Online ONLY-NON BRANCH Bank accounts? do they have to See you ?+ ourDriving licence?

Danny_G

When applying for bank accounts, to bank accounts which don't have branches

eg first direct, cahoot, smile etc,

they don't have branches/shops,

so when you apply online, and get stuff in the post, then how do you continue the application?

they don't see you in person, as they don't have branches right?


and how do they vertify your passport, and utility bill, for proof of ID etc ?

pmduk

Generally, they'll attempt to do it electronically (via the CRAs, electoral registers etc), only if that fails will they ask to see other supporting documents.

Gromitt

First Direct ask you to take stuff into a HSBC branch. You can do a lot of things with your FD account from a HSBC branch.

I think Smile ask you to take stuff into a Co-op branch. Not certain on this one. I noticed it said somewhere.

exel1966

If you're listed on the Electoral role and you can be cross-checked with the CRA's it's highly unlikely that you'll ever be asked to personally attend a branch or send them supporting documents to conform your ID. This applies to just about every bank, even First Direct, Smile, Cahoot etc.

If you cannot be verified electronically then you'll either be asked to post documents or visit a subsidiary such as Co-Op, HSBC, Santander etc

PS. Cahoot only offer savings accounts nowadays.

zerog

Gromitt wrote: »

First Direct ask you to take stuff into a HSBC branch. You can do a lot of things with your FD account from a HSBC branch.

Really? I tried asking several of their phone staff and they all said no to taking my ID into HSBC. If you have a reputable source for this then I can add another thing to my list of complaints about them

pinkdalek

If it concerns you then use a bank that has a high street branch and then you have the option of seeing someone rather than having to post documents off which is what you may have to do with an online based bank.

Danny_G

pinkdalek wrote: »

If it concerns you then use a bank that has a high street branch and then you have the option of seeing someone rather than having to post documents off which is what you may have to do with an online based bank.

I dont mind not seeing anyone,

as want an online only account,

electrol roll info + address should be fine, to check me electronically,,


what are your experiences people? for if you have had online accounts?

do they ask you for 'further' verification? or do they check if you are on the electrol roll?

Stompa

Danny_G wrote: »

do they ask you for 'further' verification?

For me, they almost never ask for any ID. If they do, I just go elsewhere.

scott1358

I opened a First Direct account recently online and all the checks were done electronically. No need to provide further documentation or ID - everything was set up instantly after I applied.

jen245

In the last 3 years ive opened accounts with Natwest, Halifax, Lloyds TSB, Santander, Citibank and Barclays and i havent had to provide documents for any of them, my ID has been verified electronically