On government ID requirements of challenger banks

[Deleted User]

IanManc said:

vikkiew said:

Many challenger banks require government identification such as passport or driving license to open an account. New tech app banks like Monzo and Starling all demand this. Some go even further and also want you to take photos or videos of yourself on your phone. High street banks don't demand any of this as standard. For small minority of people they might ask to come in to branch with ID but at most may ask for some bills for proof of address. Majority of cases identity and address is simply verified against the NI number and electoral register. Do challenger banks not have access to these records? Or are they asking for additional security because they want to be or want to appear to be more secure? Or is there some regulation that forces them? Or is it because they operate in multiple international markets and want to keep same rules? Some foreign banks which are not even app only such as Investec demand passport or diriving license just to open a savings account. I'm aware I can choose to not open accounts with these if I don't want to share such information so no need for smart comments please. I am curious and want to understand why what or who is the reason behind the different requirements compared to established banks.

Metro Bank - a High Street bank - requires a photo to open a current account.

Metro have this internal requirement as they'll use the photo to help identify you in branch - it's not strictly speaking to open the account but rather to operate it.

y3sitsm3

Deleted_User said:

y3sitsm3 said:

Deleted_User said:

y3sitsm3 said:

Deleted_User said:

y3sitsm3 said:

Deleted_User said:

y3sitsm3 said:

Deleted_User said:

wiseonesomeofthetime said:

Deleted_User said:

What about people who do not have a passport or driving licence? Why should they be prevented from opening an account?

Was just thinking the same thing.

Not everyone wants to drive or travel abroad.

Indeed. Are the authorities not aware of the fact that many people are unable to to obtain a driving licence at all? For example, many people with disabilities or certain health conditions will never be allowed a licence together with those who develop health problems in later life. Why should a passport be mandatory for opening a bank account?

This so called mandatory identification rule is unacceptable and should be scrapped.

There is no mandatory identity rule, certainly not one where photo ID is required.

However, if you don't use photo ID, you'll just have to open an account in a branch, where the list of acceptable forms of ID is broader.  It's the online application systems that need photo ID.

I've got quite a few branches in my garden but I've failed to open a bank account by clambering up them. My banking is done 100% online without climbing up trees. Photographers like Timpson can take a customer photo and provide an online code. Will that be acceptable as ID?

Of course not, it doesn't prove who you are, does it?

For decades I have operated dozens of accounts with government agencies, financial institutions etc and they are all 100% happy with who I am. Any financial institution can check the Voters Register, my National Insurance details, HMRC, NHS, my academic qualifications, my registered professional memberships etc without needing passport or driving licence. If it's so totally vital for people to supply photo ID, then the government should first issue everyone in this country with a National Identity Card

I already gave you a list with three forms of non-photographic ID that Natwest accepts, which you appear to have conveniently ignored so you can continue with another meritless rant about banks.

You've gave me the impression those ID's required climbing up a tree and I operate only 100% online.

I understand that English may not be your first language but if you climbed up a tree you'd be on a branch, not in a branch.

You're quite right in spotting that English is not my first language but, my struggle with English is usually understood by others in this country. As I've said and repeat: I personally have dozens of financial accounts and personally I operate all of them 100% online (with an occasional phonecall) but in no other way. Is there any part of that statement you don't understand?

What is the relevance of this to your incorrect assertion that banks require photographic ID?