999Bankie

I have a UK bank account. As the bank has on line access, I thought I'd sign up for it. I spoke with a bank representative who explained to me that a requirement of on line access is having a UK mobile phone/UK phone number for the bank to send an 'access code' via a text message, each time you log in on line.
Does anyone have a solution to having an active UK mobile in Canada, to receive text messages for UK on line banking ?

Thank you in advance.

christmasoompa

Just keep a SIM only deal, and switch SIMs when needed? Or even keep it in an old phone in a drawer somewhere.

999Bankie

Thanks. I'll look into that.

Hurlabrick

Not a direct answer to your question, but I have a UK Nationwide bank account and they do not need or use a UK mobile to send an access code to. I use a 'calculator' type device they sent to me where I insert my valid UK debit card, enter the PIN and it gives me a unique number valid for 60 seconds to use on the login screen. Works a treat.

christmasoompa

But likely to be done away with soon, most banks are moving to text or in app verification. Nationwide are already using texts for online access now too.

Personally though, if the OP hasn't moved yet, I'd just go with an online only bank. We've just done that in fact, moved our joint account from Nationwide to Starling (who I already had two other accounts with), so that we don't need to worry about having to visit a branch, and then it's just in app notifications and verifications so no need for texts either. They're also happy with us moving abroad and keeping our account open.

Siouxie

(edited, brain fart - the OP will most likely need a UK paygo, not a Canada one, sorry!)
https://kenstechtips.com/index.php/b...-for-low-usage

999Bankie

I've lived/worked in Canada since the early 80's but a change in circumstances had me go back to the UK in 2003. I opened a Clydesdale Bank account (Virgin/Clydesdale now) while there and I was staying with my mum (her address is on my account) . I returned to Canada in 2005 and I'm back working and settled in Canada.

I guess I could buy a UK Asda sim or similar complete with UK phone number and top it up as required.

Siouxie

Or perhaps a virtual number that will forward SMS or a text (usually to email) or call to your phone in Canada.. or an SMS service - create a secure email address for receipt.. (gmx.com email appears to be quite secure, and free)

https://www.aitelephone.com/uk-virtu...ne-number.html
https://iconoffices.co.uk/uk-virtual-mobile-number.php

There are a lot of companies offering the service.. (google search set up for you)

999Bankie

Thank you Siouxie. The 'Iconoffices.co.uk' supplies a virtual UK mobile phone number which will handle

• UK Mobile Number
• Virtual Number with no sim card
• Receive SMS messages via email
• Receive calls via free call Divert
• Use your mobile number to receive verification codes
• Use your Virtual Movbile Number to create
  Social Media accounts in WhatsApp and Facebook
• Change email address to divert SMS to yourself at any time
• Change number to divert calls to yourself at anytime
• Make outbound calls from your UK Mobile Number
• Free minutes for outbound calls
• Send SMS from your Virtual Mobile Number

including bank verification codes.

Cost is 1 pound sterling/($1.72) per week.

I appreciate your help

BristolUK

Obviously much depends on what the account is used for. I have gradually dispensed with UK credit cards - which were good for buying stuff on the likes of Amazon UK and not paying a currency change fee - and I'm now left with just a current account that receives UK income which I transfer to Canada using TransferWise as the rates are cheap and the exchange rate good.
For the moment my UK bank randomly sends a security number by email so all is good.
In the event this stops and some check UK based is needed which I can't meet - I don't even have a cell phone here I intend to open a borderless TW account and have my income switched over, carrying on in the same way. I believe it will be better than having to income directly to my Canadian bank.

Now that will suit my particular circumstances but what if someone is doing other things - bill paying, say - that TW may not do?

Does it still work with a "UK" offshore account? Last time I looked there were some that were free with a minimum balance or charged, but may be a lower charge than some of these work-arounds.

beckiwoo

when I spoke with Nationwide last year, I addressed my concerns regarding this and they said they would not be doing away with the card reader any time soon.

Nationwide will not send texts to non- uk numbers so have to have something available to non UK residents