yorkshire building society savings account - id requirements

anniecave

Can anyone advise me what the deal is with yorkshire building society and their ID requirements?

I tried to open a regular savings account, which according to their website can be opened by post. After applying, they called me up and said that even though I'm currently listed on the electoral roll (and have been for 2 years here) they needed me to go into branch with 3 forms of ID. Sending certified copies through the post were not acceptable.

I recently opened 2 other savings accounts by post with other providers - one just checked the electoral roll and that was fine, the other only asked for 2 ID documents (one photo id, one to prove my address) and they were happy with a verified copy of my passport via post.

I do actually have 3 forms of ID (but ONLY because I have a driving licence and a passport, and I have one bank statement that proves my address and I don't think there should be a requirement that anyone needs 3 forms of ID!) but I don't see why I have to go into a branch with them.

Should I be pointing out to them that their website is wrong - or is there something I am missing here? The verifying ID section on their website says they do accept certified copies.

I should add that actually I have previously been a customer with them also (twice), although that was when I lived at previous addresses. But clearly they still think I don't exist!

Do they have different requirements if you open an internet account, for example their internet saver?

ses6jwg

3 forms of ID does seem unnecessary considering some banks will allow you to open an account with just a valid passport or driving licence.

calypso_rhapsody

does seem excessive but they're entitled to set their own terms ....

helptoyou

Why we need to verify your identity
We have a responsibility to verify the identity of each applicant under regulations for prevention of financial crime and money laundering.

Visit the Financial Conduct Authority website for more information.
How we verify your identity
We use an electronic verification system, and if this is successful, that's all we need to do. However in certain cases (for example if you are not listed on the electoral roll or you have recently moved house) we may need additional proof of identity.

We may not be able to open an account for you unless suitable proof of name and address is provided. We have a responsibility to verify the identity of each applicant under regulations for prevention of financial crime and money laundering.

Savings Customer - Identification Requirements
We need to be able to confirm your identity when opening new accounts for customers. Our Identification Requirements leaflet has a list of the types of documents we will accept for proof of identification and proof of address.

http://www.ybs.co.uk/documents/savings/identification-req.pdf

See Link above dont forget Its not all about id its about confirming your address to.

planteria

does seem a lot of ID

this is the 3% account? if so, WestBrom are offering 4.1%:idea:

anniecave

I've just found the section where it says you need 3 forms of ID if applying by post but only 2 if applying in branch. So that makes sense.

But I still don't understand why they can't validate my ID electronically, or don't accept certified copies.

Oh well, they won't be getting my business then...

innovate

anniecave wrote: »

But I still don't understand why they can't validate my ID electronically, or don't accept certified copies..

The T&Cs (link posted earlier) say they do accept certain certified copies. So if you can provide what is requested, you will be fine.