Nationwide: does anyone logon with the card reader?

frozen_wastes

I'm a nationwide customer, and once I've logged in with a card reader, I only need it again to set up new payments. Any existing arrangements don't need a card reader in order to make a payment.

This is quite a good security principle I believe. If a scammer was able to get a valid code off your card before you used it (e.g. using a phishing method), then they would need a second code from your card to make a new transaction. Your card only dishes out one code at a time.

That said, I don't know how safe this method is from card cloning from fake machines, but that's not specificially an online weakness.

michaels

I don't log on to Nationwide anymore and just have to guess the balance and look at the statements. I have the card-readers with a passion and now they have changed the log in page my PC no longer 'remember' the log in ID number and I have no idea what that is

Luckily Nationwide is only a minor account with me, got it for the free foreign cash withdrawals (any one remember them?) Added a few DDs when they (twice) offered a switching incentive which I was leaving on in case someone else offered a switching incentive and also deposit cheques (remember them?) at Nationwide as it is nearest to my work. TBH tho as they don't even offer proper faster payments and their best saving account can not be lined to the normal online log on I really can't see why people would use them?

frozen_wastes

I think card readers are the way forward. I mean, think about it, how many password protected accounts do you have these days? Chances are you use the same password for many different accounts, or just simply write it down somewhere handy. Is that at all secure? If your password is really secure, chances are you've forgotten it!

So now we have card readers. No "strong" passwords to remember. If you don't have yours when you need it, that's the main drawback, but chances are someone else nearby will have one you can borrow.

someone

drdmt wrote: »

If the card reader doubled as a calculator - how hard would that be

I would like that too, however I think the reason they don't do this is down to batteries. Currently the banks have said they should last 3 years. I'm guessing if they made it a calculator then they would have to replace them much more frequently

alisonmeyers

i do, but only because i only ever log onto that account from home. it would be totally useless for my main account (check it at work or when out and about e.g. parents house if i am staying over a few days). being tied to logging into a main account only when i carry the card reader sort of defeats the purpose of having "available anywhere" internet access for me - what's the point! :rotfl:

so it's not a huge deal. but if i was required to use it (i.e. not an option for some transactions) for a more important account like my current one, i;d just have to ditch them.

bumpygirl

michaels wrote: »

I don't log on to Nationwide anymore and just have to guess the balance and look at the statements. I have the card-readers with a passion and now they have changed the log in page my PC no longer 'remember' the log in ID number and I have no idea what that is

Luckily Nationwide is only a minor account with me, got it for the free foreign cash withdrawals (any one remember them?) Added a few DDs when they (twice) offered a switching incentive which I was leaving on in case someone else offered a switching incentive and also deposit cheques (remember them?) at Nationwide as it is nearest to my work. TBH tho as they don't even offer proper faster payments and their best saving account can not be lined to the normal online log on I really can't see why people would use them?

Yes I remember free foreign cash withdrawals - its one of the reasons that I chose Nationwide's basic bank account when I first got my IVA (recently completed I am glad to say). Now they have upgraded me to a cash card + flex account but I can no longer get the cash withdrawals abroad at all - I can only use my card in shops/restaurants. My credit rating needs just under a year to improve before they will move me onto the proper debit card flex account (which includes overdraft and cheque book that I don't actually want anyway). Nationwide used to be a good bank - not anymore. Yes I remember cheques and counter cheque withdrawals that they now charge £10 a cheque for! Sorry for gong off topic!

To answer original post - I don't use the card reader as cash card + flex accounts are not issued with them. They can only use memorable data which is fine by me, I think I would probably continue that way anyhow. We also don't get the free travel insurance etc.

Olipro

Bad_Ash wrote: »

How do you do that, can you download software to use with a 3rd party reader? I was just this morning thinking it would be handy if I could use the built-in reader on my laptop.

I wrote my own program to do it, works with all UK issued cards according to the Visa/Mastercard DPA/CAP specification; if you want the executable and/or source code, just PM me.

anamenottaken

michaels wrote: »

. . . now they have changed the log in page my PC no longer 'remember' the log in ID number and I have no idea what that is

Wonder what happened with your PC. The intiial page on which to enter the customer number has the "remember" check box on it. Perhaps you unchecked the box?

td_007

mkaibear wrote: »

If you have the use of a card reader to generate a one-time code this is *significantly* more secure than just having passwords - however complex these passwords may be.

You pays your money, you takes your choice.

Logging on with card reader does not provide any added security compared to using the memorable info because in the later case you need to use the card reader to transfer money but in the former case you do not. So if someone gets hold of your memorable info, the max they can do is view your info but not make any payments - they will need your card and PIN.

Hooloovoo

I'm more worried about personal safety.

It used to be that if someone stole your card, they would have to drag you to a cashpoint in a public place to make sure you had given them the correct PIN.

These card readers tell you if the correct PIN has been entered. So now all someone has to do is beat the crap out of you down a dark alley until their little gadget confirms you have told them the right number.:mad: