Santander ID and income check

masonic

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82095163#Comment_82095163

Laptops almost invariably have an integrated webcam that can be controlled by a website running in a browser. On some occasions I have even used a desktop computer to do the same. The likes of HooYu and other KYC onboard services operate through a web browser on computer and smartphone, whereas there are others like Thirdfort that require a smartphone or tablet and aren't widely used in banking.

It is likely financial institutions will always have an element of choice as to how they ensure they are compliant with the regulations, although if we see another drive towards government issued digital ID, that could lead to something centralised. A branch visit with ID or certified documents in the post will likely remain options for those banks that aren't fully digital.

inspectorperez

These requests often happen at the most inopportune times!

Just getting ready to go on holidays and now awaiting the dreaded verification requests to fall in my lap.

Previous experiences have been most frustrating mainly due to the flaky nature of bank's image service which takes a dislike to whatever selfie images you may attempt to upload despite following all the tips about equal light and face in centre of image etc'. If there is a worry, it is often due to the timescale imposed by the bank for completion together with the threat of the account being effectively frozen until you comply

friolento

Not a problem when you're at home with the documents/figures to hand, about to pay for the weekly shop in the supermarket might be less fun

They would only ask for the checks when using online banking or the app, not when paying by card.

The only document I had to upload was photo ID, twice. First time, I could upload an image I already keep electronically, but then a few steps later, they requested I take a photo there and then. I used my passport, which had a biometric chip, so then they required a scan of the chip. If I had used my DL, it might have been slightly less onerous as it has no chip.

Anyway, a good strategy, for a number of reasons, not just banking, is to have physical photo ID on you when you venture further away from home. You never know when you might need it. I normally carry my DL as it’s just another card in my wallet. Anything involving a flight or travelling abroad obviously needs a passport.

AstonSmith

This happened to me too. I'm not too happy about uploading my sensitive documents to the mysterious company GBG Plc, whose privacy policy says they'll keep the data for up to 10 years for "auditing purposes". I declined to consent and the message has gone from the app, for now, but I've probably opened a can of worms.

Kim_13

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82095001#Comment_82095001

Is it not more likely that they are choosing people who haven't confirmed/updated their details for a period of time? Those who recently opened current accounts and regular savers would already have answered these questions/provided ID, wouldn't they?

masonic

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82095756#Comment_82095756

They got me when I applied for a credit card recently.

SJMALBA

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82095122#Comment_82095122

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82095756#Comment_82095756

No idea.

FWIW, I've been a Santander customer for a number of years, and recently opened the 8% RS, thankfully without any difficulty - was I lucky, or is it because I use online banking rather than app? Again, no idea.

GeoffTF

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82095810#Comment_82095810

I have been a customer since the Building Society days. I opened both and Edge Saver and a Regular Saver with Santander recently with no problems. I also opened a Nationwide credit card with no problems. I have not been asked for ID when opening accounts for years. I have always passed the electronic checks.

Yorkie1

@inspectorperez

Just getting ready to go on holidays and now awaiting the dreaded verification requests to fall in my lap.

If you have a second (unrelated) account / card, it might be worth making sure you have it with you, just to avoid the possibility of verification blocking your access to the account you're referring to, while you are away

masonic

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82095845#Comment_82095845

I'm in the same boat, but an increasing number of providers now use services that verify ID even before credit files are checked, and do it for every applicant. Santander appears to have joined their ranks for new credit accounts (like you I had no need to provide ID as an existing customer to open a new Edge Saver or RS, but did for a new credit card). Others in this boat include NatWest group and HSBC. Chase did so from day 1.

Under the new regulations being rolled out, verification that the details provided match a real person isn't sufficient. The institution must hold evidence the individual using the product is the who they purport to be. They must also be satisfied money held for that individual comes from legitimate sources.

I think we will see an uptick in experiences like that of the OP, where banks catch up with legacy customers whose records are thin, much the same as we did when banks were previously fined for lax AML processes in the past.