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Sending your passport through the post for verification.

greyskittles
greyskittles Posts: 877 Forumite
Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
in Savings & investments
I've been trying to open an online saver with YBS and Bradford & Bingley, but BOTH now require me to send my passport (the only form of ID I have from the list) and a bank statement. I intend to take it into a branch of Bradford and Bingley, but not sure whether to both with YBS anymore due to safety issues.

Can anyone tell me whether they've done this and it all went ok? How long does it usually take them to send back your documents? And also, why were they not able to verify my identity using their electronic verification system?? :rolleyes:
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Comments

  • Nick_C
    Nick_C Posts: 7,622 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Home Insurance Hacker!
    I tried to open a joint a/c with YBS with my partner. My identity was verified electronically, his wasn't, but he is Portuguese. Do you have a foreign or old (non machine readable) passport?

    If posting your passport, send it recorded delivery. YBS is a good account - do you ever go to London? They have a branch at the Aldwych, and can open the account instanly.
  • wombat42_2
    wombat42_2 Posts: 1,312 Forumite
    greyskittles wrote: »
    I've been trying to open an online saver with YBS and Bradford & Bingley, but BOTH now require me to send my passport (the only form of ID I have from the list) and a bank statement. I intend to take it into a branch of Bradford and Bingley, but not sure whether to both with YBS anymore due to safety issues.

    Can anyone tell me whether they've done this and it all went ok? How long does it usually take them to send back your documents? And also, why were they not able to verify my identity using their electronic verification system?? :rolleyes:

    I opened a B&B account and they accept notarised copies (photocopies countersigned by someone in trusted authority such as a clerk in a post office).
  • greyskittles
    greyskittles Posts: 877 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    My passport's about four years old... maybe that's the reason? But anyway, if you send notarised copies, do you have to know the post office clerk or whoever you get to sign it?

    Otherwise, I will go to a branch as I'll be !!!!!!ed if I lose my passport!
  • wombat42_2
    wombat42_2 Posts: 1,312 Forumite
    greyskittles wrote: »
    My passport's about four years old... maybe that's the reason? But anyway, if you send notarised copies, do you have to know the post office clerk or whoever you get to sign it?

    Otherwise, I will go to a branch as I'll be !!!!!!ed if I lose my passport!

    No any clerk. He will rubber stamp the photocopy with that post offices unique stamp and sign it to verify authenticity.
  • Biggles
    Biggles Posts: 8,209 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Don't send your passport thought the post, and certainly not recorded delivery. Special delivery only if you had to.

    But they will not expect the actual passport, get a photocopy certified by your bank (usually free if you're a customer there), the post office or a solicitor.

    As mentioned already, best is to go to a branch if there is one nearby, their websites will have a list.
  • missile
    missile Posts: 11,793 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I wonder if having an account with them is worth the hassle?
    "A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
    Ride hard or stay home :iloveyou:
  • wombat42_2
    wombat42_2 Posts: 1,312 Forumite
    missile wrote: »
    I wonder if having an account with them is worth the hassle?

    Wasnt much hassle for me - took a photocopy and quick trip to Post Office
  • EdInvestor
    EdInvestor Posts: 15,749 Forumite
    How much did the PO charge? I was quited 7.50 IIRC. Solicitor cost a fiver.Banks often won't do certifications even if you are a customer.
    Trying to keep it simple...;)
  • greyskittles
    greyskittles Posts: 877 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    missile wrote: »
    I wonder if having an account with them is worth the hassle?

    Was wondering the same myself, but it seems that all the online savings account with decent interest rates require you to send them ID :confused: so I might as well open the account now as all I have left to do is the ID verification bit.

    Will enquire at my local bank about the photocopy certification though! Could save me a journey (the closest Bradford & Bingley/YBS branches are an hour's drive away).
  • wombat42_2
    wombat42_2 Posts: 1,312 Forumite
    EdInvestor wrote: »
    How much did the PO charge? I was quited 7.50 IIRC. Solicitor cost a fiver.Banks often won't do certifications even if you are a customer.

    Post office charged me absolutely nothing.
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