Documentation needed for a new savings account

Hi

I'm trying to set up a new savings account, but I'm being asked to provide documentation that is becoming more & more difficult to do so.

I've been asked for a photo copy of Passport & drivers license. This is fine I have both and can do so. But not everybody has a drivers license!

I've been asked to provide 2 original utility bills (not photocopies). This is a problem. Most providers are now encouraging (if not insisiting) on e-billing. So the best you can provide is a printout (which is not original).

PPS number- Original or photocopy is required. Not a problem.

So my question is -why is it acceptable to have a photocopy of drivers license (which is required by law to have your correct home address on it) and a photocopy of Revenue letter with your tax credits/PPS number (which also has your correct home address) but not acceptable to provide e-bills /photocopies of utility bills for proof of your address?

This is making it extremely difficult to open said savings account



I understand that Financial Institutions are required to "Know the customer" for anti-money laundering purposes, but it seems a bit OTT to expect original documentation for some and not other documents.

If you are trying to open an account by post a number of institutions seem to ask for 2 forms of photo ID

The esb bill for example, printed off from their website looks pretty serious to be honest especially if using a colour printer.


Check with your bank, but I reckon utility bills when printed off will be accepted once they show your full name and address.

The bank not only requires proof of identity but also proof of residence so the utility bills are used for the proof of residence. The original copies of utility bills are viewed as authentic by the bank whereas a copy or screen print of an e-bill may not be authentic.

Ann1 said:

The original copies of utility bills are viewed as authentic by the bank whereas a copy or screen print of an e-bill may not be authentic.

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By screen print do you mean hitting 'print screen' button on your keyboard.

That in effect is a photo shot but I am referring to an actual 'print out' which some utilities like the esb facilitate and if using good printer and inks its next to impossible to tell from the original, except maybe for paper quality.

ebilling is being pushed on us more and more these days so it's about time 'print outs' were accepted by all.

It is after all only 1 doc in the total i.d. process.

I was referring to both the screen print and the copies supplied by utility companies. My bank would not accept either. The bank explained to me that legislation states that the utility bills must be originals and that the onus is on the banks to implement the legislation.

I agree that it is getting more and more difficult to open accounts with financial institutions when e billing seems to be the norm nowadays.

Most Irish Banks are still stuck in the medieval age of banking. But they haven't realized it yet and that's why they consistently screw the clients while asking for more bailout money to continue their broken system.

But you're talking about savings ... they should be delighted about everyone not putting his money into a save place but leaves it in Ireland.

My local AIB and PTSB refused a savings-account with a printed (black and white just for fun) Utility bill. Engaging the most senior sociopaths (managers) in the branch revealed there is no official law just in internal bank policy.

But since its my money I can bring it elsewhere and Ulsterbank next door was delighted to take the money and accept a printed black and white utility bill (but had to provide 2 different ones which was fine).

I have sent a letter about it to the (de-)regular a while back but of course they cant care less about such a minor issue.

Honestly ask the Bank if they like the money of if they would refer you to a serious operating financial institute. If you make sure they understand its your money then usually they try everything to get it.

Thanks all for the replies.


Having looked at the drivers license thing again, the new European license (credit card type) doesn't require an address...so I accept that the address may not need to be up to date (And also from the link posted by sahd).

However, i do think that if 3 or 4 photocopied documents are provided that there should be common sense applied and these should be accepted.

the-madman said:

Honestly ask the Bank if they like the money of if they would refer you to a serious operating financial institute. If you make sure they understand its your money then usually they try everything to get it.

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I've asked for my money back a couple of times now...still waiting

not a happy camper at all with them