> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.alignet.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Merchant onboarding

> Register sponsored merchants individually or in bulk.

The onboarding module lets a Payment Facilitator register and enable merchants with their operational configuration, payment methods, and integration credentials.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Individual registration">
    Registration uses a REST API with `Content-Type: application/json`, a Bearer token, and `payment-facilitator-code`.

    The request groups company, location, contacts, tax information, and payment methods by brand, channel, and currency.

    The service generates the identifiers and credentials required to integrate the merchant. Updates retain existing credentials according to the documented rules.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Bulk registration">
    The process uses Excel files uploaded to S3 paths assigned to the Payment Facilitator.

    * `INSERT` registers a new merchant.
    * `UPDATE` changes an existing merchant and requires its `merchant_code`.
    * The file name follows the pattern specified by Alignet.
    * The output file reports each row result and generated credentials when applicable.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Recommended flow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Prepare information">Complete the merchant's legal, operational, contact, and payment method data.</Step>
  <Step title="Select a registration channel">Use the API for individual records or Excel files for bulk loads.</Step>
  <Step title="Validate the response">Correct reported errors and retain the `merchant_code` and provided credentials.</Step>
  <Step title="Protect credentials">Store `client_id` and `client_secret` in a secure secret manager.</Step>
</Steps>

<Note>Alignet provides environment endpoints, buckets, and credentials. Use only those assigned to your organization.</Note>