Key takeaways
- Fix every gap before you re-apply. Repeated applications with the same problems get faster rejections.
- Your website must show who you are, what you sell, prices and the required policies.
- GST, PAN, bank account, business name and website must all match.
- If your category is restricted, a cleaner application will not change the answer. Look for a provider that wants your vertical.
Why Cashfree rejects applications
- Business category. Cashfree, like other Indian payment aggregators, does not support some categories and reviews others case by case.
- Website not ready. Missing policies, placeholder pages, no prices, or a site that is still under construction.
- KYC mismatch. A business name, GST, PAN or bank account that does not match across documents and the website.
- Unclear business model. The underwriter cannot tell what you sell, to whom and how it is delivered.
- Ownership gaps. Directors or beneficial owners missing, or documents that do not match the company records.
Website compliance checklist
Indian gateways must check each merchant’s website before going live. Before you re-apply, make sure your site has:
- Your legal business name, registered address, email and phone number on a contact page
- Clear descriptions of every product or service and their prices in rupees
- Terms and conditions
- A privacy policy
- A refund and cancellation policy with timelines
- A shipping or delivery policy (for services, how and when they are delivered)
- A customer grievance contact
- Working checkout pages with no broken links or placeholder text
- The same business name as on your GST and bank account
Documents to have ready
| Business type | Typical documents |
|---|---|
| Proprietorship | PAN, Aadhaar, GST certificate or shop licence, bank account proof |
| Partnership / LLP | Partnership deed or LLP agreement, firm PAN, partner KYC, GST, bank proof |
| Private limited | Certificate of incorporation, company PAN, MoA/AoA, director KYC, GST, bank proof |
Licences for regulated activities (for example lending, insurance or investment services) are requested on top of these.
If Cashfree deactivated your live account
- Get the reason and the settlement timeline in writing, including any amount held.
- Respond to every request for invoices, delivery proof or KYC updates in one complete reply.
- Export your transaction and settlement reports.
- Answer open disputes so they are not settled against your held balance.
- Update your checkout so customers are not sent to a payment page that no longer works.
Read next: Razorpay account on hold and why payment gateway applications get rejected.
Frequently asked questions
Why was my Cashfree payment gateway application rejected?
The usual reasons are a business category Cashfree does not support, a website missing policies, prices or contact details, KYC details that do not match, or a business model the underwriter could not understand.
Can I re-apply to Cashfree after a rejection?
Usually, yes, if the rejection was about something you can fix, such as your website or documents. Fix every gap first and explain what changed. If the rejection was about your business category, re-applying will not change the outcome.
What policies does my website need for a payment gateway in India?
Terms and conditions, a privacy policy, a refund and cancellation policy, a shipping or delivery policy, and clear contact and grievance details, plus product descriptions and prices.
Why did Cashfree deactivate my account after it went live?
Live accounts are usually deactivated after a risk review: a category found to be outside Cashfree’s appetite, rising disputes or complaints, unusual volume, or a website that changed from what was approved.
Which payment gateway accepts businesses Cashfree rejects?
It depends on why you were rejected. Fixable website or KYC gaps can be solved with any gateway. If your category is the issue, you need a provider that specialises in it. Approvd matches you with those providers.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Payment providers set their own terms and make all underwriting decisions.