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How to login to HSBC Online banking?

Hi
:j

I'm trying to help an older person login to HSBC online banking. They phoned HSBC and the lady was very helpful in getting all the relevant info to hand. So far so good.

They decided in private their passwords and username and all that jazz and then attempted to login for the first time. All the passwords were accepted etc. So far so good.

The trouble is that it seems you need a digital key or a physical key to access your actual account. I have to admit to not understanding this part of login. They all seem set up for mobile. This person is using a desktop at home.

They have links to apps- are these just for mobile users? Also the links to the mobile banking apps are to download from third party sites. The reviews of these apps are not more than 2 stars.

I wouldn't be happy to suggest them.

Does anybody have any idea what these digital keys and physical keys are?

Many thanks

Comments

  • henm2
    henm2 Posts: 723 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    Hsbc secure keys are used when logging into online banking. Makes it very safe even on windows systems. I use Linux.
    When you register for online banking you come to a section where you choose either a physical secure key (looks like a calculator) or you choose a digital secure which involves using an app on a mobile phone,android or iPhone. You also get sent an activation code.
    Easier if you do all this set up process in a branch.
  • agrinnall
    agrinnall Posts: 23,344 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    They will need one of these.

    6a01053620481c970b015390bf1a2e970b-500wi

    Be warned, the keys are quite small and the screen quite dim, and my experience is that if you don't complete each part of the entry pretty quickly then the screen goes blank and you have to start again. In my opinion it is the least user-friendly of all the types of secure key.
  • pinkteapot
    pinkteapot Posts: 8,044 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Yep - the key is that thing above that looks like a calculator. HSBC should be sending her one (she can phone and check).

    They aren't great for older users. As above, the screen's not that bright and you have to use it fairly quickly. The buttons are also small and have to be pressed quite hard.

    The mobile apps are an alternative to the key above. You can use one or the other, but must use one of them.
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