Who doesn't have silly pocket calculators?

Amba_Gambla

Ok, so it's finally arrived... HSBC have decided in their 'wisdom' to start issuing those damn pocket calculators to all their customers who want to bank online. I sat back and laughed at all my family as they arrived for their accounts, and vowed the day HSBC issued them I would be changing my account.
But where is safe?
Which banks don't require you to have an extra chunk of plastic to log onto your account?

This thread isn't intended to be about the pros and cons of these annoying pieces of kit, more a thread where those who don't have the time/inclination/luggage space/foresight to use them when they're stuck in China and suddenly need to pay someone back home......

lucylucky

First Direct (part of HSBC)

Amba_Gambla

lucylucky wrote: »

First Direct (part of HSBC)

I'm guessing as they are part of the same company that it won't be long before they go down that road too though

lucylucky

No sign of it yet.

You never know.

EDIT they also have an iphone App if that is any use (not to me as it happens)

jackieb

Is this like a card reader? I got sent one about 2 years ago from RBS because I banked online. I haven't registered it yet, but can still bank online.

jen245

HBOS, Santander and Lloyds TSB dont require a reader. Natwest and RBS do not need card readers to log in, but they are required when setting up a new payee, and making the first payment to a new payee.

Svenena

I don't have one for my First Direct, Halifax or Lloyds TSB accounts.

I do have one for Barclays, however you can log in without it, and I understand they're extending the range of transactions you'll be able to do without it over the next couple of months.

Amba_Gambla

jen245 wrote: »

Natwest and RBS do not need card readers to log in, but they are required when setting uo a new payee, and making the first payment to a new payee.

That sounds much better - with HSBC it looks like you're going to need it to even log in.....

jen245

Well I have Natwest accounts, and cant remember the last time I used my card reader, so its not too intrusive

ses6jwg

Chances are that LTSB will start issuing them soon for personal customers as they have started issuing them for BusBa's

datostar

Svenena wrote: »

I don't have one for my First Direct, Halifax or Lloyds TSB accounts.

I do have one for Barclays, however you can log in without it, and I understand they're extending the range of transactions you'll be able to do without it over the next couple of months.

Barclays use them in branches too. Apparently they can't access accounts held at other branches without the codes displayed on a card reader. A couple of times with me the staff member has whipped out a reader for me to put my card in and enter the PIN, take out the card and give the reader back with the codes displayed for them to enter on their computer. Seems a good idea. At least your details aren't accessible to all and sundry in the Barclays empire. That's probably the only way they can get to see non-branch based accounts like ISAs and whatnot as well.