Why we verify your identity
Identity verification is a mandatory step for all applicants. It confirms that you are who you say you are and allows us to meet our regulatory, compliance, and anti-fraud obligations.
What you will need to do
Upload your ID: You will be asked to provide a clear photo or scan of a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, visa, or driving licence. We capture a high-resolution image of the front and back of the document.
Complete a biometric check: You will be asked to take a short selfie. This is a liveness check to confirm that the person submitting the application matches the ID provided.
How it works
Identity verification is handled by Plaid, a regulated technology provider used by thousands of financial institutions and fintech companies worldwide. Plaid's identity verification process includes:
Document authenticity checks: Your ID is assessed for signs of tampering, forgery, or expiry.
Biometric matching: Your selfie is compared to the photo on your ID using facial recognition technology.
Liveness detection: The system confirms you are a real person completing the check in real time, not a photograph or recording.
Encryption and data security: All data transmitted during verification is encrypted in transit and at rest. Plaid is SOC 2 Type II certified and operates under strict data protection standards.
What else is checked
As part of the identity verification process, your details are screened against relevant sanctions and anti-money laundering lists, as required by UK regulation. This is a standard compliance step and does not affect your credit score.
What if verification fails?
If your identity cannot be verified, for example, if the image is unclear or the biometric check does not produce a match, you will be notified and given the opportunity to retry. Common issues include poor lighting, glare on the ID, or using an expired document. If the issue persists, our team may reach out to assist.