Santander OTP code every time I want to look at my account

SirFreddy

Every time I log in to my Santander online account I get a request to put in a code into my mobile phone.This is inconvenient as I do not always have my mobile handy to my desktop PC, I am 78 years old and it is not an easy task to get up and down the stairs etc.

I have spoken to Santander and they are not interested, they tell me that it is all automated and they cannot do anything. I have been with the same bank since Alliance and Leicester days.

I always use the same desk top computer,correctly ticked, never had any previous problems and never use my mobile for on line banking.

Even with the threat of leaving Santander they are not interested in helping the older generation and just quote it's for your security etc

Do many board members have to use a OTP code every time they look at their online account? .

njkmr

You may find it easier to have the app on your phone. 
This can just require a thumb print to gain access.
This is the way I use my Santander banking.
I'm not technical myself but find this very easy.

kempiejon

I was with Santander for about 3 years about 10 years ago. They blotted their copy book with me, I left. I can't with a a Santander specific issue but I have noticed that most of my banks now require some form of 2 factor identification for every log on and extra 2ndary factors of verification for some transactions. I only use a PC for my banking and do not have apps on my phone, just calls and text and some of mine send me a OTP text.
Annoying though it might be they might be right, if not law certainly excepted practice in the industry. I guess reduction of fraud saves them and perhaps us all a few bob but generates all this nuisance. Still an extra layer of security to stop our money being misappropriated and the hassle that comes unwrapping that seems OK.
Do Santander offer any other way than the OTP text?
Some of my banks and cards give me a little gadget to generate passcode numbers or will send me an email.
My energy supplier wants 2FA to log on to pay a bill.

Brie

I rarely get this but assumed it was because I always log in on the same pc - never any other.  And I've ticked the box to say "remember me" as I'm not on a public computer.  So there's got to be something about this that is giving you agrro.  Do you have a setting on your pc to clear your browsing history every time you shut down or similar?

wmb194

SirFreddy said:

Every time I log in to my Santander online account I get a request to put in a code into my mobile phone.This is inconvenient as I do not always have my mobile handy to my desktop PC, I am 78 years old and it is not an easy task to get up and down the stairs etc.

I have spoken to Santander and they are not interested, they tell me that it is all automated and they cannot do anything. I have been with the same bank since Alliance and Leicester days.

I always use the same desk top computer,correctly ticked, never had any previous problems and never use my mobile for on line banking.

Even with the threat of leaving Santander they are not interested in helping the older generation and just quote it's for your security etc

Do many board members have to use a OTP code every time they look at their online account? .

Are you clearing your browser cookies or using a VPN? Try a different browser and/or another device.

Except when setting up for the first time, I don't have this issue with my iPad and iPhone and I rarely have to enter OTPs when using a browser to login to my main bank, Lloyds (no VPN, no cookie clearing).

SacredStephan

wmb194 said:

SirFreddy said:

Do many board members have to use a OTP code every time they look at their online account? .

Are you clearing your browser cookies or using a VPN? Try a different browser and/or another device.

Try changing your browser settings to not clear cookies.

HillStreetBlues

SacredStephan said:

wmb194 said:

SirFreddy said:

Do many board members have to use a OTP code every time they look at their online account? .

Are you clearing your browser cookies or using a VPN? Try a different browser and/or another device.

Try changing your browser settings to not clear cookies.

Better still add an exception for the bank website to allow, if OP doesn't want loads of tracking cookies.

HumberFlyer

I personally will always go for otp if the option is there..... extra security, and nowadays I think you need it. Without stating the obvious...if you are going to log on to banking, why not make sure you have your phone with you when you do so

SirFreddy

Thanks everyone, put it all in a mixer and it makes sense. I have a VPN but I only use it a little, and not when trying to access Santander. I do however use System Mechanic a lot to clean my PC as I do spend a few hours everyday on the desktop.

As one or two of you have said, most banks are goig down the secure route so I will keep my mobile next to me when I want to access my account as I still want to de-clutter my PC with System Mechanic.

FWIW I did have trouble receiving OTP's on my Mobile but after a bit of Googling I saw that I had to clear my Data etc to make room for codes. Once again thank you all.

GeoffTF

I had that problem (using Firefox on Linux Mint), but I fixed it by turning off the pop-up blocker for the Santander website. The problem occurs when Santander's computer does not like the set up on your computer.

Peter999_2

Hi SirFreddy,

What version of windows are you using?    If you are on windows 11 you could try using Windows Phone Link.  This links your phone to the computer and you can view and reply to text messages using your PC.   You would then get the OTPs on your PC.  Below is a link to set it up, it's not too difficult either.

Use Phone Link to Sync Your Android or iPhone to Your Windows Computer | Microsoft

Hope this helps.