How can I get Santander to stamp a online statement?

John1970a

I get my Santander current account statements delivered online. The problem is I am applying for Permanent Residence in the UK in 3 weeks and need to provide original statements. The Home Office knows many people nowadays get digital-only statements, so they say they will accept printed online statements if a bank branch stamps them, thus confirming their authenticity.

My Santander branch said it's not bank policy to stamp online documents and won't do it. They also said they cannot write a letter confirming the authenticity of bank statements–even if they print out the statements in the branch themselves.

Without these stamps and/or letter my permanent residency will be rejected and I'll be deported. Any idea how to get Santander to do what the Home Office requires?

I'm very scared because Santander seemed firm in this. I've been with the bank for four years now.

Thanks for any advice. _pale_

badger09

John1970a wrote: »

I get my Santander current account statements delivered online. The problem is I am applying for Permanent Residence in the UK in 3 weeks and need to provide original statements. The Home Office knows many people nowadays get digital-only statements, so they say they will accept printed online statements if a bank branch stamps them, thus confirming their authenticity.

My Santander branch said it's not bank policy to stamp online documents and won't do it. They also said they cannot write a letter confirming the authenticity of bank statements–even if they print out the statements in the branch themselves.

Without these stamps and/or letter my permanent residency will be rejected and I'll be deported. Any idea how to get Santander to do what the Home Office requires?

I'm very scared because Santander seemed firm in this. I've been with the bank for four years now.

Thanks for any advice. _pale_

Order duplicate statements

https://www.santander.co.uk/uk/current-accounts/current-account-faqs

Westie983

Or get them to stamp the statement they print out for you.

It will be dated and timed and on headed paper. No need for a stamp really but if insistent they will stamp.

Westie983

hoc

This is a real issue unfortunately, not just with bank documents but almost everything else from TV license to telephone bills. With bank statements, if you need them immediately you can order them but most banks charge for this service. Lloyds wanted £5 per page I think when I needed some for a visa application. If you are not in a big hurry, change your settings to paper statements and wait a few months.

Armorica

ask the santander twitter team. The visible nature of this can be helpful.

tempus_fugit

Westie983 wrote: »

Or get them to stamp the statement they print out for you.

It will be dated and timed and on headed paper. No need for a stamp really but if insistent they will stamp.

Westie983

This is what we did at Halifax/BOS when we needed statements for a pension claim. We went to the nearest branch and they were more than happy to do it. Not sure if Santander are less helpful in this regard but I would ask them specifically for this and see what they say.

newatc

[QUOTE=John1970a;73725731

My Santander branch said it's not bank policy to stamp online documents and won't do it. They also said they cannot write a letter confirming the authenticity of bank statements–even if they print out the statements in the branch themselves.
.
[/QUOTE]

Another example of firms today not understanding the meaning of customer service or common sense. Go back to the branch and politely ask to speak to the Manager. Explain your problem and surely he can find a simple solution.

hoc

newatc wrote: »

Another example of firms today not understanding the meaning of customer service or common sense. Go back to the branch and politely ask to speak to the Manager. Explain your problem and surely he can find a simple solution.

I agree but I doubt speaking to the Manager would make a difference. I had an equally frustrating experience with Lloyds. As a long time customer of nearly 15 years I was told they don't do any statement certification. I spoke with my "personal account manager" (I have a Club account, they were trying to sign me up as into their Private Banking) who confirmed Lloyds branches can not do this. Based on a friend's recommendation I opened an account with Nationwide and they ran a print and stamped it. I do most of my banking with Nationwide now and avoid Lloyds and their rigid, unfriendly "customer service" as much as I can. It's these little things that make a big difference.

stclair

Online statements are a huge pain in the back side in situations like this. I needed proof of name and address recently luckily natwest can print statements in branch which include your name and address.

agrinnall

The need for original statements is why I continue to avoid going paperless on some of my accounts.

dj1471

I've experienced this joy for myself recently.

Banks will no longer stamp online statements, rumour has it there was a case of fraud involving online statements stamped by HSBC.

The Home Office requirements are for original statements on bank stationary. Either order copies from the bank or request they print copies for you in branch (these don't need to be stamped or otherwise authenticated as they're original).

The Cooperative Bank are reasonable in that they charge £2.50 per statement but with a cap of £10, so you could get 12 months for £10. Given they pay you £4 a month for being paperless through their rewards scheme it's better to be paperless and order statements as needed.