Frequently Asked Questions
About ekis
What is ekis?
Ekis is a digital wallet payment application that allows you to make instant, convenient, and secure transactions, WITHOUT CASH, WITHOUT POINT OF SALE, NOR THE NEED FOR A BANK ACCOUNT OR CARD.
Some benefits of ekis for merchants?
- Promotions and discounts.
- Payment certainty: you can pay for your orders without being in the store. You don’t miss deliveries.
- Increased sales, security, and potential credits (in the future).
Some benefits of ekis for delivery drivers/helpers who deliver products on routes?
- Security and efficiency.
- They will be able to collect payments on-site or remotely without having to return to collect or stop delivering.
- They will carry less cash along the route.
- They won’t have to count money to settle payments with ekis.
- Increased income.
Some benefits of ekis for manufacturers and distributors?
● Instantly collect payments for the products delivered to the store or affiliated business, whether the payer is present in the store or not.
● Save valuable time on their routes and supply more stores.
● Eliminate risks associated with cash on the route and within your company.
● Ensure that the treasury of your company receives the payment for each sale in 2.5 seconds, before the delivery driver has even boarded the truck!
● Substantial savings related to cash handling expenses.
● Significant operational improvements in non-productive processes will no longer be necessary.
Who can be users of ekis?
● Individuals, with or without a bank account.
● Legal entities: Micro, small, medium, or large companies.
Is it necessary to have a bank account to use ekis?
No! ekis is on your side! We are the solution for real financial inclusion and the needs of the unbanked population and businesses in Latin America.
How can I become a user of ekis?
To become a user of ekis, you need to have:
- A smartphone with Android 7.0 or higher operating system that is not modified, with internet access, and with available and activated biometric security.
- A valid and active phone number from a telecommunications operator in Mexico.
- If you are an individual:
- A valid official identification (INE or Mexican passport).
- If you are a micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise:
- A valid official identification (INE or Mexican passport).
- If you are a large enterprise and want to facilitate the work of your salespeople and merchandise delivery teams, contact our support center and we will tell you how simple it is.
What can I do with ekis as an individual?
- Send and receive ekis to other users (family, friends, suppliers).
- Instantly collect payments for the sale of products or for your independent professional services.
- Top up ekis in your ekis wallet at more than 17 thousand points in Mexico.
- Shop at physical stores. Coming soon in Mexico.
- Shop at online stores. Coming soon in Mexico.
- Pay for basic services: water, electricity, gas, telephone, etc. Coming soon in Mexico.
Is there any cost to download and activate ekis?
No, downloading and activating Ekis is completely free. What are you waiting for? Download and activate it now!
Is there a monthly or annual maintenance fee?
Having an ekis account is completely free! There are no monthly maintenance fees or annual costs.
Do you charge a commission for transactions on ekis?
ekis is free for individuals who send and receive ekis among themselves without conducting commercial transactions; there is no commission. For businesses that conduct commercial transactions with customers, the commissions vary and are listed in the commission table.
Do you charge a commission for topping up ekis in my wallet?
For individuals, topping up Ekis has very low associated commissions that depend on the establishment where you top up.
What are the commission fees for ekis?
Commissions for using ekis | ||
Activity | % Commission | Who pays? |
Issuance or reload | 0.50% | User |
Transfer between individuals | 0.00% | None |
Purchase of goods and service payments (From individuals to merchants) | 0.75% | Merchant |
Payment between businesses | 0.50% | Business charging |
Commerce payment to supplier | 1.75% | Provider |
Exchange of ekis for pesos (Individuals) | 1.25% | User |
How can I ensure that my ekis are secure?
ekis has a variety of controls and fraud detection tools to ensure that ekis continue to belong to their owners. Your ekis will always be safe. If it detects that the destination wallet is valid, it will indicate it to you. Additionally, if you do not validate further with your biometrics that it is the person or company you want to send to, the ekis never leave your wallet.
What are the technical requirements for my cellphone?
● You need a smartphone with an unmodified Android 7.0 operating system or higher, with internet access via a mobile data plan or Wi-Fi.
IMPORTANT: If you use your data plan provided by your telecommunication operator, remember that it consumes your contracted balance.
● You must activate the biometric settings, including facial recognition and fingerprint authentication.
- You need a valid and active phone number from a telecommunications operator in Mexico.
- Ensure that your smartphone has enough storage space to install the application.
Is there a minimum age to use ekis?
To have your wallet, you must be of legal age (18 years old) and have a valid unique identification document (INE) or a valid Mexican passport.
In which countries can I use ekis?
Currently, ekis is available in Mexico. Soon, we will expand to other countries.
Which businesses will accept payment for their products and services with ekis?
Those businesses that have the ekis application active.
Is ekis a bank account?
No, ekis is an application that comes with its digital wallet, where you can use the ekis you have purchased (all backed by money) as you wish, when you wish, and from wherever you are with another ekis user.
Is ekis a cryptocurrency?
Yes, but it is not speculative. It belongs to a group known as stable cryptocurrencies. A stable cryptocurrency is a digital currency linked to a stable reserve asset such as the official currency of a country. In your case, each ekis in your wallet has a reserve of 1 Mexican peso in a bank that backs it, it never changes in value nor is it speculative like other types of cryptocurrencies you may have heard of such as Bitcoin, for example. Each of your ekis always worth the same Mexican peso for which you bought it.
In addition to being able to buy ekis with Mexican pesos, can I buy ekis with other currencies to top up my wallet?
For now, you can only buy ekis in Mexican pesos. When the application is available for other countries with reserve backing in their currencies, we will notify you in due time.
Does ekis offer any programs, promotions, or loyalty plans?
There are currently no active promotion plans. When there are, we will notify our users through the wallet’s messaging feature.
User Registration
Where can I download the ekis application?
Currently, it is only available on the Google Play Store. As soon as we are ready to offer the application on the Google Play Store, we will notify you promptly.
What documents do I need to register as an individual?
To have a personal wallet, you need to be over 18 years old and have a valid official identification issued by your country.
ekis is available to national users of any country in the world except those under sanctions from the US government.
Among the documents you can use are:
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Voter ID from abroad
- Permanent residency visa
Whichever document you use for registration must be valid and in good condition, without erasures or amendments.
What documents do I need to register a micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise?
- A valid official identification (INE or Mexican passport).
How can I register as an individual?
After downloading the application, follow the instructions displayed for each wallet:
- Select the wallet you want to register, in this case [Personal].
- Select your country.
- To confirm your identity and keep your wallet protected, you need to take a photo of your valid Mexican unique identification document (INE or passport).
- Next, you need to provide proof of life, take a selfie photo.
- Provide your phone number.
- Enter a 4-digit verification code that you will receive via SMS on your phone.
- Finally, enter a 6-digit PIN.
Now you can enjoy all the privileges that ekis has for you!
How can I register as a merchant?
After downloading the application, you should follow the instructions displayed for each wallet:
- Select the wallet you want to register, in this case [Your Business].
- Enter the name of your business.
- Select your country.
- To confirm your identity and keep your wallet protected, you need to take a photo of your valid Mexican unique identification document (INE or passport).
- Next, you need to provide proof of life, take a selfie photo.
- Provide your phone number.
- Enter a 4-digit verification code that you will receive via SMS on your phone.
- Finally, enter a 6-digit PIN.
Now you can enjoy all the privileges that ekis has for you!
How long does the document verification process take?
The minimum waiting time is 2 minutes. If you notice that the process is extended, you can contact us through our support center.
I am Mexican and live abroad, can I register on ekis?
Yes, you can. At the time of registration, you must have a valid Mexican unique identification document (INE or passport) on hand and have a valid and active phone number from a telecommunications operator in Mexico (+52).
Can I register with a mobile phone number that is not from Mexico?
Not for now. To register on ekis, you must use a valid phone number that belongs to Mexico (+52).
Can I have more than one individual account on ekis?
Yes. Each person with their respective valid Mexican unique identification document (INE or passport) can have one or more associated individual accounts. Each account must be tied to a different cell phone number and must prove that that number belongs to that person and identity at the time of registration.
Could someone else register on ekis with my personal data?
No. To register on ekis, you must go through an identity verification process (document and biometric) that makes it impossible for another person to register with your personal data.
Can I have different ekis wallets associated with the same phone number?
Yes. Your phone number can be associated with different ekis wallets. For example: having a personal wallet and a business wallet.
Once registered, do I have to wait to be able to use the application?
No. It’s immediate. Once you complete the registration, you can already use the application.
Security Measures
Is registration on ekis safe?
At ekis, we implement reinforced authentication, a measure that allows, through the linking of the mobile phone number, to strengthen security levels and minimize the risk of any possible fraud attempt. It also works with two-factor authentication through your unique identification document, email, SMS password, and biometrics.
Is payment with ekis safe?
ekis is a completely secure payment method. All transactions made are fully protected. Your financial information is private and not shared with any establishment where you have made a payment.
Why do I have to validate my identity?
It is a requirement to certify that the user is the person who performs the registration. The data is verified by MetaMap, which validates the process.
What are and why should I configure biometric data for authentication?
Biometric authentication personal data are physical or behavioral characteristics that can be used to digitally identify a person:
- Facial recognition
- Fingerprint
Biometric authentication allows you to unlock the phone and thus grant access to systems, devices, applications, or data.
What is my fingerprint for?
In phones with fingerprint recognition, you can use your finger to replace the security code. It serves to confirm all movements and transactions in ekis. We will ask for it when it is necessary to confirm an operation.
Why is it mandatory to enter INE or passport and mobile phone number to register on ekis?
To reinforce the security of your user account, your valid and active INE (unique identification document) or valid Mexican passport, as well as your valid and active mobile phone number, are mandatory for registration on ekis.
What should I do if my phone is stolen/lost?
If your phone is stolen or lost, your wallet will be protected because the application requires biometric validation to be used.
- If you later recover your phone number, you just need to download the application on the new device and follow the instructions.
- If you are unable to recover your phone number, contact our support center so you can recover your wallet.
If I lose access to my phone number and the operator assigns it to another user, will they have access to my ekis?
Only you have access to the wallet. The ekis application requests validation of identity documents (INE or passport) and biometrics. If your number is assigned to another person, you do not lose your ekis. Contact our support center so you can recover your wallet.
Balance and Transactions of ekis
What is the balance?
The balance is the amount of ekis that you generate through certain operations through which you acquire or dispose of ekis (e.g. payments, purchases, and top-ups) and store in your wallet to use for future transactions.
Does the ekis balance expire?
The ekis balance in your account never expires.
How many ekis can I receive and hold in my wallet?
The application does not set a limit on the amount of ekis you can keep in the wallet.
How can I receive ekis in my wallet?
There are several ways to receive ekis:
- Through a top-up where you buy ekis with pesos.
- Through the receipt of ekis transfers from other wallets.
- Through charging in ekis for services provided to ekis users.
- Through charging in ekis for products sold to ekis users.
Can I earn interest on the ekis I hold in the wallet?
ekis is not a bank, we do not engage in deposit-taking or banking services. ekis is a purely transactional application to avoid the limitations of physical cash, therefore, we cannot offer interest to customers on the ekis they hold in their wallet.
Top-ups
What are the methods for topping up my wallet?
With the application, you can top up in the following ways:
- Visit a partner business and purchase ekis using cash: 7-ELEVEN, Soriana, Circulo K / Extra Stores, Bodega Aurrera, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Walmart Express, Kiosko, Calimax, CITY CLUB, Farmacia la más barata, Farmacia Roma, Merza, SMB Rural, Caja Cerano, Caja Morelia Valladolid, Caja Oblatos, and Via servicios.
- Through the bank’s application. Currently available for the following banks:
- Santander (online) / Supernet Web Banking
- BBVA (offline) / Digital Banking
- Banorte (offline) / Mobile APP.
- In case of an update in the list of partner businesses and banks where you can top up, this will be notified promptly.
Is there a fee for topping up?
Yes. For individuals and merchants, topping up ekis incurs very low associated fees that depend on the establishment where you top up. You can verify the amounts associated with the fees on the corresponding screens for each transaction in your ekis wallet. Additionally, ekis charges a top-up commission of 0.5% of the amount you are topping up to your wallet.
How do I top up my ekis wallet using cash?
Adding ekis to your wallet is easy and fast. Currently, you can do it at more than 17,000 top-up points, in person with your cell phone or by asking someone you trust to do it for you with an image you send to their cell phone for them to show at the checkout.
How do I top up my ekis wallet using a bank account?
Adding ekis to the wallet using a bank account is easy and fast. You can do it with any banking application. The time it takes for the operation to be reflected is 30 minutes to 1 hour. After this time, open your ekis app and verify that the top-up is reflected in your wallet.
Can I top up ekis with money from another wallet that is not ekis?
This option will not be enabled in the initial stage.
Send or Pay
What are the benefits of sending ekis or paying with ekis?
The application offers a range of benefits for those who want to send ekis from their wallet. They include:
- The ability to send ekis instantly (2.5 seconds) to registered users in the application wherever they are, which cannot be done with physical money.
- A secure and convenient account for sending ekis, available as a smartphone application.
- Real-time transfer without waiting.
- Fully secure and validates every ekis withdrawal with biometrics before execution.
Are there fees for sending ekis?
There is no commission charged for sending ekis for individuals, whether to another individual or to any physical or online store.
Who can I send ekis to using my wallet?
To all those who are registered users on ekis. There are two main options:
- Individuals or businesses that are ekis users whom you do not want to have in your contact list, from the application by entering their cell phone number.
- Individuals or businesses who are ekis users already in the contact list of your phone, grouped as follows:
You have three groups of contacts to choose from, select the corresponding button:
[All] If you select this option, all the users you have in your contact list will be displayed.
[Registered] If you select this option, all the users you have in your contact list who have an ekis wallet will be displayed.
[Favorites] If you select this option, contacts marked as “frequent” and who are registered on ekis will be displayed.
Can I send or pay someone who does not have ekis?
No, invite them to activate by downloading the app and signing up! The person you want to send ekis to or pay using ekis must have the application installed and activated on their phone.
How long does it take to send ekis from my wallet?
Transfers are immediate. Generally, 2.5 seconds or less. However, there may be some delays depending on the quality/speed of the internet connection.
Do I need to register in the application before ekis can be sent to me?
Yes. You must be registered in the ekis application.
Can I send ekis to my family members in other countries?
ekis is currently available for transactions in Mexican territory. We will inform you as soon as operations are extended to other countries.
Can I send ekis to donate to a FOUNDATION/NGO?
Yes, if the organization is registered as an ekis user.
Request or Collect
Who can I request ekis from or collect ekis from?
You can request or collect ekis from anyone who is a registered user on ekis. There are two main options:
- People who are already in the contact list of your phone, grouped as follows:
You have three groups of people to choose from, select the corresponding button:
[All] If you select this option, all the users you have in your contact list will be displayed.
[Registered] If you select this option, all the users you have in your contact list who have an ekis wallet will be displayed.
[Favorites] If you select this option, contacts marked as “frequent” and who are registered on ekis will be displayed.
- People you enter directly from the application by entering their cell phone number and whom you do not want to have in your contact list.
How can I use the ekis I have requested?
Once the ekis arrives in your wallet, you will have total control and can choose how to use them. You can:
- Send ekis to any user.
- Pay for purchases in businesses that accept ekis.
- Sell ekis for cash through the network of partner businesses.
What personal information is required to make a request or collect ekis?
The information you provided at the time of registration is sufficient. The ekis user who receives the request or collection will see your details and will know who is requesting or collecting from them.
Receiving ekis
What are the benefits of receiving ekis in my wallet?
ekis offers several benefits for those who wish to receive ekis in their wallet:
- Having a secure and convenient user account to receive ekis.
- Available as a payment application for smartphones without the need for a bank account.
- It costs nothing to receive or hold ekis.
- You can choose when and how to best use your ekis.
Who can send ekis to my wallet?
Any registered user on ekis.
How do I receive ekis in my wallet?
You can receive ekis in two ways:
- If someone sends you ekis from their wallet.
- If you receive payments in ekis for the sale of a product or for providing a service.
Are there fees for receiving ekis?
There is no commission charged for receiving ekis for individuals. When a business receives ekis as payment for its products or services, there is a very low commission that the business pays to allow the customer to purchase without cash, and for the convenience and security for the business using ekis. Our commission is much lower than bank cards, and you have immediate availability of the amount charged in ekis. You can review the commission table in the corresponding section.
How long does it take to receive ekis in my wallet?
ekis transfers are immediate; typically, you will see it reflected on the “Main Home” in 2.5 seconds. There may be variations in the time it takes to reflect depending on your internet connection quality.
What currency do the ekis I receive in my wallet correspond to?
The equivalence is 1 ekis to 1 Mexican peso. Currently, the application is only available in Mexico; therefore, your ekis correspond to “Mexican pesos.” The incorporation of new countries and their currencies will be notified in due course.
I do not recognize a received payment, what can I do?
We cannot reverse a transaction that has been confirmed and then validated with biometrics. We recommend contacting our support center for more information.
Paying with ekis
Is there an additional cost to make purchases and pay with ekis?
There is no associated cost for the person carrying out the transfer or purchase using ekis.
What if I don’t have enough ekis to pay?
If you do not have enough ekis in your wallet to make a payment, use the option to [Add ekis] to reload your wallet using cash at any of the more than 17,000 affiliated recharge points that you can access through geolocation from your ekis application. If you have a bank account, you can reload directly using your bank application or online banking with the information provided by your ekis application.
When are payments processed?
Payments are processed immediately, and you can verify them in the transaction history and in your balance. Typically, you will see it reflected on the “Main Home” in 2.5 seconds. There may be variations in the time it takes to reflect on your phone depending on your internet connection quality.
How can I view the payment made in the transaction list?
When you enter the wallet, you will be automatically directed to the main screen, where you will find a summary of all your past transactions. From here, you can easily locate any specific transaction you are looking for.
Additionally, by swiping to the right, you will find a detailed list of your income, and if you continue swiping, you will see a similar list, but for your expenses. This structure allows for intuitive and quick navigation to review your financial movements in ekis.
How to make a payment at the checkout of an affiliated business?
With ekis, you can pay at an affiliated business easily and securely by scanning the QR code displayed at the checkout when completing your purchase.
Can I use my ekis wallet to make payments in other currencies?
The ekis wallet is exclusively used to send or receive ekis. Currently, the application only works for Mexico. The equivalence is 1 ekis to 1 Mexican peso. As soon as we have the option to work with other currencies, we will inform you.
How do I check my purchases?
Upon entering the wallet, you will arrive directly at the main screen where you will have a summary of all your past transactions. By swiping to the right, you will see a detailed list of your income, and if you continue swiping, you will find another list for your expenses. Here you can find all the transactions in which you have used your ekis.
Can I make payments without an internet connection?
Not now, we are working on it. Currently, the affiliated business and the customer need an internet connection, as the application cannot be accessed or used offline.
Selling ekis for Cash
Is the functionality of selling my ekis for cash at affiliated businesses already activated?
No, it is not available yet. For now, it can only be done through the application to a bank account but not in cash.
What are the minimum and maximum amounts for selling ekis for cash?
It will depend on the cash availability of the affiliated business.
How many times can I sell ekis in a day?
There is no limit on the number of times, it will depend on the ekis balance in your wallet.
Can I sell ekis from my wallet by withdrawing cash from an ATM at a bank branch?
That option is currently not available.
Are there affiliated businesses outside of Mexico?
Currently, we only have affiliated businesses within Mexican territory. The exact location of these can be checked in the application.
Can I sell my ekis for cash at an affiliated business?
That option is currently not available; you can only sell them through the app to transfer cash for the sale to your bank account or to third parties.
Can I sell my ekis for cash to my bank account or someone else’s?
Yes, it is easy and fast to sell your ekis for cash and transfer them to your bank account or someone else’s.
Are there associated fees for selling my ekis for cash?
Yes. You can verify the amounts associated with the fees on the screens corresponding to this transaction. Additionally, you can check the fees in the fee table in the Frequently Asked Questions section.
How long does the process of selling my ekis for cash take?
It is processed immediately, and you can verify it in your balance and transaction history. You can request it to your bank account 24 hours a day; however, your bank may recognize it only by the start of the next day if you carry out the operation outside of banking hours.
Can I exchange my ekis for cryptocurrencies using the ekis wallet?
That is not possible.
Allied Businesses
What documents do I need to register my business?
If you are a micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise, you need to have these documents on hand to register:
- A valid official identification (INE or Mexican passport).
- Proof of address.
- Tax Identification Number (RFC).
I am the owner of the business; can I manage both my company’s and personal wallet with the same phone?
Yes, that is possible. They are two different user registrations, but it can be done.
What are the benefits of being an allied business?
- No franchise, investment, or annual fees.
- You reduce cash handling since you can accept payments in ekis.
- You increase your sales by being able to sell merchandise in ekis when your customers do not have cash but do have ekis balance in their wallet.
- You can pay suppliers who use ekis for the merchandise you acquire for the business.
- Some suppliers offer special discounts for receiving payments in ekis.
Settings and Devices
What should I do if my personal information is not up to date?
You should update your data by editing your profile.
Can I delete or edit my facial biometrics or fingerprint data?
Remember that these are not data you registered in ekis but directly in your cell phone’s security system. Once the facial biometrics or fingerprint data is entered, it cannot be deleted or edited.
Can I change the phone number of my account that I used when registering?
Yes, you can change it. You must contact our support centerfor assistance.
I am having trouble scanning a QR code, what should I do?
Make sure the QR code is readable. If it is printed, check the print quality, and ensure it is not damaged. If the problem lies with your phone’s camera function, you will need to resolve it with someone from your phone’s specialized technical service, otherwise, you will not be able to scan it.
How do I set up biometric authentication on the phone?
First, make sure the phone has the option of biometric validation. The setup will depend on the operating system of each phone model, and each model has its own process and guide. Consult it, as it will be useful for many security issues regarding your information, not just for protecting your ekis.
Is ekis compatible with my electronic tablet?
ekis is initially designed for smartphones; however, the use of tablets depends on their model, operating system, and whether they allow biometric configuration.
Troubleshooting
Why can’t I download the application?
If you cannot download the application, it’s possible that you don’t have the latest version of your operating system or that ekis is not available in your country.
What should I do if I change my phone number?
If you change your phone number, contact our support center so you can recover the wallet on your new device.
Are there any fees for closing my ekis account?
No fees are charged for canceling or closing your account.
What can I do if my wallet is blocked?
Contact our support center for assistance.
Does ekis work without an Internet connection (offline)?
No. For now, ekis requires an Internet connection to function.
Why can’t I have ekis in my region?
ekis’ growth plan in Latin America includes making it available in several countries; however, we are starting with Mexico. Once we launch in more countries, you will surely be informed, and we will gladly welcome you to the ekis family.
If you would like to have ekis in your region, contact our support center. We will take it into account for our expansion plans.
Can I update the ekis mobile application on my phone?
Notifications for application updates come from the store and will be activated manually or automatically depending on the system settings.
What permissions does ekis request on my device?
ekis will request the following permissions to provide you with the broadest range of services: camera, fingerprint, face ID, photos, contacts, geolocation, and notifications.
Contacting ekis
How can I contact ekis for more information about my wallet?
You can use our email address [email protected] or through our support center.
How can I send feedback to ekis?
We would love to hear any opinions, comments, or suggestions. You can use our email address [email protected] or through our support center.