How to create a Cowrywise account — step-by-step (complete guide)

Quick overview (what this guide covers)

This guide shows everything from what you need before starting to completing KYC, adding your BVN, linking your bank/card, and setting up your first savings or investment plan on Cowrywise. 

Why open a Cowrywise account?

Cowrywise is one of Nigeria’s popular fintech apps for automated savings and investments, it offers goal-based plans, access to mutual funds, and sometimes higher returns than ordinary savings accounts. It’s built to be beginner friendly and includes regulatory and security measures (e.g., KYC, BVN checks). If you plan to save, invest, or automate monthly contributions, Cowrywise is a solid place to start. 

What you’ll need before you start

Start the sign-up with these ready — it makes the process smooth:

1. A valid email address you can access.

2. A phone number you use (for SMS/2FA).

3. A government ID (national ID, driver’s licence, international passport) for later KYC verification.

4. Your Bank Verification Number (BVN) – an 11-digit ID used in Nigeria for identity verification (required to withdraw and link bank accounts). Cowrywise requires BVN to fully verify accounts and enable some features. 

5. Bank account details or debit card if you want to add payment methods immediately.

6. Smartphone (iOS or Android) or a web browser — you can sign up on cowrywise.com or via the mobile app. 

Step-by-step: Create your Cowrywise account

Note: these steps follow Cowrywise’s official flow (web + mobile). If the UI changes slightly, the core steps remain the same: Sign Up → Verify email/phone → Complete profile → Upload ID / Add BVN → Add payment method → Start a plan. 

1. Download the app or open the website

Mobile: Open Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) and install Cowrywise. Look for the official Cowrywise app page. 

Web: Visit https://cowrywise.com to Sign Up / Get Started button. 

2. Tap “Sign Up” (or Create account)

Choose Sign Up or Create an account on the home screen. On web you’ll be taken to a registration form (or an email link flow). On mobile, the app opens a registration screen. 

3. Enter your basic details

Provide:

Full name (as on your ID)

Email address — Cowrywise will send a verification message.

Phone number — used for OTPs and notifications.

Create a strong password.

Make sure your name and email are entered correctly because they’re tied to KYC and BVN checks later. Cowrywise will often send an email with a unique link or OTP to continue. 

4. Verify your email (and sometimes phone)

Open the verification email and click the link or enter the OTP provided. If you don’t receive it, check spam or request a resend. The signup page may tell you that a unique link or OTP has been sent. 

5. Complete your profile

After verification, you’ll be asked for more profile details:

Date of birth

Residential address

Employment status (optional on some screens)

Next of kin (occasionally requested, depending on flow)

Completing your profile is required for KYC and helps Cowrywise recommend suitable plans.

6. Add your BVN (Bank Verification Number)

You’ll be prompted to add your BVN to the account to unlock withdrawals and bank transfers. Cowrywise uses BVN to confirm identity and prevent fraud — adding your BVN is an important security step. If you don’t have a BVN, you can enroll at your bank. 

Important: only use your own BVN. Using someone else’s will flag your account and may cause access issues. 

7. Complete identity verification (KYC)

Upload a photo of your government ID (passport/driver’s licence/NIN) and a selfie when prompted. This is part of KYC (Know-Your-Customer) verification.

Wait for Cowrywise to validate your ID. Some accounts are verified quickly; others may take longer depending on checks.

If you’re using Cowrywise’s developer/embed API or third-party integration, the minimal registration fields differ, but verified accounts are still required to do investments. (This matters if you’re a developer or embedding Cowrywise within another app.) 

8. Add a payment method (bank account, debit card, USSD)

Link your bank account or add a debit card so you can fund plans and make withdrawals. Cowrywise supports multiple funding options (bank transfer, debit card, USSD, etc.) depending on your device and country. 

Tip: If the app asks for micro-deposits or OTP from your bank to authenticate, follow the on-screen steps.

9. Set up your first savings or investment plan

Cowrywise uses “plans” or “goals” (Emergency, Education, Vacation, etc.). Create a plan, choose frequency (one-off, weekly, monthly), set an amount and payment source, and confirm. Your automated contributions will start according to the schedule you chose. 

10. Turn on security features (2FA, hide balance)

After the account is set up, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) where available for critical actions. Cowrywise also has features like “hide balance” for privacy. These extra layers protect your money and account. 

Common verification / BVN questions (short answers)

Why is BVN required? — To verify your identity across Nigeria’s banking ecosystem and prevent fraud; it ensures withdrawals go to accounts that belong to you. 

How long does KYC take? — Many verifications are fast (minutes to a few hours), but in some cases manual review can take longer. Keep an eye on your app notifications or email. 

What if my BVN name doesn’t match my profile? — Ensure names match exactly. If they don’t, contact support to correct your profile or to resolve BVN mismatches. 

Security & trust — what Cowrywise says

Cowrywise stresses account security: they are PCI-DSS compliant (encryption for card/bank data), recommend using personal BVN only, and keep client assets with a licensed custodian. They’re also regulated as a fund manager by Nigeria’s SEC. These are good signs of industry standard safety practices. Always enable 2FA and use a unique password. 

Troubleshooting: if sign up fails or you don’t get verification

No verification email: Check spam/promotions tab; request resend. Use the same email as on your profile. 

BVN not accepted: Double-check the 11 digits. If it still fails, contact Cowrywise support and confirm your BVN is active with your bank. 

KYC rejected: Re-upload clear images of your ID and selfie. Ensure good lighting and that the ID details are fully visible. If rejected multiple times, reach out to support. 

If you hit persistent problems, use the in-app support chat or Cowrywise’s help center articles. Official guides are kept up to date and are the best place to confirm exact error messages. 

Extra tips to make the most of Cowrywise

1. Start with a clear goal. Label your plans (e.g., “Laptop Fund”) so you stay motivated. 

2. Automate contributions. Automatic transfers remove friction and help with consistent saving. 

3. Use the Stash (if available). Cowrywise issues a Stash account number for deposits after full verification; check eligibility and requirements. 

4. Protect your phone and email. Use strong, unique passwords and enable phone lock/screen PIN. Don’t share OTPs with anyone. 

What happens next — withdrawals & limits

After full verification (KYC + BVN), you’ll be able to withdraw to verified bank accounts. Cowrywise prevents withdrawals to third-party accounts (that don’t match your BVN) — this is a security measure to reduce fraud. If you want to enable instant funding/withdrawals, ensure your bank link is verified. 

Developer note (if you’re integrating Cowrywise)

If you’re a developer using Cowrywise’s Embed API to create accounts for users programmatically: the API requires minimal fields for sandbox registration (first_name, last_name, email, phone). Real investment access requires identity verification per the Identity Verification Guide. Always follow the API’s production rules for sensitive data. 

Quick checklist before you click “Sign Up”

Email ready & accessible

Phone number active for OTPs

BVN (11 digits) or plan to get one at a bank

Government ID photo for KYC

Bank account or debit card for funding

Sample troubleshooting scenarios (short)

You waited >24 hours for KYC verification: contact support with screenshots of your submission.

You can’t link your debit card: confirm card supports online and international transactions and that the card isn’t blocked by your bank.

You see a name mismatch with BVN: open a support ticket and be ready to provide documents.

Sources & references (official)

Cowrywise Help — How to create an account on Cowrywise. 

Cowrywise Sign Up / Registration flow. 

Cowrywise BVN FAQ — why BVN is required and how it’s used. 

Cowrywise Developer Docs — Creating an Account (Embed API details and verification notes). 

Cowrywise app listing (Google Play) – features and app availability. 

Final checklist & encouragement

You’ve got everything you need to sign up right now: email, phone, BVN, ID, and bank details. Follow the sign-up flow, complete KYC, enable 2FA, and set a savings goal — then watch your automated contributions do the heavy lifting.

If you want, I can also:

Draft the exact wording for your Cowrywise profile (name formatting for BVN checks).

Create a short email/OTP checklist you can copy to avoid mistakes.

Walk you through setting up your first plan with recommended contribution frequencies.