In which situation must a credit union verify a member's identity?

The requirement for verifying a member's identity is outlined under the Customer Identification Program (CIP) rules, which are part of the broader Anti-Money Laundering regulations mandated by the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). These rules specify that financial institutions, including credit unions, must perform identity verification when establishing new accounts.

While adding services or accounts, such as Money Market accounts or ACH services, may involve internal processes or documentation, the specific requirement for identity verification is primarily triggered when a new savings account or a similarly significant transaction is initiated. Verifying a member's identity ensures compliance with regulatory standards aimed at preventing fraud and ensuring that the institution knows its clients.

Thus, a credit union must confirm the identity of a member specifically during the process of opening a new savings account, ensuring that they are adhering to CIP regulations.