Barclays current account application - proof of identity in branch (but now closed?)

fleemkt

I applied for a current account whilst logged in on Barclays online banking.

After confirming personal details they have on me and populating employment and tax status, I was presented with a message that they were unable to verify my ID (despite logged on via PINsentry) - has anyone esle experienced this?  It then goes onto say that 'we haven't carried out a credit check so you credit score won't be affacted'.  How would they check your ID electronially?  Electoral roll?  Would they know you employment status?

It then goes onto say that I would need to go into branch, taking selected identity documents, to prove who I say I am.  Problem is, all the bramches near me are closed!  The email also suggests not trying to apply again online as it may cause further issues in branch?

Has anyone recently applied for a Barclays account?  If you had to verify your ID at a branch, what were your alternatives and were you successful opening an account?

jonesMUFCforever

In normal times you would visit your nearest branch or you would send your ID through the post to an address they give you.
Given what is happening you have 2 choices - do as they ask - find out the opening hours of the nearest branch - beware of lockdown rules where you live though ,
Or leave the application where it is - I think after 30 days it will drop off the system and the application will be deleted.
I take it that you already have a Barclays product to be able to log in - so did you use the same name (no typo's?)  address and contact number on the application. If anything you inputted was different to what they already hold about you then you have the situation you are in.

Up to you how desperate you are to have this account.

fleemkt

I was already logged in when I tried applying.  They brought up details they already held on me, just confirmed they were fine and proceeded to next step. 

In terms of electronic ID checks, I assume it would be a soft credit check and via electoral register?  Would they be able to confirm employment status?

If you don't mind my asking - how do you know it drops off their systems after 30 days?

I  wonder how many others who tried applying but needs to visit a branch to verify identity?

jonesMUFCforever

I do not know specifics about Barclays but other banks have this rule - your application cannot be 'open' forever - there must be a cut off time.

mab3000

So you managed to get your online banking sorted then?

The reason why you are being asked to go into branch with proof of identity and proof of address is because they haven’t been able to electronically verify you. This could be for any number of reasons. They normally would only need to do this once when you first open an account with them.

 As you are an existing customer I’m guessing that there is something wrong with your existing ID record to not let you just open a new account. Maybe when it was done at the time it satisfied regulatory requirements then but doesn’t now. 

Regardless you will need to go to branch with proof of ID and proof of address to get the account open. 

fleemkt

Looks like it will have to be branch, but don't particularly want to.