Opening Bank Accounts Online..?

matthewfelgate

Sorry if this is a newbie question but can one open current accounts online without ever having to go in branch..?

Archi_Bald

Yes, most banks, and also Nationwide, allow you to apply online, and many will give you an instant yes/no/may be decision.

Famous for not allowing online applications is Metrobank, though they may be getting there. One or two smaller banks and building societies also don't offer online applications, but you might still be able to apply by phone.

agrinnall

To add to that, it will be easier to get a positive response to your application if you are on the electoral roll and have been at that address for a while (probably at least a few months) as they may well be able to confirm your identity without needing to see hard copies of documentation.

dzug1

Provided they can sufficiently ID you online from the electoral roll, credit agencies, etc, there should be no problem with many banks

If they can't you may be asked to take ID into a branch or post it in.

matthewfelgate

Thanks guys!!! Useful, and useful to know. Going into bank branches really sucks.

SailorSam

I've recently opened a new a/c with one of the big banks all done online

plunt

never had an issue. Though for future references, being able to confirm identity as was mentioned above is the normal stumbling block.

On that note, when you have set up an account with a bank and no longer want it, its often good to keep around, as then its far easier to set up future accounts with them online!

Archi_Bald

Banks use the Electoral Register (ER) and/or Credit Reference Agencies (CRA) to verify your identity. It's basically down to yourself to ensure that you are on the Electoral Register, that this is shown on your CRA files, and that the name & address you use on your applications are the same as on the ER/CRA files.

If you have recently moved house, the above files will take some time to catch up. This could be one of the reasons that you might get asked for additional proof of ID.

But if your data is recorded correctly, there is no reason why the online verification will fail.

To get accepted straight away (where a bank does offer this), your CRA files need to be squeaky clean, too. Any CCJ marker will definitely stop you straight in your tracks, and any defaults might have the same effect.

Gers

Archi_Bald wrote: »

Banks use the Electoral Register (ER) and/or Credit Reference Agencies (CRA) to verify your identity. It's basically down to yourself to ensure that you are on the Electoral Register, that this is shown on your CRA files, and that the name & address you use on your applications are the same as on the ER/CRA files.

If you have recently moved house, the above files will take some time to catch up. This could be one of the reasons that you might get asked for additional proof of ID.

But if your data is recorded correctly, there is no reason why the online verification will fail.

To get accepted straight away (where a bank does offer this), your CRA files need to be squeaky clean, too. Any CCJ marker will definitely stop you straight in your tracks, and any defaults might have the same effect.

Been living in this house since 1990 and moving away next week - I told the LA about this move when the new electoral forms came out and now find they have registered me as 'gone away' before I am 'going away'! Caused me a slight hiccup yesterday with Clydesdale Bank telephone application (and the LA haven't yet given me my due council tax refund!) though I managed it in a branch with my ID papers.

matthewfelgate

BTW what's a good current account to open just for the purposes of doing the switching service to Halifax to get the £100 bonus..?