Disabilities and bank login traumas

notafan

Lloyds, Halifax and BOS dont use card readers or secure key type devices.

TSB also don't as they currently run on Lloyds systems but this is changing in the coming months.

Monzo (aka Mondo) which isnt yet a full fledged bank although its handy for day to day spending and has an awesome app which you can just press on to access (you can choose to setup security like touch ID if you wish but you don't have to). They are changing to full accounts also in the coming months so their processes may change.

youandb.co.uk -part of Yorkshire/Clydesdale doesnt need a card reader either and you log in via a passcode only - but its only app based on your phone or a tablet.

RedMonty

If you have a PA or someone you trust, you could create a LIMITED power of attorney giving them the right to operate your account.

Rich people use this to delegate handling finances to their assistants (Of course they carefully control it to avoid fraud) or while they're away on holiday and dont want to be handling their day-to-day affairs.

Feel free to put what ever limitations you want on it, e.g only for sums up to £100, and only 9-5, and must report back to you / be in your presence and only for 2 weeks or 1 year or while under your employ.

Standard limited power of attorney forms are freely downloadable, and you can insert the limitations you want into them. It will form a legal contract between you and whoever you want to delegate to.

Another way is to create a second bank account, and feed that account e.g. £100 per week by standing order, and have lower security on that account (easier for you to use) / let a trusted person access that account, while keeping the bulk of your money under higher security / restricted access in your main account.

Prudent

I have a disability which effects my cognitive functioning. During a casual conversation with staff at my YBS branch about my ill health retirement, I was surprised when they offered additional help.My concern was not so much about log ins, but about moving money in error, opening a new account that was unsuitable for me or getting confused at the counter. A member of staff was made available immediately to sit with me and understand my difficulties. He told me that YBS are trialing a system to help people with disabilities and made some adjustments to my account. Now when I do any transaction in branch staff see a flag on the screen, read through the notes and take extra care to make sure I understand what I have done and check it is right for me. I cannot praise their approach enough. It may be worth checking of they have a system that would suit you.

I spoke to Santander in branch, but they had nothing in place and dismissed my concerns saying staff routinely check. They said no help was available for internet banking.

TSB were very approachable. The branch manager made an appointment to see me and put something on the system which meant she or the deputy manager would have to clear transactions over a certain amount. I have used the branch for years and know the staff well, so was happy with that. It fell down though when I tried to transfer a much smaller amount online between TSB accounts and it was blocked. I am due to go back into see them to find if this can be resolved.

I have still to see other banks/ building societies.