2 questions: ID/best time to open

Saver-upper

So,after posting yesterday,I spent alot of the afternoon reading threads on here about different accounts and cycling money through them.
I would like to open the Halifax Reward current account.
I was wondering what actually happens when you apply online?Does there come a point where they ask you to produce ID at a branch within the next 10 days or something?How much ID,and what sort please?

I have also been reading about the "best" time in the month to open an account.Some suggest the first couple of days (the 2nd seems to be mentioned alot),one poster suggested have the account open on a Wednesday because it is a few years before thst will be a bank holiday.Others suggest the 15th.
Are these the "best" days simply so you don't miss out on a day's interest,or is it something else?Surely I don't have to wait another 3 weeks to open the account (2nd Dec)-do I nominate an opening day in advance?

I have had the same account since I was able to open one for the first time (15years),so I am a bit nervous.Don't want to get it all wrong.

Also,to ensure I get the cashback,do I ned to do something like clear my cache on my computer before applying (often recommended when applying for deals through Topcashback,etc)

Ok,that was three questions..............:rotfl:

Paul_1977

When I opened my Halifax (Lloyds group) account I did not have to go to branch at all. I was confirmed via the electoral register I think. All done online and everything send out.

However my account with Lloyds, I did need to attend branch, and this was around the same time I opened the Halifax, so its a bit hit and miss. Had to take two bills, passport, proof of address driving license. They will tell you.

I have never paid attention to what day I opened an account.

I don't see how cash back would relate to your browsers cache. You can clear it to ensure you start a fresh application if you have tried before.

colsten

It doesn't matter what day you open your account. What does matter, though, is when you make the monthly deposits. These are safest to do sometime around the middle of a month.

If you can be found on the Electoral Roll and on Credit Reference Agencies, you won't have to produce additional ID in Branch. If you did have to go, you need some sort of picture ID (DL, passport) and a recent utility bill or bank statement.

No need to clear cookies/cache for the cashback unless you go through a cashback site.

Kim_13

I've just applied for this account and was asked for ID. They need one proof ID and one proof of address. If you have a driving licence and a passport, these will do (Passport for ID and the driving licence can be used for address if not used for ID.) They sent a full list of what they will accept on the email they send when they ask you to go to branch.

I took my ID in in the week and had to persuade the guy to photocopy my address item (he tried telling me they could accept just the driving licence!) I just hope he actually sent both off and not just the DL, because I haven't heard anything yet. Anyone know how long they usually take?

Clearing cache is only relevant if going through a cashback site. There was nothing on TopCashback or Quidco when I applied. Halifax provide the switching bonus (if switching) and the reward payments, so you don't need to go through any site for them.

Saver-upper

That is brilliant,thank you everyone.Thanks for taking the time to reply-I will apply later today (if I don't chicken out :eek:).
Kim,I don't know a definite answer re how long it takes,but yesterday I spent HOURS looking through threads on switching /passing money through accounts,etc.Sometimes people did express concern that they hadn't heard anything since applying,and they were reassured it all works out in the end,and it did.I am sure you will be fine.:)

jimjames

colsten wrote: »

It doesn't matter what day you open your account. What does matter, though, is when you make the monthly deposits. These are safest to do sometime around the middle of a month.

If you can be found on the Electoral Roll and on Credit Reference Agencies, you won't have to produce additional ID in Branch. If you did have to go, you need some sort of picture ID (DL, passport) and a recent utility bill or bank statement.

No need to clear cookies/cache for the cashback unless you go through a cashback site.

That's not completely true. I've never had a problem with ID and am on register and cra but HSBC still needed me to verify in branch.

colsten

Yes, it sounds as if HSBC have gone a bit anal: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5354430

But they are the only ones for whom people have reported the extra requirements. I applied online for accounts with all the banks, incl HSBC, and none of them have ever asked me for additional proof of ID and address (famous last words...).

jimjames

colsten wrote: »

Yes, it sounds as if HSBC have gone a bit anal: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5354430

But they are the only ones for whom people have reported the extra requirements. I applied online for accounts with all the banks, incl HSBC, and none of them have ever asked me for additional proof of ID and address (famous last words...).

Likewise. HSBC was the worst application process I've endured for any bank over the last few years. If it hadn't been for the £240 bonus I'd not have bothered after the first few delays and hassle.