Find out how to apply to us if your firm wants to provide payment services, issue electronic money or become a registered account information service provider.
This page will help you determine whether you need to apply to be authorised by us or registered with us. In either case, follow our guidance on what to read first and how to prepare your application.
Please also read the other page in this section that's relevant to your type of firm:
What to read first
Whether you're applying to be a PI, an EMI or a RAISP, or submitting a variation of permission[-1] application, we expect you to read everything listed below.
The application process
Our how to apply[15] page explains:
- our expectations of all firms
- the application process
- how to avoid delays with your application
This page is relevant whether you're applying to be authorised or registered.
You must read it in full before submitting your application through our Connect[-1] system.
The rules in our Handbook
In your application, you'll need to explain how the permissions you're applying for match up with your business model.
Please refer to the following modules in our Handbook of rules and guidance:
- PERG15[0] – guidance on the scope of the PSRs
- PERG3A[1] – guidance on the scope of the EMRs
- You should also read the specific sections of the handbook related to the new safeguarding rules: CASS 10A[2], CASS 15[3], SUP 3A[4], SUP 16.14A[5].
You must also read our principles[6] – these are the fundamental obligations of all regulated firms.
Our approach document
In Payment Services and Electronic Money – Our Approach (PDF)[7] we set out our approach to implementing the:
- Payment Services Regulations 2017 (the PSRs)
- Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (the EMRs)
- payment services and e-money-related rules in our Handbook
In particular, refer to section 3 on authorisation and registration.
Key information
Our priorities letter (PDF)[8] describes the actions we expect you to take to deliver the 3 outcomes that we've set for firms in your sector.
Our implementing the Consumer Duty letter (PDF)[9] explains how your firm can embed our Consumer Duty[10], including examples of good and poor practice. We also set out key findings from our review of payments firms’ implementation of the Consumer Duty[11].
Our letter (PDF)[12] on authorised push payment fraud reimbursement sets out our expectations about measures implemented by the Payment Systems Regulator.
Please read about the importance of operational resilience[13] and our insights and observations[14] on key aspects of our policy and guidance.
Firms must ensure they comply with the new safeguarding rules coming into effect from 7 May 2026. Applications will be assessed to the new safeguarding standards. Read more on the new safeguarding rules in the relevant Policy Statement[15].
Please watch our informational video series[16] which highlights some of our expectations, steps to strengthen your submission, and where to find further support.
Pre-application support
If you are applying to be a PI, EMI or a RAISP, you can receive support through the pre-application support service (PASS)[17], which offers pre-application meetings and FCA speakers at industry events.
Application fee
You have to pay a fee to submit your application. The fee is non-refundable.
The amount you'll pay will depend on what type of firm you are and what pricing category you fall into.
We'll reject your application without assessing it if you don't pay the correct application fee.
Find out more about our authorisation and registration fees[18], including how to pay.
Prepare your application
You'll need to submit your application through Connect[30]. The first thing to do is register[19].
Your application must include:
- the application form relevant to your type of firm
- the supporting material required for PIs[20], EMIs[21] or RAISPs[22] (whichever applies to you)
- everything listed below
Final check and submit
Before you submit everything on Connect, give it one more check to be sure you've included everything. We'll reject your submission without assessing it if you don't provide the minimum information we ask for.
Our how to apply page has 3 top tips to ensure your application goes smoothly, and explains what happens after you've submitted it.
If you need more help
Please contact us on 0300 500 0597. We're open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 5pm, and Thursday 9.45am to 5pm.
29/07/2020: Information added information on what to read before applying
