I get my Santander current account statements delivered online. The problem is I am applying for Permanent Residence in the UK in 3 weeks and need to provide original statements. The Home Office knows many people nowadays get digital-only statements, so they say they will accept printed online statements if a bank branch stamps them, thus confirming their authenticity.
My Santander branch said it's not bank policy to stamp online documents and won't do it. They also said they cannot write a letter confirming the authenticity of bank statements–even if they print out the statements in the branch themselves.
Without these stamps and/or letter my permanent residency will be rejected and I'll be deported. Any idea how to get Santander to do what the Home Office requires?
I'm very scared because Santander seemed firm in this. I've been with the bank for four years now.
Thanks for any advice. _pale_
I get my Santander current account statements delivered online. The problem is I am applying for Permanent Residence in the UK in 3 weeks and need to provide original statements. The Home Office knows many people nowadays get digital-only statements, so they say they will accept printed online statements if a bank branch stamps them, thus confirming their authenticity.
My Santander branch said it's not bank policy to stamp online documents and won't do it. They also said they cannot write a letter confirming the authenticity of bank statements–even if they print out the statements in the branch themselves.
Without these stamps and/or letter my permanent residency will be rejected and I'll be deported. Any idea how to get Santander to do what the Home Office requires?
I'm very scared because Santander seemed firm in this. I've been with the bank for four years now.
Thanks for any advice. _pale_
Order duplicate statements
Bake Off Boss!" /> 
Or get them to stamp the statement they print out for you.
It will be dated and timed and on headed paper. No need for a stamp really but if insistent they will stamp.
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This is a real issue unfortunately, not just with bank documents but almost everything else from TV license to telephone bills. With bank statements, if you need them immediately you can order them but most banks charge for this service. Lloyds wanted £5 per page I think when I needed some for a visa application. If you are not in a big hurry, change your settings to paper statements and wait a few months.
Armorica Posts: 866 Forumite
Or get them to stamp the statement they print out for you.
It will be dated and timed and on headed paper. No need for a stamp really but if insistent they will stamp.
This is what we did at Halifax/BOS when we needed statements for a pension claim. We went to the nearest branch and they were more than happy to do it. Not sure if Santander are less helpful in this regard but I would ask them specifically for this and see what they say.
Retired at age 56 after having "light bulb moment" due to reading MSE and its forums. Have been converted to the "budget to zero" concept and use YNAB for all monthly budgeting and long term goals.
newatc Posts: 856 Forumite
My Santander branch said it's not bank policy to stamp online documents and won't do it. They also said they cannot write a letter confirming the authenticity of bank statements–even if they print out the statements in the branch themselves.
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Another example of firms today not understanding the meaning of customer service or common sense. Go back to the branch and politely ask to speak to the Manager. Explain your problem and surely he can find a simple solution.
Another example of firms today not understanding the meaning of customer service or common sense. Go back to the branch and politely ask to speak to the Manager. Explain your problem and surely he can find a simple solution.
I agree but I doubt speaking to the Manager would make a difference. I had an equally frustrating experience with Lloyds. As a long time customer of nearly 15 years I was told they don't do any statement certification. I spoke with my "personal account manager" (I have a Club account, they were trying to sign me up as into their Private Banking) who confirmed Lloyds branches can not do this. Based on a friend's recommendation I opened an account with Nationwide and they ran a print and stamped it. I do most of my banking with Nationwide now and avoid Lloyds and their rigid, unfriendly "customer service" as much as I can. It's these little things that make a big difference.
Online statements are a huge pain in the back side in situations like this. I needed proof of name and address recently luckily natwest can print statements in branch which include your name and address.
