When you apply for a credit card online<\/strong> most providers now electronically verify your ID and address through a credit reference agency (CRA) like Experian or Equifax. In this case, you may need to answer some questions that only you would know the answer to, but you won’t have the hassle of having to dig out any ID. This identity search will not affect your credit rating.<\/p> Sometimes the CRA will not have enough information about you on file<\/a> (or in the databases that it has access to) to be able to verify your ID with a satisfactory level of certainty.<\/p> When this happens you may be asked to provide a photo of yourself, plus a photo of the identification page of your passport. Again, the provider will use technology provided by a CRA to verify your ID using the photos you’ve provided. If the provider doesn’t offer this facility then you may be asked to take ID to a branch or to post a certified copy (a copy that is certified as authentic by a member of the bank’s staff or by a solicitor, accountant, GP etc.).<\/p> You should be wary of sending off originals of particularly important forms of ID, such as your passport or driver’s licence.<\/p> When you apply for a credit card in a branch,<\/strong> the old fashioned rules apply \u2013 you’ll normally need to bring two forms of identification \u2013 one to prove your ID and one to prove your address (you can’t use the same document to prove both). Normally it’ll be your passport or driver’s licence, plus a utility bill or bank statement.<\/p> Each provider will list the specific documents it will accept, but you’ll normally be able to use one of the following:<\/p> Each provider will list the specific documents it will accept, but you’ll normally be able to use one of the following:<\/p> Again, those all-seeing credit reference agencies can now verify your income, through something called your current account turnover. However, in rare cases you may still be asked to supply:<\/p> Many providers will ask for your employer’s name and contact details in the full application. Your employer won’t necessarily be contacted by the lender though. Your pay slips coupled with your current account turnover are usually enough to satisfy a lender’s employment verification.<\/p> If needed, the provider can get in touch with your employer to verify details.<\/p> Credit card application tips<\/a><\/p> A provider may occasionally require further information regarding your income and outgoings, such as:<\/p>To prove your ID<\/h4>
To prove your address<\/h4>
How banks or providers can verify your income<\/h3>
What you’ll need for an online credit card application<\/h3>
What other financial information will be required?<\/h3>