can't get a bank account

[Two_Sheds]

Great idea, Lynda!

Thanks for all your help guys. It's not really about having this savings account, it's about my frustration at having two surnames, and being able to prove neither!

I had terrible trouble when I was CRB checked for school too. I took in all my documents, in both names, and was treated with utter contempt and suspicion because my Birth Certificate was in a different name to everything else.

---------

Perhaps I should just marry Mr S and change it again, legally

(I just found out on the Deed Poll site, that I can actually change my name to his, and also call myself Mrs ... that would freak him out!)

[piskieinboots]

I have an ISA already .... it's empty, but I can't open another one until April. Stoopid.

ok - I'm being stoopid here - but why can't you add to/use your existing ISA? I put money into SD's on a monthly basis

I am obviously missing something here so forgive me for being dumb

(I just found out on the Deed Poll site, that I can actually change my name to his, and also call myself Mrs ... that would freak him out!)

You can call yourself whatever you want to, but for reasons of legal documents you need to prove who you are - so marry 'im

[pdblake]

This is one reason why I am not against ID cards, they would save so many problems for people like you and me without the required forms of ID

How do you prove your ID to apply for an ID card?

[piskieinboots]

How do you prove your ID to apply for an ID card?

they take a slice of your eyeball and a piece of your fingertip, then they take snips of hair and then they ask you for the required forms of ID then they issue you an ID card .....

[percy charlie]

i worked for a bank for 6 years, even though pass port is in a different name and the birth certificate to which you use it should not matter, you would need to put the name down on the birth certificate and passport for opening on the application but there is usually is a box where you can put a known as name or name you use to which the account is to be in, this used to be on the forms at the bank i worked at, not been left long, and the other bank i also bank at as well. so you can still have the account in the name you want to use, also you could change you name to the one you use by deed poll for £25. most doctors will sign a letter and photo as proof of who you are for you as well this cost between £5 and £10 solicitors also do this but at a far greater cost and is usually accepted, usually costs nothing to get the council tax changed to joint names. barclays also used to accept a debit card as one of the proofs of id if accompnied by a passport or other photo id, hope that helps pc

[pdblake]

they take a slice of your eyeball and a piece of your fingertip, then they take snips of hair and then they ask you for the required forms of ID then they issue you an ID card .....

The problem with that is that they will have all the eyeball and fingerprint information, but if my ID says Mickey Mouse, then my new shiney, fool proof ID card will identify me as Mickey Mouse too, aka Mad Abdullah the suicide bomber. So my false passport and dodgy birth certificate become a legitimate ID card.

Stupid, expensive idea that requires that you can prove who you are in the first place. If I can do that, why the hell do I need an ID card too?

[maytreefrannie]

TS, I think it would be worth getting a provisional licence even if you don't intend to use it, also I think your passport can show birth name if the name you're using is different than the one registered - I know you say this will cost, but surely that omission is the fault of the Passport Office?

Also it's a good idea to get one or two of the utilities in joint names - a quick way of getting a bill is to renew the TV licence in your name instead of his (of course it has to be due or near enough due).

I'd suggest contacting your Citizens Advice Centre, as I feel there should be a simple solution for you. Hope it works out.

[piskieinboots]

Stupid, expensive idea that requires that you can prove who you are in the first place. If I can do that, why the hell do I need an ID card too?

no one said it would be easy

[Two_Sheds]

ok - I'm being stoopid here - but why can't you add to/use your existing ISA?

Cos it's less than 2% interest ~ I want to close it and put my money into a higher interest account.
Easier said than done

[piskieinboots]

!!! Blimey - the NatWest isn't that low - although it has dropped a bit since the CC bit...here is the NEW

e-ISA

Internet-based, tax-efficient savings

Why pay tax on your savings interest? e-ISA gives you 3.49% AER (variable), and the taxman doesn't get a penny.

[kate&rob]

i think you can have 2 different isa accounts as long as you don't put mor than the yearly amount into them. i have 2, martin lewis was going on about it on his money saving expert show.

[piskieinboots]

indeed you can K&R - we have two also

[Mcbee]

Try these.

Norfolk Credit Union

Not sure of the rates but credit unions can be really helpful as they are "for local people"

[Two_Sheds]

Thanks Mcbee, but we're back to the original problem: "To comply with the Financial Services Authority rules on prevention of money laundering we have to see evidence of your identity and address. Identity should contain a photograph, such as a passport or new style driving licence. Evidence of address can be a utility bill, credit card bill, pension book, national health card or bank statement"

My passport is in the wrong name, I don't have any utility bills, and my bank statements are online so not acceptable.

[zazen999]

Can you opt out of online statements for a couple of months?