Charter Savings Bank cash ISA account opening - not.

Ocelot

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82115983#Comment_82115983

I was with them from circa 2016-2024, then closed account. Then opened a new one in 2025 and there were no ID requiremenmts then, even though my old details would have been deleted I assume.

Money_Stitch

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82116157#Comment_82116157

Ah my fault, skim reading. Thanks for the reply amid your frustration. Would updating that driver's licence help in the future perhaps? It's pretty easy to do and once updated, such things as change of address are free within the validity dates, not sure in fact if a change from paper is also free, but you'd need to check that. Best of luck.

largeronald

You are correct in that it's free for a change of address and when you turn 70, but it cost me £20 when I mislaid my paper one a year ago.

I appreciate everyone who's taken the time to try and help, but my wife has now been denied an account, for the first time in her 68 years, having through the course of her life held individual accounts with the likes of HSBC, Santander, various building societies and currently with Nationwide, along with a stocks and shares ISA with Hargreaves Lansdown and a cash ISA opened a couple of years ago with Moneybox, all of whose identity checks she passed with no problem whatsoever, so it's now too late to try and resolve the issue.

As I said in my first post, just a cautionary tale for anyone attempting to open an account with Charter Savings - be prepared.

eskbanker

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82116395#Comment_82116395

It appears from their ID document linked above that they effectively just assume that licences will be photo ones, but they don't actually explicitly mandate that as such, and if using one for proof of address rather than ID then the absence of a photo shouldn't be an issue:

If sending a copy, please send the personal details side of your licence (the one with your photo and
showing your address)

Obviously, as above, individual call centre operatives may not always be adequately conversant with published policies…

SacredStephan

You decided that her driving licence wouldn't be accepted, not Charter. Also, it seems likely to me that a letter from HMRC or DWP would be accepted as proof of address. P45 and P60s are not issued by HMRC.

largeronald

I'm sorry chaps, but I simply can't accept that anyone who doesn't recognise a current statement from an individual's designated bank account as proof of address would cheerfully accept something that is at least 26 years old as proof.

And before we revisit the digital statement vs the physical statement argument, I can assure you that if you specifically request a paper statement from one of the many online only banks, all you will get is exactly what I provided Charter Savings with.

SacredStephan

Is your wife's name on a council tax bill? Does she have a coding notice or a P800 from HMRC? Does she have a winter fuel payment letter from DWP?

poseidon1

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82116512#Comment_82116512

Interestingly, Charter's due diligence requirements does state in the preamble

' If we have asked you to confirm your identity......'

So it would appear they will only seek documentary confirmation where for whatever reason they have issues with the usual online digital verification for an applicant ( credit agencies, electoral roll etc). Therefore only some people required to succumb to enhanced due diligence rather than all applicants.

I suppose the key question for those who are caught up in enhanced due diligence, is what ( if any) are the deficiencies with their 'digital footprint ' when it comes to online verification of their ID, and what action can they take to improve matters?

friolento

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82116639#Comment_82116639

unfortunately, we need to now be prepared for much more stringent checks, as the providers must implement additional anti-money-laundering legislation. This doesn’t just apply when applying for a new account , and not only to Charter Bank - be ready to be asked at any stage by any provider you have held accounts with for many years. As has happened to me recently - see my post about it on the banking board.

Nothing to be afraid of, and no point about getting upset about it. Just make sure you have Government issued ID and at least one document confirming your address. I use my passport for ID, and my DL for address. Sometimes I also use a certified Starling Bank statement, which I can create at will and print off at home.

Don’t wait until you get asked, get your documents sorted right away.

mrcrumb

is this “proof by paper documents” for every new customer, or do Charter still verify addresses electronically if they can.