recently found out that zkb requires biometric data to open account on line. I was surprised.
same requirement if I go into branch?
can I legally refuse to provide bio details and still open account at zkb?
Which biometric data do you mean, a photo, a fingerprint? I recently opened a Migros bank account (free credit card) and had to supply a photo of my passport (or suitable ID). In terms of bank security it helps for the bank to have this “biometric” data.
the process wants selfie video, scan of passport ( not id), then wants to read chip in passport.
Personally, for a bank that does bother me. I use fingerprint ID for access anyway (on a separate note I find it amazing that pressure sensitive fingerprint analysis is able to reach sufficient definition to be usable compared to a fingerprint photo). Everytime your passport is scanned, the information will go into the great data base in the sky. Identity theft is an issue, one just has to assume that the banks IT systems are secure enough.
I am personally very reluctant to give anyone my bio data. I was surprised that zkb wants this data. if they make it a requirement for account, is that even legal?
I’ll go check out migros bank.
If you do not wish to use the online identification process, or if it fails, you can visit a ZKB branch with an official form of identification (passport or identity card). You can easily schedule an appointment during the online account opening process.
Many finance institutions are using this kind of verification. IBKR for example now requests a scan of your passport and a selfie (verification) as part of KYC verification. So long as it is conducted over a secure portal, and is properly protected under the data privacy agreements, I have no problem with it.
The same technology is also used by the Australian government e-ID.
It’s just a cheap way for them to verify who you are - otherwise you have to go in person.
Raiffeisen asks now for it also
zkb is 6-8 weeks out for a personal appointment, based on their website to book an appointment …
In my humble opinion, banks are custodians of my money. They have no business into how I get nor spend my money. They certainly have no business into my biometric data. Banks operate under license and approval from the authorities. It is the authorities that issue the IDs that have interest in my biometric data as part of proof/security. Banks should have no business nor responsibility into anyone’s biometric data. Bank’s justification for ‘security’ simply contradicts, not only their approval for their banking license, but also refusal to accept Govt/Authority authority on the identifications issued by said Govt/Authority.
If only said Govt/authority would ask the banks what they think their banking license, issued by Govt/authority really encompasses …
Banks have a legal obligation from the government to identify their clients. It is the wish of customers and bank to perform such identification as online as possible. The banks have to rely on identification tokens provided by the government. In Switzerland, we have no government issued electronic ID. So the banks need to rely on other tokens that are available online. One of these tokens is the biometric datan in a person’s passport.
In other words, it’s not the bank’s fault if the government does not provide an eID. Your complaints should therefore be directed to the government, not the bank.
Yes it’s getting worse and worse in EU zone. I have recently closed some of my accounts as they started pressing for giving them my data they never needed to have. All in all, suddenly an institution reputation matters 
I was willing to take a bit of risk by using platforms I don’t fully trust just for the convenience, but loosing a few franks is a different story to having your confidential data sold on a dark web after breach.
What actually annoys me is the KYC, I find it really stupid having to explain where my wealth comes from. Still, this is just a “I need to ask you the question, but I don’t care”. Last time I just wrote, I’m living in Switzerland, in a country where the tax men know my wealth precisely year by year. No questions were asked.
US institutions are annoying too. They don’t really care remind you that your W8-BEN certification needs renewal, but when your renew it they never accept the Swiss papers automatically, always have to follow up to get it sorted out.