Identification: Photo-ID or Video Call?
All roads lead to neon: In this article, we show you how quick, easy and convenient it is to identify yourself when opening an account. And explain how the identification with photo ID and video call works.
How to get started
You always start in the same place: download the app and tap on «Open account». First, you enter your personal information and address details. Next up are the legal questions. Then you can enter a referral code if you have one. In the next step, you set your login code for the app.
In the last stept, it's time for the identification. Depending on whether you already have a Swiss account in your name and which identity documents you bring with you, you will be automatically redirected to Photo-ID or video call in the app.
Photo-ID vs. video call
| Photo-ID | Video Call | |
| Identity documents |
Swiss ID ID from the following countries: Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Spain, Netherlands Foreigner's permit B or C for non-Swiss nationals |
Passport or ID from 80+ countries Foreigner's permit B or C for non-Swiss nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile phone number | Swiss | Non-Swiss |
| Address | Verifiable | Not verifiable |
| Existing Swiss account | Yes − the account is in your name and address | No |
| Duration | 2-3 minutes | 5-6 minutes |
| Availability | Mon-Sat, 7:00-22:00 h | 24/7 |
Photo-ID− what you need
You can do Photo-ID24/7 and don't need to speak to anyone. Identification only takes 2 to 3 minutes. A software checks your identity and security features in real time. So have your documents and your Swiss mobile number ready. Note that you must have a Swiss account in your name and with the same address for this identification.
When identifying yourself with Photo-ID, you take photos of the front and back of your ID (and your foreigner's permit if you have one). Additionaly, the security features are checked and you take a selfie at the end.
Video Call − what you need
If you have entered a nationality other than those listed above for Photo-ID, you will automatically go to the video call. In the video call, you will speak to a real person who will check your documents and you. Have your identify documents, B or C foreigner's permit and mobile phone number ready. The video call only takes 5 to 6 minutes. You also confirm again that you want to open an account with neon.
Complete Identification
Once you have completed the video call, wait 1-2 working days until you receive the e-mail with your contract number. Your account is now open and your neon Mastercard has been ordered. Log in, transfer some money so that you're ready to go when the card arrives.
If you have identified yourself with Photo-ID, it's (almost) the same game: you wait 1-2 working days until the e-mail with your contract number arrives. Then you log in and transfer some money. Please note: the first transfer must come from a personal Swiss account in your name and whic is at the same address. This can be as little as 1 CHF. As soon as the money has arrived, we will activate your account and order your neon Mastercard.
Why? Because it's part of the identification process. With the other account from which you transfer money, you also had to identify yourself. And once this bank has identified you, we use this as a further indication that you are real.
Any unanswered questions? You may find the answers in our FAQ.