Internet banking apps - First Direct

[clockworks]

I've been using Internet banking on computers for years for several bank accounts.
I also have the Lloyds mobile app on my phone and tablet for use away from home.

I've just switched a Halifax account to First Direct to take advantage of the £175 sign up bonus and better savings rates. I did the switch using the FD app on my mobile.

The mobile screen is hard to read, so I've tried to get the app on my tablet.
When I tried to log on, I had to get a "secure key", which I figured out had to be generated on the phone. Did that, and the app then worked on the tablet.

As soon as I logged in again on the phone (using face recognition), the tablet logged out, and then wanted the secure key again.

Looks like I can't use the app on two devices without going through the secure key process each time? Is this how it's supposed to work?
Bit of a pain having to generate a secure key on the phone before I can use the app on the tablet every time.

The Lloyds app is quite happy being used on different devices.

[funinhounslow]

Yes that’s my understanding- the app is “locked” to one device at a time

[LastPoster]

First Direct app is a bit clunky full stop, compared to Santander or Nat West for example

But calling them is very good should you need to sort an issue

[clockworks]

Thanks. Good to know it's working as intended.

I'll stick with the phone, and use the website on my iMac if I need a bigger screen.

Edit:

I just used the website for the first time, and that also needs a "secure code" generated from the app each time I log on.
Fair enough, I guess the app is just replacing the "credit card key pad" that some banks issue.

How do you get into your account if your phone has a flat battery/dies/gets lost though?

Edited by clockworks on Thursday 4th January 09:42

[Simpo Two]

clockworks said:

How do you get into your account if your phone has a flat battery/dies/gets lost though?

How would you do phone banking with any bank in that case? It's the Achilles Heel of mobile phones, tiddly slippery things that are highly vulnerable to having flat batteries and getting lost or dropped and broken.

I have a landline and a PC, so I can connect with FD in one of two ways all the time.

[clockworks]

Simpo Two said:

How would you do phone banking with any bank in that case? It's the Achilles Heel of mobile phones, tiddly slippery things that are highly vulnerable to having flat batteries and getting lost or dropped and broken.

I have a landline and a PC, so I can connect with FD in one of two ways all the time.

How do you log into your FD account if you can't use your mobile to generate the "secure code"? Do they still offer a keypad device?
FD internet banking won't let me log in on the computer unless I generate a security code on my mobile each time.

I tend to do nearly all my banking on my iMac, as I find a big screen and proper keyboard much easier to use.
I have to use a keypad for Nationwide, but Lloyds, Halifax and Santander just need passwords (which the iMac remembers for me) and a few characters from a security word - much easier.

[funinhounslow]

clockworks said:

How do you get into your account if your phone has a flat battery/dies/gets lost though?

Edited by clockworks on Thursday 4th January 09:42

clockworks said:

How do you log into your FD account if you can't use your mobile to generate the "secure code"? Do they still offer a keypad device?.

I don’t think so. I’ve never been offered a keypad.

Don’t forget that FD have a 24/7 UK call centre. When you ring them you’re straight through to a human with no faffing with sub menus.

Edited by funinhounslow on Thursday 4th January 10:42

[PF62]

clockworks said:

but Lloyds, Halifax and Santander just need passwords (which the iMac remembers for me) and a few characters from a security word - much easier.

Easier, but less secure.

People write down security words, but the code generated by the First Direct app (or HSBC as they use the same system) cannot be and is protected by the biometric security in your phone.

[Simpo Two]

clockworks said:

How do you log into your FD account if you can't use your mobile to generate the "secure code"? Do they still offer a keypad device?

Yes, I've had it for years. It's smaller than a credit card. Press a button to switch it on, enter your PIN and it generates the code. I'm sure if you call them they'll send you one.

[Terminator X]

I've been with FD for 20 years or so, no probs with their App here.

I use the App and desktop for access just not at the same time, if that's the issue the OP has.

TX.

[Alex Z]

The First Direct apps aren’t at all user friendly compared to others.
My main account is with Santander, and that lets me swap back and forth between iPad and iPhone with no messing. It uses Face ID or Touch ID for the additional security.

[clockworks]

OK, so everything is working like it should, and I can see that FD is more secure. I'll just have to get used to it.

I work from home, and tend to leave my phone on the dining room windowsill where it gets a good signal.
My workshop and office are the two upstairs bedrooms. I tend to use the landline, and can answer mobile calls on my watch, so I have never carried the mobile around the house with me. That's where the "secure key" becomes an issue - I don't have the phone to hand when I'm in the office using the iMac.

I'll just stick with using Lloyds as my main bank account for ease of use, with FD as the secondary account for household DDs and to take advantage of the savings rates. In reality, I won't need to access it that often.

[craig1912]

Simpo Two said:

Yes, I've had it for years. It's smaller than a credit card. Press a button to switch it on, enter your PIN and it generates the code. I'm sure if you call them they'll send you one.

Yep me too, although I haven’t used it for a few years.