We know that establishing a Power of Attorney (PoA) can be a complicated process. To protect the security and privacy of our members' accounts, we need to follow a robust and strict process.
Before you begin, we recommend you read this article fully to ensure you can meet all the requirements. We want to save your valuable time by making sure you have all the necessary documents first.
Important things to bear in mind:
We can only give authority over existing Chip accounts. If the donor doesn't already have an account, it'll need to be created in their name first.
You'll need to link a current account via open banking. This account must be in the donor's name only.
A phone number can only be linked to one Chip account. To access the donor’s Chip account, you'll need to use a mobile number that isn’t already associated with another Chip account.
Verifying the donor's identity
The first step in this process is confirming the donor's identity. If the donor's overall Chip account is already open, we've likely got everything we'll need for this.
When a member signs up to Chip, we run an automatic identity check using the personal details they provide us with.
If this check passes, the account is opened and can be used as normal.
If the check fails, we'll need some further information from the donor to verify their identity. If this happens, you'll see the following screen in the app:
If you see this screen, we'll need the following:
A photograph (we do not accept scans) of a form of government-issued photographic ID. If the ID is a driving licence, we need to see the front and the back. The ID must also be in date and not expired.
A valid form of proof of address from within the last three months, such as a bank statement or utility bill. We can accept digital forms of proof of address as long as you email the original PDF file to us - we can't accept a screenshot.
Acceptable forms of proof of address
Acceptable forms of proof of address
Utility bills: gas, electric, broadband or landline phone (no mobile phone bills) (photo/scan of a physical letter or PDF of statement)
A bank or credit card statement (photo of a physical letter or PDF of statement) - bank balance and transaction details may be blacked out
A council tax bill, or an HMRC notification
Vehicle registration or tax
UK photo driving licence showing current address and expiry date
NHS medical cards or a letter confirming registration with a GP practice
Any other UK government or UK financial institution-issued document
Please ensure that all four corners of the document are visible if taking a photo. Please note we do not accept scans or screenshots.
Verifying the attorney's identity
We'll need to verify the identity of every attorney who needs to be named on the account.
To verify the attorney's identity, we'll need the following:
Government-issued photographic ID: A photograph (we don't accept scans) of a form of government-issued photographic ID. If the ID is a driving licence, we'll need to see the front and the back. The ID must also be in date and not expired.
Proof of address: A valid form of proof of address from within the last three months, such as a bank statement or utility bill. We can accept digital forms of proof of address, but please email the original PDF file to us. We can't accept a screenshot.
A recent selfie: Please make sure this was taken within the last 24 hours and isn't edited at all.
Please note: The proof of address you'll supply us with must match what's registered on your Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) document. If your details are wrong on the document, please speak to us, as we may not be able to proceed until this is clarified.
Verifying that you have Power of Attorney
We need to confirm that you're a registered attorney. There are two methods for us to verify this: digital verification or paper document submission.
Digital verification (Recommended)
You can generate a digital Power of Attorney (PoA) code. This option is significantly easier, faster, and more secure, as it allows us to view your registered PoA directly on the government's portal. You can register to generate the code for us here.
The code will last for 30 days, and you'll be able to see when we used it, which we do here.
Paper document submission
If you can't provide us with a digital code, you'll instead need to send us photos or scans of your paper PoA document.
We'll need to see every single page of the document to proceed. We'll also need you to complete and send us photos of or a scan of the form attached below.
Getting in touch as a solicitor
If you're a solicitor getting in touch regarding a Power of Attorney, please note that Chip only accepts applications from individuals acting on behalf of the trust/firm.
This means that if the trust or firm is listed as the attorney, we'll require you to select at least two individuals to act on its behalf. We require this for enhanced security and to allow for greater absence coverage.
Instead of providing a selfie, ID, and proof of address, please provide us with the following:
Law Society ID or SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) Number
Power of Attorney document: Either the digital PoA access code OR photos/scans of the paper PoA document. We'll need to see every page of the document to proceed.
Submission Form: We'll also need you to complete and send us photos or a scan of the attached form:
Data processing agreement
Please note that by sending us this information, you'll be agreeing to your data and the donor's data being processed in line with our Privacy Notice.
Need further help?
If you have any further questions, get in touch with our support team using the in-app chat (this can be found in the Contact Us section on the Profile tab) or by email at hello@getchip.uk for further help.