Embarrassing experience at Nordea

[rio]

I sold my laptop on huuto and got the seller paid me in cash (~1000€). I went to Nordea to deposit it. A bit older lady at the cash counter said quite rudely that I need to show where I got the money from. I explained her that I got it by selling my laptop to an individual person and I can show the conversation between me and the buyer, but she refused as she needed some "official" document. All she did without even looking at my account, I have good credit history with Nordea and I'm their premium customer.

Then she asked me to show my ID, I did and after looking in my account she said I cannot even use the Nordea machines to deposit the money for the same reason that they need some document. I wonder if she disabled that.

It was quite embarrassing experience as she was rudely talking as I have done some crime. Later I went to another branch where I explained this and the person was a bit surprised that it shouldn't have happened.

How common is that? I cant help myself but to think that it was a discriminating behavior probably because of being a foreigner.

[vla]

I sold my laptop on huuto and got the seller paid me in cash (~1000€). I went to Nordea to deposit it. A bit older lady at the cash counter said quite rudely that I need to show where I got the money from. I explained her that I got it by selling my laptop to an individual person and I can show the conversation between me and the buyer, but she refused as she needed some "official" document. All she did without even looking at my account, I have good credit history with Nordea and I'm their premium customer.

Then she asked me to show my ID, I did and after looking in my account she said I cannot even use the Nordea machines to deposit the money for the same reason that they need some document. I wonder if she disabled that.

It was quite embarrassing experience as she was rudely talking as I have done some crime. Later I went to another branch where I explained this and the person was a bit surprised that it shouldn't have happened.

How common is that? I cant help myself but to think that it was a discriminating behavior probably because of being a foreigner.

You should be familiarized with some basic laws in the country you are living in, for example, that the banks must know at all moments from where the money comes from, that's why the woman asked. That's not discrimination, it's just the law says. About the woman being rude is really difficult to say, most likely it's a misinterpretation from your side, or just a cranky lady who had a bad day.

I am really surprised that someone gave you ~1000€ cash and even more surprised that you take that cash. Whenever I sell something I aak for electronic transfer, I don't understand the point of cash in a country like Finland. Anyway, this part is just my appreciation, but the law part it's probably what you need to know.

[rio]

You should be familiarized with some basic laws in the country you are living in, for example, that the banks must know at all moments from where the money comes from, that's why the woman asked. That's not discrimination, it's just the law says.

The thing is, I have been using Nordea for almost a decade, and there have been a few times that I have deposited some similar amounts. Last time I did was about an year ago. Never faced such situation. Last time it was about an year ago.

I am really surprised that someone gave you ~1000€ cash and even more surprised that you take that cash. Whenever I sell something I aak for electronic transfer, I don't understand the point of cash in a country like Finland.

The buyer didn't have account in the same bank so it would have taken a couple of days to transfer. I just didnt feel like giving away expensive computer with the uncertainty about the money. I have been scammed before, so I didnt want to risk again.

Anyway, this part is just my appreciation, but the law part it's probably what you need to know.

And that's the purpose of this post. Is this the law? Do they ask everyone?

[vla]

You should be familiarized with some basic laws in the country you are living in, for example, that the banks must know at all moments from where the money comes from, that's why the woman asked. That's not discrimination, it's just the law says.

The thing is, I have been using Nordea for almost a decade, and there have been a few times that I have deposited some similar amounts. Last time I did was about an year ago. Never faced such situation. Last time it was about an year ago.

I am really surprised that someone gave you ~1000€ cash and even more surprised that you take that cash. Whenever I sell something I aak for electronic transfer, I don't understand the point of cash in a country like Finland.

The buyer didn't have account in the same bank so it would have taken a couple of days to transfer. I just didnt feel like giving away expensive computer with the uncertainty about the money. I have been scammed before, so I didnt want to risk again.

Anyway, this part is just my appreciation, but the law part it's probably what you need to know.

And that's the purpose of this post. Is this the law? Do they ask everyone?

Yes, the law changed recently, maybe starting from this year, not sure about the exact date, but I know I read it somewhere. I found this link that might have some useful information: http://www.finanssiala.fi/en/material/K ... stomer.pdf

And yes, I see the point of the cash now.

[Upphew]

It has been couple of months since Nordea got burned by money laundering news. And that affected their stock too. I would guess that those news have been told to all employees too, so that owners don't lose any more money.

https://www.kauppalehti.fi/uutiset/nord ... efe151cc05
https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-10672884

[rio]

Thanks, it makes sense.

[okonri]

There's absolutely no reason to be rude to a customer, law or no law. The last time I checked, cash is still a legal medium of exchange.
There's no point making excuses for backward and foreigner-hating individuals that seem to be everywhere in this country.

[Upphew]

There's absolutely no reason to be rude to a customer, law or no law.

There is: customer that is a !"#¤%. Seems not to apply in rio's case, but that is still an excellent reason.

[bd_tkk]

It has been couple of months since Nordea got burned by money laundering news. And that affected their stock too. I would guess that those news have been told to all employees too, so that owners don't lose any more money.

https://www.kauppalehti.fi/uutiset/nord ... efe151cc05
https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-10672884

It can be a good and valid reason after such things have happened. However, is there really any new law in Finland regarding this issue when a customer goes to deposit cash money to the Bank? I am asking because I was asked the same in 2015 at Nordea but was never asked before 2015 in the same bank.

By the way, at S-Bank, I was never asked to show any documents when I deposited cash.

Of course, I must admit that regardless of laws, every bank might have some of their own rules which many officials strictly follow and many do not. On the other hands, there are surely officials who suspect foreigners more than they suspect Finns. Maybe it is obvious for Finns to trust Finns more. However, there are some places such as the bank where they must be neutral. Besides, it is an ironic fact that many Finns say, they believe in equality or racism has no place in Finland or they are open-minded etc. but in reality that is not true at all in many cases.

[okonri]

It has been couple of months since Nordea got burned by money laundering news. And that affected their stock too. I would guess that those news have been told to all employees too, so that owners don't lose any more money.

https://www.kauppalehti.fi/uutiset/nord ... efe151cc05
https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-10672884

It can be a good and valid reason after such things have happened. However, is there really any new law in Finland regarding this issue when a customer goes to deposit cash money to the Bank? I am asking because I was asked the same in 2015 at Nordea but was never asked before 2015 in the same bank.

By the way, at S-Bank, I was never asked to show any documents when I deposited cash.

Of course, I must admit that regardless of laws, every bank might have some of their own rules which many officials strictly follow and many do not. On the other hands, there are surely officials who suspect foreigners more than they suspect Finns. Maybe it is obvious for Finns to trust Finns more. However, there are some places such as the bank where they must be neutral. Besides, it is an ironic fact that many Finns say, they believe in equality or racism has no place in Finland or they are open-minded etc. but in reality that is not true at all in many cases.

Excellent points.
Actually there's no law. Banks are only required to 'know your customer' KYC. KYC is usually done during the account creation process. In other cases, they could ask questions and document your answers, but are not expected to be obnoxious, discriminatory, or refuse a service. They are not the enforcers of the law, if there is such law.

[Upphew]

Actually there's no law. Banks are only required to 'know your customer' KYC. KYC is usually done during the account creation process. In other cases, they could ask questions and document your answers, but are not expected to be obnoxious, discriminatory, or refuse a service. They are not the enforcers of the law, if there is such law.

Rio didn't mention where s/he is from. If high-risk third country then this EU directive might kick in:
"‘Article 18a

1. With respect to business relationships or transactions involving high-risk third countries identified pursuant to Article 9(2), Member States shall require obliged entities to apply the following enhanced customer due diligence measures:
...
(c) obtaining information on the source of funds and source of wealth of the customer and of the beneficial owner(s);"
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content ... 32018L0843

Then again Björn Wahlroos is chairman of Nordea and rumor puts this saying to his mouth: "Regular customers bring only sand to the floors of bank office".

[rio]

Rio didn't mention where s/he is from. If high-risk third country then this EU directive might kick in:
"‘Article 18a

1. With respect to business relationships or transactions involving high-risk third countries identified pursuant to Article 9(2), Member States shall require obliged entities to apply the following enhanced customer due diligence measures:
...
(c) obtaining information on the source of funds and source of wealth of the customer and of the beneficial owner(s);"
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content ... 32018L0843

Then again Björn Wahlroos is chairman of Nordea and rumor puts this saying to his mouth: "Regular customers bring only sand to the floors of bank office".

On papers I'm a Finnish citizen and not of origin of any of the high-risk third countries in that link.
Even if I would be, as I wrote in my original post that whole conversation was before even asking for my ID or account details so there was no way for her to know my origin.

And as I wrote in my original post that the other officer in another branch was very kind and was a bit surprised about this, but of course he wouldn't say anything that would go against his colleague. And that's what made me think that it wouldn't be a standard practice.

Edit: After she refused, I asked her if I can deposit only a small part of it (for example 200€), that shouldn't require any documentation. And she said she cannot deposit anything at all.

[justaguy]

1. Nordea suck. They're the stingiest out of all banks and the webs are literally full of people complaining about how hectic their service is and how many hoops they make you jump through.

2. Could have just deposited your money via deposit ATM or given them like 300 euros in one go, and 300 a few days later etc. Plus it's nice to have some cash lying around.

3. Dunno why people are like "OMG why you would do a deal with so much cash!" I've sold 2 cars for over 10k cash and I also sold my laptop last September for 1200 euros cash. People in this country DO carry cash. I hate the mobile pay crap that everyone uses.

[Upphew]

1. Nordea suck. They're the stingiest out of all banks and the webs are literally full of people complaining about how hectic their service is and how many hoops they make you jump through.

2. Could have just deposited your money via deposit ATM or given them like 300 euros in one go, and 300 a few days later etc. Plus it's nice to have some cash lying around.

3. Dunno why people are like "OMG why you would do a deal with so much cash!" I've sold 2 cars for over 10k cash and I also sold my laptop last September for 1200 euros cash. People in this country DO carry cash. I hate the mobile pay crap that everyone uses.

When doing deals that doesn't require receipt then I think cash is still the king. Mobile stuff and transfers can be tricky as you won't have same bank or app and some can't tell if the app or transfer is legit and get scammed. Companies won't like cash as it is the king and kings are expensive and can be stolen. I mainly use plastic, but have some notes with me in case of emergency. And few coins in car in case of ancient parking facilities.

[biryvih]

How common is that? I cant help myself but to think that it was a discriminating behavior probably because of being a foreigner.

Nordea has been like this since ages. I have had issues with them couple of times, but different branches behave differently for the same situation. I remember, the last time I had issue with them was back in 2015, they wanted to know why I transferd some money to some friend etc. I think I bought something from him and it wasn't a big amount. They kept on calling me to show up to the bank and clarify? I would visit if I could, but the nearest branch was about 100 km away from me. So, I politely told them that I can't visit you, since I don't have time and I am busy. But they kept on calling, so I gave them my work address and ask them to visit me and I gave them my time schedule.

And if they can't visit me, it is okay for me if they close my account. Well, that was the last time ever I had any issues with them. Before that, they would always ask for more details and papers and so on. Since then any time, anyone bank had issues with me, I just gave them my address and told them to visit me, always works like a charm... And i'd say use O-Pannki, their customer service is much better. Nordea is just weird.

I did ask some of my Finnish friends about the "verification and clarification" part, and asked them if they are being asked so many personal questions, their answer was nope, so maybe it is just foreigners.