Which ISA providers require photo ID?

Winchmore_Hill_Shot

Trying to help my 91 year-old dad open an ISA (either cash or fixed rate).
While he is able to cope with online banking - he doesn't have a mobile phone.  He also doesn't have photo ID and is 95% housebound.
He is quite keen to get something in place before the end of the tax year.
Can anyone recommend ISA providers that won't require photo ID or a visit to a local branch to confirm identity?

refluxer

I've opened savings accounts with most of the banks and building societies who've made the top tables in recent years and the only one I can remember needing to send photo ID to was Chase and that was done within the app (a selfie and photo of my driving licence).

If he passes a bank's online ID/address verification checks, then he should be fine. If not, you normally have to post off suitable documents and it'll depend on the bank as to what they require. In my experience, it's normally things like a bank statement or official government letter or bill with your name and address on rather than a passport or driving licence. I don't currently have a passport and if a bank did require me to post off my driving license, I'd simply cancel the application and move on to a provider who doesn't.

If he has access to a PC or laptop, then that'll give him access to most providers with the exception of those who are app-only (Atom and Tandem spring to mind, but I don't think they offer ISAs anyway)..

Who does he bank with, currently ? It would make sense to check their offerings first, as opening a bank account is obviously always easier if you're an existing customer.

Winchmore_Hill_Shot

Thanks; he's currently with HSBC.  He has quite a bit invested in a one year fixed rate saver at Gatehouse but is worried about going over the 85K protected amount.

35har1old

Winchmore_Hill_Shot said:

Thanks; he's currently with HSBC.  He has quite a bit invested in a one year fixed rate saver at Gatehouse but is worried about going over the 85K protected amount.

Had a quick look at HSBC did not see any ID requirements Loyalty 1 year Fix 2.3 %
Also Virgin 2 year fix 4.1%
Progressive Building Society for a longer term fix The rate is only 4% for 5 years First line for ID is electronic. Pass that and you are ok. If not they do show what's required and you have other choices other than driving license and passport Can be opened by post

refluxer

Winchmore_Hill_Shot said:

Thanks; he's currently with HSBC.  He has quite a bit invested in a one year fixed rate saver at Gatehouse but is worried about going over the 85K protected amount.

Yes, it doesn't make sense to risk going over the FSCS limit.

If he was to fix, how long would it be for ? Of the providers in the current top 1 year fixed rate table, I would avoid Virgin if he wants hassle-free banking (based on the various threads on Virgin's poor customer support and other ISA issues on here) and opening the Barclays Flexible 1 year ISA is awkward if you're not a Barclays customer. I don't have any experience with UBL, but have banked with Tesco who aren't far behind, rate-wise.

As for easy access ISAs, the highest rate without a notice period is currently Shawbrook @ 3.01%. I bank with them, don't remember having to send them any ID documents and haven't had any issues.

Albermarle

Ford Money and Aldermore, have good customer service, reasonably good rates and no photo ID needed as far as I know.

Winchmore_Hill_Shot

Thanks everyone.  He's looking at a one year fix so I'll check out the options you've all mentioned - very helpful.