Nationwide App Update - Photo Needed

fabsaver

My Nationwide App recently updated to the new version. I had heard that the main benefit of the update was that the card reader was no longer going to be needed. 

However what I didn't realise is that they require a photo for security purposes, in order to eliminate the use of the card reader. I hesitated about this, not understanding fully what was required and in what circumstances they would use it. After being hassled by the annoying pop up every time I used the App I finally selected the 'keep card reader' option just to get rid of it.

I'm curious if anyone else has gone through the process and supplied the photo. Does it use your smartphone camera to verify you every time you make a payment or when setting up new payees?

I'm one of the minority who actually likes the card reader. I live in an area with unreliable mobile signals and can't always receive text messages for authorisation like some other banks use. If I'm setting up a new payee I log into online banking armed with card reader in hand. In many years of using the older version of the App I think I've only ever been asked for the card reader for an existing payee once.

Edit: I've now found further details about these changes on the Nationwide website.
https://www.nationwide.co.uk/help/your-details/using-account-biometrics/
https://nationwidedemo.co.uk/en/course/start/public-new-banking-app/video-public-new-banking-app/video

Exodi

Sorry, could you be clear on what the issue is as I think I've missed it?

fabsaver said:

I had heard that the main benefit of the update was that the card reader was no longer going to be needed. 
...
I finally selected the 'keep card reader' option
...
I'm one of the minority who actually likes the card reader. I live in an area with unreliable mobile signals and can't always receive text messages for authorisation like some other banks use. If I'm setting up a new payee I log into online banking armed with card reader in hand.

What's the issue? Are you being asked for a photo despite continuing to use the card reader?

For the record, I was not asked for a photo, but I wonder if they already had one on file from when I set my account up a couple of years ago. I've never had to open my camera or anything to complete a transaction.

fabsaver

Exodi said:

Sorry, could you be clear on what the issue is as I think I've missed it?

fabsaver said:

I had heard that the main benefit of the update was that the card reader was no longer going to be needed. 
...
I finally selected the 'keep card reader' option
...
I'm one of the minority who actually likes the card reader. I live in an area with unreliable mobile signals and can't always receive text messages for authorisation like some other banks use. If I'm setting up a new payee I log into online banking armed with card reader in hand.

What's the issue? Are you being asked for a photo despite continuing to use the card reader?

For the record, I was not asked for a photo, but I wonder if they already had one on file from when I set my account up a couple of years ago. I've never had to open my camera or anything to complete a transaction.

The issue was the constant and annoying pop up every time I opened the App, asking me to choose between providing a photo or continue to use the card reader. Now that I've opted to continue to use the card reader the pop up has stopped and I'm no longer being asked to supply a photo.  

Previously I wasn't aware that a photo was needed or why and how they would use this. Personally I think it is somewhat intrusive. However it seems this is the direction that Nationwide has chosen and it is unclear how much longer the old card reader system will continue to be supported.

I posted because I was just curious to learn others experiences and how this new photo verification system works in practice.

After searching online I've found this, which explains more about how the new process works.
https://nationwidedemo.co.uk/en/course/start/public-new-banking-app/video-public-new-banking-app/video

TheBanker

I've not yet been asked for a photo by Nationwide, but I happily use a similar feature in the Natwest app.

I don't find it intrusive at all - back in the olden days, I would have taken my photo ID to a branch and the cashier would have compared it to my face. This is no different, except a computer is doing the comparison. It seems like a good way of keeping my funds secure (and the computer doesn't seem to mind if I've not brushed my hair or had a shave that day!) 

Everyone is different, but personally I hate the card reader, and was glad when Natwest stopped insisting on use of it. 

Rob5342

fabsaver said:

I live in an area with unreliable mobile signals and can't always receive text messages for authorisation like some other banks use. 

Next time you upgrade your phone or switch mobile provider I'd suggest going for one that supports WiFi calling. That way you'll be able to receive text messages via WiFi. Alternatively every other banks app is better than Nationwides.

tghe-retford

You're going to have get used to having your face used for identification, I am afraid. One of the aspects of the Online Safety Act is age/ID verification from next year for anything that isn't "safe for kids". The favoured option will require both Photo ID and live, ongoing facial recognition to verify someone's age and identity, so they can verify physically in real time the person who is using that service. In the same way that you get verified in a supermarket for age restricted purchases. Nationwide may be getting ahead of the curve with this proposal.

Nasqueron

tghe-retford said:

You're going to have get used to having your face used for identification, I am afraid. One of the aspects of the Online Safety Act is age/ID verification from next year for anything that isn't "safe for kids". The favoured option will require both Photo ID and live, ongoing facial recognition to verify someone's age and identity, so they can verify physically in real time the person who is using that service. In the same way that you get verified in a supermarket for age restricted purchases. Nationwide may be getting ahead of the curve with this proposal.

The online safety bill will die just like the previous attempts to make it more difficult for adults to watch legal content, there are already AI programs that make viable fake ID for this purpose, I certainly won't be uploading my passport to watch anything!

MattMattMattUK

My main issue with the app is that they have made it far worse, the interface has just been made bigger, with lots of dead white space added in random places, the new UI is considerably dumbed down, over simplified, it is similar to something Fisher Price would create for under fives. 

I have no issue with having to verify myself to stop using the card reader and use the app instead. 

HillStreetBlues

MattMattMattUK said:

My main issue with the app is that they have made it far worse, the interface has just been made bigger, with lots of dead white space added in random places, the new UI is considerably dumbed down, over simplified, it is similar to something Fisher Price would create for under fives. 

I have no issue with having to verify myself to stop using the card reader and use the app instead. 

Just like their new logo.

Rob5342

MattMattMattUK said:

My main issue with the app is that they have made it far worse, the interface has just been made bigger, with lots of dead white space added in random places, the new UI is considerably dumbed down, over simplified, it is similar to something Fisher Price would create for under fives. 

I have no issue with having to verify myself to stop using the card reader and use the app instead. 

Why don't you just switch banks? Every other banks app is better than Nationwides.

cannugec5

I was also getting the annoying pop up on the NW app requesting a photo, so yesterday I took the plunge and supplied said photo. 

It took 2 minutes and was really simple. It even told me to move a little closer so that my face filled the frame. 

It states that it will request an update of the photo every 2 years. 

I don’t think it is required for every transaction, like the card reader was but can be used as an identity check if required. 

Completely unrelated I had an unusual-for-me transaction blocked on my Monzo Account yesterday  and an identity check requested. The transaction was genuine so I was happy to provide the very short video they requested that verified it was me. It only took a couple of minutes and it protected both me and the bank. I found it quite reassuring.