Skip to main content

Registering for free and upgrading to PRO step-by-step

World Chess subscription plans and how to register

Updated this week

It’s very easy to get a Pro-membership and start playing for the official FOA rating and Titles recognized by FIDE. You will also get a FIDE ID (unless you already have one) and a profile page on both World Chess and FIDE websites.

If you already have an World Chess account, you just need to upgrade. To do that please refer to Step 3.

If you are new, you are probably wondering what subscription plans we have and what's the difference between them. By registering, you'll automatically get a Beginner plan, which is forever free. If you'd like to get a PRO account, you'll need to upgrade. If you wish to decide now just look at Step 3.

Now, if you are ready to create an account please follow these simple instructions.

Step 1 — Start the process

If you are using a desktop version of the platform, you need to click on "Register" in the upper right corner.

If you are registering with our App, you should start by clicking on the profile icon in the lower right corner.

Step 2 — Register

Registration is very simple. You can just sign in with your Apple or Google account by clicking on the corresponding icon.

Step 3 — Upgrade

Then you'll be able to upgrade to PRO by clicking on your profile icon and on "Upgrade to PRO"

Step 5 — Get Started

You'll be redirected to the page where you can choose your plan. You can either choose monthly or annual access.

Step 6 — Make A Payment

Choose your payment method and fill in all the details. Click on "Subscribe".

Check this collection to find out more about payments.

Done! Now you can benefit from PRO plan features. However, you'll need to link your fide id to take part in official tournaments or on World Chess, get titles, and have your official rating. So we strongly recommend to go straight to Step 7.

Step 7 — Connect your FIDE id

Click on your profile icon and then to FIDE id connection. Then complete a few simple registration steps.

To find out more about FIDE id, check this collection.

Please do not skip anything, otherwise, we will not be able to get your fide id request.

  • Log in to chessarena.com.

    You can do that on your computer or from phone browser.

*Please note that automatic verification does not work for iPads.

Click on your profile and choose “Connect FIDE ID”

If you already have FIDE ID, don’t forget to choose that option. If you don’t, click on “Create FIDE id”.

  • Verify your identity.

Click on “Automated Verification”. It is a very quick and automated way to verify your identity. To find out more about it, continue with this article.

  • Follow the step-by-step process of the Automated Verification.

  1. Verify the authenticity of your ID document.

  2. Match your ID with photos of your face.

  3. Validate your ID number against global databases.

  4. Stripe will capture images of you and your photo ID document to confirm your identity.

Here are some Stripe requirements. Learn which documents Stripe accepts for verification of identity, address, and legal entity.

* If something goes wrong, no worries, just choose “Manual Verification”. Upon Manual Verification, you’ll need to submit requested documents in special form. Then one of the Support Team members will check them and approve your FIDE ID request.

*If you are under 13, there will be one additional step for you. Stripe will ask your parent or trustee to submit their document and agree to processing your personal data. We do that for your security and in accordance with FIDE regulations.

  • Verification submitted? Perfect! Connect your FIDE ID.

Now you can get your FIDE ID. Click on “Continue”. If you already have one, the system will suggest profiles for you to choose. If you never had a FIDE ID, proceed with the new one.

Done? Great! Now you can start playing officially ✨

What is FIDE id request?

This is the request our team gets in a secure administration panel. We check those requests every day and approve them if all steps of verification are complete. If some info is missing, we decline the request and send you an email to get the information we need. Why is it so? Check this article to learn more.

Did this answer your question?