How to Apply for Mutual Fund KYC Online — CKYC, eKYC & Investment Guide
Complete guide to mutual fund KYC online via CAMS, KFintech & CVL portals. Learn eKYC, CKYC, documents required, and how to start investing in SIP or lump sum.
How to Apply for Mutual Fund KYC Online — CKYC, eKYC & Investment Guide
Before you can invest in mutual funds in India, completing KYC (Know Your Customer) verification is mandatory. Whether you want to start a SIP or make a lump sum investment, every investor must be KYC-compliant as per SEBI regulations. This guide walks you through the entire process — from understanding KYC types to completing verification online and beginning your investment journey.
What Is KYC for Mutual Funds?
KYC is a one-time identity verification process mandated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). It ensures that every mutual fund investor's identity and address are verified to prevent fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes.
Once you complete KYC with any SEBI-registered intermediary, it is valid across all mutual fund houses (AMCs), brokers, and investment platforms. You do not need to repeat KYC for each AMC separately.
Key points:
- KYC is mandatory for all mutual fund investments, regardless of amount
- One-time process — valid across all AMCs and platforms
- Managed by KYC Registration Agencies (KRAs) authorized by SEBI
- Your PAN card is the primary identifier for KYC
Types of KYC for Mutual Fund Investors
1. eKYC (Electronic KYC via Aadhaar)
eKYC uses your Aadhaar card for instant online verification through OTP authentication. It is the fastest method and can be completed in under 10 minutes.
- How it works: Your Aadhaar number is linked to your PAN, and identity is verified via Aadhaar OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Investment limit: Previously capped at ₹50,000 per AMC per year, but this limit has been removed for OVD (Officially Valid Document) based eKYC.
- Best for: Quick online investors using platforms like Groww, Zerodha Coin, or Kuvera.
2. CKYC (Central KYC)
CKYC is a centralized KYC system maintained by CERSAI (Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India). When you complete KYC with any financial institution — bank, insurance company, or mutual fund house — your records are uploaded to the central CKYC registry.
- CKYC Identifier (KIN): A 14-digit unique number assigned to each individual.
- Advantage: Once registered, any financial institution can fetch your KYC details using your KIN, eliminating repetitive paperwork.
- Check your KIN: Visit ckycindia.in and search using your PAN or Aadhaar.
3. In-Person Verification (IPV)
For higher investment amounts or when eKYC is insufficient, in-person verification may be required. This involves:
- Visiting an AMC office, registrar branch (CAMS or KFintech), or an authorized intermediary
- Carrying original documents for physical verification
- A video-based IPV option is also available on many platforms where you record a short video holding your PAN card
How to Complete Mutual Fund KYC Online
Step-by-Step via KRA Portals
KYC Registration Agencies (KRAs) are authorized by SEBI to maintain investor KYC records. The major KRAs are:
| KRA | Portal | URL |
|---|---|---|
| CAMS KRA | MF KYC Registration | camskra.com |
| KFintech KRA | KYC Registration | kra.kfintech.com |
| CVL KRA | KYC Services | cvlkra.com |
Process via CAMS KRA (Most Common)
- Visit camskra.com and click on "Register" or "New KYC Registration"
- Enter PAN — your PAN is the primary identification number
- Fill the KYC form — provide personal details including name, date of birth, address, and contact information
- Upload documents — scanned copies of PAN card, Aadhaar card (or other address proof), passport-size photograph, and signature
- Aadhaar OTP verification — authenticate via OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- In-Person Verification — complete video IPV by recording yourself with your PAN card (if required)
- Submit — your KYC application is processed within 2-5 working days
Process via KFintech KRA
- Go to kra.kfintech.com
- Select "Individual KYC Registration"
- Enter PAN and verify via OTP
- Fill personal details and upload documents
- Complete video IPV
- Submit for processing
Process via CVL KRA
- Visit cvlkra.com
- Navigate to "KYC Registration" section
- Follow the similar PAN-based registration and document upload process
KYC via Investment Platforms
Most modern investment platforms handle KYC seamlessly during account creation:
- Groww: Completes eKYC during signup using PAN + Aadhaar OTP. Fully digital process.
- Zerodha Coin: KYC is part of the Zerodha demat account opening process. Uses DigiLocker integration.
- Kuvera: Offers paperless KYC with Aadhaar-based eKYC during registration.
- Paytm Money, ET Money, MFCentral: All support online eKYC during onboarding.
How to Check Your KYC Status
You can verify your KYC compliance status online:
- Via CAMS KRA: Visit camskra.com → "KYC Inquiry" → Enter PAN
- Via KFintech KRA: Visit kra.kfintech.com → "KYC Status" → Enter PAN
- Via CVL KRA: Visit cvlkra.com → "KYC Status Check"
- Via AMFI: Visit amfiindia.com for consolidated KYC status
KYC Status Meanings:
- KYC Registered: Your KYC is complete and verified — you can invest freely
- KYC Validated: Documents submitted but pending full verification
- KYC On Hold: Additional documents or information required
- KYC Rejected: Resubmit with correct documents
Documents Required for Mutual Fund KYC
| Document Type | Accepted Documents |
|---|---|
| Identity Proof | PAN card (mandatory), Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID |
| Address Proof | Aadhaar card, Passport, Utility bill (≤3 months old), Bank statement |
| Photograph | Recent passport-size photograph (white background) |
| Signature | Scanned signature on white paper |
| Bank Proof | Cancelled cheque or bank statement with IFSC visible |
Important: PAN card is compulsory for all mutual fund KYC registrations. Ensure your PAN is linked to your Aadhaar — check and complete this via the Income Tax portal.
Investing in Mutual Funds After KYC
Once your KYC is verified, you can start investing immediately. Here are the main investment modes:
SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)
- Invest a fixed amount monthly (starting from ₹100-₹500 depending on the fund)
- Automates investing through bank auto-debit
- Benefits from rupee cost averaging — reduces the impact of market volatility
- Ideal for long-term wealth creation
Lump Sum Investment
- One-time investment of a larger amount
- Suitable when you have surplus funds
- Minimum investment typically ₹1,000-₹5,000 depending on the AMC and scheme
Popular AMCs in India
Some of the top-performing Asset Management Companies include SBI Mutual Fund, HDFC Mutual Fund, ICICI Prudential, Axis Mutual Fund, Nippon India, and Mirae Asset. You can invest in any of these through direct plans (via AMC websites) or regular plans (through distributors).
Direct vs Regular Plans
- Direct plans: Lower expense ratio, no distributor commission. Invest via AMC websites or platforms like Kuvera, Groww, or Zerodha Coin.
- Regular plans: Slightly higher expense ratio due to distributor commission. Invest through banks or mutual fund advisors.
Pro tip: Maintaining a good credit score alongside your investments strengthens your overall financial profile, especially when applying for loans against mutual funds.
Common Issues and Solutions
- PAN-Aadhaar not linked: KYC will fail. Link them first via the Income Tax portal.
- Mobile number mismatch: Ensure your Aadhaar-linked mobile is active for OTP verification.
- KYC status shows "On Hold": Contact the KRA helpline or resubmit clearer document scans.
- Name mismatch: Name on PAN, Aadhaar, and bank account must match exactly. Get corrections done before applying.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Is KYC mandatory for all mutual fund investments?
Yes, SEBI mandates KYC compliance for every individual investing in mutual funds in India, regardless of the investment amount. Without KYC verification, no AMC or platform will allow you to invest.
How long does online KYC take?
eKYC via Aadhaar OTP can be completed in 5-10 minutes. Full KYC with document upload and IPV typically takes 2-5 working days for verification.
Can I invest in mutual funds without Aadhaar?
You need a PAN card mandatorily. While Aadhaar speeds up eKYC, you can complete KYC using alternative address proofs like passport or voter ID through the offline (document upload) method.
Is mutual fund KYC valid for all AMCs?
Yes. KYC completed through any SEBI-registered KRA or intermediary is valid across all mutual fund houses, brokers, and investment platforms in India.
Do I need to redo KYC if I switch platforms?
No. Your KYC is linked to your PAN and stored centrally with KRAs. Switching from Groww to Zerodha or any other platform does not require fresh KYC. The new platform simply verifies your existing KYC status.
What is the difference between CKYC and KRA KYC?
KRA KYC is specific to capital markets (mutual funds, stocks, demat accounts) and managed by agencies like CAMS and KFintech. CKYC is a broader central registry maintained by CERSAI that covers all financial sectors — banking, insurance, and securities.
Can NRIs complete KYC for mutual fund investments in India?
Yes, NRIs can invest in Indian mutual funds. They need to complete KYC with additional documents including passport, overseas address proof, and FEMA declarations. An NRE/NRO bank account in India is also required.