or PNG).
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Check for Accuracy: Double-check that the name and address on the bill match the information in your Amazon account. Any discrepancies could cause your document to be rejected.
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Wait for Review: After uploading, Amazon will review your submitted bill and other documents. If everything is in order, your account will be approved.
Types of Utility Bills Accepted by Amazon
Amazon accepts several types of utility bills, as long as they meet their standards. Here are the most common bills Amazon accepts:
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Electricity and Gas Bills: Bills from local or national electricity and gas providers.
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Water Bills: Bills from a local water company.
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Internet and Phone Bills: Bills from providers such as Verizon, Comcast, AT&T.
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Municipal or Tax Bills: In some cases, tax bills or municipal service bills may also be acceptable to verify your address.
Ensure that the utility provider is a recognized company to avoid issues during the submission process.
Common Mistakes and Issues to Avoid
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Address Discrepancies: Ensure the address on the utility bill matches the address you provided during registration. Even small differences, such as a missing apartment number, can cause issues.
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Expired Bills: Amazon typically requires a bill from within the last 90 days. If your bill is expired, provide a more recent one.
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Unclear Documents: Ensure the bill is clear and legible. If the bill is blurry or low-quality, Amazon may not accept it.
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Personal Address vs Business Address: If your account is a business account, the bill should show the business address, not your personal address. Personal utility bills cannot be used to verify business accounts.
Using PhotonPay for Global E-Commerce Payments
For cross-border e-commerce sellers, handling payments is just as important as account verification. As e-commerce grows rapidly, selecting an efficient and secure payment solution is crucial.
Founded in 2015, PhotonPay is a digital financial infrastructure provider offering global payment solutions to businesses. Our innovative core products include Global Accounts, Card Issuing, Online Payments, Payouts, FX Management and Embedded Finance. PhotonPay has become a Mastercard issuer in Hong Kong and the fintech card issuer in the Greater China region of Discover® Global Network.
With a strong compliance culture and technological innovation capabilities, PhotonPay is building a digital payment network to take the friction out of global payments and enhance operational efficiency for businesses operating on a global scale.
Headquarters in Hong Kong and providing localized services through nine international offices, PhotonPay partners with a network of top-tier banks and global financial institutions and serves more than 200,000 enterprises globally.
Choose PhotonPay for your cross-border payment needs, and expand your e-commerce business globally with ease and security.
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