You’ve probably already heard about the video identification process we prompt you to pass. If you haven’t done it by now, you may be wondering why we require this from you and whether it will make any difference your iCard digital wallet usage.
In this article I will explain the difference between the Starter and Standard accounts, and will take you through the identification process step by step. I will also briefly touch upon why we require such an identification process, and how safe your data is with us.
First things first – what’s in for you?
Once you download your iCard digital wallet and register, you instantly get the iCard Starter plan. It lets you have a taste of what the iCard digital wallet is all about – you can try iCard Messenger, you can activate and manage GiftCards and store digital versions of all you barcoded Loyalty & Discount cards.
The Standard plan on the other hand comes with an option to open multiple IBAN accounts in 7 different currencies and the ability to send and receive bank transfers both locally and internationally. Your funding limit is also significantly higher – up to € 50,000. In addition, you’d have access to two free virtual cards for safe online shopping and an option to add more if you need. The best part is that the Standard plan is also free BUT you need to pass our video identification process to activate it.
Step by step
Video identification is fast and easy and you have the freedom to choose a time that is convenient for you! It should only take you about 5 minutes and you’d be all set… unless we need some additional documents from you, but more on that in a minute.
Before you start.
- Have your phone with you – charged
- Check if your internet connection is stable
- Make sure you are in a quiet place with good light
- Make sure you are alone in the room and no one will disturb you during the conversation with our agent
- Have with you a valid government ID or passport from your country of nationality. (Temporary residence permits can not be accepted as a main identification document.)
You would receive a confirmation email, once our operators process your documents, usually on the same day. In some cases we may ask you to send additional documents via email:
We may ask you for “proof of address” documents:
- If the ID you used during the video call does not have an address on it. This could be a bank statement or a utility bill (but not a phone bill) You will need to take a photo of it and send it over to us by email. Please make sure that all the texts are readable on the image and that you took a photo of the entire document.
We may ask you for a “residence permit”:
- If your country of origin is outside of the EEA
Example:
You are currently living in the UK but you were born in Ecuador. During the video chat with our agent you showed your Ecuadorian passport, but you need to be an EEA resident to use the iCard digital wallet. Therefore, we will ask you to send us a copy of your valid residence permit for an EEA country. In case that there is no address displayed on your residence permit, we will ask you to also send us a “proof of address” document.
We may ask you for an “alternative ID” in case that:
- the ID you presented is worn off and the information on it is not readable
- our agents noticed any discrepancies
- your ID will expire in less than 3 months.
- your ID is not biometric
Why we do it?
We know it may seem too personal and even scary to share your documents online. However, as a registered financial institution we, just like banks, are required by law to identify our customers and to make sure that they are not involved in any illegal activities. We follow very specific procedures for collecting and storing personal data. This is the way to keep our system and users protected.
Think of it in the same way as when you are going to the bank to open an account and the staff makes copies of all your documentation. It is the exact same thing we do, only that we save you the annoying trip to the bank and waiting on the queue.
Should you trust us with your documents?
We are an EU Electronic Money Institution and an EU Payment Processor, licensed under the European e-Money Directive.
As such, we are legally responsible and liable for the security of your personal information. All your data is stored fully encrypted on our servers, in Special data centers in Class A jurisdictions in Europe. We also hold the highest industry security certification that is updated annually after successful external audits. To learn more about what else we do to protect you and your funds, read this.
All our personnel, authorized to work with personal data, undergoes an in-depth training on how to handle and protect sensitive information.
We are always committed to full compliance with the latest European directives.
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The video identification went smoothly for me. The girl who I talked to was very friendly and it took less than 3 minutes to complete the call. Then I got my IBAN and I am now able to fund my iCard account with a bank transfer and also receive my salary. I think the process is easy and it gives you the freedom to open an account whenever you need it – even on holidays and at non-working hours. My advice to all of you who haven’t passed the video chat yet: don’t be shy or scared, it’s just like going to a bank’s branch but all you need is your smarthpone and 5 free minutes.
Last but not the least, thank you iCard for devolping such a nice app that allows us, your customers, to manage our money on the go. Keep up the good work guys! 😉
Thank you Vanessa! Your feedback is very important to us. We have many new cool features on the way so stay tuned!
Yeah, I have to agree with Vanessa. iCard is a very useful utility for handling small purchases. I usually have about 50 € loaded onto my account at the start of the month and use iCard to pay all the small stuff you take out of a shop like snacks or drinks for your day at work. I always unfreeze and freeze my tap and pay card so my balance is safe from anyone trying to snag my payment data.
Thank you Kolja! I suggest that you also try the virtual cards in your wallet! It is one of the best ways to shop safely online. You can learn more about virtual cards and tips on how to best use them here
I beg to differ.
There are two numbers on the national identity card… an identity No and CAN. Which one do you need? Tought if I read the first one, and that’s not it, then I hear “you’re not verified. goodbye”. Both numbers seem like something you’d need. By the time I started with the first number, there wasn’t enough time to finish. You’re kidding. Do I need to beg? You already have all my identity documents. Pick the number you want from the photo of the identity card.
So I’ve switched back to other paypass solution.
I promise I won’t be purchasing any drugs or missiles 🙂 Now or ever. The 300$ was enough to pay for my coffee and/or beer.
Seems like the usual usability issues (f.e. do I really need to enter my PIN 2-3 times?). And 300$ is ok if “you can’t have more than 300$ on iCard”. Fine. I wouldn’t need more, and paying with iCard is just cool, nothing more. Paying with cash is last century, with card is last decade, and I live in the present.
Hi Istvan,
Sorry to hear you had difficulties going through the process. Could you give me the email you used at registration? I will personally investigate your case and get back to you.
My identification took 3 minutes. The boy was very friendly. I love to pay with my phone. Thank you guys!
Buongiorno, sono iscritto e ho già ricevuto la carta, adesso vorrei eseguire la procedura di identificazione. Serve parlare inglese? Si può fare in lingua italiana? Grazie
Hello, I am registered and I have already received the card, now I would like to perform the identification procedure. Do you need to speak English? Can it be done in Italian? Thank you
Hi Igor,
When you initiate the video identification process, the last step before starting the video chat will be to choose a language for the call. In the list of languages you will only see the languages that currently have an available agent on the line. You may not see the option for Italian if there is no available agent at the moment. If that is the case, please try again in a while. Hope this helps!