Why we need to verify your identity

We have a responsibility to verify the identity of each applicant under regulations for prevention of financial crime and money laundering.

• Visit the Financial Services Authority (FSA) website for more information.

How we verify your identity

We use an electronic verification system, and if this is successful, that's all we need to do. However in certain cases (for example if you are not listed on the electoral roll or you have recently moved house) we may need additional proof of identity.

We may not be able to open an account for you unless suitable proof of name and address is provided. We have a responsibility to verify the identity of each applicant under regulations for prevention of financial crime and money laundering.

We need to see one proof of name document and one proof of address document if you are applying in person at a branch. We will also need an additional third item from either list for postal applications.

Proof of name:

• Current signed passport (UK or foreign)
• Current EU or UK (full/provisional) photocard driving licence or full UK Driving Licence (old style)
• HM Revenue & Customs PAYE Tax Notification letter, SA302, SA310, issued in the last 12 months
• Other documents acceptable...

Proof of address:

• Utility Bill showing current address (not a mobile phone bill) issued in the last 3 months
• Council Tax Bill issued in the last 12 months
• Bank/Building Society Statement showing current address issued in the last 3 months
• Other documents acceptable...

Opening an account in a Child’s Sole Name

If you are opening an account for a child, we will need to verify the identity of the child.

If you are opening the account in one of our branches in person, we will require 2 forms of identification (see our Branch Finder for your nearest branch)

We need to see one proof of name document, which can be any from the list below.

• Birth Certificate
• Adoption Certificate
• Passport showing minors photograph

We also need to see one proof of address, which can be in the form of the following:

• Most recent Child Benefit Book/Notification Letter
• Verification of parents'/guardians address (see Documents we will accept)
• Confirmation of UK address by college or university
• Tenancy agreement or student accommodation contract
• Confirmation of temporary address from the householder with whom the student is living e.g. current council tax bill in householder's name

If you are opening the account through the post we will also require one further piece of identification, which can be either name or address.

Opening an account for a child with a Trustee

If the Account is being opened in Trust, we may require identification for the Trustee (see Verifying Your Identity).

In addition to this we will need proof of name for the child. We will require one piece of name identification from the list above.

If the child resides with the trustee then address ID is not required, if the child does not reside with the trustee then one piece of address ID is required showing the child’s address. It is likely this piece of ID will be in the name of the child’s parent or guardian.