Introduction
Welcome to the FLUID Network API documentation. FLUID Network is the connection layer for modern banks, providing a secure, standardized infrastructure that enables Payment Providers and third-party applications to integrate direct bank account payments across Africa.
What is FLUID Network?
FLUID Network is a payment aggregation platform that connects Payment Providers to multiple banks through a single, unified API. Instead of integrating with each bank individually, you integrate once with FLUID and gain access to our entire network of partner banks.
Key Features
Unified API
- Single Integration: Connect to multiple banks with one API integration
- Consistent Interface: Same request/response structure across all banks
- Simplified Development: No need to learn multiple bank-specific protocols
Real-time Payments
- Instant Debit Requests: Initiate payments that customers approve via USSD or mobile app
- Status Updates: Track transaction status in real-time
- Webhook Notifications: Receive instant updates when transaction status changes
Enterprise Security
- Bearer Token Authentication: Simple, secure API key authentication
- HMAC Signing: Optional cryptographic request signing for enhanced security
- IP Whitelisting: Restrict API access to specific IP addresses
- Audit Logging: Comprehensive logging of all API interactions
Developer Experience
- RESTful Design: Industry-standard REST API architecture
- JSON Format: Easy-to-use JSON request and response payloads
- Comprehensive Documentation: Detailed guides, examples, and reference material
- Sandbox Environment: Full-featured test environment for development
How It Works
- Payment Provider initiates a debit request via the FLUID API
- FLUID Network validates and routes the request to the customer's bank
- Bank sends an approval prompt to the customer (USSD or mobile app)
- Customer approves or rejects the transaction
- Bank processes the transaction and notifies FLUID
- FLUID Network sends a webhook notification to the Payment Provider
- Payment Provider can query transaction status at any time
Use Cases
Direct Bank Account Payments
Collect payments directly from customers' bank accounts for:
- E-commerce purchases
- Bill payments
- Service subscriptions
- Peer-to-peer transfers
Recurring Payments
Set up subscription billing and recurring charges:
- Monthly subscriptions
- Installment payments
- Utility bill auto-payments
Payment Verification
Verify customer bank account details before initiating transactions:
- Account validation
- Customer identity verification
- Bank account linkage
Getting Started
Ready to integrate? Here's what you need to do:
- Get API Credentials - Contact FLUID Network to register as a Payment Provider and receive your API keys
- Understand Environments - Learn about our Sandbox and Production environments
- Follow the Quickstart - Make your first API call in under 5 minutes
- Explore the API Reference - Dive deep into available endpoints and capabilities
Need Help?
- Technical Support: Contact our support team
- API Reference: Complete endpoint documentation
- Guides: Integration guides and best practices