Is photo ID required for app type applications?

peter021072

I've just been unable to apply for an account for the first time despite being a UK citizen, having lived here all my life, got NI number, on electoral register, same address for 35 years, top credit scores.

Trading 212 asked for a driving license (omitting that it was a photo ID they required) so I went ahead. It was a wasted hour.  I have a passport but it's out of date.

Do all the 'app' type savings institutions (Moneybox, Plum, Atom) require a photo ID or do they still accept the same ID as everyone else has in the past (virtually every BS, bank, more than 5 years old)

flaneurs_lobster

Moneybox, Plum require Government-issued photo id to open an account (I assume these need to be valid).

Atom doesn't need this id but does require you to already have a UK current account.

Not explicit in your post but are you using a paper licence as id?

Not having valid photo id will be a hindrance if you intend to pursue accounts with non-traditional institutions without a branch network where non-photo id documentation might well be acceptable.

PS Your "credit score" is irrelevant when making these applications (and indeed everywhere else).

dunstonh

I have a passport but it's out of date.

Effectively, that means you don't have a passport.

Do all the 'app' type savings institutions (Moneybox, Plum, Atom) require a photo ID or do they still accept the same ID as everyone else has in the past (virtually every BS, bank, more than 5 years old)

Nowadays, most firms will use the electronic ID check and only revert back to manual if you fail that check or there is conflicting information on the file where they need to verify what is correct.    Some firms, particularly newer ones, may have to carry out enhanced check requirements.

Photo ID is the best method but it appears you don't have any. So, that typically means falling back further to at least two other forms of ID.

flaneurs_lobster

 peter021072 said:

Trading 212 asked for a driving license (omitting that it was a photo ID they required) so I went ahead. It was a wasted hour. 

Could have saved yourself a wasted hour (and subsequent angst) by reading Trading 212's requirements on id documents

What are the document requirements?

• Every detail on the document must be readable with no blurs. Those details are: 
  • Full name 
  • Date of birth
  • Document expiration date
  • Document number 
  • A clear picture of your face

Albermarle

I have opened many different savings/investment accounts, new pensions etc and have never once had to supply photo id.
So it seems to be very provider specific to ask for it as standard.

Having said that I would be reluctant in todays world, not to have any valid photo id.
A new driving licence only costs £20 online or by post.
I think it costs about another £5 to do it at a post office ( and they take the photo ) 
Passport costs £88.50 online and about £100 at a post office.

eskbanker

peter021072 said:

Do all the 'app' type savings institutions (Moneybox, Plum, Atom) require a photo ID or do they still accept the same ID as everyone else has in the past (virtually every BS, bank, more than 5 years old)

It's a simplification to perceive this as 'app' type institutions versus older ones - as above, most institutions will attempt electronic ID verification but if this doesn't achieve the desired result then a manual process is followed, but this certainly isn't restricted to newer institutions, even if that's been your personal experience thus far.

p00hsticks

eskbanker said:

peter021072 said:

Do all the 'app' type savings institutions (Moneybox, Plum, Atom) require a photo ID or do they still accept the same ID as everyone else has in the past (virtually every BS, bank, more than 5 years old)

It's a simplification to perceive this as 'app' type institutions versus older ones - as above, most institutions will attempt electronic ID verification but if this doesn't achieve the desired result then a manual process is followed, but this certainly isn't restricted to newer institutions, even if that's been your personal experience thus far.

I agree - if you revisited many of those banks that you opened accounts with many moons ago to see what they now require for new applications, they may well now ask for photo id where they never did before....

masonic

I think there has been a shift towards having ID on file for all customers from a range of institutions. Once they've gone through the hurdles of setting up an automated system with 'liveness' checks and automated document analysis (often outsourced to a third party), then there must be a temptation to make it a core part of the application.

That lesser known upstart NatWest Group seems to have taken that approach. They've had my ID three times, one for each sub-brand, last year.

hpas251

Chase require a photo ID to be uploaded to their app to open their account. I don't have a driving licence and my passport kept getting rejected by their system so I gave up. Chase do not give any alternative way of showing ID such as sending either originals or certified copies in the post or showing them in person if you stay near an office of any JP Morgan subsidiary. Had they given me the option, I could have easily taken my ID documents to the office of JP Morgan Asset Management at Edinburgh Park as I'm on a bus route to the Gyle Shopping Centre which is just across the road from their office.

peter021072

dunstonh said:

I have a passport but it's out of date.

Effectively, that means you don't have a passport.

Do all the 'app' type savings institutions (Moneybox, Plum, Atom) require a photo ID or do they still accept the same ID as everyone else has in the past (virtually every BS, bank, more than 5 years old)

Nowadays, most firms will use the electronic ID check and only revert back to manual if you fail that check or there is conflicting information on the file where they need to verify what is correct.    Some firms, particularly newer ones, may have to carry out enhanced check requirements.

Photo ID is the best method but it appears you don't have any. So, that typically means falling back further to at least two other forms of ID.

No but a passport is mainly for travelling and I don't travel abroad.  A friend of mine who has limited funds and doesn't drive needed a photo ID for housing and is struggling to get ID.

Interestingly, a few weeks ago I was buying some medicines abroad from a firm who required a photo ID check. I was going to give up, but they accepted my out of date passport. Providing firms don't go out of their way to find obstacles there's no need for problems.  I've never failed any check in my life and must have opened 50 accounts. However as you say it's a slight extra expense we have to put up with, like smartphones, although not slight for some.

peter021072

flaneurs_lobster said:

Moneybox, Plum require Government-issued photo id to open an account (I assume these need to be valid).

Atom doesn't need this id but does require you to already have a UK current account.

Thanks for answering the question!    That is useful, I can try them at a higher rate., and a current account is standard.