BankID is just like your virtual self. It helps identify you with other entities. With one, you could make payments, sign documents, apply for loans, log in to online stores or identify yourself with couriers to collect packages. All that in a very secure way. However, you need to have a personal number and a Swedish ID card before you can apply for a BankID.
How to get one?
First, you need a bank account. If you didn’t have one, take your Swedish ID card and go to the branch of your preferred bank. You can order a BankID after your account is operational. If you had a limited bank account, the branch will convert it to a full-service one and then assign you a BankID. You would also need to download the BankID app from the app store to get it activated. While at it, download the Swish app and connect it with BankID. Swish is like PayTM in India and is used ubiquitously to pay people or businesses. BankID is protected either with a password or through iPhone’s Face ID. You get two types of BankID – one to be used on your mobile and another on your computer.
Banks which offer BankID:
- Danske Bank in Sweden
- Handelsbanken
- Ica Banken
- Länsförsäkringar Bank
- Nordea
- SEB
- Skandiabanken
- Sparbanken Syd
- Swedbank
- Ålandsbanken in Sweden
Can anyone get a BankID?
Getting a BankID is not a right. It depends on the discretion of the bank. There have been instances where people were denied BankIDs despite fulfilling conditions. One of the reasons was a new rule change that asks banks to verify identity of a person using a Swedish passports or an identification with an embedded chips. Foreginers usually don’t have such documents. Dependents of work permit holders may also face problems, similar to the ones faced during opening a bank account. In case one bank refuses, you have the option to go to another bank.
MSH Opinion: You should try to get a BankID as soon as possible to make use of a full banking facility. It also helps you to identify yourself to a host of institutions, including the government, banks, and even businesses. With a BankID, you can seamlessly log in to most online services offered in Sweden.
- https://www.bankid.com/en/privat/skaffa-bankid
- https://www.digg.se/digitala-tjanster/e-legitimering
- https://www.thelocal.se/20220117/foreign-citizens-in-sweden-blocked-from-bankid-after-banks-roll-out-new-rules/
