Revolut closing account while abroad?

chichi1978

I have the next situation which I will try to briefly explain:

I opened my Revolut account 2 years ago, I remember back then I gave them my passport (which is from Spain). I moved last year to Sweden to study… I never informed Revolut (here is my first question, is Revolut only for residents in the UK?). 

Anyway, my real problem is that my passport expired, I live far away from Stockholm so it’s not easy to go there and renew my passport (specially now). 

Revolut emailed me last week saying that they might close my account if I don’t provide my passport… What should I do? 

I am quite desperate because,they could use say that:

-       I don’t reside in the UK now.

-       I can’t provide a valid EU passport right now. 

If there wasn’t the coronavirus problem, I would go to the spanish embassy get my passport and problem solved… But I have been with people with symptoms and even though I don’t have symptoms myself, I am quarantining. 

The way I see it I have the next options, providing:

-       a non EU passport, which I hold.

-       my Swedish id, which isn’t an EU Id (I think is only valid in sweden).

-       I have an NHS card which is still valid…

Should I omit the fact that I don’t reside in the UK now? I would be back in June but again, I don’t know how legal residence works… (I was abroad mostly in Sweden from august 2019 up to now…) 

As a last comment, I lived in the UK for 5 years and most of my family lives there now. I finish school here in June and I will be moving back to the UK (Brexit may interfere, but that’s another story…).

Thrugelmir

Explain your situation. Apply for a period of forbearance. Then renew your passport. 

born_again

BBC is reporting the Sweden is not in lock down.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-52076293
Try giving the embassy a call and see what they can do?

chichi1978

No lockdown here but, I don't want to travel if possible. (I called the embassy and I must go to stockholm to get it), which is 7 hours away by bus. Of course the fault is mine for letting my passport expire... The thing is that Revolut app doesn't allow me to explain, they just let me upload a picture of my passport... I thought of uploading my non EU passport...

Thrugelmir

Only matter of time before lockdown is enforced. 

chichi1978

I don't know what's worse that I dont reside in the UK now, or that my EU passport is expired... can they close my account on any of those grounds?

Thrugelmir

What did the email say? 

colsten

There is no requirement for an EU passport in Revolut. Just upload your non-EU one. Problem solved.

chichi1978

We have recently emailed you to explain that the ID documentation we have on file for you is no longer valid. You didn’t do anything wrong, it’s just that regulations change, and certain processes no longer apply.

Fortunately, all you need to do is tap on the button below to submit a new piece of ID in the form of a valid passport or national identity card. It’s important that you do this now, or your account may be locked or restricted.

We know it’s a hassle, but it’s the law. We’re sorry for the inconvenience, and thank you for your understanding.

Chino

chichi1978 said:

We have recently emailed you to explain that the ID documentation we have on file for you is no longer valid.

This does seem a perverse requirement on Revolut's part; somebody doesn't ceased to be identified just because the document used to confirm their identity expires.

I suspect that Revolut either misunderstands the "regulations" or has discovered that its original processes were wrong and is having to repeat the "know your customer" process using changed regulations as an excuse.

born_again

I wonder given the type of financial they are, that they require a valid proof. So when your passport expires they want a new valid one.