[SPLIT]Opening a bank account:Discuss

I agree with both sides of the argument.

I agree with Cait et al that the docs are required for money laundering purposes, this was decided upon by the FSA and the banks are just following the rules the FSA has created.  Did you know that technically the bank could come verify your address with a home visit?  I studied this for my investment management certificate exam which I passed and which allows me to consult to UK clients - and I remember being very excited when I read it.  Should have shown that to all the banks when I didn't have a utility bill!

However, I also agree with Paul that this money laundering reason is taken way way too far.  I understand that the UK is a prime destination for money laundering and that based on the previous experiences it is an important issue.  But please can we have some common sense?  I think of it in relation to the ID requirements for getting on an airplane - if you don't have a passport or US drivers license/ID, you can't get on right?  Well no, actually if you don't have one of these, the airlines can still let you on within reason - if they determine that it is reasonable (ie you had your wallet stolen, you are not in your home state so can't get a replacement ID, etc).  But here I have encountered this blind following-of-rules that really frustrates and concerns me....  And I do feel that the govt. is on a slippery slope against protecting citizens' privacy here.  But that is another issue I guess.

Hope no one was offended by this as that was not my intention - just been thinking about it lately.

The Co-operative Insurance/Bank still does home visits which might be a great idea if you are having problems opening an account. The Insurance people who come round to the house can't open a current account, but they can open a savings account or investment using the home visit as proof of address. You just need to then request a statement from them and bingo you've got proof of address that anyone will accept.

I wanted Ms.   couldn't do it..

I know this is a super old discussion, but in case it comes up again... I was told when processing Criminal Records Bureau checks for people that if they see Ms they assume that the person is divorced. And that could complicate things because they'll want to know about other previous names that the person might have had (married v maiden).

Just got back from RBS where we set up my wife's account to her married name from madien.  She's had it since before we were married (10 years ago) and left it open when she came to the US to live with me.  We've just moved back to Scotland.  Unable to get my name put on the existing account without all the address proof, which I find really silly.  I can understand for opening a new account, but it's an existing one, they had the proof we are married in front of them (good enough to change her name), statement addressed to my wife at our current temporary address and then my Spousal Visa which proves that our relationship is official enough for the British government to let me live her permanently, yet all that can't prove that I'm not a money laundering risk.    Guess I better get to work on getting my UK Driver's License so I can have my name added.