For convenience purposes, more and more South Africans are opting to start their Identity account application online to take advantage of the fashion brand’s credit facilities.
Fortunately, it’s a straightforward process. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to open an Identity account and includes useful information such as Identity’s bank account number for payments and where to check your balance.
Identity account application online
To begin your Identity account application online, visit their accounts website here and fill the online form. There are four main steps: application, affordability assessment, communication consent and pre-agreement.
At the application step, you need to provide your details such as names and initials, South African ID number, cellphone number and email address. If you do not have a South African ID number, you need to visit an Identity store to apply at the cash desk.
Next, click “Apply” to move to the affordability assessment step. Here, you will be required to provide your employment status and proof of income, usually in the form of payslips or bank statements. Make sure you already have these documents on your device because you may be required to upload them.
In the third step, you will need to accept or decline consent to receive communication from the brand before signing the pre-agreement in the final step. Identity will then contact you via SMS with the outcome of your application.
If it is successful, you can proceed to any Identity store to collect your card and start shopping on credit immediately. Repayment periods range from six months to 12 months, with monthly instalments.
Successful applicants may also be required to insure their accounts via the Identity Account Balance Protection Insurance, which is offered by Hollard Life. To maintain this insurance cover, you have to keep your account up to date by paying your monthly instalments.
How to open an account at Identity by SMS number
In case you have challenges accessing the internet, you can alternatively open an account at Identity by SMS. Simply SMS your initials, surname and ID number to 43978 to apply. Standard SMS rates apply.
Additionally, you can open an account at any Identity store countrywide. Remember to bring along your ID number and proof of income. A store assistant at the cash desk will help you to apply.
Identity account balance
To check your Identity account balance, visit their statements website, enter your 14-digit account number and ID number, and click “Submit.” Your account number is usually found in the SMS updates Identity sends you or on the statements you receive via email.
You can also view your account balance or statements via your Identity online shopping profile. To register for a profile, click “Login/Create Profile” on the Identity website. Enter your email and follow the prompts. Once you’re logged in to your online profile, you can link it to your Identity account and view your balance whenever you shop online.
According to a Twitter update by Identity, you may also check your account balance by sending an SMSing your account number or ID number to 31580. Standard SMS rates apply.
Identity account payment options, including online
There are several Identity account payment options, including in-store, online, debit order, EFT/ATM and Easy Pay. Remember to always use your 14-digit Identity account number as your reference.
To make your Identity account payment online, use one of the options below:
- Pay via Identity’s account payments website.
- Log in to your Identity online profile and click the “Pay Now” button in the “Identity Account” section. Alternatively, click the “Pay Now” button on your e-statement.
- Use your bank’s online banking or mobile banking platforms to pay via EFT. Choose Identity from the list of pre-loaded beneficiaries.
Identity’s pre-loaded beneficiary name varies from bank to bank as follows:
- NEDBANK: Identity Retailing
- FNB: Identity Electronic Payments
- STANDARD BANK: Identity Retailing (Pty) Ltd
- CAPITEC: Identity
- ABSA: Identity Retailing
If you wish to pay at an ATM or bank branch, Identity’s banking details and number are as follows (South Africa only):
- Standard Bank – Current Account
- Account Name: IDENTITY
- Account No: 070296227
- Branch Code: 051001
- Payment reference: your 14-digit Account Number (found on your statement)
To set up a debit order, contact Identity in-store or call them at 021 460 2400. Alternatively, log into your Identity online profile and apply for a debit order in the payment section.
Finally, you can pay your Identity account using EasyPay at stores such as Shoprite, Checkers, Pick ‘n Pay, Spar and Woolworths. It is also available online at easypay.co.za or via the EasyPay customer app. Follow the steps below:
- Send a FREE SMS with your 14-digit Identity account number to 45125 to receive a unique reference number to use to pay your account.
- When you go to the store, provide this unique reference number to the cashier.
- The cashier will ask you to provide your name and phone number.
- The payment will be processed.
- A receipt will print with EasyPay Identity, amount paid, payment reference number and transaction reference number. Please keep the receipt as proof of payment.
Last word
As usual, make sure you keep up with your monthly instalments to maintain a good credit record. If you have further inquiries, contact Identity at services@identity.co.za or online@identity.co.za.