HSBC - Nasty thing they just sent me. (secure key)

My heart sank when I saw HSBC demanding we all use a Secure Key. I also bank with Barclays, and found the Secure Key a real hassle.

First, the banks are just protecting themselves here...internet banking is insecure so they want it more secure...after all they want you to use cashless methods and so give a promise to make good any fraud on your card. That is the point...they carry the risk if your card is misused, ultimately...or am I mistaken. It would be distressing to find your account hacked, but I think the banks have to pick up the tab if it is not your fault. Hence an extra layer of security for the banks benefit primarily, sold to us as if it is for our benefit.

So 4 things to remember, a pin code, a place, a person, and a street.

First time I used it, I had written down a coded reminder to myself of the place, person and street, but getting information overload forgot to make a coded reminder of what my pin was. Even forgot they would ask for a pin. So when they did I went, erh...um, perhaps it was this one. The card locked showing "pin error 1", or something and would not unlock. Forgot to ask at the bank what to do the next day, and 7am today remembered I may need to transfer some money over to another account to cover a standing order due in. Found the key was still locked, so clicked on "forgot your pin code" button. Asked the other security questions. But for some reason would not accept one of them (perhaps I had cap lock on first time I entered it?). So I tried a few variations of capitals and lowercase, but the machine then locked me out completely for trying too many times. So phoned the number they told me to, and after a menu of options to get through to the right area I had to press to speak to an operator..."sorry we are open 8am to 5pm" or similar in that stuck up tone of voice they use on the ansamachine...Agh! Meanwhile I roast in the thought that the standing order might bounce and put a mark on my credit rating too.