How to open a savings account when experian cannot automatically validate your identity

flower77g

I saw another post on the forum where someone had difficulties trying to open an ISA savings account and I have a similar issue, but there is no solution on that thread.   I have savings accounts with two different savings providers  - which have been used regularly for some years.   With each I was trying to open a savings bond at a higher fixed rate, not an ISA.   

However both providers insist on carrying out an additional identity check with Experian which is coming back that they are unable to validate my identity.  The account opening process then fails altogether.   I am on the electoral role, have lived at my property for more than seven years, credit history with credit cards and mortgage shown at all the credit reference agencies, and obtaining credit reports from each other agencies shows up no error, not even anything minor.

Any ideas?    

Daliah

How do you know that the ID verification fails with Experian? Have they told you that this is the case?

If so, what is the difference between your name and address on Experian, and the name and address you have given the savings providers?

flower77g

Yes, they've both told me that the process is failing on experian check - no difference in name and address

Daliah

flower77g said:

Yes, they've both told me that the process is failing on experian check - no difference in name and address

If there is no difference in name and address, how can the check fail? Have you asked the two savings providers that question?

isasmurf

ID checks can be more sophisticated than just using name and address and don't always just use information on your credit report. It may be something within your digital footprint that is not what is expected. Are you using the same device, network and browser you would normally use? I would suggest talking to experian to understand what the data used in these 2 applications was and why its failing. You would of course have to prove your ID first, but experian should have different ways to do this. 

flower77g

It may be something within your digital footprint that is not what is expected. Are you using the same device, network and browser you would normally use? I would suggest talking to experian to understand what the data used in these 2 applications was and why its failing. You would of course have to prove your ID first, but experian should have different ways to do this. 

Interesting point - I'm using devices that I would normally use, and I'd expect the financial providers are using something different.   That would apply to anyone making an application for a savings account though?  I'm pulling back (free) credit reports from the credit reference agencies and I assume the savings providers are using Experian identity verification services,so they are different Experian products.