Name on ID must match exactly to open bank account?

HamsterFromMars

Hi everyone my first post:).

I went into Barclays yesterday to enquire about opening a bank account, never had one before so forgive me if this is an obvious question! I wanted a basic account as I don’t want one with a minimum monthly deposit or overdraft facility just one with DD to pay bills etc. I don’t have a passport or drivers license just a proof of age photocard which they don’t accept as proof of ID. So the lady asked me if I have any benefit letters dated within the last 12 monthes and I said yes as I’m disabled, showed her the letter which has my NIN and everything on but she said the rules are very specific that the name must match EXACTLY with my proof of address.


The problem is this: On my benefit letter it says 'FIRSTINITIAL MIDDLEINITIAL SURNAME’ but on my electric bill it says 'FIRSTINITIAL SURNAME’ likewise on my water 'FIRSTNAME SURNAME’-my middle name/initial is not included on anything else. From her quick explanation it sounds like the names simply need to match but not sure so a few questions:

• Does it matter if its just the initial rather than the name? Having seen others benefit letters its seems they always write it this way and the electric bills abbreviate it also.

• How do I get them to match? Does anyone know if any of the utility companies will simply add the middle name without having to open a new account in that name?

• I have heard some people say they were accepted over the phone by other banks like Citibank and Co-op without having to show any ID, how likely is it I would be accepted seeing as I have no bank or credit history? Or would I just be faced with the same problem again? I don’t want to risk trying to open an account with several banks only to be rejected as that might affect my history and make it even more difficult to get accepted.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help:).

pmduk

RBS and Natwest can sometimes open an account by verifying your ID electronically. I'm sure there'll be others as well.

HamsterFromMars

Thanks for my first reply! Um yet another obvious question I'm sure but how do they verify you electronically?

DCFC79

HamsterFromMars wrote: »

Thanks for my first reply! Um yet another obvious question I'm sure but how do they verify you electronically?

using a computer, not sure what they check bu when i opened my natwest account she did it on the pc

book12

If you're on the voters roll, they can verify your identity.

molerat

Go back to the bank and ask to speak to someone with more than half a brain cell and more than an ounce of common sense, bloody stupid jobsworth !!

Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of idiots

System

Hi Hamsterfrom Mars,
Welcome to the forum,
This probably isn't any help but, I've had a very similar problem and in fact was told that I would not be able to open a bank account in the name I use, it had to be the name on my birth certificate (I have only ever been known by my middle name my entire life)
When I queried this and said that I thought that in this country (Scots Law) you could call yourself anything you liked, as long as there was no intention to defraud, he insisted that my first name had to be on the account and any cards assiciated with it and I could "change my name by deed poll" if I wanted this account opened. I could not persuade him otherwise and in fact, did not open an account at all!
Hope you get it sorted,
Linda x

ses6jwg

Unfortunately yes it is true across a number of big banks in order to ensure no breaches of KYC regulations.