Leaving First Direct Due to Two Factor Auth Fail (Secure Key) Who Is Better?

Bloomberg

agrinnall wrote: »

Most of us wouldn't primarily rate an account on the App that a bank provides to access it as that's really a very minor consideration. If it's your main focus then the chances are you could end up with a good App and a rubbish account. I can't answer about which Apps are good as I don't trust or use any of them.

I don't think that the app is a minor consideration at all. I practically run my account from my app. It is basically my branch. If the app was no good then the day to day service which I was afforded would not be good. I actually left HSBC because at the time they had the pathetic 'Fast Balance' app which only displayed certain balances and that was it. I used Barclays as a second account and realised that HSBC was firmly rooted in the dark ages and subsequently jumped ship.

colsten

Bloomberg wrote: »

You ask why Barclays isn't on the list of current accounts on this site. Personally I struggle to think of a reason why not.

There are plenty of reasons I can think of. Starting with Barclays not paying referral money, and ending with mediocre / non-existent in-credit benefits and free overdrafts.

Bloomberg wrote: »

Barclays are in my experience an excellent bank and I haven't looked back since leaving HSBC in 2013.

Similar I said above applies to HSBC as well but at least they have a 6% Regular Savings account, and the Save Together offering.

Bloomberg wrote: »

Even their wsebsite is top notch, things like Barclays cloud it are pure genius. The branches are very high tech not that I use them that often. For some obscure reason People love to hate Barclays, they are the Man Utd of the banking world.

It's all personal preference. Looking at your Barclays accolades over time, you are obviously turned on by technology and don't care much about interest and other "free" perks. It's not as if it's impossible, or even difficult, or insecure to use any other bank. All of them let you do everything that you need to do. In the switching stats, Barclays is consistently amongst the top net losers:
http://www.bacs.co.uk/Bacs/DocumentLibrary/Historic_participant_data_Quarter_3_2014.pdf
http://www.bacs.co.uk/Bacs/DocumentLibrary/Historic_participant_data_Quarter_2_2014.pdf
http://www.bacs.co.uk/Bacs/DocumentLibrary/Historic_participant_data_quarter_1_2014.pdf
http://www.bacs.co.uk/Bacs/DocumentLibrary/Historic_participant_data_Quarter_4_2013.pdf

This suggests that whatever technological advantages Barclays might have in your view, the public at large is after very different characteristics.

colsten

Bloomberg wrote: »

I don't think that the app is a minor consideration at all. I practically run my account from my app. It is basically my branch.

Despite your security concerns?

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/68941692#Comment_68941692

Bloomberg

colsten wrote: »

Despite your security concerns?

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/68941692#Comment_68941692

Being able to set up new payees from the app could possibly compromise security if someone is careless with their phone. I have since been advised that there are initial limits in place. Apparently this feature was implemented due to popular demand. The app is nevertheless feature rich and very user friendly.

eskbanker

Bloomberg wrote: »

Barclays, they are the Man Utd of the banking world.

Used to be at the top of the pile but lost their way and now overtaken by several others?

Ballard

I've never had any issues with the app and find it pretty easy to use. Admittedly it was less complicated before they introduced the app but it is more secure now. Because of this extra security I'm happier to use it on wifi in a caf!, for example.

I might be being foolish here but as far as I can tell a thief would not only need your password but your actual phone as you can't simply log onto the app on another phone. I'm basing this on the fact that I upgraded my phone last year and didn't de-register my old one and had to ring FD to get them to do it for me.

As far as I'm concerned, then, extra security is handy for me as a customer as well as FD.

benjus

I'm with those that think the App is an important factor in deciding which bank to use.

I still have my First Direct account open, but I've pretty much stopped using the account now. Their internet and mobile banking is awful - by far the worst of all those that I use.

The best is definitely Barclays, although they do use a card reader. Next is probably a tie between Halifax and Nationwide. Nationwide uses a card reader but Halifax uses my mobile phone for authorisation. Co-op bank is OK but nothing special.

Westie983

I am having issues with registering the secure key, its being investigated to see whats happening but it says "currently unavliable please try again later" and when I call the support centre they say I am registered and I should be able to log in, when I do this it thinks I have another mobile and wants me to log in on that the register the new mobile!!!!


seems like they are having issues, I wouldnt be that bothered but I cant set up any payments till I get the secure key activated and till then I have a basic profile...

colsten

Westie983 wrote: »

seems like they are having issues, I wouldnt be that bothered but I cant set up any payments till I get the secure key activated and till then I have a basic profile...

Your problems sound very annoying and unusual but all you have to do to set up a new payee until the problems are resolved is to ring FD.

mumps

I'm a pensioner, don't know if I qualify as "elderly". I use the code generator and find it quick and simple. Maybe it is the young that can't cope not the oldies.