PSD2: Giving others access to your current accounts
European directive for payment services
There's a new European directive, which may already be familiar to you: the PSD2 (Payment Services Directive). The most significant change is that you will be able to give a company or organisation access to your current accounts.
PSD2 explained
One of the main objectives of PSD2 is to boost competition and innovation in the area of payment services. Alongside banks, other companies and organisations will soon be able to process payments and initiate payment services. This can only be done with your permission. As a customer, it can be convenient for you not to have to collect and send financial details yourself, for example, when applying for a loan.
What will change for you?
That depends. A company or organisation can only access your current accounts or initiate payments on your behalf with your permission. If you do not give this, nothing will change for you.
What you can give permission for?
Viewing your transactions
Access to your transactions from the past 18 months. You might, for example, give a mortgage lender permission to request your account details as part of their assessment of your mortgage application.
Submitting a payment order
When you make a purchase online, for example, you give the online store permission to initiate a payment on your behalf. The online store then initiates a payment for you, just as you do now using iDEAL or with your credit card.
Important to know when giving permission
Before you give permission
- The company or organisation only gains access to your current accounts, not to your savings or investment accounts.
- Your account details can only be viewed for up to 90 days, after which point you will have to renew your permission.
- You can contact the business or organisation in question to revoke your consent at any time.
- Companies and organisations must request your permission for each new transaction.
- You can confirm every transaction using ABN AMRO Internet Banking.
Secure banking is a top priority
It is of course important that you continue to take good care when it comes to your banking, and you should make a careful assessment before choosing to share your current account details. Bear in mind that the company or organisation you are granting access to your current accounts will be able to see your entire transaction history from the past 18 months. It is also important to remember that ABN AMRO is never a party in any conflict between you and the company in question.
Questions about the new European directive
Who does the new European directive apply to?
The new European directive is applicable to all customers with a current account. Authorised persons and minors cannot grant others permission to access the current accounts they are authorised for.
If I do not give permission to access my current account, can third parties still see transfers I make to other people?
Yes, this is possible. Imagine that you transfer funds to someone who has given a company or organisation permission to view his or her transactions. The transfer you make is then visible to that company or organisation as an incoming payment. Your name, account number, the transaction description and the transferred amount will be shown.
Can I change my settings so that no-one can access my current accounts?
As standard, no-one can access your current accounts. This will remain the standard setting unless you change it.
Does ABN AMRO sell details of my current account to third parties?
No. ABN AMRO will never sell customer or payment details. Even with the introduction of PSD2, ABN AMRO does not charge companies or organisations fees for forwarding your details.
Can I grant someone access to my account details if I do not use Internet Banking?
No. You have to use Internet Banking to be able to grant someone access to your account details. The new European directive only applies to current accounts which can be viewed online.
Can I revoke my consent?
Yes, you can revoke your consent at any time. You can do so by contacting the business or organisation to whom you gave your consent.