Barclaycard

t33

Firstly, I have called Barclaycard and came away more confused and with no concrete answers.  I got a lot of 'I think that should be ok ... ' and 'I'll double check' then again unable to answer clearly after checking goodness knows what.  I am reluctant to ring back to try another cs person as it took 40 minutes to get through the first time.

Basically, I've just applied for a Barclaycard, done through my Barclays online banking, I've been a current account/savings account customer for decades.  Today I got a letter requiring two pieces of ID to finish the application, the usual A set and B set of ID to be posted back.  It doesn't indicate whether these must be original or copies (the customer service operative told me copies would be fine, and then said maybe it's best to email copies, though I didn't have that option given.  I just didn't feel confident and don't want to have to duplicate things).  I've no problem providing these as an additional proof of ID, however, the above gripe notwithstanding, I'd rather just take the ID to my local Barclays as I don't like posting my ID.  The customer service person said she 'thought' this would be ok if they had a scanner available, surely they should know this?  It was all quite amateurish.  I'm happy to go to the branch to get it sorted,  but to save a wasted trip, has anyone done this in branch with success (I haven't applied for a credit card for ages so unsure what works best)?

Thanks.

grumbler

There were reports here that people had to make an appointment for an ID check in a branch. And even worse - not all Barclays branches do this and waiting time was as long as 1-2 months.

km1500

I very much doubt photocopies would be accepted

MrFrugalFever

What’s wrong with just taking a very clear high definition image of a driving licence and passport? It seems bizarre they are asking for this considering your banking relationship with them. 

I don’t recall providing ID on my application last October.

RBYHS

I sent pictures and the card arrived two weeks later

t33

Well, after calling Barclaycard and being given conflicting information, I took my ID to the main branch on 20th, they scanned my ID (and gave me certified copies 'just in case').  Got seen right away and the person was efficient.  Apparently there have been a rash of customers who, though been customers for years, have been asked to provide ID as generated by a machine, they had no idea why.  The person told me to call Barclaycard in a couple of days to ensure all ok.

On calling Barclaycard they looked at my record and could not see the scans there - but apparently that was how it should be, as the scanned ID went directly to the Processing Department.  Bit of conflicting info between bank person and Barclaycard.  The annoying part was, Barclaycard and Barclaycard CS have no means to contact their own Processing Dept, so I was told, so they couldn't check to verify that the ID was actually safely received.  Seems like amateur hour for a renowned international bank.

So I am in limbo, as have heard nothing from Barclaycard.  I don't mind that the ID was asked for despite it being unnecessary (the Barclays employee at the branch said they had my ID on record already so there was no need to ask for it again) but I've gone out of my way to do as requested and get it sorted and now have no idea what is happening.  The card is not vital, but it's so irksome and time-consuming when two different Barclays personnel have said to me the additional ID wasn't really necessary and they didn't understand why it had been asked for as the card could have been simply approved with the info they already had. 

Apologies for the moan, but goodness ...

Parpie

I’ve just applied to NatWest for a pre-approved credit card and have been refused because I didn’t have necessary photo ID. I also applied to Barclaycard and I don’t have proof of ID that they ask for. I don’t have a passport, I don’t drive  and I don’t have any id cards. The only photo ID I have is my bus pass.

CliveOfIndia

It may have better to start your own thread rather than resurrecting one from a year-and-a-half-ago.

However, have you phoned them to ask whether your bus pass would be acceptable (as in, speak to a human being rather than going through an online computerised system)?  I know it's an acceptable form of ID for voting.

Unfortunately, banks do have to abide by very strict know-your-customer legislation, so they do tend to have fairly stringent ID requirements.

If you're unable to provide the documents they need, might it be worth trying another lender who doesn't require photo ID?

Olinda99

A bus pass is not a photo 'ID'

A passport would seem your best way forward

CliveOfIndia

Olinda99 said:

A bus pass is not a photo 'ID'

Thanks for clarifying.  I must admit I did wonder - it's just that is listed as an acceptable form of ID for voting.

Olinda99 said:

A passport would seem your best way forward

Is that not an expensive option if you don't actually need one for travel?  But agreed, if the OP wants a card and needs ID, it's certainly an option.

Actually, OP, is there a specific reason you need a credit card?  For sure they are a very useful tool, but by no means a necessity for many people.

I'm not sure if all lenders require photo ID.  I've applied for many cards over the years (most recently about a year ago, with NatWest coincidentally enough), and can't recall ever having been asked for photo ID.