Don't Know If This Should Be In Finance Or Technology, Sorry.

[jourdain2]

OH is beginning to find writing cheques a bind (lots of chaps do and boys were always the reluctant writers when I was teaching) so he decided that it was time to haveanother go at banking on line. I did warn him that he'd given up before because codes etc. became too complex, however, he's gone ahead.

Today he received a letter from NatWest with his code to get started applying (he had to ask me to read it - one of those peel-off sticker things).  It's good for 6 weeks. He then disappeared to his 'study' for a couple of hours, reappeared with a headache and looked exhausted.

I fed him paracetamol and heard a long, long explanation, but to cut a long story short he was doing fine until it asked for his mobile phone number.  He does have one, it cost £15 and is for use in extremis when out of the house - no mobile signal in house. Even then he can only use it with a following wind and a lucky guess.

So, he clicked on the box which said'No Mobile Phone' - and everything went blank. Whitish screen and no way to get out of it except to shut down. He tried all this twice.

So, any ideas please? Why can't the bank send codes verbally to landlines?  There must be visually impaired people out there who can't read phone screens.

 

[barry1010]

All of my banks use Two Factor Authorisation (2FA) which means every time I carry out a transaction a code is sent to my smartphone.  

There must be other options but it will depend on the bank.  What bank does he use?  If there is nothing online to help he must phone for advice. 

 

[jourdain2]

NatWest, Barry.  I've suggested that he goes in to the bank to ask (he's lucky, there is one about 10 miles away) or phones - but telephoning brings the issue of being fairly deaf.... he can hear conversations etc. on speakerphone, but is not confident about codes etc. when under pressure.

[Rosetta]

I  set up online banking with Natwest some time ago and , like you mobile signals are non existent.

A couple of months ago I had problems verifying payment for my grocery delivery on my debit card. In the end I got so frustrated that I phoned Natwest. Long story short I was told by Natwest that BT phone lines block all Natwests calls so you could not receive the verification code you need . In the end they agreed to send all verification codes required to my email address. 

natwest were very helpful over the phone in sorting the problem so maybe it would be worth giving them a call, and ask if they have a department for older people. I must add that I am computer stupid

[jourdain2]

That sounds like a positive way to go Rosetta, thank you.  I'll tell him, tomorrow when he's awake and ready to have another attack onit.

[Rosetta]

PS I am a bit deaf so all my calls are over speaker phone as my hand shakes a lot

[jourdain2]

Just mentioned it to OH, Rosetta - he's cheered up already.  Thanks again.

[JinnyJoan]

now yous all know what it's like to be deaf in a hearing world and nobody believes or hears a word you say

[Maydup]

I know it's no help whatsoever, but having helped someone to set up their online banking I found Nat West to be the most unuser friendly process possible.  Other banks require slightly less steps although they do still gear things toward the mobile phone.
 

 

[Tuvok]

Everything is geared towards mobiles - some companies accept that you don't have a mobile and offer alternatives, some don't.

I don't have a mobile.

[jourdain2]

Ooh  er.....  fingers crossed then.

[Khandro]

barry; en passant,  when you are next verifying it's you to your bank, check that there isn't an option to 'recognise this device'. I discoved there was such an option with a Halifax account & now I go straight in to it from my pc.

(aplgs to jourdain :0)

[davebro3]

I rarely use my PC for banking now - all done by apps on my mobile with fingerprint verification. I switched an account to NatWest last time they were offering cash to do so & I've found them to be OK.

I notice many people are now using their phones to pay contactless in shops (googlepay?) so it looks like debit/credit cards may be on the way out.

[barry1010]

You still need a mobile phone signal in the house if the bank sends a text with the 2FA code.

Banking apps are more convenient than web browsers, though.  Just sign in with your fingerprint 

[douglas9401]

I've ticked the 'trusted device' box but my bank seems forgetful.

Nothing works like it should.

[newmodarmy]

Trusted device for pics or laptops  won't work if you've deleted your browsing history or cleared some cookies. Even things like an ad blocker or your security settings could stop it recognising the device. 

[10ClarionSt]

In the last 3 months I have been trying to set up an account for our association. It's not a personal account, that's true, but I went to HSBC, Nationwide, Nat West and Lloyds. The first three were a complete waste of time. Lloyds were very accomodating and had us up and running inside a week. 

You may be well down the road now with Nat West, but if not, give Lloyds a try, especially if there is branch near you, you can go in and they will be really helpful. They were with me.

[douglas9401]

Oh it's recognised, for a while, then like so many things in modern life quietly forgotten leaving it up to me to do 'their' job for them.

[davebro3]

There could be a time limit - one site I use has a "recognise this device for 30 days" tick box. After 30 days you have to go through the 2 stage verification again.