Santander Bank freezes transgender woman's account because she sounded 'like a man'

Ms Reis, who began transitioning in 2016, said she informed the bank of a name change in November.But last Thursday, despite providing all the correct security information over the telephone, her debit card and accounts were frozen until she visited a branch and provided ID."I felt embarrassed. I felt humiliated because yet again I have to explain myself," she said.

"I want for the bank, as an institution, to have something in place where people like myself get protected and don't have to go through this every time."Ms Reis said a member of staff had now placed a note on her account but said the problem could happen again.