Despite bank fees, opening a bank account is often considered a fundamental step in financial management. Practical and secure, this allows you to protect your money and pay for everything on a daily basis. But how does this work for those who do not have identity papers? In a world where financial security regulations are increasingly strict, the question of access to banking services without appropriate documentation can indeed arise and greatly complicate procedures. So here’s everything you need to know if you need to open a bank account without an ID card.
When might you need to create a bank account without proof of identity?
There are a few situations where creating a bank account without proof of identity may be necessary. Displaced people, homeless people or migrants can indeed having difficulty providing traditional identity documents. For these individuals, creating a bank account and thus benefiting from the benefits of banking, such as secure storage of money, transfer of funds and access to basic financial services, can quickly become complicated. However, it is a need that can be vital. It also happens more simply whether you lose your identity documents or have them stolen. Fortunately, there are solutions for opening a bank account without proof of identity.
Can you open a bank account without an identity card in France?
In France as in Europe, strict banking regulations generally require supporting documents to open a bank account in order to fight against money laundering, fraud and terrorist financing. This goes through thelegal obligation to verify the identity of each customermost often thanks to their French identity card when opening the bank account.
However, there are alternatives for people in precarious situations, such as the homeless or asylum seekers, who can still find ways to open a basic bank account without strict documentation requirements. Some banks do not actually ask only one proof of identity which can be the passport or sometimes the residence permit for those who do not have an identity card. In addition, these establishments do not always ask for proof of income or proof of address, which can facilitate the procedures for people who want to open a bank account.
This is most often a question of online banks, mobile banks and other neobanks (like N26, Pumpkin, Revolut, Vivid or even Nickel) which require few supporting documents unlike traditional banks. They can generally be funded like traditional accounts: deposit of checks or cash, receipt of transfers, etc. However, you should be aware that these accounts may be subject to transaction limits and other restrictions to prevent abuse.
An alternative to know: the bank card without an identity card
The banks mentioned above do indeed offer bank cards. Nevertheless, they are strictly nominative and showing proof of identity will be decisive in obtaining them. However, some people do not have no identity card, passport or residence permit. In this case, there are then anonymous payment cards provided by prepaid card issuers. This is the case of Sogexia, PCS or Transcash for example.
This anonymous bank card does not allow no paying for purchases on the Internetbut at least allows you to obtain a MasterCard Standard bank card with systematic authorization (which will not have an excess balance) and rechargeable quickly without having to provide any proof of identity. Certain anonymous cards also confer additional advantages (such as up to 20% cashback after purchase at Sogexia).