Recommendations for alternative bank - HSBC requiring phone app

Rich2808

clairec666 said:

Rich2808 said:

While they are keen to promote the use of the mobile app HSBC haven't phased out physical keys yet in the UK - and you can still use them and order new ones in branches etc?

Did I miss them announcing an end date?

One option of course is to have a second phone which you leave at home for banking apps - so you aren't carrying it around with you.

I have not heard anything from HSBC. I still use the physical secure key.

HSBC are continually trying to get me to use the app, every time I log on to my account, despite clicking "don't show me this message again". I understand that if I start using the app, the secure key will no longer work. As I am not interested in always having an up-to-date smartphone, I don't want to get to the point where my phone is too old to run the app and I'm forced to upgrade it or lose access to my HSBC account.

I resent HSBC's approach and I think everyone should be given choice as to how they access their account.

Is there any reason they can't do a "secure code by text message" like some other banks do?

I am sticking with my physical key - once you switch to the app login option you can't switch back! They can keep prompting me at every login - but it won't work!

Plenty of banks still allow use of card readers - Co-op, Nationwide and others - or just a text to login (Lloyds, Halifax) without needing to use a login via the app. 

If you need to bank with a firm needing the app - use a separate smartphone you keep at home not on one you take out and about.

sheramber

Nasqueron said:

flaneurs_lobster said:

Barclays/RBS/NatWest still use physical card readers.

Not sure about Barclays but the other 2 only really rarely, most approvals are done in app. I use RBS and NatWest and don't use the card reader for anything 

I bank with RBS and Trustee Savings bank and do not use an app. 

Nasqueron

clairec666 said:

Rich2808 said:

While they are keen to promote the use of the mobile app HSBC haven't phased out physical keys yet in the UK - and you can still use them and order new ones in branches etc?

Did I miss them announcing an end date?

One option of course is to have a second phone which you leave at home for banking apps - so you aren't carrying it around with you.

I have not heard anything from HSBC. I still use the physical secure key.

HSBC are continually trying to get me to use the app, every time I log on to my account, despite clicking "don't show me this message again". I understand that if I start using the app, the secure key will no longer work. As I am not interested in always having an up-to-date smartphone, I don't want to get to the point where my phone is too old to run the app and I'm forced to upgrade it or lose access to my HSBC account.

Banks typically stop access when the system OS is no longer supported by the manufacturer, typically 5-6 years with Apple and better Android devices, one phone every 5-6 years is normal, it happens with all devices as a phone that old isn't secure and is a risk to use

clairec666 said:

Rich2808 said:

While they are keen to promote the use of the mobile app HSBC haven't phased out physical keys yet in the UK - and you can still use them and order new ones in branches etc?

Did I miss them announcing an end date?

One option of course is to have a second phone which you leave at home for banking apps - so you aren't carrying it around with you.

I resent HSBC's approach and I think everyone should be given choice as to how they access their account.

Is there any reason they can't do a "secure code by text message" like some other banks do?

To be blunt - this is how private businesses work, they don't cater to individual whims but what is profitable for them, quite rightly private firms should not be forced to keep using card readers where there are better ways

SMS is even less secure so is rightly being stopped

clairec666

Nasqueron said:

clairec666 said:

Rich2808 said:

While they are keen to promote the use of the mobile app HSBC haven't phased out physical keys yet in the UK - and you can still use them and order new ones in branches etc?

Did I miss them announcing an end date?

One option of course is to have a second phone which you leave at home for banking apps - so you aren't carrying it around with you.

I resent HSBC's approach and I think everyone should be given choice as to how they access their account.

Is there any reason they can't do a "secure code by text message" like some other banks do?

To be blunt - this is how private businesses work, they don't cater to individual whims but what is profitable for them, quite rightly private firms should not be forced to keep using card readers where there are better ways

SMS is even less secure so is rightly being stopped

I've nothing against newer app-only banks, they have built their businesses on a younger tech-savvy clientele and aren't ever going to provide branches, or often even phone lines too. But I think high-street providers should still be catering for their existing customers rather than coercing them into using technology they might not be comfortable with.

For the record, I'm not an "older" customer, but I don't want to use an app for everything.

SH88SH88

crazeelegs25 said:

Hi there

HSBC are ceasing use of their physical secure keys - and now require mobile app use.

I had my accounts hacked when my phone was stolen last year - so have zero trust in the security of the phone apps.

I'm therefore looking to switch banks. I'm looking for both personal and business services - and ones that don't rely on mobile app use. 

Any suggestions ?

Thanks in advance,
Mark

Try First Direct,  even though they're owned by HSBC they tend to do things differently.  I use the App for HSBC and physical secure key for FD. I haven't (yet) heard anything from either FD or HSBC regarding phasing out of physical secure keys.

UKX69

clairec666 said:

Nasqueron said:

clairec666 said:

Rich2808 said:

While they are keen to promote the use of the mobile app HSBC haven't phased out physical keys yet in the UK - and you can still use them and order new ones in branches etc?

Did I miss them announcing an end date?

One option of course is to have a second phone which you leave at home for banking apps - so you aren't carrying it around with you.

I resent HSBC's approach and I think everyone should be given choice as to how they access their account.

Is there any reason they can't do a "secure code by text message" like some other banks do?

To be blunt - this is how private businesses work, they don't cater to individual whims but what is profitable for them, quite rightly private firms should not be forced to keep using card readers where there are better ways

SMS is even less secure so is rightly being stopped

I've nothing against newer app-only banks, they have built their businesses on a younger tech-savvy clientele and aren't ever going to provide branches, or often even phone lines too. But I think high-street providers should still be catering for their existing customers rather than coercing them into using technology they might not be comfortable with.

For the record, I'm not an "older" customer, but I don't want to use an app for everything.

For the record, I am an older customer - 49 years with NatWest and Midland (Remember them?) before that. I use the app and online banking every day, but still prefer to use a branch for paying in cheques and other business. There is still something about app only banks that I dislike - I can’t tell you what - perhaps it’s the fact that if something goes wrong, you can’t march into a branch and have a face to face to sort it out. Just to let you know, NatWest have just closed my local branch. Now I have to go into the next town. Never mind, it’s an excuse to have a bus trip with my bus pass! 😉

Aidanmc

SH88SH88 said:

crazeelegs25 said:

Hi there

HSBC are ceasing use of their physical secure keys - and now require mobile app use.

I had my accounts hacked when my phone was stolen last year - so have zero trust in the security of the phone apps.

I'm therefore looking to switch banks. I'm looking for both personal and business services - and ones that don't rely on mobile app use. 

Any suggestions ?

Thanks in advance,
Mark

Try First Direct,  even though they're owned by HSBC they tend to do things differently.  I use the App for HSBC and physical secure key for FD. I haven't (yet) heard anything from either FD or HSBC regarding phasing out of physical secure keys.

I don't think you can even open a first direct current account without doing it on app

SH88SH88

Aidanmc said:

SH88SH88 said:

crazeelegs25 said:

Hi there

HSBC are ceasing use of their physical secure keys - and now require mobile app use.

I had my accounts hacked when my phone was stolen last year - so have zero trust in the security of the phone apps.

I'm therefore looking to switch banks. I'm looking for both personal and business services - and ones that don't rely on mobile app use. 

Any suggestions ?

Thanks in advance,
Mark

Try First Direct,  even though they're owned by HSBC they tend to do things differently.  I use the App for HSBC and physical secure key for FD. I haven't (yet) heard anything from either FD or HSBC regarding phasing out of physical secure keys.

I don't think you can even open a first direct current account without doing it on app

FD website says "You can open this account: By post" ... so, doesn't appear to be App only

flaneurs_lobster

SH88SH88 said:

Aidanmc said:

SH88SH88 said:

crazeelegs25 said:

Hi there

HSBC are ceasing use of their physical secure keys - and now require mobile app use.

I had my accounts hacked when my phone was stolen last year - so have zero trust in the security of the phone apps.

I'm therefore looking to switch banks. I'm looking for both personal and business services - and ones that don't rely on mobile app use. 

Any suggestions ?

Thanks in advance,
Mark

Try First Direct,  even though they're owned by HSBC they tend to do things differently.  I use the App for HSBC and physical secure key for FD. I haven't (yet) heard anything from either FD or HSBC regarding phasing out of physical secure keys.

I don't think you can even open a first direct current account without doing it on app

FD website says "You can open this account: By post" ... so, doesn't appear to be App only

I thought @Aidanmc's assertion couldn't be true so looked too, it may say you can apply by post but there's no obvious way of doing it. Can't find application form to download, can't even find application form to fill in online. All links seem to point to app.

SH88SH88

flaneurs_lobster said:

SH88SH88 said:

Aidanmc said:

SH88SH88 said:

crazeelegs25 said:

Hi there

HSBC are ceasing use of their physical secure keys - and now require mobile app use.

I had my accounts hacked when my phone was stolen last year - so have zero trust in the security of the phone apps.

I'm therefore looking to switch banks. I'm looking for both personal and business services - and ones that don't rely on mobile app use. 

Any suggestions ?

Thanks in advance,
Mark

Try First Direct,  even though they're owned by HSBC they tend to do things differently.  I use the App for HSBC and physical secure key for FD. I haven't (yet) heard anything from either FD or HSBC regarding phasing out of physical secure keys.

I don't think you can even open a first direct current account without doing it on app

FD website says "You can open this account: By post" ... so, doesn't appear to be App only

I thought @Aidanmc's assertion couldn't be true so looked too, it may say you can apply by post but there's no obvious way of doing it. Can't find application form to download, can't even find application form to fill in online. All links seem to point to app.

I thought it strange that a bank originally created as a telephone only bank, which has subsequently morphed to an online only bank , would be keen on postal applications,  however, as bank websites tend to be heavily regulated, I think they'd catch the eye of the regulator if they were posting falsehoods on the official website.