Lloyds Bank launches new in-app passport scanning feature

By Gloria Methri

Lloyds Bank has launched a new scanning feature that will enable its customers to support their bank account application using a chip in their passport. The bank’s UK customers will be the first to experience the latest innovation for their app.

The new high-tech feature speeds up the process of applying, by pre-populating key data fields including name, title, date of birth, gender, and country of birth. As well as a slicker experience for customers, it also reduces the risk of errors which can cause delays.

The app utilises Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to scan a chip embedded within the passport, like how contactless payments are made (e.g., Apple Pay). While the use of NFC technology has become common, especially since the launch of contactless payments, Lloyds Banking Group is amongst the first to leverage this technology for ID verification within UK banking.

Surina Somal, Head of Product, Packaged Bank Accounts & Transformation at Lloyds Bank said, “Unlocking technology is key in making it easier to bank with us. Using existing technology within passports, customers can open and complete their bank account application on their phones. It is the first of many updates we are making to our banking apps over the next few months, to give our customers the best possible experience.”

The feature is available for all Lloyds Banking Group brands, including Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland, and is currently only available on iOS devices (Apple), with Android due early in 2024.