Proving your identity - How to help us prevent crime

When taking out certain products with us you may be asked for proof of your name and address. This may happen whether you are applying to be a new customer with us or have been one for some time. Further verification may also be requested in other circumstances such as if correspondence has been returned to us by the post office. This is to comply with money laundering regulations which help to stop criminals using financial products or services to hide money made from illegal activities from the authorities.

Asking you for evidence of your identity also protects you from criminals who might falsely use your name, without you ever knowing.

As part of security checks we'll usually ask for some personal details. Additionally, we may need to see some original documents containing your name and address if you're applying in branch or by post. When more than one person is applying, we may need to confirm the name and address of each of you.

When applying online you will be told during the application process which options are available to you.

For more information on anti-money laundering and the documents we will ask you to provide when opening an account see our money laundering guide.

How proving your identity can help us fight crime and terrorism  (PDF new window) - please read this document which was produced in conjunction with HM Treasury, the Financial Services Authority and the National Criminal Intelligence Service.

To view PDF documents you will need the latest version of Adobe Acrobat reader  (new window). To read the PDF document with a screen reader please link to the Access Adobe website  (new window).