> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.mercoa.com/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.mercoa.com/_mcp/server.

## [API Reference](/api-reference/entity)

Before your customers (C2s) can start using Mercoa, they need to be added as an `Entity`. Entities are the individuals or businesses that use Mercoa to pay and get paid.

## Creating Entities

You can create an entity on the Mercoa [Admin UI](https://mercoa.com/dashboard/entities) or via [API](/api-reference/entity/create).

An entity must be created for each of your customers (C2s) that will use your platform and for each counterparty (C3) they want to pay.

# Mercoa Payments

Mercoa gives you the flexibility to use your own payment rails or use Mercoa's built-in payment rails. If you are using your own payment rails, your C2 entities only need basic information such as name and email to get started.

For specific verification information, see our [accounts payable](/accounts-payable/creating-and-managing-payers) and [accounts receivable](/accounts-receivable/creating-and-managing-vendors) guides.