How we verify your identity
We only ask you for the information we really need – we only request proof of identity and address when we can’t verify your identity any other way. When we do ask you to provide proof, you can do this online, in branch or by post.
Ways you can provide proof
It’s quick and easy through our secure online verification platform. It only takes a few minutes to:
- Upload photos of your documents.
- Take a selfie so we can compare it with your documents and make sure it’s you applying.
If you prefer, you can bring documents into a local branch, or send them to us by post. You can use:
- Certified photocopies of the original documents
- Original documents if you’re coming in branch.
You can provide proof online using our secure identity verification partner, Onfido – it only takes a few minutes. You’ll just need to make sure:
- You have your phone, tablet or computer, which has a working camera
- You have your original documents ready, or photos of them you’ve already taken
- You place the documents on something while taking the photos – do not hold them
- You take the photos and your selfie in a brightly lit room.
You can read more about Onfido.
Step 1: Upload your proof of identity
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What proof of identity do we accept online?
You can provide any of these original documents which is in your name:
- Passport
- Driving licence
- National ID card
- Residence permit.
Step 2: Take a selfie
We’ll ask you to take a selfie directly through Onfido’s website. We’ll compare with your documents to make sure it’s really you applying.
Step 3: Upload your proof of address
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What proof of address do we accept online?
You can provide any of these original documents which mentions your name and your current address:
- Bank or building society statement
- Utility bill, such as electricity, water, gas, broadband, or landline (but not mobile phone)
- Council tax letter
- Benefits letter, such as Jobseekers, housing benefits, or tax credits.
We'll check your documents
We’ll let you know whether we’ve been able to verify you successfully, usually within 2 business days. A business day is usually Monday to Friday, apart from bank holidays.
How Onfido uses your documents
Onfido processes photos of your documents and a selfie. They use AI-powered systems to check that it’s really you applying. In some cases, Onfido colleagues will also check the documents.
They store your documents for audit purposes, but only for as long as they need to.
You can read Onfido’s data storage policy.
Provide your proof in branch or by post
You can provide proof in branch or by post. You can read about what proof we accept.
Bring originals in branch
- Bring your original documents in branch.
- We’ll check your documents and take photocopies.
Bring certified copies in branch
- Take photocopies of your original documents – remember to capture both sides if needed.
- Get your photocopies certified by a professional person.
- Bring your certified copies in branch.
Send certified copies by post
- Take photocopies of your original documents – remember to capture both sides if needed.
- Get your photocopies certified by a professional person.
- Post your certified copies to us at:
The Co-operative Bank
PO Box 4931
Interface Business Park
Bincknoll Lane
Swindon
SN4 4PL
What proof do we accept in branch or by post?
The most popular forms of proof of identity we accept are:
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Residence permit.
The most popular forms of proof of address we accept are:
- Bank or building society statement
- Utility bill, such as electricity, water, gas, broadband, or landline (but not mobile phone)
- Council tax letter
- Benefits letter, such as Jobseekers, housing, or tax benefits.
We also accept the documents in the table below. Proof of identity is marked ‘Identity’ in the ‘Proof of identity’ column. Proof of address is marked ‘Address’ in the ‘Proof of address’ column.
Please provide two different documents – one proof of identity and one proof of address.
Having trouble providing proof we accept?
If you’re unable to provide one proof of identity and one proof of address from the table, one of our advisors can discuss with you any other proof we can accept to open your account.
Please visit a Co-operative Bank branch or call us on:
- 03457 212 212 for current account and savings account applications.
- 0345 600 6000 for credit card applications.
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm and Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 5pm and call charges apply.
Applying for a Student Account?
As well as providing one proof of identity and one proof of address document from above, you’ll also need to provide proof that you’ve been accepted on a course. You’ll need to provide this in branch or by post.
Not found what you're looking for?
Contact our support team