NS&I website - going round in circles trying to log in

Swipe

Does the 6 digit pin need to be entered along with the password every time now?

refluxer

Swipe said:

Does the 6 digit pin need to be entered along with the password every time now?

I just logged back in without needing either the 6-digit pin or a OTP text this time, so it looks like 2FA is only needed when authenticating a new device and not every time you log in on the same device. My PC/Windows/Chrome combo is now listed in my NS&I profile as a trusted device.

Daliah

Swipe said:

Does the 6 digit pin need to be entered along with the password every time now?

Not if you use the same device and same browser, and if you don't clean the NS&I cookies after each session.

As soon as you use a different device or browser, or clean delete your cookies, you will be asked to re-authenticate.

Swipe

I just created the pin and it worked

Swipe

So I just logged in via my other PC to test and it sent a OTP to my phone and didn't ask for the PIN I set up earlier. So what is the exact point of the PIN and when is it required?

ranciduk

Dunno

ive logged in loads of times on 2 different devices in the last few days - and it’s never asked me for my new pin once!

Swipe

It looks like the PIN is completely pointless and offers no additional security at all from a logging in point of view. Maybe they'll start asking for a couple of characters when you phone or if you withdraw money or add a new nominated back account, in place of the answers to the ridiculous security questions?

https://www.nsandi.com/get-to-know-us/security/improved-security

"The first time you log in, we'll also ask you to create a 6-digit PIN as an extra piece of security information for use in the future."

RG2015

I have some codes which never get cleared with cookies, such as Santander. Perhaps NS&I are the same.

Uglymug

P1Fanatic said:

Have you tried running Chrome in Incognito mode?

Just tried Chrome in Incognito mode and that works - Many thanks toP1Fanatic - you're a star.

Loopy111

I've always had firefox set up to delete cookies amongst other privacy/security things. So I figured I could get a passcode to my mobile each time I logged into NS&I and not use their trusted device set up the same way I do with my bank. But after testing this a few times with the same browser on the same laptop I get locked out with a message saying I've reached my trusted device limit and need to remove a device by logging in from a device I've already trusted.

It says the trusted device limit is 3 apps and 4 browsers so maybe I could download the app and get back in that way but I'd be interested if anyone else has had the same issue or if they've logged in ok with a passcode multiple times. Customer services were no help in being able to reset anything.