Passport certification for First Direct

FireWyrm

Really. This is the list from the Co-Op of the information they require :

http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/servlet/Satellite/1193206371626,CFSweb/Page/Bank-CurrentAccounts?WT.svl=nav3

Note that they say paperwork like a Council Tax bill are perfectly acceptable as proof of address for instance, or a TV licence even.

I repeat...try someone else less unhelpful.

grumbler

pinkdalek wrote: »

The organisation is only working to the parameters that have been set by UK law.

Really? Why the PO that processes passport and DL applications is not good enough for certifying a copy?

pmduk

I suspect that answer was to firewyrm's first comment.

pinkdalek

FireWyrm wrote: »

Really. This is the list from the Co-Op of the information they require :

http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/servlet/Satellite/1193206371626,CFSweb/Page/Bank-CurrentAccounts?WT.svl=nav3

Note that they say paperwork like a Council Tax bill are perfectly acceptable as proof of address for instance, or a TV licence even.

I repeat...try someone else less unhelpful.

I am not defending first direct, maybe the OP should go to CO-OP, but would they get the same benefits/service that they would get from 1st direct?

I did suggest the OP contacts first direct for further clarification. If FD were being that unhelpful then they would not even say what ID they required and just send a letter out saying along the lines of "not good enough show us some ID"

Now that's unhelpful.

Oh by the way the link you sent.....not applicable and not very helpful as it is for applying in person and not remotely, it says they will advise if paper proof is required and then they would require originals or certified copies.

jeremyinc

FireWyrm wrote: »

Really. This is the list from the Co-Op of the information they require :

http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/servlet/Satellite/1193206371626,CFSweb/Page/Bank-CurrentAccounts?WT.svl=nav3

Note that they say paperwork like a Council Tax bill are perfectly acceptable as proof of address for instance, or a TV licence even.

I repeat...try someone else less unhelpful.

First Direct is online only, so cannot verify my identity as a normal bank can. The address they can electronically verify, and is not the issue.

I agree that it's annoying to have to do this, but they are offering £125 for opening an account, so I feel it's worth it to put in a little bit of effort by making a phone call, but if it's going to be expensive then obviously I will give up.

Anyway, I rang HMRC today and indeed they had an old address (not even my last address), so I updated and they said they will send a copy of my PAYE coding notice, which hopefully won't take too long to arrive.

Cheers,
Jeremy

p00hsticks

FireWyrm wrote: »

Really. This is the list from the Co-Op of the information they require :

http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/servlet/Satellite/1193206371626,CFSweb/Page/Bank-CurrentAccounts?WT.svl=nav3

Note that they say paperwork like a Council Tax bill are perfectly acceptable as proof of address for instance, or a TV licence even.

I repeat...try someone else less unhelpful.

A TV license or coucil tax bill may be acceptable as a proof of address, but the link states that that isn't sufficient to open an account - they also require you to provide proof of identify, and if you are over 18 the list for that sounds very similar to that demanded by HSBC - namely



Proof of Identity:

• Current valid passport (with English translation)
• Current full or provisional photocard driving licence (with English translation)
• EU/EEA Member State Identity Photo-Card or National Identity photocard (Not UK)
• Shotgun Licence or Firearms Certificate
• Northern Ireland electoral ID card
• Instruction from the Court appointing an individual: Court of Protection or Grant of Probate
• Confirmation of receipt of State Benefits from a Government Agency (including Government issued Pensions)
• HMRC Tax Notification letter /Assessment letter or Statement of Account

I think you'll find that most institutions these days have very similar lists. However , I note that the Co-op does give a number to ring if you are unable to meet these requiremenmts, and in my experience (as some one who has neither passport or driving licence) most will agree alternatives if this is causing difficulties.

FireWyrm

jeremyinc wrote: »

I agree that it's annoying to have to do this, but they are offering £125 for opening an account, so I feel it's worth it to put in a little bit of effort by making a phone call, but if it's going to be expensive then obviously I will give up.

I understand that FD are online and thats fine if it is what you want to do. Half of your problem is that they dont exist as a physical bank and so there is no chance of speaking directly to a person in order to get help. I'm just saying that FD dont sound like they are very helpful at all despite their attractive £125 opening fee. I wonder if you would have similar problems with other banking transactions and how much time and effort they would ultimately cost you.

In the 19th century, soldiers were enticed to enlist with an astounding (for the time) 30 shillings 'on the drum'. What they werent told, but soon found out, was that by the time they had paid for their board, lodging, equipment and weapon, they were left with a single shilling. Not such a bargain after all.

jeremyinc

I don't think it makes FD unhelpful, they have a rule to protect themselves and more importantly me from fraudsters opening accounts in my name. I can't see the difference of being able to talk to a bank employee in person as opposed to on the phone, except that I end up paying for the banks rent.

I just wanted advice from other people here on how they got the required paperwork. Not really sure how the soldier story relates, maybe they should have read the T&C's??

FireWyrm

jeremyinc wrote: »

Not really sure how the soldier story relates, maybe they should have read the T&C's??

Its an analogy and your bemusement at the story elegantly makes the point. Good luck and mind how you go with FD.

jeremyinc

FireWyrm wrote: »

Its an analogy and your bemusement at the story elegantly makes the point.

It makes the point that you're desperately trying to claw some respect back by waffling on about clearly different things after being shown to a) not have read my original post properly and b) not adding anything useful or helpful to the discussion anyway.