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First Direct app woes, and recommendations?

My phone received an update to Android 10 this morning, shortly after, I tried logging into the First direct app and it told me I would need to re-enter my digital secure key, which is understandable.

Incorrect. That's strange, I've used the same key since opening the account, I got locked out after trying a couple more times, went to the website, obtained a digital secure key reset code, app says it's incorrect. Call them up, go through an entire security reset where I changed all my passwords and security questions, deleted and reinstalled the app, logged back in, put in the new code and.... "Application is not available temporarily, please try again later". Called customer services again and spent another half hour on the phone repeating the same process, and no luck.

I'm convinced there is an issue with the new Android update after seeing several people reporting the same issue this morning on Twitter, but now I think about it, I have similar (but not as bad) problems with First Direct every time I get a new phone or major update, no other banking or credit card app has ever caused this amount of frustration.

I've looked at a few other options, just wanted to hear other people's opinions. All this account is used for is paying salary into, paying friends and eating out, most of my bills are paid from my Santander account, though I do have 3 direct debits on this one.

Phone/Travel/Breakdown cover if it's reasonable
App that just works without having to remember multiple passwords and security phrases
Switching bonus would be nice but I'd prefer working internet banking
Easy to set up new payees

Thanks for any input and letting me get that off my chest. 😄

Comments

  • born_again
    born_again Posts: 18,351 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Fifth Anniversary Name Dropper
    Wonder if they have tested it with Android 10?

    Must admit that the app is a real pain if a phone is changed or there are updates to o/s. Compared to other banks apps.
    Life in the slow lane
  • I had this same issue a few weeks ago, after an iOS update. Ended up having to completely re-register for mobile banking.
    Debt Totals July 2019::
    [STRIKE]£350 Natwest Credit Card [/STRIKE]/ ]Now £0 (paid off and closed 04/2017) £15,500 postgrad loan from parents/ Now £7,000 £5,000 sister loan/ Now £0[STRIKE]£500 train ticket loan from parents [/STRIKE]/ Now £0 (paid off 16/02/18)[STRIKE]£2,000 Overdraft[/STRIKE] Now £0 (paid off 09/03/18) £1,967.83 Barclays 0% card Now £0
    Total £7,000
  • potts8
    potts8 Posts: 63 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Exactly the same issue here. I can log in fine to the website but no such luck with the app.
    This could be the final straw for me to move everything to Starling!
  • Barclays have declared that their app will not work with Android 10 either, and that will include the Barclaycard app.

    Don't update if you haven't already !!!!!
  • DrSyn
    DrSyn Posts: 897 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts
    You could of course avoid all these app problems by sticking to cash, credit cards and a land line for phone banking. May be old fashion but it does work!
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