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

# Get started with ClearAML: your first compliance check

> Sign up for ClearAML and complete your first AML/CTF compliance check in five steps. No credit card required to start your 14-day free trial.

This guide walks you through everything from creating your ClearAML account to running your first KYC check. You can complete the core setup in under 15 minutes. All new accounts receive a 14-day free trial and a \$15 signup credit — no credit card required.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign up for a ClearAML account">
    Go to [clearaml.com.au/signup](https://www.clearaml.com.au/signup) and create your account. You will need:

    * A valid email address
    * Your firm's name and ABN
    * Your full name

    Once you submit the form, ClearAML sends a verification email. Click the link in the email to activate your account.

    <Note>
      During signup you can select a plan (Starter, Professional, or Enterprise). You can also start on the free trial and upgrade later from **Settings → Billing**.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete the firm onboarding wizard">
    After verifying your email you are redirected to the onboarding wizard. Choose one of two paths:

    **Build a new program** (recommended) — A step-by-step interview that generates your AUSTRAC-compliant AML/CTF Program and Risk Assessment automatically. Choose this if you do not yet have an existing compliance program.

    **Upload an existing program** — Upload your current AML/CTF program document and set a next review date. Choose this if your firm already has documented compliance procedures.

    You can skip the wizard and return to it later from your dashboard at any time.

    <Tip>
      If you choose "Build new program", ClearAML pre-fills your firm name and ABN from the details you entered during signup, so you don't have to re-enter them.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add your first client">
    From your dashboard, navigate to **Clients** and select **Add client**. Enter the client's details:

    * Full legal name
    * Date of birth
    * Residential address
    * Contact information

    You can add clients one at a time or bulk import from a CSV file. For existing client lists, see the [importing clients guide](/guides/importing-clients).

    <Info>
      ClearAML also supports syncing clients from Xero and Practice Manager. Contact support once your account is active to enable this integration.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run a KYC check">
    With your client's profile open, select **Run KYC check**. ClearAML performs:

    1. **Document Verification Service (DVS) check** — Validates identity documents against the Australian Government's DVS database
    2. **Biometric facial matching** — Compares a selfie or photo to the document image

    The check returns a pass/fail result within seconds. Results and supporting evidence are stored automatically in the client's profile.

    **Cost:** $5 per check, billed from your wallet. Your $15 signup credit covers the first three checks.

    <Warning>
      KYC checks consume wallet credits. Ensure your wallet has sufficient balance before running checks in bulk. You can top up your wallet at any time from **Settings → Billing**.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate a risk assessment">
    Once the KYC check completes, select **Generate risk assessment** from the client's profile. ClearAML's risk engine evaluates:

    * Client type (individual, company, trust)
    * Industry and business activity
    * Geographic risk factors
    * PEP and sanctions screening results

    The output is a risk rating of Low, Medium, or High, along with a downloadable PDF report suitable for your AUSTRAC audit trail. Clients flagged as High risk automatically prompt you to complete Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD).

    <Note>
      PEP/sanctions screening costs \$5 per client screened and runs as part of the risk assessment process. Your Starter or Professional plan also includes daily automated re-screening for all active clients.
    </Note>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What's next

You have now completed your first end-to-end compliance workflow in ClearAML. From here you can:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Set up your firm account" icon="settings" href="/account-setup">
    Appoint a compliance officer, add team members, and configure billing.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Manage clients" icon="users" href="/features/client-management">
    Import your full client list and manage ongoing due diligence.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Understand your Tranche 2 obligations" icon="book-open" href="/guides/tranche-2-overview">
    Learn what the Tranche 2 reforms require from your profession.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Staff training" icon="graduation-cap" href="/compliance/staff-training">
    Enrol your team in the built-in AML/CTF training modules at no extra cost.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>
