First Direct app log on requirements 13 November 2022 at 3:03PM in Budgeting & bank accounts 9 replies 218 views

hoc

I have set up the FD app on my Android phone. It's the first time I'm using their mobile app but I've been a customer for years. I am being asked for a Secure Key as well as one of my memorable phrases in full every time I log on. I presumed the Secure Key was an additional piece of security for the first time set up, I was not expecting to have to generate one each time. I haven't switched away from the physical key generator so it becomes very impractical for mobile use to have to carry it in my pocket, I can't remember exactly the reasons it was recommended to stay with the physical one or if there are still some benefits to resisting the soft key generator. I also find the app sometimes forgets to remember my username although I check the option, so it's all very cumbersome. Is it possible to log on the FD app without too much trouble just entering a passphrase or parts of it like every other bank or is FD also a dinosaur in this department?

maisie_cat

I use my fingerprint although it sometimes asks for the password.

maisie_cat

I've just thought, is your android up to date? when I first downloaded the app I had to update the android

hoc

maisie_cat said:

I use my fingerprint although it sometimes asks for the password.

What about Secure Key?

maisie_cat said:

I've just thought, is your android up to date? when I first downloaded the app I had to update the android

Yes, Android 11 with latest updates.

Brewer21

Once you've registered a secure key that's all you'll need for logging on with the FD app on Android. We've been using it every day, never requires anything additional.

hoc

Brewer21 said:

Once you've registered a secure key that's all you'll need for logging on with the FD app on Android. We've been using it every day, never requires anything additional.

What do you mean by "registering" a secure key? I have a physical key generator which I have been using for online banking. I used it on the app when prompted and the generated code and passphrase worked fine. What should I do to get rid of the key generating each time?

Brewer21

If you also view the short video below it explains everything. They can help via a phone call to set it up too.
Remember if you ever change/upgrade your mobile device to deactivate the secure key on the old the activate it again on the new.
I only have to use a key generated code if I'm using my other device, a tablet to access my account as the secure key can only be used on the one device, the one it's registered to.

https://www.firstdirect.com/help/secure-key/activate/?pid=FSDT:SW::HOC:DE:2108:034:HomePageDSKSwitch

hoc

Brewer21 said:

If you also view the short video below it explains everything. They can help via a phone call to set it up too.
Remember if you ever change/upgrade your mobile device to deactivate the secure key on the old the activate it again on the new.
I only have to use a key generated code if I'm using my other device, a tablet to access my account as the secure key can only be used on the one device, the one it's registered to.

https://www.firstdirect.com/help/secure-key/activate/?pid=FSDT:SW::HOC:DE:2108:034:HomePageDSKSwitch

Yes, I had seen that. The additional advantages of digital key like "allows you to log on to Mobile Banking using your face or fingerprint." didn't interest me and I'm trying to not switch to it based on previous recommendations and keep the physical one.

FD also claims "You don't have to use your physical Secure Key every time you log on to Online Banking. You'll have access to fewer services, but you can still view balances, access statements and transfer money to people you've already set up without a Physical Secure Key." on https://www.firstdirect.com/help/secure-key/options/?wt.mc=FSDT_eN2fa2014#physical-secure-key . This doesn't work for me either, I have to enter a code each time online. I was hoping the app would be better since it should have additional security over a browser, that I could at least check my balance and view transactions on the app without generating a code each time.

Brewer21

You don't have enable fingerprint or facial recognition, i haven't and never been asked, it's a choice you can make.
I just use the digital secure key, you need to activate it as described.
Everything I want to do can be done on the mobile app, everything can be seen that you would want to see in the app easily enough.
Been banking with FD for nearly 30 years.

[Deleted User]

hoc said:

maisie_cat said:

I use my fingerprint although it sometimes asks for the password.

What about Secure Key?

maisie_cat said:

I've just thought, is your android up to date? when I first downloaded the app I had to update the android

Yes, Android 11 with latest updates.

Just FYI we're on 13 now... Might be not available on your phone depending on age / manufacturer of course