Applying for and opening a new account

How do I apply for a savings account?
What identification documents do I need to provide?
Who do I make a deposit cheque out to and where do I send it?
How do I register to claim tax-free interest on my savings?
Can I open a Coventry savings account if I live abroad?
How do I open a savings account under a Power of Attorney?
How long will it take for my account to be opened?
Why haven't I received confirmation that my password has been set up?
How can I register for Online Services?
What if I change my mind about my new Coventry account?
Will I be a member of Coventry Building Society?

See also:
Once your account is open >>
Moving money around >>
Using Online Services >>

How do I apply for a savings account?

You can apply for most of our accounts online. All you need are your personal and bank account details. If you already use Online Services, why not login before you apply, for an even faster service?

If you would prefer to speak to one of our advisors please contact our Customer Service Centre or visit one of our branches.

What identification documents do I need to provide?

We need to confirm the identity of every applicant who applies for an account with the Society. We do this to protect you against the risk of identity fraud and to comply with money laundering regulations. To find out more about the identification documents we will need please click here.

Who do I make a deposit cheque out to and where do I send it?

If you are making a deposit by cheque please make it payable to whoever is named on the savings account. Do not make cheques payable to the Society, make sure it's crossed account payee and write the receiving account number on the back. You do not need a paying in slip to make a cheque deposit.

Please post your cheque to:

Coventry Building Society
FREEPOST CV24
Customer Service Centre - Investments
Coventry CV1 5BR

Please note that FREEPOST is delivered by the Post Office as second class post.

How do I register to claim tax-free interest on my savings?

To receive interest on your savings without tax being deducted please complete a HMRC form R85 and post it to us. You can download the HMRC form R85 here.

You can use this form to register up to 2 Coventry accounts at a time. If you want to register more accounts please complete an additional form. The form only applies to a single customer so, if you want to register a joint account holder to receive interest without tax deducted they will need to complete a separate form and send it to us.

Once completed please return the form to us at:

Coventry Building Society
PO BOX 600
Coventry
CV3 9YR

To check if you are eligible to receive interest on your savings without tax being deducted please visit the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk. If you need any advice about tax please contact your Tax office - we cannot advise you about taxation issues.

Can I open a Coventry savings account if I live abroad?

You must be resident in the UK for tax purposes at the time you open your account(s).

If you hold accounts with us and subsequently move overseas you do not have to close your account(s).

How do I open a savings account under a Power of Attorney?

To open or start managing an existing account under a Power of Attorney please contact our Customer Service Centre or visit one of our branches for specific help and advice.

You can open or operate any of our accounts under a Power of Attorney if that power is general, enduring or registered with the Court of Protection or Lasting and contains no restrictions. Where there are restrictions on how the power can be used then only passbook based accounts can be opened or managed under a Power of Attorney.

How long will it take for my account to be opened?

Your new account should normally be opened on the day we receive your application.

If you already use Online Services, login to apply for your new account and we will usually be able to open it straightaway online.

As soon as we have opened your account we will write to you and confirm your new account number and the details of your new account.

Why haven't I received confirmation that my password has been set up?

We do not issue confirmation that your password has been set-up. Please allow four working days from the date you posted your password form to us, before you login.

We usually set up passwords on the day we receive your form.

If you continue to have trouble logging in please visit the Help and info section of this site.

How can I register for Online Services?

If you would like to start managing your Coventry accounts online, just go to how to register. You'll need to know your account number and password to register online. Alternatively, please call us and we'll arrange access to Online Services for you.

If you applied for a net-savings account, e-savings account or a current account, we will automatically arrange access to Online Services for you as soon as your account has been opened.

What if I change my mind about my new Coventry account?

If you decide your new Coventry savings or current account is not right for you, for whatever reason, you can close it within 14 days of your first deposit without incurring a penalty. Please contact our Customer Service Centre or visit one of our branches.

Will I be a member of Coventry Building Society?

When you open a Coventry savings account or mortgage, you automatically become a Member of the Society giving you certain rights, like voting on business matters at our Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Have a look at the Your Society section of this site to find out more about what Membership means at the Coventry.