Starting a business or freelancing online often begins small — and not every entrepreneur has a GST number right away. But here’s the good news: you can still accept online payments through Razorpay even without GST registration.
Whether you’re a freelancer, creator, or small startup, Razorpay provides flexible options to get started quickly and legally. This guide will walk you through how to get Razorpay checkout for your business without a GST number, step-by-step.
What Is Razorpay and Why It’s Popular
Razorpay is one of India’s leading payment gateways, trusted by startups and established brands alike. It helps you collect payments through multiple methods, including:
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💳 Credit/Debit Cards
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🪙 UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.)
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🏦 Net Banking
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💼 Wallets
Its simple checkout integration, high-level security, and fast settlements make it ideal for freelancers, small businesses, and e-commerce stores.
Do You Need a GST Number for Razorpay?
Not always.
Razorpay does not make GST mandatory for all types of businesses.
If you are a freelancer, consultant, or small business that doesn’t cross the annual GST limit (₹20–40 lakhs depending on your state and business type), you can still create a Razorpay account.
However, there are some conditions you need to meet.
Who Can Use Razorpay Without GST
You can use Razorpay without GST if you fall under these categories:
✅ Freelancers (writers, designers, developers, etc.)
✅ Content creators (YouTubers, influencers, etc.)
✅ Tutors and coaches offering online/offline sessions
✅ Small-scale businesses or service providers under the GST threshold
✅ Individuals selling digital products or services occasionally
In these cases, Razorpay allows onboarding with your PAN card and bank account.
Documents Required to Create a Razorpay Account Without GST
Here’s what you’ll need:
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PAN Card (Individual or Business)
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Bank Account Proof (Cancelled cheque, bank statement, or passbook)
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Address Proof (Aadhaar card, utility bill, etc.)
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Business Details (Website, social media page, or product/service info)
📌 Tip: If you don’t have a website, Razorpay may accept your Instagram business page, Facebook page, or Google Business Profile as proof of activity.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Razorpay Checkout Without GST Number
Let’s go through the process clearly:
Step 1: Visit Razorpay Website
Go to https://razorpay.com and click on Sign Up.
Step 2: Enter Basic Details
Provide your name, email, phone number, and create a password.
Step 3: Choose ‘Individual / Freelancer’ as Business Type
When asked for the business type, select Individual / Freelancer instead of “Company” or “LLP.”
Step 4: Submit KYC Documents
Upload your:
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PAN card
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Aadhaar card or other address proof
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Bank account proof
Skip the GST field — leave it blank or select “Not Applicable.”
Step 5: Add Your Business Information
Enter a short business description like:
“Freelance graphic design services” or “Online digital marketing consulting.”
If you don’t have a business website, share your portfolio link or social media page.
Step 6: Complete Bank Verification
Razorpay will verify your bank account through a small test deposit.
Step 7: Start Accepting Payments
Once your account is verified, you can create payment links, buttons, or checkout pages to receive payments instantly.
Alternatives to GST for Razorpay Verification
If Razorpay asks for additional proof, you can use:
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Shop Act license or Udyam Registration (for small businesses)
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Professional Tax registration (for freelancers in some states)
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MSME registration certificate
These show that your business is legitimate, even without GST.
Benefits of Using Razorpay Without GST
🌐 Start Quickly – No need for complex registration.
💸 Accept Payments Seamlessly – UPI, cards, and wallets.
📈 Track Growth Easily – Use Razorpay Dashboard for analytics.
🛍️ Perfect for Freelancers & Small Startups – Scale later when you register for GST.
When You’ll Need a GST Number Later
If your business:
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Exceeds ₹20 lakh (service) or ₹40 lakh (goods) in annual turnover, or
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Sells goods/services outside your state, or
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Sells on marketplaces like Amazon, Shopify, etc.,
Then you’ll need to register for GST and update it in your Razorpay dashboard.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Using fake or unrelated websites — Razorpay manually reviews them.
🚫 Submitting mismatched PAN and bank names.
🚫 Ignoring Razorpay’s KYC email — it can delay approval.
Stay transparent and provide genuine information to avoid account suspension.
Expert Tip: Use Razorpay Payment Links
If you don’t have a website, start with Razorpay Payment Links.
You can send a link directly via WhatsApp, email, or social media — and your clients can pay instantly through UPI or card.
This is perfect for freelancers, coaches, and small service providers.
Conclusion
You can absolutely get Razorpay checkout without a GST number, as long as you’re a legitimate freelancer or small business under the GST threshold.
With just your PAN, Aadhaar, and bank details, you can start accepting online payments safely and professionally. Razorpay’s flexible onboarding process ensures that everyone—from freelancers to new startups—can grow digitally without waiting for GST registration.
Quick Recap
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✅ Razorpay allows setup without GST for freelancers/individuals
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🪪 Basic KYC docs required (PAN, Aadhaar, Bank proof)
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🌐 You can use social media pages instead of a website
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💼 Upgrade to GST account later when your business grows
Author:
Shohev Khan — Founder of DigitoX, helping businesses grow online through web development and digital strategy. Experienced in building digital payment solutions for startups and small enterprises.