Logging in with your fingerprint (or face recognition, such as Face ID) is a faster way to get into your banking app. Instead of typing your password every single time, you just touch your phone with your finger or look at the screen. Turning this on only takes a minute, and you can do it safely right inside the app itself. Don't worry — you can't break anything by tapping through the settings. If something looks different from what is described here, just go back a step and try again, slowly.
Before you start
You will need a phone with a fingerprint reader (a small window on the screen or on the back of the phone) or a camera that recognises faces, plus your bank's app already installed. If the app is installed and you normally log in with a password or a short PIN code, you are ready to begin.
Step by step: turning on fingerprint login
- Unlock your phone and find your bank's app icon on the screen — usually a colourful, square icon with your bank's logo.
- Tap (touch with your finger) the app icon to open it.
- Log into the app as you normally do, by entering your username and password, or a short PIN code.
- On the app's main screen, look for the settings icon — usually a small gear shape or three horizontal lines in a corner of the screen.
- Tap that icon to open the settings menu.
- In the menu, look for an option called "Security" or "Login" — if you don't see it right away, scroll the list up or down with your finger.
- Tap that option to see more choices.
- Find "Fingerprint login", "Biometric login", or "Face ID" in the list — the exact name depends on your bank and your phone model.
- Tap the switch next to that option to turn it on — once switched on, it usually turns green and slides to the right.
- When your phone asks, place your finger on the fingerprint reader, or look straight at the camera if your phone recognises faces.
- Wait for a confirmation message, such as "Biometric login enabled" — that is the sign it worked.
- Close the app completely, then open it again to check that fingerprint login really works.
Your password still works after this, and you can always use it instead of your fingerprint — biometric login is an extra convenience, not the only way in. If you are looking for a personal account with a modern app, you can check the ranking of the best personal accounts.
What to do if something goes wrong
- The reader does not recognise your finger. Gently wipe your finger and the reader with a dry cloth, then try again. If it still does not work, simply log in with your password — that backup option is always available.
- Your phone has no fingerprint reader or face recognition. This is completely normal on older or simpler phone models. In that case, you keep logging in with your password or PIN — the app is just as safe either way.
- The app's settings do not show a biometric login option. This may mean you need to turn on fingerprint or face recognition in your phone's own settings first (look for a "Security" or "Biometrics" section there), then go back to the bank's app and repeat the steps above.
- Something feels off during login, or someone calls you about it. Your bank will never call and ask you to say your password, a code from a text message, or to "remotely set up" biometric login over the phone. If someone claims this, hang up and call the number on the back of your payment card to check. Never read a one-time code out loud to anyone.