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You and your money
When you open an account with a bank, building society or credit union, the law requires you to prove your identity.
Asking you to provide proof of who you are and where you live doesn't mean the firm suspects you of being a criminal.
Proving your identity helps all of us to prevent identity theft (where criminals try to steal your money by pretending to be you) and money laundering (making money obtained from crime appear 'clean').
Firms may also ask you for proof of identity if you are already a customer, when you change your address or open a new account for instance.
Or maybe they just want to update their records.
The law doesn't say exactly how firms should check identity.
Many follow guidance produced by the financial services industry.
Some check electronic databases like the electoral roll or credit reference agency files.
But most will ask you for documents, for example:
- A passport or photo-card driving licence; or combinations of official documents such as an old-style full UK driving licence plus a council tax letter or statement.
- A letter from a government department or local authority confirming state benefits, pension, council tax benefits or housing benefits.
Each firm has its own policy on what they will accept and they should explain this to you.
If you can't produce any of the documents asked for, ask if there are any other options.
For example, some will accept a letter from a care home manager, social worker who knows you, or a warden of sheltered accommodation or a refuge.
The rules are there to protect us, not stop people from using the financial system legally.
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