Pingit app and ID check

Murmansk

I've installed the Pingit app on my phone and sent off for a device containing a chip to use with it.

The app doesn't offer full functionality unless you take proof of ID to a branch of Barclays Bank.

I took my ID to my local Barclays. Someone took it away and fifteen minutes later returned to say I'd need to return later in the day - something about "updating my profile". I said I just wanted my ID putting on the system so I could  use the app but he insisted they had to update my profile.

I'm not a customer of Barclays, what is this profile thing? My suspicion is they want to find out all about me so they can flog me stuff.

mab3000

You will have a customer record/profile set up on the Barclays system as Pingit is a Barclays product. They want you to produce ID as part of their “know your customer” check so it satisfies their regulated checks they have to carry out on all their customers, it probably means they were not able to electronically verify your identity. The reason why you were asked to go back later on to update your profile was probably because it requires a particular member of staff to do it, and they weren’t available at the time.

It will have nothing to do with them trying to flog you stuff. That is what marketing preferences are for - where they ask you to tick/untick if you want to receive special offers etc when you signed up to Pingit. 

Murmansk

Thanks for that insight, I've not yet gone back for my second attempt, so I'll do it tomorrow and not get too bitter and twisted about them flogging me stuff!