What Proof of ID/address do Online banks require? (safe to post a passport? )

Danny_G

online banks which have no physical banks to walk into, but are online,

when opening accounts with them, what proof of ID do they usually require?

and do they need us to post it?

is it safe posting a passport there?

Stompa

If you're lucky they'll verify your ID electronically, and won't require any physical proof of ID.

Gentoo365

Whilst it is generally safe to send a passport I would not do so myself.

They will do an electronic check and have to confirm two things ID and Address.

Address is easy to confirm, you can just send a bill for something. Personally I always find that a bit silly as it's not like any of the utility companies check your name, but whatever, I suppose it confirms that you have access to post at that address.

ID is a bit more complicated. If you are lucky enough to have someone in a qualified profession as a friend you can ask them to certify a photocopy of a passport. To do this they generally need to work in a regulated industry (i.e. one where they can lose their job for a dishonesty offence). However different banks seem to have different definitions. If you are required to send ID then the bank will explain.

If the bank is one which has a linked 'branch' network (e.g. First Direct) then they sometimes allow you to take the document into that bank and ask one of their staff to look at it and confirm it is o.k.

It is a lot less of an issue these days due to the abundance of data held by the credit checking agencies. It is only really a hassle if you change bank accounts right after moving into a new house.

JacksterD

Danny_G wrote: »

online banks which have no physical banks to walk into, but are online,

when opening accounts with them, what proof of ID do they usually require?

and do they need us to post it?

is it safe posting a passport there?

Which bank are we talking about here? Many online banks are owned by larger banks with branch networks, and one of the branches under the other brand might be able to take your ID for you. For example, if you are opening a Smile account, you can get your ID checked in a Co-Operative Bank branch.

And no, it's not safe to send your passport by post unless you are using Special Delivery.

InsideInsurance

Never heard of a bank asking for you to post your passport - I am sure that they even tell you not to.

Certainly with Citi they advise if you cannot come in branch to drop the docs off then they only want notary certified photocopies and not originals. Likewise for wife's KYC checks with First Direct they didnt ask for any photo ID just utility bills and/ or bank statements etc

innovate

Gentoo365 wrote: »

ID is a bit more complicated. If you are lucky enough to have someone in a qualified profession as a friend you can ask them to certify a photocopy of a passport. To do this they generally need to work in a regulated industry (i.e. one where they can lose their job for a dishonesty offence).

To keep it all very simple, you can use the Post Office Identity Checking Service.

Sending a photocopy of a passport to a bank at their request should not represent any issue.

However, as already mentioned by Stompa, you may not have to send any proof of ID/address. If you are on the Electoral Roll and have Credit Reference Agency records, the banks might just post confirmation to your home address. Spme will require a signature specimen to be posted to them before they activate the account.