Savings Account Identification problems

Newbiesw

I tried to open an Account recommended here with Santander.
They ask for Driving Licence ID, Current Passport or Birth Certificate if under 18.

I don't drive, haven't travelled for years and am over 18, so binned the application and tried another account recommended here with Coventry but their requirements for ID were the same as Santander.
Just spoke to them and they won't budge, I've got £XX,000.00 that no Bank seems to want.

Very frustrating !

Newbiesw

opinions4u

Do you have any accounts with any other banks or building societies?

Why not apply for a provisional driving licence?

What sort of proof of ID do you have?

Sceptic001

According to their published list, Santander will also accept

Notification of one of the following entitlements to:
– State/local authority benefit*
– Tax credit*
– Pension from the DWP*
– Educational loan/grant*
– Other government/local authority grant*.
n HMRC (Inland Revenue) coding/assessment/
statement/tax credit*

If you don't have any of these it is hardly surprising they are doubtful that you exist!

ses6jwg

One of the items from the above list, along with a recent bank statement and a signature check from your bank card will suffice.

It's not about "not wanting" your money, it's about demonstrating to the FSA that anti-money laundering requirements are being met.

Stompa

opinions4u wrote: »

Why not apply for a provisional driving licence?

AIUI a provisional licence is not generally accepted as proof of ID, you have to pass the test to prove who you are!

opinions4u

Stompa wrote: »

AIUI a provisional licence is not generally accepted as proof of ID, you have to pass the test to prove who you are!

While that was the case with the old paper licence, different rules apply to pohtocard licences.

The link in post #3 supports this.

atush

You need photo id for lots of things, and all banks will be the same- it is part of the new internation money laundering thing. I have been getting requests from some investment companies that I have had accts with for over a decade asking me to provide them now.

So you need photo ID. get a provisional DL or ask the DVLA about getting a non driving photo ID- they do that in the USA don't know if they do it here too?

dunstonh

Why not apply for a provisional driving licence?

It was taken off the AIFA list some years ago.

For the benefit of the OP, the money laundering regs require checks to be made. For manual checking, the list of requirements is not cast in stone but generally consistent across the board. you get odd inconsistences of what is considered acceptable but on the whole you need two forms of ID. One for you and one for your address. Many have moved to electronic ID checks but these cost money and manual checks for branch based accounts saves money. Electronic based accounts nearly always use electronic ID checks and only revert to manual if you fail the electronic check.

hermante

Newbiesw wrote: »

I've got £XX,000.00 that no Bank seems to want.

If no bank wants the money, where is it now.. in cash?

Stompa

opinions4u wrote: »

While that was the case with the old paper licence, different rules apply to pohtocard licences.

The link in post #3 supports this.

Ah, thanks for correcting me on that. I know I have seen provisional licences specifically excluded at some institutions, though that may have been some time ago. Mind you to get a provisional licence you'll need some proof of ID.....

Newbiesw

Thanks for your replies, here is Coventry's shopping list of acceptable Id:
One each required from Group A AND B (Santander's was much the same)

Group A
* Passport, current, valid & Full - Mine expired in the 80's
* Old style driving Licence - Never had one, don't drive.
* Photo Card Driving Licence - See above
* EEA photo card Driving License - What is their fixation with driving?
* Disabled Driver's Pass - More driving ???
* EEA state identity card - How many people have these?
* DWP Retirement Pension Card - Not applicable, I'm not that old
* DWP Pension entitlement Letter - See above.
* Birth Certificate - Ah! I have one of these, but applies to Under 18 only!

GROUP B
* Utility bill (Gas/Elec etc original document) - I've gone paper free so have none.
* Water or Council tax bill (Original) - Mine are scanned & shredded.
* Photo Card Driving Licence - *?!/*!?
* Old style driving Licence - See above
* Bank Statement - I actually have this !!!!
* Cable/Satellite/Phone Bill (Original) - No Cable or satellite, Phone paper free billing.
* Tax Statement - PAYE, never had one.
* Local Council Tenancy agreement - I own my house.
* Solicitors letter confirming recent house purchase - Mine was not recent.
* Medical Card - Ah! I have this - but applies to Under 18 only...WHY???

I have Deeds to my house, Birth Certificate, Bank Statements (from another Bank), expired Passport.

I don't suppose it helps that I am applying On-Line (although I had no problem with an Egg account a year ago), Coventry don't have a local branch that I can go to and "present myself" with my original documents.
Nor do I understand why a Birth Certificate or Medical Card is acceptable from an Under 18 but not over 18 ?
And this fixation with Driving, do you not need ID for a Licence, like a Birth Certificate?

The money hermante, is sitting in a current account getting zero interest until I can find an account.

I'm beginning to think Sceptic001, that maybe I don't exist.

I suppose there's always a bit more room under my mattress?

Newbiesw