Verifying your identity

Our responsibility to you

Under regulations for prevention of financial crime and money laundering, we have a responsibility to verify the identity of each applicant before opening a new account, even existing customers.

To do this, we use an electronic verification system.

Additional proof of identity

In certain cases (for example if you are not listed on the electoral roll or you have recently moved house) we may need further proof of your identity.

For online and  postal applications:
This will mean returning your application and funds to you so that you can provide the further proof we need.

For applications in person at a branch:
This will mean that we are unable to open your account immediately unless you have proof of your identity with you.

Therefore, you may wish to provide additional proof of your identity with your application.

Examples of additional forms of identification

Examples of additional forms of identification that we can accept are:

Proof of name:

• Current signed Passport
• Full UK or EU photocard driving licence or full UK driving licence (old style)
• Original and current notice of tax coding from HM Revenue & Customs

Proof of address:

• An original utility bill, e.g. gas, electricity, telephone (not mobile phone) less than 3 months old
• An original and current council tax bill
• An original bank or building society statement less than 3 months old

 

• Find out which other forms of identity are acceptable, or
• Call us on 0845 1 200 100 to discuss your options

 

Providing proof of identity with your application

For applications in person at a branch:
You should supply one document from each of the examples.

For postal applications:

• You should supply one original document from each of the examples.
• A third item, which can be chosen from either list, will also be needed. 

For security reasons, please do not send an original passport or driving licence through the post. Instead, you can send copies of these documents which should be certified by a solicitor, accountant or bank offical.

 

All communications with us may be monitored/recorded to improve the quality of our service and for your protection and security. Copies or details of Proof of Identity will be taken and retained by the Society.