Opening an account with no photo ID?

hayley11

My sister wants to open up a bank account, she used to have one with Lloyds but not sure what happened there. She hasn't got much debt, just a social fund loan I think. Anyway she wants to open a bank account, just a basic one but she has no photo ID at all. Can she just take letters to prove who she is? She might have her birth certificate as well.

Thanks and sorry it's all a bit vague

book12

Just apply for a photo ID (either a provisional/full driving license or passport). It will come within 1-2 weeks. It's quite easy to do anyway.

For example, Barclays Cash Card account (basic account) allows the following ID besides photo ones:

• DWP HM Revenue & Customs invitation letter with NI number and NI card
• family tax credit letter/book

Please note, it depends on the bank. Go onto a banks website, or get brochures to see what ID is needed.

fullstop

Has she got any utility bills with her address on?

naijapower

Depending on the bank and the type of ID she has, they may be able to help. Advise her to go into branch direct

savagej

The Co-op have a huge ID list especially for their Cashminder account, I am sure she will be able to pull enough together to satisfy them of her identity.

Kavanne

Natwest's list: http://www.natwest.com/personal/current-accounts/g2/switching-to-us.ashx#tabs=section4

Ignore the bit about switching, the list applies to anyone wanting to open a new current account.

hayley11

Thanks, i'll tell her to pop into the local bank, there's at Natwest just a few minutes away and see if they can open one up without photo ID.

She wont pay for photo ID, there's only certain things my sister will use her money for, namely weed and beer :mad:

She's only opening an account now because my mum and dad are sick of having her money paid into their accounts.

maxsquared

When I applied my Halifax Easycash account, I didn't need any ID at all, they just sent me the card and the pin.

book12

hayley11 wrote: »

Thanks, i'll tell her to pop into the local bank, there's at Natwest just a few minutes away and see if they can open one up without photo ID.

She wont pay for photo ID, there's only certain things my sister will use her money for, namely weed and beer :mad:

She's only opening an account now because my mum and dad are sick of having her money paid into their accounts.

I guess you could pay for her to get a photo ID.

Here's a list of basic bank accounts and their product names, so she could have a look. http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/pdfs/bank_accounts.pdf

steveteach

I don't have any photo ID and have opened many types of accounts over the past few years. Just check the website for the types of ID they will accept, usually utility bills etc. I know it's difficult for people living with parents to gather the required evidence of who they are.

jonesMUFCforever

I don't think you need photo id to open a bank account.
An old style driving licence is ok and if you ask different banks they will have different documents but it is possible. Just ask for a leaflet for their requirements.