Customer Identification Program (CIP): What You Need to Know

The Customer Identification Program (CIP) is a federally mandated process used to verify the identity of individuals when opening a Health Savings Account (HSA) or any other bank account in the United States. As part of the USA PATRIOT Act, the CIP adds security to your HSA and helps protect your personal information. This verification ensures compliance with federal regulations, helps protect against potential fraud, and safeguards the overall integrity of your account.

How will I know if I met the CIP requirements?

Many accountholders automatically meet the CIP requirements and don’t even know it happened! You’ll know you’ve met the CIP requirements when you receive your HSA welcome communication and your Benefits Card arrives in the mail.

How will I know if I didn’t meet the CIP requirements?

If you don’t initially meet the CIP requirements, you will receive an email to the address listed in your online account requesting more documentation.

Initial CIP non-compliance can occur for a variety of reasons, and could include one of the following:

  • There was an administrative data entry error of your name, address, SSN, or date of birth.
  • You recently moved to a different residence.
  • You recently changed your name.
  • You do not have an extensive credit history or information available through public records.
  • CIP regulations can and do change. If you’ve met the CIP requirements before and none of your personal information has changed, it could be a result of regulatory enhancements requiring more or different information.

I didn’t meet the CIP requirements. What do I do now?

If you didn’t meet the CIP requirements, you need to take action but you don’t need to worry! You will receive an email with further instructions on how you can complete and comply with the guidelines. Until the CIP verification is complete, your account cannot be opened or receive deposits. The following goes over what you’ll need to do to comply with CIP requirements.

Receive CIP Request

You’ll receive an email from the HSA custodian, WealthCare Saver, within 4 to 5 business days asking for further documentation. The email will arrive at the email address listed in your online account. If you don’t have an email on file, you’ll receive a request for additional documentation in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can speed up the process and avoid further delays in opening your HSA by adding your email to your online account at www.ebcflex.com.

Gather Requested Identification

Your CIP request email will detail the information you need to gather to further verify your identity. The following types of identification may be requested.

  • Proof of ID
    • Front and back copies of a State-issued driver’s license (temporary and paper licenses are not acceptable)
    • Front and back copies of a State-issued identification card or non-driver card
    • United States-issued Passport
    • Other government-issued document with a photo; evidencing nationality or residence
  • Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)
    • Front and back color copy of an original Social Security Card
  • Proof of Address
    • Copy of recent utility bill
    • Copy of current residential lease agreement
    • Copy of current mortgage bill or statement

Send Identification

Once you’ve collected your identification, you can submit your documents online. Additional information will be shared in the CIP request email.

CIP Outcome

If your identity is successfully verified, your account will open and you’ll receive your welcome communication and mailed Benefits Card.

If you don’t send in additional documentation to verify your identity, you will be sent two additional notices. If no documentation is received within 90 days of the HSA application, the account will be closed and re-enrollment will be required to re-initiate the process.