Trying to open a Savings account!

Norman-B

A friend of mine is having a real problem trying to open a savings account. She has been informed that unless she can produce a Passport or a Driving Licence, no Bank/BS will open an account for her. She has neither a Passport or DL. Any advice, please.
Funny thing is, she has a current acc and a cash isa with a B/S but they have said no to opening an acc.

RayWolfe

Not true ... some, Northern Rock for example, use electronic checking; presumably the Electoral Role.
Most web sites will list identity requirements for new accounts.

RayWolfe

Seeing your edit, is she trying to open the account with her existing B/S?

Norman-B

RayWolfe wrote: »

Seeing your edit, is she trying to open the account with her existing B/S?

She has tried to open an acc with her present bank (abbey) and has failed. She would be happy to open an account with anyone offering a decent rate.

Primrose

I think a lot of the banks and building societies are being especially difficult about this because my understanding is that Managers of these institutions are allowed to exercise their discretion as to the type of address and identity documention which is acceptable when the applicant possesses neither a passport nor a driving licence.
Personally I have always found Kent Reliance Building Society very helpful when customers have queries regarding opening savings accounts but they do not necessarily offer the highest rate. If your friend is over 50, Saga Savings might offer a possibility. I am sure they are used to dealing with older people who may have neither passport nor driving licence, and I'm sure they could suggest some alternative documentation options.

These could possibly include:

Inland Revenue PAYE Coding Notice
Utility or Council Tax Bills
Pension Book or Benefits Office Official Letter to addressee
Another bank statement
Copy of bus pass application form with photograph

Stephen_Leak

Don't be to quick to blame the banks and building societies. This requirement is part of the legislation to try to prevent money laundering by drugs dealers and terrorists. Yes, it is a proverbial pain, but consider the alternative.

nilrem_2

The reason they do it is to help prevent money laundering by criminals; but as is usual with most security precautions the people it causes problems too are the innocent who do not have the required ID, of course criminals have no problems getting around the ID problem they can use forged documents or fiddle the system.

It is very annoying to honest people my wife has suffered from these rules, as she has no passport or driving licence, although she does not drive I even went to the trouble of getting her a provisional licence with a photo card only to find that for some reason they will only accept a full licence for ID!

You will find though that some places can open an account using other methods of ID so don't give up.

gazzak_2

We moved house less than a year ago and tried to open a Sainsbury's saving account. I think we sent them everything except the kitchen sink and they still wanted more information. I just got to the point where I thought no more, so told them to forget it.

nilrem_2

gazzak wrote: »

We moved house less than a year ago and tried to open a Sainsbury's saving account. I think we sent them everything except the kitchen sink and they still wanted more information. I just got to the point where I thought no more, so told them to forget it.

They take the rules to far don't they!

tradetime

Personally I think the banks milk it for all it's worth, the idea being to make it as difficult as possible for people to chop and change accounts.

RayWolfe

I don't think that's true ... these requirements are to open new accounts not to close old ones. AND the legislation is very woolly in that it does not specify what should be produced as evidence, just lays down the penalties if the banks get it wrong and accept laundered money.