ID cannot be verified, really?

lee1985

I have been on the electoral role (and still am, as checked today with all 3 CRAs) for about 17 years.


Applied for a Basic Bank Account with a bank and they said I had failed their initial ID checks (they asked for address, date of birth and post code). Asked me to go into branch with ID and apply there!


I have had bad credit in the past with Bankruptcies and IVAs but were all years ago though still on my credit file, but I don't think that would have anything to do with it as I've been able to open a credit card account last year and a basic bank account only a few months ago with a different provider.


I have now been declined for three basic bank accounts within the last few months. I understand that searches and bad credit affects credit files but this is mainly for credit products, not basic bank accounts designed especially with no credit facilities in mind which I presumed are for people like me.


Could it be something more sinister?

Thrugelmir

You don't represent a profitable customer to deal with perhaps.

james.maperson

Hi Lee

If they weren't able to find your report when you applied online, it could explain why they asked you to go in branch - a good way to check would be to look for unrecorded enquiry/identification searches from each of these lenders on your report - if there are no searches, they haven't found your details. You may need to look at your report up to 48 hours after the application. Also, make sure you don't have any active accounts at other addresses.
Even with a basic account, you may still continue to find it difficult whilst there is a record of your Bankruptcy Order and IVA.

Is there a full search showing for the account you opened a few months ago? (if viewing with Experian or Equifax, look for Current Account under searches). If so, as you're aware, recent searches can have a negative impact, but wear off fairly quickly.

Try following it up in branch, if you still run into difficulties give the reference agency a call to see if there is anything related to your bankruptcy that needs updating, or any other issues they can spot. Good luck.

lee1985

Thrugelmir wrote: »

You don't represent a profitable customer to deal with perhaps.

This could explain why an application has been declined, but it doesn't explain why an eligibility check threw up that I cannot be identified. I said to the advisor "that's strange because I'm on the electoral role and have been for nearly 20 years" and he thought it was strange and double checked my name, address and dob so clearly one would assume that's what he was searching for, else what else does an 'identification check' imply...

lee1985

james.maperson wrote: »

Hi Lee

If they weren't able to find your report when you applied online, it could explain why they asked you to go in branch - a good way to check would be to look for unrecorded enquiry/identification searches from each of these lenders on your report - if there are no searches, they haven't found your details. You may need to look at your report up to 48 hours after the application. Also, make sure you don't have any active accounts at other addresses.
Even with a basic account, you may still continue to find it difficult whilst there is a record of your Bankruptcy Order and IVA.

Is there a full search showing for the account you opened a few months ago? (if viewing with Experian or Equifax, look for Current Account under searches). If so, as you're aware, recent searches can have a negative impact, but wear off fairly quickly.

Try following it up in branch, if you still run into difficulties give the reference agency a call to see if there is anything related to your bankruptcy that needs updating, or any other issues they can spot. Good luck.

There are several searches including quotation searches, unrecorded enquiries and a credit search visible. I will have a go in branch as it is not a problem; I just thought it was odd that I cannot be identified after what was seemingly an electoral role/soft search check. Declined, understandable; cannot be verified, not so much!