Nationwide current account online application

TheKeymeister

Just a quick one, after falling out with Halifax I've opened a current account online with Nationwide. Filled out all the form and was accepted, but I'm sure at the end of the process it said I needed to come to the branch with some ID - which I can understand.

I've been getting texts about the transfer service being started and also got the debit card and overdraft agreement complete with a bank account and sort code. All the paperwork seems to indicate that I can use everything as soon as I get it, and the card seems to work.

Does this sound right, that I've got a current account purely online without providing any actual ID? I've rung up but I'm not sure the guy on the phone really understood what I was asking him, and it's a bit of a pain to go into the bank without taking time off work...

Gromitt

In the majority of cases you don't need to provide physical ID, so yes, it sounds correct. I can't remember the last time I took ID down to a bank.

They know you live at the address you said (they can check this via electoral roll, etc) and confirmed it by sending you your card there, etc.

There's a certain amount of fraud possible with the system (apply as you, steal your post for example), but overall, it saves everyone time and money, so its worth it.

badger09

TheKeymeister wrote: »

Just a quick one, after falling out with Halifax I've opened a current account online with Nationwide. Filled out all the form and was accepted, but I'm sure at the end of the process it said I needed to come to the branch with some ID - which I can understand.

I've been getting texts about the transfer service being started and also got the debit card and overdraft agreement complete with a bank account and sort code. All the paperwork seems to indicate that I can use everything as soon as I get it, and the card seems to work.

Does this sound right, that I've got a current account purely online without providing any actual ID? I've rung up but I'm not sure the guy on the phone really understood what I was asking him, and it's a bit of a pain to go into the bank without taking time off work...

Are you sure it actually said you need to go to branch with ID? The usual messages from Nationwide are along the lines of:

your application has been approved, and this is what happens next etc etc - followed by account number and sort code, then form for signature, followed by debit card and internet banking info if you're not already registered
OR
your application has been received and if we need anything else, we'll be in touch within 5 working days

followed in my case by prolonged deafening silence until I prodded them

If you've got account details and debit card, I would assume they've successfully verified you electronically, so no need for further ID.

TheKeymeister

Thanks for clearing that up for me - looks like I assumed wrong! The last time I did all this when I opened a current account at Halifax about 5 years ago, I did the application online but nothing happened until I went into a branch and produced some ID so just assumed it was the norm...things have obviously changed a bit since then :-)

Dan:_4

I opened up a Nationwide flex direct account and Select credit card in March and had to pop in the local branch to show them ID.

This might be because my address does not show on the electoral roll via the Credit References Agencies due to an address variation.

TheKeymeister

That's interesting, I moved house in March and I'm not on the electoral roll at the new place yet, and lived somewhere else between January and March as well....but I can confirm that I got the PIN and online banking details today and the account appears to be fully functional. I've just proceeded to open a savings account and credit card with them online as well.